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Adorable Peanuts Décor for a Holly Jolly Holiday DALLAS , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Spread cheer with Gemmy's charming Peanuts ® Christmas decorations, available at Lowe's. Life-Size Animated Snoopy For tons of festive fun, include the Life-Size Animated Snoopy in your setup. Dressed in a Santa suit, the fuzzy 3.6-ft Snoopy holds an antler-wearing Woodstock and dances to the iconic "Linus and Lucy" tune. Airblown ® Inflatables Make merry moments with Peanuts Airblown ® Inflatables: Yard Décor Enhance your display with adorable Snoopy yard decorations, including a Doghouse Tinsel Sculpture and Blow Mold ! Shop Gemmy's Peanuts collection at Lowe's. About Gemmy Industries Gemmy Industries is a leader in the seasonal décor market, bringing festive fun and holiday cheer to homes everywhere. Dedicated to innovation and creative design, Gemmy has elevated industry standards and established recognizable brands like Airblown ® Inflatable and LightShow ® Lighting. For more information on products and retailers, visit www.gemmy.com . Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook . About Peanuts The characters of Peanuts and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide, which is 41% owned by WildBrain Ltd., 39% owned by Sony Music Entertainment ( Japan ) Inc., and 20% owned by the family of Charles M. Schulz , who first introduced the world to Peanuts in 1950, when the comic strip debuted in seven newspapers. Since then, Charlie Brown , Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang have made an indelible mark on popular culture. In addition to enjoying beloved Peanuts shows and specials on Apple TV+, fans of all ages celebrate the Peanuts brand worldwide through thousands of consumer products, as well as amusement park attractions, cultural events, social media, and comic strips available in all formats, from traditional to digital. In 2018, Peanuts partnered with NASA on a multi-year Space Act Agreement designed to inspire a passion for space exploration and STEM among the next generation of students. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/celebrate-the-season-with-snoopy-decorations-at-lowes-302316922.html SOURCE Gemmy IndustriesMinister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, says effective leadership at any level is critical in deciding success or failure within an organisation. Senator Morris Dixon, during a recent visit to the Green Island High School in Hanover, as part of a tour of schools in Region Four, which includes the parishes of St. James, Hanover, and Westmoreland, underscored the invaluable role of effective leadership in shaping the educational landscape. “Leadership is critical to the overall success of an institution,” the Minister said, highlighting the impressive progress made at Green Island High. “With strong leadership and a dedication to innovation, Green Island High School serves as a shining example of what is possible when a community comes together to support its youth,” the Minister added. She praised the collaborative efforts of the principal, teachers, and the school Board, noting that their unified vision is evident in the school’s achievements. The Minister pointed to Green Island’s impressive achievements in the performing arts, expressing her delight at the school’s dedication to this area. She argued that the arts play an essential role in fostering creativity and self-expression among students. Senator Morris Dixon also noted that the performing arts not only enhance students’ educational experiences but equip them with valuable skills that can be leveraged in various career paths. Minister Morris Dixon also highlighted the importance of technology in education, pointing out that the future of Jamaica’s students hinges on their ability to embrace innovative tools and methods. “Technology is the future, and our students need to be equipped with the skills that will make them competitive in a global marketplace,” she emphasised. The Minister praised Green Island High for its forward-thinking initiatives, which she believes are crucial for preparing students for the demands of the 21st century. “It is clear that the teachers at Green Island High are dedicated to their students’ success. Their commitment to fostering a love for learning is evident in the positive interactions I witnessed today,” she added. The Minister noted that her visit to the region comes at a time when the Jamaican education system is undergoing significant changes, with a renewed focus on improving outcomes for all students. She said that by showcasing successful models like Green Island High School, she hopes to inspire other institutions to adopt similar approaches that prioritise leadership, innovation and collaboration. “We must continue to invest in our schools and our teachers, as they are the backbone of our education system. Together, we can build a brighter future for our children,” Senator Morris Dixon added.

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Donald Trump's incoming "border czar", Tom Homan, has claimed that the US government "can't find" more than 300,000 migrant children - and that many have been lured into forced labour and sex trafficking. President-Elect Donald Trump and his political allies, including Vice-President-Elect JD Vance, have repeatedly made similar claims. Experts have accused them of distorting statistics to claim that the children are "lost" and victims of crime, although they agreed that aspects of the system need to be changed. The incoming administration has made immigration enforcement a priority, promising to clamp down on the US-Mexico border and conduct mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Let's take a look at the claims of missing migrant children. In an interview with Fox News on 26 November - just before a visit to the US-Mexico border in Texas - Homan accused the Biden administration of "bragging" about how quickly children are released from custody, as well as "not properly vetting" adult sponsors in the US. "Shame on them," he said of the Biden administration. "They have over 300,000 children that they have released [to] unvetted sponsors that they can't find." "Many are going to be in forced labour. Many forced sex trade," Homan added. "We need to save these children." In his October debate against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, JD Vance also said that the Department of Homeland Security "effectively lost" a total of 320,000 migrant children. Concerns over the plight of migrant children were also starkly highlighted earlier this week when authorities in Texas shared an image of a two-year-old girl from El Salvador found at the border clutching a piece of paper with a phone number. “Putting optics over safety has led to countless children in danger or unaccounted for," Tennessee Republican representative Mark Green told the New York Post. "This refusal to protect vulnerable alien children from abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking will be one of the defining failures of the Biden-Harris administration.” Unaccompanied minors detained at the US-Mexico border go through a complicated process that begins with detention and processing by Customs and Border Patrol, or CBP. If the child is from a foreign country that is not Mexico or Canada, they are placed into removal proceedings and transferred to the US Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS. HHS, through its Office of Refugee Resettlement office, cares for the children in a network of state-licensed providers. The office also seeks to reunify children with family members in the US or with individual or organisational sponsors - who in turn are obligated to ensure they arrive at immigration court dates. According to immigration experts and attorneys, the claims largely stem from an August report from the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general's office, which found that 32,000 unaccompanied minors failed to show up for court dates at immigration courts. The report noted that 291,000 migrant children had failed to be given court notices at all. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council, a non-partisan organisation that conducts research and advocates for an overhaul of the US immigration system, told the BBC that the figures are indicative of a bureaucratic "paperwork issue" rather than "anything nefarious". "When you hear the phrase 'missing', you think that there is a child that someone is trying to find and can't," he said. "That's not the case here. The government has not made any effort to find these children." Many of the children, experts say, may well be at the addresses that are on file with the government, but were simply unable to make their court dates. "That doesn't mean something bad happened to them," Mr Reichlin-Melnick said. "It means you missed a court hearing." Mr Reichlin-Melnick added that there are "valid concerns" about exploitation. "We cannot, however, suggest that all 320,000 of those children are being labour trafficked," he said. Eric Ruark, an immigration researcher with NumbersUSA - which calls for tighter border controls - said that the children are difficult to track "because of some combination of apathy, incompetence and bureaucratic inefficiency". "Many, hopefully even most, are safe with caring sponsors," he added. "But the Biden administration can't actually say one way or the other, and apparently doesn't care enough to find out." Homan and other Trump administration officials have so far not provided many details about how they plan to address the issues that plague the detention of undocumented minors. Several immigration attorneys contacted by the BBC suggested that the administration is likely to make becoming a "sponsor" for undocumented children much more difficult, even if the sponsor is a member of their family. In practice, this would mean that more undocumented children are kept in detention. "They could do what the Obama administration did, and detain them," said Alexander Cuic, an immigration attorney and professor at Case Western Reserve University. The controversial "Remain in Mexico" programme could also be applied to children, forcing them to wait across the border for the outcome of immigration proceedings. "I'm not sure even they know what they're going to do with the kids," Mr Cuic said of the Trump administration. "But there's a border problem they're trying to figure out first, and that's the first concern before whether they're going to be harsh to both children and adults." The BBC has contacted the Trump transition team for comment.Enjoy rock-star treatment along this wild and ancient coastline

( MENAFN - The Conversation) We are well and truly in cricket season. The Australian men's cricket team is taking centre stage against India in the Border Gavaskar Trophy series while the Big Bash League is underway, as is the Sheffield Shield. It is a packed summer schedule, with the Australian women's cricket team competing in an Ashes series against England that will culminate in a historic Test at the MCG on January 30: the first women's Test played at the venue since 1948–49. That match will also be the 90th anniversary of the first ever women's Ashes series, when England toured Australia in the summer of 1934–35. It's an exciting schedule for fans and one Cricket Australia will be looking to capitalise on. But is all this cricket driving participation? Like most sports, cricket faces a challenge to retain junior players in an oversaturated sports market. It is also competing with other entertainment offerings, increased screen time, financial pressures, and parent and guardian unavailability. Read more: No cash, no play? Have cost-of-living pressures impacted sports participation in Australia? Ahead of the 2024–25 summer, Cricket Australia released its annual report , which included 2023–24 participation numbers. On the whole, things are looking somewhat positive, with growth in junior cricket (ages 5-12) increasing 5%. For women and girls, the numbers are even more encouraging, with Cricket Australia reporting 18% growth for the 2023–24 season, attributed to a 44% rise in school competitions, 6% growth in social competitions and a record-breaking year of youth girls' participation (ages 5–12). But Cricket Australia highlighted challenges in that next phase – the teenage years, with the governing body reporting an overall 5% drop in teenage participation . There has been reflection recently about the decline of junior participation in some demographics and a changing cricketing landscape . A query that often arises in these conversations is whether the sport's traditional breeding ground, backyard cricket, is under threat. What is interesting is the nostalgia many cricket fans hold for the days of the iconic pastime and how it is central to a person's, and maybe even our national, identity. Backyard cricket has long been a staple for many Australian families (and those in cricketing countries). It has attracted a certain rose-coloured nostalgia that fills the memories of generations – the sounds of a ball bouncing off a wheelie bin, the shouts of“car!” in quiet suburban streets and maybe sometimes, of smashed glass and the cries of angry parents to not play near the windows. Cricket fans can connect to stories of backyard cricket, reflecting on simpler times, mates made in the streets and maybe even how they perfected their action in narrow driveways, to avoid trees or to not lose the ball over the neighbour's fence. Cricket lovers can not only recall their childhood and growing cricket fandom, but also imagine how their cricketing heroes were likely doing the exact same thing. In 2009, Steve Cannane wrote the book First Tests – Great Australian Cricketers and The Backyards That Made Them . The book is a testament to the romance of backyard cricket and how we can relate as fans to the icons of the game, who also experienced modest beginnings in similar streets. They were just like us. But recreation looks different to today's teens, with the rise of technology and other entertainment options, as well as changing social patterns where organic interactions are less likely or not encouraged . This can make it hard to find fielders for those long cover drives down the driveway. I recently discussed this on ABC Radio's The Conversation Hour . We discussed how children might be less likely to approach other children to play today , which might be a result of COVID restrictions or general concerns about children's safety. Australia's changing housing market is also affecting backyard cricket. Apartment living and smaller homes in urban areas with limited outdoor space make the activity not only very difficult but not visible to invite others in. Modern city planning appears focused on making cities more compact and experts note the loss of outdoor space could increase the risks of physical and mental health problems among city residents. It appears for many, the days of walking down a street, seeing kids playing a game and joining in until your parents called out“dinner” (or“tea” in the rural neighbourhood I grew up in) are long gone. Kerry Packer's 1977 World Series Cricket is what inspired CEO of Softball Australia Sarah Loh to pick up a cricket bat when her family migrated to Australia when she was six years old. She told ABC Radio Melbourne : While traditional cricket fans often bemoan new formats, flashy tournaments and increased commercialisation of cricket, for many, these innovations also offer entry points, drive interest and allow their fandom to grow. Cricket Australia's chief of cricket James Allsopp has spoken of the need for more social forms of cricket to keep kids interested in the game and prevent the drop-off in teen years. A balance must be achieved in our rapidly changing society – the challenge for cricket's administrators will now be to connect with kids, women, and diverse communities in ways that respond to their needs and bring them to the sport on their terms. They must also do this in a way that protects the history that has already brought so many people together every summer in front of televisions, in stadiums and in backyards across the country. MENAFN22122024000199003603ID1109021829 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.BLACKPINK ‘s Jisoo just reached a new level of beauty with a brand new hairstyle. In a new photoshoot for ELLE Magazine , Jisoo rocked a curly hairstyle unlike ever before. Her gorgeous ringlets contributed to the holiday theme of the photoshoot, along with Christmas lights, red ribbon, and a plaid and velvet wardrobe. Fans quickly fell in love with her new elegant look that adds to her luxurious image. CURLY HAIR JISOO pic.twitter.com/FjBTIMyLyn — jisoo (@jisoogaIIery) November 22, 2024 her curly hair game is UNMATCHED pic.twitter.com/74lyTD7XLW — jisoo pr manager ୨ৎ (@choconotchwe) November 26, 2024 In behind-the-scenes photos, she showed just how much work goes into a look like this — including some hair extensions! Jisoo’s visuals are unmatched! BLACKPINK BLACKPINK’s Lisa Just Barely Avoids Disastrous Wardrobe Malfunction BLACKPINK’s Lisa Has A Signed CD From A HYBE Group On Display BLACKPINK’s Rosé Finally Reunites With Ella Gross At “2024 MAMAs” Following Her MEOVV Debut BLACKPINK Lisa’s Change In Makeup Style Becomes A Hot Topic See more BLACKPINKNoneNEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 9, 2024-- Deutsche Bank announced today its appointment as depositary bank for the NASDAQ-listed American Depositary Receipt program of Jinxin Technology Holding Company. Jinxin Technology Holding Company (NASDAQ: NAMI) is an innovative digital content service provider in China. Leveraging their digital content generation engine powered by AI/AR/VR/digital human technologies, they offer users digital content services through both their platform and the content distribution channels of their partners. They target K-9 students in China, with expertise in providing them digital and integrated educational contents.* In addition to specializing in administering cross-border equity structures such as New York Shares, American, and Global Depositary Receipts, Deutsche Bank provides corporates, financial institutions, hedge funds and supranational agencies around the world with trustee, agency, escrow, and related services. Deutsche Bank offers a very broad range of services for diverse products, from complex securitizations and project finance to syndicated loans, debt exchanges and restructurings. * This information was provided by Jinxin Technology Holding Company (December 2024). Depositary Receipt Information Country Cayman Islands incorporated holding company with operations conducted by subsidiaries in China Custodian Bank Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch Effective Date December 9, 2024 Level III ADR CUSIP 47760D 102 ISIN US47760D1028 Symbol NAMI Exchange NASDAQ Current Ratio 1 ADS: 18 Ordinary shares Eligibility DTC Depositary Receipt Contacts New Business Development William Ng Tel: +852 2203 7889 www.adr.db.com Markets Distribution adr@db.com London Tel: +44 (0) 20 7547 6500 gtb.db.com New York Tel: +1 212 250 9100 Deutsche Bank provides commercial and investment banking, retail banking, transaction banking and asset and wealth management products and services to corporations, governments, institutional investors, small and medium-sized businesses, and private individuals. Deutsche Bank is Germany’s leading bank, with a strong position in Europe and a significant presence in the Americas and Asia Pacific. The Depositary Receipts have been registered pursuant to the US Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act"). The investment or investment service which is the subject of this notice is not available to retail clients as defined by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. This notice has been approved and/or communicated by Deutsche Bank AG New York. The services described in this notice are provided by Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (Deutsche Bank) or by its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in accordance with appropriate local registration and regulation. Deutsche Bank is providing the attached notice strictly for information purposes and makes no claims or statement, nor does it warrant or in any way represent, as to the accuracy or completeness of the details contained herein or therein. This announcement appears as a matter of record only. Neither this announcement nor the information contained herein constitutes an offer or solicitation by Deutsche Bank or any other issuer or entity for the purchase or sale of any securities nor does it constitute a solicitation to any person in any jurisdiction where solicitation would be unlawful. No part of this notice may be copied or reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of Deutsche Bank. Past results are not an indication of future performance. Copyright© December 2024 Deutsche Bank AG. All rights reserved. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209904696/en/ CONTACT: For further information, please contact: Deutsche Bank AG Press & Media Relations Dylan Riddle Tel. +12122504982 Cell. +1(904)3866481 Emaildylan.riddle@db.com KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: Deutsche Bank Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/09/2024 03:02 PM/DISC: 12/09/2024 03:02 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209904696/en

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Wilmington, Del., Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Participating in a tradition that has evolved since 1792, today, employees from Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) gathered on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange as Guillermo Novo, chair and chief executive officer, Ashland, joined by company executives, rang the trading day’s opening bell . The event signifies a decade of evolution, resilience and sustainable solutions for the additives and specialty ingredients company and recognizes its 100-year anniversary. “I want to thank our employees for their dedication, our customers for their trust and our shareholders for their support over the years which continues to be the foundation of our success,” said Guillermo Novo, chair and chief executive officer, Ashland. From its origin of gavel banging to the modern workday bell ringing , the ritual marks the start and end of trading through the years and has come to celebrate economic growth and progress. One year ago, Ashland introduced seven new technology platforms aligned to the company’s pharmaceutical, personal care and specialty additives core, that extend to secondary markets with new and differentiated capabilities to unlock organic growth for Ashland and its customers worldwide. The platform solutions bring “new to the world” sustainable innovations, offering tunable choices to customers to enable the reshaping of their product portfolios, answering global megatrends, and responding to various regulatory landscapes. “As the stock market has demonstrated resilience through devastating lows and exuberant highs over time, Ashland has consistently transformed itself ahead of market trends from an oil and refining company to a matrixed chemical company, and from a broad chemicals and materials provider to the focused additives and specialty ingredients company we are today; integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) in our operating plans to responsibly solve for a better world,” said Novo. strategy update event Ashland is hosting a strategy update event for analysts and investors on December 10, 2024, in New York City. The company will provide an in-depth review of Ashland’s strategic priorities, key initiatives and financial objectives while emphasizing a proactive approach to market uncertainty in fiscal year 2025. The event includes presentations and prepared remarks from members of Ashland’s executive team, as well as breakout sessions for in-person attendees and an opportunity for both live and webcast attendees to ask questions during moderated Q&A sessions. “This was a year marked by recovery from prolonged inventory destocking in the materials sector, yet Ashland was able to deliver strategic progress, margin expansion, high-quality free cash flow, and disciplined execution across our global portfolio,” continued Novo. “Despite a complex operating environment, we demonstrated our ability to drive value through portfolio optimization, commercial excellence, and focused growth in our core markets. As we execute our strategy, we remain focused on delivering sustainable, profitable growth and long-term shareholder value. I look forward to providing more context during our upcoming event,” concluded Novo. To participate in Ashland’s strategy update event, interested participants must register for the event and have the option to attend via live webcast or in person. Presentations are expected to begin at 9:00 a.m. ET and conclude following Q&A sessions at 11:00 a.m. ET. After Q&A, in-person attendees will have the opportunity to discuss key initiatives with business line leaders and scientists in breakout sessions until 12:00 p.m ET. To register, participants should use the following link: registration page . Registration information and further event details will be posted on Ashland’s investor website at http://investor.ashland.com . A webcast of the event will be available live and can be accessed, along with supporting materials, through the Ashland website. A replay will be available within 24 hours of the live event and will be archived, along with supporting materials, on Ashland’s website for 12 months. Copies of the presentation may also be requested by sending an email to investor_relations@ashland.com About Ashland Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) is a global additives and specialty ingredients company with a conscious and proactive mindset for environmental, social and governance (ESG). The company serves customers in a wide range of consumer and industrial markets, including architectural coatings, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical. Approximately 3,200 passionate, tenacious solvers thrive on developing practical, innovative and elegant solutions to complex problems for customers in more than 100 countries. Visit ashland.com and ashland.com/ESG to learn more. TM Trademark, Ashland or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Attachments

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Sir: At this time when there is a high rate of unemployment, the Federal Government would easily be blamed for not equipping or encouraging craft work or hand work among the youths right from primary school. Indeed, if there were technical schools in the country, pupils and students would come out of school with requisite skills that would make them self-reliant. I am persuaded that with skills acquired in school, the economy would be better for it.This is why I am making a case for technology-based education in Nigeria. Therefore, I urge the government to develop a programme that would help youths to develop their talents. For our youths to measure up, like their counterparts in other nations, government needs to encourage craft work or hand work from primary schools to university level, as it was before. This would be done by establishing technical or craft schools, where students would develop their knowledge and skills. At the university level, polytechnics and university of technologies must be given a priority. Instead of rating Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) low, holders of such certificates should rather be rated higher than those in university because of the skills they acquired in schools. Needless to say that polytechnic education is skill-based, while university education is more of theory. I believe that polytechnic graduates should berecognised more than they are now; they would create jobs, by establishing their own businesses instead of looking for white collar jobs that are non-existent. To ensure that our education is skill-based, the government should change the curriculum in higher institutions. The government should organise an education summit, where vice chancellors, rectors and other leaders in higher institutions would come together and chart a new course for the education sector. However, I must add that the way to go is skill acquisition. However, if we fail to develop a curriculum that will ensure that our teeming youths acquire requisite skills, we risk the chances of being a nation without the vital manpower, in a technological world. Japan, China, Taiwan and other Asian Tigers are growing in economy and technology because of their focus on skill acquisition and technology. We must emulate them. That’s why government must invest in skill acquisition and technology if the country will move forward. Edeson Effiong wrote from Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos.

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Many of us are anxiously awaiting the return of President Donald Trump to the White House, as some look to the future with hope and others despair. If Trump’s previous four years in office are a preview of what’s to come, my prediction is that much of his campaign agenda won’t be enacted. Before you write an angry letter to the editor labeling me a liberal Trump-hater, realize that most presidents promise sweeping changes on the campaign trail, but deliver few of those vows when they enter the Oval Office. That’s somewhat the beauty of our republic – a complex system that requires cooperation at multiple levels for legislation to be approved. Trump will return with a Republican-controlled Senate and House. But Trump, like President Barack Obama before him, enjoyed party control of congress during his first two years in office. Some of Trump’s 2016 campaign promises, such as building a border wall and ending the Affordable Care Act, never came to fruition despite the Republican majority in 2017-2018. You likely recall the famous “thumbs down” vote by the late Republican Sen. John McCain, which essentially killed Trump’s effort to overhaul Obama’s signature health care plan. Trump’s populist rhetoric makes him a great candidate on the campaign trail. Whether it’s the truth or a lie, Trump tells his followers what they want to hear. But his ability to translate that talk into meaningful legislation that’s backed by congress, including members of his own party, has been subpar. And we’re already seeing signs that his next administration will face similar challenges. Trump’s initial pick for attorney general, Matt Gaetz, was defeated by Senate Republicans before hearings ever began. While the victor of the election certainly has the right to propose picks for his cabinet, even Republicans balked at the idea of appointing a man accused of sexual assault and misconduct to the attorney general post. While cabinet picks aren’t legislation, the block of Gaetz shows that Trump still has to play ball with members of his own party to get his way. And frankly, some Republicans are likely to disagree with some of the key aspects of his agenda. “Eliminate the Department of Education” has become the “Defund the Police” of 2024-25. In both cases, a group has issues with certain aspects of an established system. In both cases, eliminating that system is nonsensical and unlikely to happen. They’re catchy phrases that invoke emotional reactions, especially on the campaign trail, but they’re not realistic. This is where the true statement that “All Politics is Local” comes into effect. If federal funding and oversight from the Department of Education is eliminated, state and local officials will be responsible for such programs. How many angry phone calls do you think your state representative or school board member will receive when parents find out money has been slashed for special education, or that after-school programs have been eliminated. The truth of the matter is that states like Indiana and Kentucky greatly depend on federal funding, and if that money goes away, it has to be made up somewhere. That somewhere is your wallet. You, the taxpayer, fund the local, state and federal government. You, the taxpayer, will either have to pay more for local and state departments to pick up the slack left behind by the elimination of the Department of Education, or be prepared to see teachers laid off and schools closed. While some may not care, enough do, and attacking education has been the death of many a politician’s political career. What’s more likely to happen, Trump will ask congress to make major cuts to the Department of Education, those will get whittled down and, if some sort of bill is passed, it will not result in the elimination of the federal department. Trump will likely take executive action on immigration, but if he goes too far, business leaders will quickly show who actually runs the country. Removing people who are here illegally that have committed crimes in our country is one thing, but deporting workers and others who are helping our economy as employees and consumers is quite another thing. Trump can greatly influence such issues through his own actions, or inactions. He notoriously ridiculed anyone who opposed him during his first administration, blasting Democrats, former presidents and even members of his own party almost hourly on social media. He actually showed more restraint during the 2024 campaign, but how long will that last? Democrats will of course vote against most of his ideas, but if there are Republicans on the fence and he goes after them, that could spell disaster for his campaign promises.

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Lucknow: The Gorakhpur link expressway , a flagship infrastructure project of the UP govt, is on the verge of completion with 98% of construction work finished. The 91.35-km expressway, built at a cost of Rs 7,283.28 crore, is ready for vehicular movement and awaits formal inauguration in the New Year. The expressway, which connects Gorakhpur to Azamgarh while passing through four districts, represents a significant engineering achievement, particularly given the challenging low-lying terrain in the Gorakhpur region, officials said. Starting from Gorakhpur Bypass NH-27 near Jaitpur village and ending at Salarpur in Azamgarh, it will facilitate vehicular movement via Purvanchal Expressway , enabling faster travel to Lucknow, Agra and Delhi. According to the UP expressway industrial development authority (UPEIDA), the main carriageway's clearing and earthwork are 100% complete. Of the 343 proposed structures, 337 have been constructed, with the remaining works progressing rapidly. "The expressway will reduce travel time from Gorakhpur to Lucknow to just 3.5 hours via the Purvanchal Expressway," said a senior UPEIDA official, adding, "This connectivity will significantly boost regional development." The project benefits four districts — Gorakhpur, Ambedkarnagar, Sant Kabir Nagar and Azamgarh — and is expected to drive social and economic development in the region. The controlled-access highway will help reduce fuel consumption and environmental pollution while improving travel efficiency. The UP govt is also developing an industrial corridor along both sides of the expressway, which is expected to boost agriculture, commerce, tourism and industrial growth. The expressway will serve as a crucial link between various production units, development centres and agricultural zones to the national capital. "This project showcases our govt's commitment to infrastructure development," said the officer. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword .

ATLANTA, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oxford Industries, Inc. (NYSE:OXM) today announced financial results for its third quarter of fiscal 2024 ended November 2, 2024. Consolidated net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 were $308 million compared to $327 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Loss per share on a GAAP basis was $0.25 compared to net earnings per share of $0.68 in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. On an adjusted basis, loss per share was $0.11 compared to net earnings per share of $1.01 in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Tom Chubb, Chairman and CEO, commented, “Following a difficult third quarter, we are pleased with the beginning of the holiday season now that some recent headwinds have started to abate. The cumulative effects of several years of high inflation combined with distractions from the U.S. elections and other world events, led to less frequent and more tentative consumer spending behavior during the third quarter which is traditionally our smallest volume quarter of the year. Additionally, our most significant and important market, the Southeastern United States, was impacted by two major hurricanes in quick succession that resulted in estimated lost sales of $4 million and an estimated impact of $0.14 per share. When combined with a highly competitive and promotional environment, these headwinds led to financial performance that was weaker than expected.” Mr. Chubb concluded, “Encouragingly, consumers have responded favorably to our recent product introductions and marketing campaigns, driving a nice improvement in comp store trends once the holiday season got underway. However, due to the weaker than expected consumer environment before the election and the fourth quarter impact of the hurricanes, which we project will include an additional $3 million of lost revenue and $0.11 per share, we have lowered our fiscal 2024 sales and EPS guidance. We are confident that our business model will drive profitable growth and long-term shareholder value well into the future. We could not do this without our exceptional team of people, to whom we extend our sincere gratitude.” Third Quarter of Fiscal 2024 versus Fiscal 2023 Consolidated net sales of $308 million decreased compared to sales of $327 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Full-price direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales decreased 8% to $200 million versus the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Full-price retail sales of $99 million were 6% lower than prior-year period. E-commerce sales of $101 million were 11% lower than prior-year period. Outlet sales of $17 million were 3% higher than prior-year period. Food and beverage sales were $24 million, a 4% increase versus prior-year period. Wholesale sales of $67 million were 2% lower than the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Gross margin was 63.1% on a GAAP basis, compared to 62.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to a $4 million lower LIFO accounting charge and lower discounts at Lilly Pulitzer. This was partially offset due to full-price retail and e-commerce sales representing a lower proportion of net sales at Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer and Johnny Was with more sales occurring during promotional and clearance events. Adjusted gross margin, which excludes the effect of LIFO accounting, decreased to 63.0% compared to 64.0% on an adjusted basis in the prior-year period. SG&A was $205 million compared to $195 million last year. On an adjusted basis, SG&A was $201 million compared to $191 million in the prior-year period. The increase in SG&A was primarily driven by: Expenses related to 33 new store openings since the third quarter of fiscal 2023, including four Tommy Bahama Marlin Bars. Pre-opening expenses related to approximately five additional stores planned to open in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, including two additional Tommy Bahama Marlin Bars that are expected to open in the next few months. The addition of Jack Rogers. Royalties and other operating income of $4 million were comparable to the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Operating loss was $6 million, or (2.0%) of net sales, compared to operating income of $14 million, or 4.4% of net sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. On an adjusted basis, operating income decreased to an operating loss of $3 million, or (1.1%) of net sales, compared to operating income of $21 million, or 6.6% of net sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The decreased operating income includes the impact of decreased net sales and increased SG&A as the Company continues to invest in the business. Interest expense decreased from $1 million in the prior year period. The decreased interest expense was primarily due to a lower average outstanding debt balance during the third quarter of fiscal 2024 than the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Due to lower earnings during the third quarter as compared to our other fiscal quarters, certain discrete or other items have a more pronounced impact on the effective tax rate. Our effective income tax rate of 42.5% for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 included the impact of discrete, favorable US federal return-to-provision adjustments primarily related to an increase in the research and development tax credit and certain adjustments to the US taxation on foreign earnings. For the third quarter of fiscal 2023, our effective income tax rate of 18.6% included the favorable utilization of the research and development tax credit and adjustments to the US taxation on foreign earnings which reduced the effective tax rate. Balance Sheet and Liquidity Inventory decreased $3 million, or 2%, on a LIFO basis and increased $2 million, or 1%, on a FIFO basis compared to the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Inventory balances were comparable in all operating groups. During the first nine months of fiscal 2024, cash flow from operations was $104 million compared to $169 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2023. The cash flow from operations in the first nine months of fiscal 2024, along with borrowings of $29 million, provided sufficient cash to fund $92 million of capital expenditures and $33 million of dividends. During the third quarter of fiscal 2024, long-term debt decreased to $58 million compared to $66 million of borrowings outstanding at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023 as cash flow from operations exceeded increased capital expenditures primarily associated with the project to build a new distribution center in Lyons, Georgia, payments of dividends and working capital requirements. The Company had $7 million of cash and cash equivalents versus $8 million of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Dividend The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.67 per share. The dividend is payable on January 31, 2025 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 17, 2025. The Company has paid dividends every quarter since it became publicly owned in 1960. Outlook For fiscal 2024 ending on February 1, 2025, the Company revised its sales and EPS guidance. The Company now expects net sales in a range of $1.50 billion to $1.52 billion as compared to net sales of $1.57 billion in fiscal 2023. In fiscal 2024, GAAP EPS is expected to be between $5.78 and $5.98 compared to fiscal 2023 GAAP EPS of $3.82. Adjusted EPS is expected to be between $6.50 and $6.70, compared to fiscal 2023 adjusted EPS of $10.15. For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company expects net sales to be between $375 million and $395 million compared to net sales of $404 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. GAAP EPS is expected to be between $1.02 and $1.22 in the fourth quarter compared to a GAAP loss per share of $3.85 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 that included noncash impairment charges totaling $114 million, or $5.31 per share. Adjusted EPS is expected to be between $1.18 and $1.38 compared to adjusted EPS of $1.90 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. The Company anticipates interest expense of $3 million in fiscal 2024, with interest expense expected to be $1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. The Company’s effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 23% for the full year of fiscal 2024. Capital expenditures in fiscal 2024, including the $92 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2024, are expected to be approximately $150 million compared to $74 million in fiscal 2023. The planned year-over-year increase in capital expenditures includes approximately $75 million now budgeted in fiscal 2024 for the distribution center project in Lyons, Georgia. Additionally, we have been investing in new brick and mortar locations, relocations and remodels of existing locations resulting in a year-over-year net increase of full price stores of approximately 30 by the end of fiscal 2024, which includes approximately five planned to open in the fourth quarter of the year. We will also continue with our investments in our various technology systems initiatives, including e-commerce and omnichannel capabilities, data management and analytics, customer data and insights, cybersecurity, automation, including artificial intelligence, and infrastructure. Conference Call The Company will hold a conference call with senior management to discuss its financial results at 4:30 p.m. ET today. A live web cast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s website at www.oxfordinc.com. A replay of the call will be available through December 25, 2024 by dialing (412) 317-6671 access code 13750235. About Oxford Oxford Industries, Inc., a leader in the apparel industry, owns and markets the distinctive Tommy Bahama ® , Lilly Pulitzer ® , Johnny Was®, Southern Tide ® , The Beaufort Bonnet Company ® , Duck Head ® and Jack Rogers ® lifestyle brands. Oxford's stock has traded on the New York Stock Exchange since 1964 under the symbol OXM. For more information, please visit Oxford's website at www.oxfordinc.com. Basis of Presentation All per share information is presented on a diluted basis. Non-GAAP Financial Information The Company reports its consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). To supplement these consolidated financial results, management believes that a presentation and discussion of certain financial measures on an adjusted basis, which exclude certain non-operating or discrete gains, charges or other items, may provide a more meaningful basis on which investors may compare the Company’s ongoing results of operations between periods. These measures include adjusted earnings, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross margin, adjusted SG&A, and adjusted operating income, among others. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in making financial, operational, and planning decisions to evaluate the Company’s ongoing performance. Management also uses these adjusted financial measures to discuss its business with investment and other financial institutions, its board of directors and others. Reconciliations of these adjusted measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP are presented in tables included at the end of this release. Safe Harbor This press release includes statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Generally, the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "will" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. We intend for all forward-looking statements contained herein, in our press releases or on our website, and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf, to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (which Sections were adopted as part of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, without limitation, demand for our products, which may be impacted by macroeconomic factors that may impact consumer discretionary spending and pricing levels for apparel and related products, many of which may be impacted by inflationary pressures, elevated interest rates, concerns about the stability of the banking industry or general economic uncertainty, and the effectiveness of measures to mitigate the impact of these factors; possible changes in governmental monetary and fiscal policies, including, but not limited to, Federal Reserve policies in connection with continued inflationary pressures and the impact of the recent elections in the United States; competitive conditions and/or evolving consumer shopping patterns, particularly in a highly promotional retail environment; acquisition activities (such as the acquisition of Johnny Was), including our ability to integrate key functions, recognize anticipated synergies and minimize related disruptions or distractions to our business as a result of these activities; supply chain disruptions; changes in trade policies and regulations, including the potential for increases or changes in duties, current and potentially new tariffs or quotas; costs and availability of labor and freight deliveries, including our ability to appropriately staff our retail stores and food & beverage locations; costs of products as well as the raw materials used in those products, as well as our ability to pass along price increases to consumers; energy costs; our ability to respond to rapidly changing consumer expectations; unseasonal or extreme weather conditions or natural disasters, such as the September and October 2024 hurricanes impacting the Southeastern United States; lack of or insufficient insurance coverage; the ability of business partners, including suppliers, vendors, wholesale customers, licensees, logistics providers and landlords, to meet their obligations to us and/or continue our business relationship to the same degree as they have historically; retention of and disciplined execution by key management and other critical personnel; cybersecurity breaches and ransomware attacks, as well as our and our third party vendors’ ability to properly collect, use, manage and secure business, consumer and employee data and maintain continuity of our information technology systems; the effectiveness of our advertising initiatives in defining, launching and communicating brand-relevant customer experiences; the level of our indebtedness, including the risks associated with heightened interest rates on the debt and the potential impact on our ability to operate and expand our business; the timing of shipments requested by our wholesale customers; fluctuations and volatility in global financial and/or real estate markets; our ability to identify and secure suitable locations for new retail store and food & beverage openings; the timing and cost of retail store and food & beverage location openings and remodels, technology implementations and other capital expenditures; the timing, cost and successful implementation of changes to our distribution network; the effectiveness of recent, focused efforts to reassess and realign our operating costs in light of revenue trends, including potential disruptions to our operations as a result of these efforts; pandemics or other public health crises; expected outcomes of pending or potential litigation and regulatory actions; the increased consumer, employee and regulatory focus on sustainability issues and practices, including failures by our suppliers to adhere to our vendor code of conduct; the regulation or prohibition of goods sourced, or containing raw materials or components, from certain regions and our ability to evidence compliance; access to capital and/or credit markets; factors that could affect our consolidated effective tax rate; the risk of impairment to goodwill and other intangible assets such as the recent impairment charges incurred in our Johnny Was segment; and geopolitical risks, including ongoing challenges between the United States and China and those related to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas war and the conflict in the Red Sea region. Forward-looking statements reflect our expectations at the time such forward-looking statements are made, based on information available at such time, and are not guarantees of performance. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, these expectations could prove inaccurate as such statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties, or other risks or uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial, materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. Important factors relating to these risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors contained in our Fiscal 2023 Form 10-K, and those described from time to time in our future reports filed with the SEC. We caution that one should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. We disclaim any intention, obligation or duty to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.'Keep Christ in Christmas' sign taken down in downtown Kelowna

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are indian casino slots regulated Oracle Announces Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Financial ResultsMAURA Higgins received a punishing gift from I'm A Celebrity bosses for her 34th birthday. The Love Island star celebrated getting another year older as she woke up in the jungle. Maura said: “Birthday in the jungle! This is definitely going to be one I will never, ever forget.” However, it got off to a cr***y start when new leaders Barry and Danny got the campmates to complete their chores for the day. Birthday girl Maura was left with the chore of cleaning the dunny with Coleen. However, things improved after Tulisa and Melvin won a plate of ready salted Pringles in the Kiosk Kev's Deals On Wheels. The campmates allowed Maura to take a Pringle first, with GK Barry telling her: "What a birthday treat!" However, later, after the campmates had enjoyed their dinner of ostrich egg, there was an unexpected twist in store as a laminate was delivered into camp, as well as a bag of bus tickets. Just before it arrived, the group were discussing why the lights were still on in the jungle camp. GK Barry said: "Predictions... I think we're going to have songs, a little boogy and a bit of birthday cake." Tulisa added: "They're not going to do something negative for Maura's birthday. It's only going to be a treat." Read out by Danny, the laminate explained: “Tonight, you will all have the chance to win treats. However, to be in with a chance of winning, you will all need to take a trip on The Fright Bus!” Maura put her head in her hands as Danny began handing out tickets to the bus. "A lot of the campmates are telling me it's not going to be that bad, but I'm s****ing it," Maura said in the Bush Telegraph. She also grilled her fellow campmates on whether they thought the bus could be full of spiders - her worst fear. Each celebrity could win a piece of luggage each from the luggage rack, described to contain holiday essentials, and even a tasty treat during the task. The challenge was simple: the campmates had to endure the bus and work within their rows of three to escape it, passing four stops on its journey. To do this, each row would wait until their stop to manoeuvre three tokens across the bar to the stop button as fast as they could. Every token won, would equate to one piece of luggage. i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz, Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street, was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women. She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher. Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan. It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth." As each celebrity took their seats, birthday girl Maura got a shock when she realised she was at the back of the bus and would therefore have to endure the longest trip. As the Fright Bus started its journey, creepy crawlies began to fall and there were screams that could be heard all over the jungle. Monday night's episode then ended on a cliffhanger, with I'm A Celebrity hosts Ant and Dec telling fans they would see the conclusion in the next episode. Taking to X, one fan wrote: "Tomorrow nights show???? Why we being left on a cliffhanger please? What is this like?!"

VANCOUVER — A family of killer whales has made a rare trip into waters off downtown Vancouver for what an expert says was likely a "grocery shopping" hunt for harbour seals. Video shared on social media by False Creek Ferries shows the whales cruising past highrise towers at the entrance to False Creek on Sunday. Andrew Trites, director of the University of British Columbia's marine mammal research unit, has identified the whales as a family group of transient orcas consisting of a mother and her three offspring. Trites said the video shows the whales moving quietly like "ghosts" to avoid alerting their prey. The larger orcas appear bigger than the diminutive ferry, which measures about 20 feet long. "They're on the hunt, and so they don't want to make a big splash about it. They want to come in very stealthy-like, as though they weren't even there," said Trites. "I'm sure there were hundreds of people walking along the seawall that day and they didn't even notice and these people aboard the boat, they had a very special moment they will remember for the rest of their lives." He said it's the first time the 26-year-old mother orca, known as T35A, has shown up in downtown Vancouver with her children aged six, 11 and 14. Trites said the well documented family has previously been seen by marine researchers from Alaska to the Strait of Juan de Fuca south of Vancouver Island. He attributes the pod's surprising downtown appearance to seals also changing their habits as they hide from orcas, forcing killer whales to hunt in backwater areas like False Creek. Killer whales have previously been spotted in False Creek, including in 2019, and in 2010 a grey whale swam all the way to the end of the inlet, near Science World. Trites said researchers are hearing more reports of killer whales being seen in places where they've never been seen before. He said the behaviour captured on the video suggests the whales didn't catch anything. Trites said the sighting was an indication of the recovered health of the Salish Sea, saying it was "in a state that we haven’t seen it for over a century." He likened it to living next to Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. “It's a very healthy, vibrant system ... we've seen humpback whales come back. We've seen our seal numbers recover and stabilize," he said. "We see killer whales here every single day now and when I first came to B.C., I hardly ever saw a seal, never saw killer whales in here and it's all changed." In 2021, the B.C. government estimated there were 206 "mature" transient orcas in the province's coastal waters, while U.S. authorities have put the total population at about 350. The species is designated as threatened, meaning they are likely to become endangered without interventions. But Trites said the population was growing, in association with the recovery of prey species, such as the Steller sea lion. As a marine researcher who has been through many encounters with killer whales, Trites said those aboard the ferry should feel privileged. "They are magical experiences," he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2024. Nono Shen, The Canadian PressConfident Bucs gear up for stretch run against lighter season-ending schedule TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are determined to not get ahead of themselves. Fred Goodall, The Associated Press Nov 25, 2024 3:05 PM Nov 25, 2024 3:35 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrates with fans after an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are determined to not get ahead of themselves. Sunday’s 30-7 rout of the New York Giants began a six-game, regular season-ending stretch in which the Bucs (5-6) will face five opponents that currently have losing records. The victory coming out of the team’s bye week stopped a four-game skid and moved the three-time defending NFC South champions within one game of first-place Atlanta in the division. The Falcons swept the season series, so the Bucs essentially trail the Falcons by two games with six remaining. They’re in a good position to chase their fifth consecutive playoff berth, but can hardly assume they’ll benefit from having an easy remaining schedule. “We’re hoping it builds confidence. We have belief that we’re still sitting and controlling our own destiny,” quarterback Baker Mayfield said of beating the Giants. “But it’s not just going to happen,” Mayfield added. “So, we have to take it one week at a time. And you find the recipe for success within your work week. ... You try to emulate that week after week and continue to build it.” The Los Angeles Chargers, who entered Monday night’s game against Baltimore at 7-3, are the only opponent remaining on Tampa Bay’s schedule that currently has a winning record. The Bucs will face division rival Carolina (3-8) twice in the next six weeks. They’ll also host Las Vegas (2-9) and New Orleans (4-7) and play the Chargers and Dallas Cowboys (4-7) on the road. “We can’t get comfortable,” rookie running back Bucky Irving said. “We just got to keep our foot on the gas and keep running.” What’s working The offense continues to put up big numbers, finishing with 450 yards against the Giants. It’s the fifth time Tampa Bay has gained more than 400 yards this season. The Bucs have now scored 30-plus points six times, second in the NFL behind Buffalo’s eight. What needs help There wasn’t a lot to fault in the team’s performance against the Giants, although coach Todd Bowles said both the offense and defense could have been done a better job closing out the game late. “For the most part we executed on both sides of the football,” Bowles said. “Still like to have finished the game a little better, but they came back (from the bye week) mentally tougher, and they came ready to play.” Stock up Irving averaged more than 7 yards per carry in rushing for 87 yards on 12 attempts. He also had six receptions for 64 yards, finishing with a season-high 151 yards from scrimmage. Stock down Just when it looked as if the defense was beginning to trend the right way health-wise, the Bucs lost safety Jordan Whitehead (pectoral) and linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (ankle) to injuries on Sunday. Injuries Bowles said Monday he was still awaiting an update on the severity of Whitehead’s injury. Tryon-Shoyinka has an ankle sprain. LT Tristan Wirfs (knee) sat out against the Giants and his status will be evaluated as the week progresses. Key number 11. With wide receiver Mike Evans back on the field after missing three games with a hamstring injury, Mayfield completed passes to 11 different players, tying a team record. “He obviously changed the game, even when he's not getting the ball,” Mayfield said. “It's huge that we have him in.” Next up At Carolina, the second of three consecutive games vs. last-place teams the Bucs will face during their stretch run. They’ll also host the Panthers on Dec. 29. “It’s an NFC South battle, and all of them are going to be hard. None of them are going to be easy,” Bowles said. “I think (coach) Dave (Canales) has done an excellent job taking on that team and it’s taking over his personality right now,” Bowles added. “They’re playing pretty good football. ... It’s going to be a tough battle.” ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Fred Goodall, 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 Football (NFL) Blowout loss to Packers leaves the 49ers on the playoff brink Nov 25, 2024 3:25 PM Cardinals' feel-good month comes to a screeching halt after a head-scratching loss to Seahawks Nov 25, 2024 2:58 PM After rough start under coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks' defense has become a strength Nov 25, 2024 2:53 PM

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A look back at 2024 in photosAs Big Tech profit growth slows, investors hunt for a new thing

Stocks closed higher on Wall Street, giving the market its fifth gain in a row and notching another record high for the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% Friday. The Dow added 1%, and the Nasdaq composite tacked on 0.2%. Retailers had some of the biggest gains. Gap soared after reporting quarterly results that easily beat analysts’ estimates. EchoStar fell after DirecTV called off its purchase of that company’s Dish Network unit. European markets closed mostly higher and Asian markets ended mixed. On Friday: The S&P 500 rose 20.63 points, or 0.3%, to 5,969.34. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 426.16 points, or 1%, to 44,296.51. The Nasdaq composite rose 31.23 points, or 0.2%, to 19,003.65. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 42.65 points, or 1.8%, to 2,406.67. For the week: The S&P 500 is up 98.72 points, or 1.7%. The Dow is up 851.52 points, or 2%. The Nasdaq is up 323.53 points, or 1.7%. The Russell 2000 is up 102.84 points, or 4.5%. For the year: The S&P 500 is up 1,199.51 points, or 25.1%. The Dow is up 6,606.97 points, or 17.5%. The Nasdaq is up 3,992.30 points, or 26.6%. The Russell 2000 is up 379.60 points, or 18.7%.Newcastle have found their Tamika Upton replacement, with Wests Tigers star Botille Vette-Welsh set to join the club for the next three NRLW seasons. Just two weeks after agreeing to release the game's best player in Upton, the Knights have landed the best off-contract fullback on the market in Vette-Welsh. Newcastle could not confirm the contract when contacted, but AAP can reveal former NSW and Australia No.1 Vette-Welsh will join for the start of the 2025 season. The deal is viewed as a win for both the 28-year-old and the Knights, whose defence of back-to-back premierships ended in the semi-finals this year. At her best, Vette-Welsh is one of the premier fullbacks in the women's game, having previously played for NSW and Australia. She was also one of the Tigers' first signings on entry to the NRLW in 2023 and an inaugural co-captain, making a successful return from an ACL rupture. Vette-Welsh scored two tries and set up another two as the Tigers collected this year's wooden spoon, but she will give the Knights much-needed strike at the back. Her move will also ensure Newcastle have one of the NRLW's best spines, with Vette-Welsh joining English international Georgia Roache, rising star Jesse Southwell and Jillaroos hooker Olivia Higgins. Upton's exit from Newcastle was always likely to have wide-reaching ramifications across the NRLW. The Jillaroos fullback won three premierships at Brisbane between 2018 and 2020, before moving to Newcastle in 2022 and winning a further two titles there. But she requested a release from the Knights on personal grounds this season, desperate to return home to Queensland and closer to family. Upton signed a three-year deal to return to the Broncos this week, after a year that has included the loss of her grandfather and health issues for her grandmother. "I loved Newcastle and that was it for me. I was quite happy. Then my personal and family circumstances changed, which changed the ballpark," Upton told AAP this week. "Football was no longer the priority of mine. Getting back home was. And it was too hard to be able to do my football with everything going on at home. "My family never put pressure on me, they always want me to chase my dreams. But you don't get a second chance to spend time with your family." Meanwhile, Vette-Welsh's move means the Tigers are now another club in search of a fullback after losing one of their biggest names. Canberra are also in the market for a No.1 after losing Apii Nicholls, who will return to the Warriors in 2025 in their comeback to the competition. Canterbury are also yet to land a specialist fullback on their entry to the NRLW next year.

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fluence Energy, Inc. FLNC ("Fluence" or the "Company"), a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage, operational services, and asset optimization software, today announced its intention to offer, subject to market and other conditions, $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2030 (the "Notes") in a private offering that is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. Fluence also expects to grant the initial purchasers of the Notes an option to purchase, for settlement within a period of 13 days from, and including, the date the Notes are first issued, up to an additional $45.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes. The Notes will be senior, unsecured obligations of Fluence, will accrue interest payable semi-annually in arrears and will mature on June 15, 2030, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. Before March 15, 2030, noteholders will have the right to convert their Notes in certain circumstances and during specified periods. From and after March 15, 2030, noteholders may convert their Notes at any time at their election until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date. Fluence will settle conversions by paying or delivering, as applicable, cash, shares of its Class A common stock ("Class A common stock") or a combination of cash and shares of its Class A common stock, at Fluence's election. The Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part (subject to certain partial redemption limitations), at Fluence's option at any time, and from time to time, on or after December 20, 2027 and on or before the 50th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, but only if (i) the Notes are "freely tradable", and all accrued and unpaid additional interest, if any, has been paid in full, as of the date of the related redemption notice, and (ii) the last reported sale price per share of Fluence's Class A common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price for a specified period of time. The final terms of the Notes, including the interest rate, initial conversion rate and certain other terms of the Notes, will be determined at the pricing of the offering. If certain events that constitute a "fundamental change" occur, then, subject to a limited exception, noteholders may require Fluence to repurchase their Notes at a cash repurchase price equal to the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid special interest, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable repurchase date. In connection with the pricing of the Notes, the Company intends to enter into privately negotiated capped call transactions (the "capped call transactions") with one or more of the initial purchasers and/or their respective affiliates and/or other financial institutions (the "counterparties"). The capped call transactions will cover, subject to customary adjustments, the number of shares of the Company's Class A common stock that will initially underlie the Notes. The Company anticipates that the cap price of the capped call transactions will initially represent a premium over the last reported sale price of the Company's Class A common stock on the pricing date of the offering of the Notes. The capped call transactions are generally expected to offset the potential dilution to the Class A common stock and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted Notes, with such offset subject to a cap, as the case may be, as a result of any conversion of the Notes. If the initial purchasers exercise their option to purchase additional Notes, the Company expects to enter into additional capped call transactions with the counterparties. In connection with establishing their initial hedge of these capped call transactions, the Company has been advised that the counterparties (i) may enter into various over-the-counter cash-settled derivative transactions with respect to the Class A common stock and/or purchase the Class A common stock in secondary market transactions concurrently with, or shortly after, the pricing of the Notes; and (ii) may enter into or unwind various over-the-counter derivatives and/or purchase the Class A common stock in secondary market transactions following the pricing of the Notes. These activities could have the effect of increasing or preventing a decline in the price of the Class A common stock concurrently with or following the pricing of the Notes and under certain circumstances, could affect the ability to convert the Notes. In addition, we expect that the counterparties may modify or unwind their hedge positions by entering into or unwinding various derivative transactions and/or purchasing or selling the Class A common stock or other securities of the Company in secondary market transactions following the pricing of the Notes and prior to maturity of the Notes (and are likely to do so (x) during any observation period related to a conversion of the Notes or following any redemption or fundamental change repurchase of the Notes, (y) following any other repurchase of the Notes if the Company unwinds a corresponding portion of the capped call transactions in connection with such repurchase and (z) if the Company otherwise unwinds all or a portion of the capped call transactions). The effect, if any, of these transactions and activities on the market price of the Class A common stock or the Notes will depend in part on market conditions and cannot be ascertained at this time, but any of these activities could adversely affect the value of the Class A common stock and the value of the Notes, and potentially the value of the consideration that a noteholder will receive upon the conversion of the Notes and could affect a noteholder's ability to convert the Notes. Fluence intends to use a portion of the net proceeds from the offering to fund the cost of entering into the capped call transactions. If the initial purchasers exercise their option to purchase additional Notes, Fluence expects to use a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of additional Notes to fund the cost of entering into additional capped call transactions. Fluence intends to transfer the remaining net proceeds of the offering directly to purchase an intercompany subordinated convertible promissory note issued by Fluence Energy, LLC, the proceeds of which Fluence Energy, LLC intends to use for working capital needs, upgrading one of its battery cell production lines from 305 amp hour cells to 530 amp hour cells, and general corporate purposes. The offer and sale of the Notes and any shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes have not been, and will not, be registered under the Securities Act or any other securities laws, and the Notes and any such shares cannot be offered or sold except to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, the Notes or any shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes, nor shall there be any sale of the Notes or any such shares, in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Any offers of the Notes will be made only by means of a private offering memorandum. There can be no assurances that the offering of the Notes will be completed as described herein or at all. About Fluence: Fluence Energy, Inc. FLNC is a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage and optimization software for renewables and storage. The Company's solutions and operational services are helping to create a more resilient grid and unlock the full potential of renewable portfolios. With gigawatts of projects successfully contracted, deployed and under management across nearly 50 markets, the Company is transforming the way we power our world for a more sustainable future. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In particular, statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, operational performance, anticipated growth and business strategy, future revenue recognition and estimated revenues, future capital expenditures and debt service obligations, projected costs, prospects, plans, and objectives of management for future operations, including, among others, statements regarding expected growth and demand for our energy storage solutions, services, and digital application offerings, relationships with new and existing customers and suppliers, introduction of new energy storage solutions, services, and digital application offerings and adoption of such offerings by customers, assumptions relating to the Company's tax receivable agreement, expectations relating to backlog, pipeline, and contracted backlog, current expectations relating to legal proceedings, and anticipated impact and benefits from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and related domestic content guidelines on us and our customers as well as any other proposed or recently enacted legislation, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you may identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "seeks," "intends," "targets," "projects," "contemplates," "grows," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential", "commits", or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Accordingly, we caution you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions, and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Among those risks and uncertainties are market conditions and the satisfaction of the closing conditions related to the offering of the Notes and the consummation of the capped calls transactions. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, our relatively limited operating and revenue history as an independent entity and the nascent clean energy industry; anticipated increasing expenses in the future and our ability to maintain prolonged profitability; fluctuations of our order intake and results of operations across fiscal periods; potential difficulties in maintaining manufacturing capacity and establishing expected mass manufacturing capacity in the future; risks relating to delays, disruptions, and quality control problems in our manufacturing operations; risks relating to quality and quantity of components provided by suppliers; risks relating to our status as a relatively low-volume purchaser as well as from supplier concentration and limited supplier capacity; risks relating to operating as a global company with a global supply chain; changes in the cost and availability of raw materials and underlying components; failure by manufacturers, vendors, and suppliers to use ethical business practices and comply with applicable laws and regulations; significant reduction in pricing or order volume or loss of one or more of our significant customers or their inability to perform under their contracts; risks relating to competition for our offerings and our ability to attract new customers and retain existing customers; ability to maintain and enhance our reputation and brand recognition; ability to effectively manage our recent and future growth and expansion of our business and operations; our growth depends in part on the success of our relationships with third parties; ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel; risks associated with engineering and construction, utility interconnection, commissioning and installation of our energy storage solutions and products, cost overruns, and delays; risks relating to lengthy sales and installation cycle for our energy storage solutions; risks related to defects, errors, vulnerabilities and/or bugs in our products and technology; risks relating to estimation uncertainty related to our product warranties; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; risks related to our current and planned foreign operations; amounts included in our pipeline and contracted backlog may not result in actual revenue or translate into profits; risks related to acquisitions we have made or that we may pursue; events and incidents relating to storage, delivery, installation, operation, maintenance and shutdowns of our products; risks relating to our impacts to our customer relationships due to events and incidents during the project lifecycle of an energy storage solution; actual or threatened health epidemics, pandemics or similar public health threats; ability to obtain financial assurances for our projects; risks relating to whether renewable energy technologies are suitable for widespread adoption or if sufficient demand for our offerings do not develop or takes longer to develop than we anticipate; estimates on size of our total addressable market; barriers arising from current electric utility industry policies and regulations and any subsequent changes; risks relating to the cost of electricity available from alternative sources; macroeconomic uncertainty and market conditions; risk relating to interest rates or a reduction in the availability of tax equity or project debt capital in the global financial markets and corresponding effects on customers' ability to finance energy storage systems and demand for our energy storage solutions; reduction, elimination, or expiration of government incentives or regulations regarding renewable energy; decline in public acceptance of renewable energy, or delay, prevent, or increase in the cost of customer projects; severe weather events; increased attention to ESG matters; restrictions set forth in our current credit agreement and future debt agreements; uncertain ability to raise additional capital to execute on business opportunities; ability to obtain, maintain and enforce proper protection for our intellectual property, including our technology; threat of lawsuits by third parties alleging intellectual property violations; adequate protection for our trademarks and trade names; ability to enforce our intellectual property rights; risks relating to our patent portfolio; ability to effectively protect data integrity of our technology infrastructure and other business systems; use of open-source software; failure to comply with third party license or technology agreements; inability to license rights to use technologies on reasonable terms; risks relating to compromises, interruptions, or shutdowns of our systems; changes in the global trade environment; potential changes in tax laws or regulations; risks relating to environmental, health, and safety laws and potential obligations, liabilities and costs thereunder; failure to comply with data privacy and data security laws, regulations and industry standards; risks relating to potential future legal proceedings, regulatory disputes, and governmental inquiries; risks related to ownership of our Class A common stock; risks related to us being a "controlled company" within the meaning of the NASDAQ rules; risks relating to the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws; risks relating to our relationship with our Founders and Continuing Equity Owners; risks relating to conflicts of interest by our officers and directors due to positions with Continuing Equity Owners; risks related to short-seller activists; we depend on distributions from Fluence Energy, LLC to pay our taxes and expenses and Fluence Energy, LLC's ability to make such distributions may be limited or restricted in certain scenarios; risks arising out of the Tax Receivable Agreement; unanticipated changes in effective tax rates or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of tax returns; risks relating to improper and ineffective internal control over reporting to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley Act; risks relating to changes in accounting principles or their applicability to us; risks relating to estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting policies; and the factors described under the headings Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" and Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what we anticipate. Many of the important factors that will determine these results are beyond our ability to control or predict. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. We qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this press release by these cautionary statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as otherwise required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which will arise. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Punjab CM Children's Heart Surgery Programme being expanded: minister

Williamson’s late three, Marshall’s free throw lift Niagara past Siena 69-68 in Metro Atlantic openerWhen you match your career high in points in back-to-back games during the same week, there is a high probability that the conference will take notice. The Mountain West Conference did on Monday. Utah State guard Mason Falslev was named the Mountain West Men’s Basketball Player of the Week on Monday. Off to a 5-0 start, the Aggies have received votes the past two weeks in the AP Top 25 Poll. Helping USU stay perfect this past week was Falslev. The sophomore from Benson played a big part in the Aggies’ 95-83 win over Montana in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum and then an even bigger role in USU’s 77-69 victory against Iowa in Kansas City. Falslev put up 25 points in each game against the Grizzlies and Hawkeyes, which matches his best scoring game set last season against Boise State. However, Falslev did much more than score. No. 12 set a career-high mark in steals against Montana with five. Against Iowa, he grabbed a career-best 12 rebounds. The double-double against the Hawkeyes was his first at the collegiate level. “Mason played 36 minutes against Iowa, but if we had needed him to play 40, he would have,” USU head coach Jerrod Calhoun said on Monday. “... Not only did Mason play 36 minutes, have 25 (points) and double-digit rebounds, but he also led us in deflections. That’s something that nobody looks at. It’s defense, it’s guarding. When he was on the floor, we held them to less than a point per possession. He impacted that game in a huge way.” Yes, he did. Falslev scored the first points of the game against the Hawkeyes on one of his moves in the paint. Later in the first half he hit a 3-point shot and grabbed a rebound and scored just before halftime as USU went into the break down four. In the second half against Iowa, Falslev scored 16 points, including two big-time 3-pointers as the shot clock was set to expire. Both those treys came with less than seven minutes to play and when the Aggies were in need of a bucket to stay in front. He sealed the victory with a dunk with 34 seconds to play. “I think it’s my first double-double, so that’s pretty cool,” Falslev said after the game against Iowa. “I’m happy about that. It’s awesome.” Against Montana, he had 14 points in the first half, including nine of the final 11 of the opening half for the Aggies as they took a 49-35 lead into halftime. In the second half against the Grizzlies, Falslev hit a huge 3-pointer to end to end a field-goal drought for USU and end a 12-0 run by Montana, who had pulled within two. For the week, Falslev shot 62.5 percent (20 of 32) from the floor, 62.5 percent (5 of 8) from 3-point range and 83.3 percent (5 of 6) at the free throw line. In the two games, he averaged 25.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 blocks and 3.5 steals per contest. “Mason Falslev was certainly unbelievable in huge moments,” Calhoun said. This is the first MW Player of the Week honor for Falslev. After spending a few days practicing in Logan, the Aggies will be heading out again to play in the Preseason NIT in Orlando, Florida, later this week. They face St. Bonaventure on Thanksgiving Day at 3:30 p.m. The Bonnies (6-0) beat Bryant Sunday, 85-70. The four-team event will conclude on Friday with a championship and third-place game. Northern Iowa and North Texas are the other two teams playing in Orlando.

CLEVELAND (AP) — The NFL has closed an investigation into sexual assault allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is ending the season on injured reserve for the second year in a row. The league has been reviewing the case for months , trying to determine whether Watson should be punished. “The matter is closed,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said Friday in an email to The Associated Press. “There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.” Watson, who served an 11-game suspension in 2022, was accused of assault in Texas by a woman in September. She was seeking more than $1 million in damages before the sides reached a confidential settlement. Watson strongly denied the allegations through his attorney, Rusty Hardin. The 29-year-old Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture in October. He's been rehabbing the injury in hopes of returning next season. The Browns still owe Watson $46 million in each of the next two seasons after they traded three first-round picks to Houston and signed him to a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract that has backfired. Watson has only played in 19 games over three seasons due to the suspension and injuries. He was acquired by the Browns, who were comfortable with his character despite Watson being accused of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions while he played for the Texans. While he's in the clear with the league, Watson's future with Cleveland isn't so certain. His massive contract — and its salary-cap ramifications — has put the Browns in a bind in terms of trying to improve their roster. Cleveland has had a disappointing season after making the playoffs a year ago and could move on from Watson, but the cost would be exorbitant if the team just releases him. The Browns signed Jameis Winston for one season to be Watson's backup. Winston has gone 2-3 as a starter since taking over and he's put some life into Cleveland's offense, which didn't score 20 points or gain 300 yards with Watson before his injury. His 2023 season was ended by a broken bone in his shoulder, requiring surgery. Winston has indicated he would come back, and he could be a viable option as a starter even if the Browns draft a young QB. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Freelance photographer arrested on Capitol riot charges

PTA enables VPN registration for freelancers via mobile numbersCorrection: Mattr Corp. Announces Pricing of Debt Subscription ReceiptsFAIRFIELD – Justiz Wilson was hitting from the corner. He was hitting from the top of the key. He was hitting with the shot clock winding down. He was hitting with plenty of time on the clock. Maybe most importantly, the Solano Community College guard kept making those shots in clutch situations against visiting American River of Sacramento on Thursday. Fueled by Wilson’s 33 points, the Falcons outlasted the Beavers, 73-62, as they evened their preseason record at 3-3. The Vanden High grad is having quite a week. He poured in 38 points in a win over Cañada just two days earlier. “My mindset has changed,” said Wilson, who was 11 of 25 from the field and 6 of 11 from 3-point land. “I had a few rude awakenings this season. People are really gunning for me, so I’ve had to really lock in with God and talk to him. I’ve had to listen to my pops a little bit more. He just told me to stay aggressive.” The Beavers (4-6) closed to within one point a handful of times in the game but never tied or took the lead. The final time came at 60-59 with 6:56 left in the second half. Wilson, however, calmly landed a turnaround jumper on the other end of the court. That began a 13-3 spurt to finish the game as Wilson had 11 of those points. While Wilson was sensational, he had sturdy help from fellow backcourt mate Nicko Ignacio, who added 20 points. The freshman from Fairfield High was 9 of 13 from the field. “The last two games, we’ve had Nicko back, and obviously we’re performing better. It’s no coincidence,” said Solano head coach John Nagle. “It’s a two-headed monster for those positions so (opponents) have to pick their poison.” Wilson had seven points and two assists in a 15-5 run for the Falcons to start the game as American River was forced to call timeout. The Beavers slowly got back into the game with the help of hulking center Max Manfredi, who led American River with 19 points and eight rebounds. The Beavers finally got hot midway through the first half as a Zach Cannon 3-pointer ignited a 13-3 run to cut the deficit to 29-28 with 6:21 left. However, two clutch foul shots from Wilson kept Solano in the lead. American River was down just 35-33 with 2:33 left in the half before a drive to the hoop from Ignacio began a 9-1 spurt to give the Falcons a 44-34 lead going into the locker room. Wilson held for the final shot and nailed a 3-pointer to put an exclamation point on his first half. Manfredi continued to get his points in the second half, but Solano sophomore Jeremiah Cardwell (five points, 10 boards) did not make things easy as the two battled physically against one another. Manfredi had four personal fouls – two of those on the offensive side. “He battled,” Nagle said of Cardwell. “He is all heart. He just gets out there and sacrifices for the team.” Solano still has some work to do on several fronts as it continues the preseason. The Falcons made just eight of 20 from the foul line for the contest. Also, Wilson and Ignacio accounted for 53 of the team’s 73 points as no one else had more than seven. “I think we still need to fully trust each other,” Wilson said. “We have new people on the team. We have a lot of players back, but I think we’re still trying to mesh together and trying to figure out our identity. I think we’ve had some amazing practices this week with coach Nagle though. I think we’re coming together.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The right frame can freeze a moment in time, creating meaning for the masses from a fist pump over a bloodied ear , a bridge crumbled by a ship , towns shredded by nature , and a victory sealed with an on-field kiss . In 2024, photographers across the U.S. captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election , to hurricanes and fires that ravaged communities, to campus protests over the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The gallery from The Associated Press illustrates a new chapter of political history — the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump , the moment President Joe Biden announced he would no longer run again , the campaign sprint by Vice President Kamala Harris in Biden’s place, and the raw emotion from voters during a grueling contest ultimately won by Trump . Related Articles Hurricanes whipped through the country with devastating imagery, leaving a path of wreckage and death from Florida to Appalachia . After Hurricane Helene , Lake Lure in North Carolina was shown in a jarring photo covered in shards of debris thick enough to hide the surface of the water. Hurricane Milton ripped apart the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, home to Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays. The scale of destruction experienced in some corners of the country in 2024 was hard to capture and might have been harder to fathom. That was the case when a container ship slammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse and crumple around the vessel, killing construction workers on the bridge. As flames torched the landscape in California , another image captured firefighters and sheriff’s deputies pushing a vintage car away from a burning home. Elsewhere in California , one photo is aglow with bright orange flames, broken up only by the subtle features of an animal running through them. But hope also persevered in the face of devastation. In Helene’s aftermath , an image from Crystal River, Florida, shows Dustin Holmes holding hands with his girlfriend, Hailey Morgan, as they sloshed through floodwaters with her 4- and 7-year-old children to return to their flooded home. And in Manasota Key, Florida, a family was lit up by the glow of flashlights as they walked to check on their home damaged by Milton. Other photos from 2024 also grabbed the darkness and shadows to emphasize light: among them, a rocket liftoff and a total solar eclipse . And, yes, eclipse glasses were back in style for a shared moment of skygazing. But many other photos delivered a blast of color, from the spectrum of the northern lights across a Maine sky to a crew of workers wading into the deep-red of a Massachusetts cranberry bog . And, once again, Taylor Swift captured the country’s attention, even as a part of the crowd. She rushed down from the stands to kiss her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, after the Chiefs won the AFC Championship , en route to another Super Bowl win.With Trump on the way, advocates look to states to pick up medical debt fight

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Dividend stocks: Shares of major companies, such as National Aluminium Co. Ltd , Gillette India, Godfrey Phillips India and others, are scheduled to trade ex-dividend starting on Monday, November 25, 2024, according to BSE. Some of the major companies have announced various corporate actions, including the bonus issue, extraordinary general meetings (EGM), and stock split , according to BSE data. The day when the equity share price adjusts to show the next dividend payout is known as the ex-dividend date. When the stock becomes ex-dividend, it means that the stock does not carry the value of its next dividend payment from that day forward. Dividends are payable to all the shareholders whose names appear on the company's list by the end of the record date. The following are the stocks that have declared dividend in the upcoming week: Stock trading ex-dividend on Monday, November 25, 2024: Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 3. EPL Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 2.5. Power Finance Corporation Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 3.5. Stock trading ex-dividend on Tuesday, November 26, 2024: Dev Information Technology Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 0.25. Dolat Algotech Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 0.25. Elpro International Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 0.70. Ganesha Ecosphere Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 1.5. Gillette India Ltd: The company declared a final dividend of ₹ 45. GPT Infraprojects Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 1. Kaveri Seed Company Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 5. Morganite Crucible (India) Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 30. Polyplex Corporation Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 9. Sun TV Network Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 5. Stock trading ex-dividend on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 Bhatia Communications & Retail (India) Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 0.01. Happiest Minds Technologies Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 2.5. Ingersoll-Rand (India) Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 55. Ipca Laboratories Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 2. Khazanchi Jewellers Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 0.5. Multibase India Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 53. Natco Pharma Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 1.5. Padam Cotton Yarns Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 1. Pearl Global Industries Limited: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 5. Stock trading ex-dividend on Thursday, November 28, 2024 Bayer Cropscience Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 90. Focus Business Solution Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 0.1. GPT Healthcare Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 1. Indag Rubber Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 0.9. Jamna Auto Industries Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 1. Panchsheel Organics Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 0.8. Procter & Gamble Health Ltd: The company declared a final dividend of ₹ 60. Stock trading ex-dividend on Friday, November 29, 2024 Career Point Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 1. Dynamatic Technologies Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 2. Godfrey Phillips India Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 35. HB Portfolio Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 1. National Aluminium Co.ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 4. Nicco Parks & Resorts Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 0.20. Surya Roshni Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 2.5. Talbros Automotive Components Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 0.20. Taparia Tools Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 25. Venus Pipes & Tubes Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 0.5. VRL Logistics Ltd: The company declared an interim dividend of ₹ 5. Bonus issue for next week Shakti Pumps (India) Ltd: Bonus issue in the ratio of 5:1 on November 25. Raghav Productivity Enhancers Ltd: Bonus issue in the ratio of 1:1 on November 29. Spright Agro Ltd: Bonus issue in the ratio of 1:1 on November 29. Other corporate actions A.K. Spintex Ltd: Extraordinary general meeting on November 25. Altius Telecom Infrastructure Trust: Income Distribution (InvIT) on November 25. Autopal Industries Ltd: Resolution Plan (Suspension) on November 25. Golden Legand Leasing & Finance Ltd: EGM on November 25. NHC Foods Ltd: Right issue of equity shares on November 26. UPL Limited: Right issue of equity shares on November 26. Scanpoint Geomatics Ltd: Right issue of equity shares on November 27. SIEL Financial Services Ltd: EGM on November 27. Jindal Saw Ltd: EGM on November 29. Jonjua Overseas Ltd: Right issue of equity shares on November 29. Vivid Mercantile Ltd: The stock will split from ₹ 10 to ₹ 1.The owner of 4 Water St., an office building that abuts Nashua’s ongoing Downtown Riverfront development project, told aldermen this week that the city doesn’t need to pursue eminent domain proceedings for an easement involving a roughly 2,000 square foot patio-type structure attached to the rear of the building. The city recently drafted legislation to take the structure by eminent domain “or other legal” means, contending that Mike Cerato, who has owned 4 Water St. for several years, wanted to reopen discussions with the city last summer and ask for additional funds said to be in the neighborhood of $40,000 for the easement, bringing the total cost to around $90,000. In the end, aldermen voted unanimously to table the resolution until an appraisal, currently in the works, is completed and in the hands of city officials. Cerato, who said he’s been “an active supporter of the Riverfront project from the beginning” and is “committed to see it succeed,” told aldermen that he would likely agree to the appraisal, which deputy city attorney Dorothy Clark said is expected to be about $40,000. “If the appraisal is fair, if the city is prepared” to accept it, “then so am I,” Cerato said. Meanwhile, the appraisal, being conducted by Portsmouth-based Bergeron Commercial Appraisal, is in the works, Clark said at the meeting. It is expected to be completed in about a month, she added. “I don’t feel you need to (pursue) eminent domain ... I intend to grant an easement,” Cerato told aldermen. “So let’s wait until the appraisal comes back,” he said, suggesting that the board table the matter until then. nashuanews@unionleader.comNone

Hyderabad: Vice-chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University Dr D Raji Reddy has said that the Internet of Things (IoT) is going to be the future of horticulture, where horticultural crops will be mapped using remote sensing and geographical information systems (GIS) in the near future. He was addressing the “International workshop on GIS for Plant Biodiversity” held at the Horticultural University in Mulugu on Wednesday, December 25. Addressing the experts who attended the workshop, he said that DNA finger-printing and genome sequencing of important vegetables, fruits and medicinal plants will be done in the near future. He explained that specific models of plants will be developed using artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning techniques. “GIS and remote sensing will be highly useful for faster availability of data. The university will work on these in the near future,” he informed the participants who came from across the country and beyond. “Disentangling phylogenetic relationships in citrus and its relatives with complete chloroplast genomes and conserved nuclear genomes” was discussed in the context of the research applied to the case of Japanese flora and exploring the world’s plant resources using GIS. Dr Shyam Saran Shrestha, program coordinator at Shraddha Institute of Health Sciences and president of Himalayan Research and Development Center, Nepal, spoke on the topic “Bio-prospecting medicinal plants of Nepal, Italy and Japan.”Recalled Alameda Co. DA Pamela Price leaves office; supes to discuss appointment process

Which country is the most sustainable? To answer this question requires an identification of suitable measures and an accurate pool of data. A new review indicates that Sweden tops the list of nations. The data comes from the firm Arka , who ranked the top ten countries where more companies are focused on sustainability. Key indicators such as environment-related technology patents, crunchbase sustainable companies, and GDP per capita were gathered to reflect sustainability activities and economic capacity. In the end, a composite index of 100 was calculated for each country, reflecting its sustainability efforts relative to its economic capacity. Overall, the Scandinavian countries, specifically Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, achieve some of the highest scores on the sustainable development index, with all scoring above 85. Another notable case is Switzerland, which ranks highly in a new global study on sustainability, excelling in green business density with 6.5 sustainable companies per billion GDP and a Sustainable Development Index score of 79.3. The UK features prominently, with one of the highest densities of sustainable companies (7.5 per billion GDP) and a strong Sustainable Development Index score of 82.16. The Sustainability Engagement Index was developed to evaluate countries’ commitment to sustainability relative to their economic scale. This index highlights both innovation and sustainable business density, offering a fair comparison across economies. The top ten ‘most sustainable’ nations were found to be: ( This is a filtered, scaled, and normalized index ). As mentioned above, Sweden leads with a composite score of 65.9. It stands out for its exceptional density of sustainable companies, with 7.6 sustainable companies per billion GDP, the highest among all ranked countries. Sweden also has a high score on the sustainable development index, at 85.7, which proves the country’s commitment to sustainability across both public and private sectors. Close behind is Denmark, scoring 63.34 and ranking second. Denmark ranks high in both patents per billion GDP (2.4) and sustainable companies per billion GDP (5.18). The country also ranks high in patents and sustainable businesses per GDP, and its sustainable development score of 85 shows they’re committed to green growth. Finland is the third Scandinavian country with a composite score of 62.48. Finland is among the top performers, with 6.83 sustainable companies per billion GDP. It also leads the sustainable development index with an impressive 86.35, showing the country’s all-in commitment to ecological and social sustainability. South Korea, despite its current political turmoil, ranks fourth with a composite score of 58.52 and is leading in environment-related patents, holding 6,600—by far the most on the list. Although it ranks lower in sustainable companies per billion GDP (0.9), Korea’s focus on tech-driven sustainability initiatives is clear. Belgium, with a composite score of 57.24, ranks fifth. Its sustainable development index score is 80.04, which suggests a well-rounded approach to sustainability and a strive towards a more eco-conscious future. Switzerland holds a score of 56.94, placing it sixth. The country shows a strong score for sustainable companies per billion GDP of 6.5. The UK ranks seventh with a score of 55.58. In eighth comes Canada, with a score of 53.56. Its sustainable development index is 78.8, which shows a commitment to hitting environmental and social goals. With strong numbers in patents and sustainable companies, Canada is making progress toward a greener future. Australia ranks ninth with a composite score of 50.13 and Austria rounds out the list with a composite score of 49.2. Its sustainable development index score of 82.55. Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.“They showed me a lot of love. ... How they're going to make it comfortable for me,” he said. "That's one of the things I was looking for." Soto was introduced at Citi Field a day after his deal was finalized. Speaking in the Piazza 31 Club, he was flanked by Mets owner Steve Cohen, president of baseball operations David Stearns and his agent, Scott Boras. “They always talk about family. They always talk about stick(ing) together,” Soto said. “That's one of the things that opened my eyes.” Security men in gray suits wearing earpieces were off to the side. Soto walked in led by Boras, wearing a dark suit, black turtle neck shirt and gold chain with his No. 22. “I’m excited by the Mets future,” Cohen said. “I think this accelerates our goal of winning championships.” Soto chose the Mets' offer on Sunday, deciding to leave the Yankees after helping them reach the World Series in his only season in the Bronx. SAN FRANCISCO — Willy Adames wasted little time making one thing clear: He wants to play all 162 games for the San Francisco Giants. So when introduced as their new shortstop Thursday, Adames looked to his left and gently put a hand on manager Bob Melvin's right shoulder, smiled and said, “if he lets me.” Melvin might not need much convincing, thrilled to suddenly have stability at a position that lacked continuity this year in his first season as skipper. Adames didn't hesitate to also offer a thought to new boss Buster Posey: He plans to win a few championships with the Giants just like the catcher-turned-executive did here. Surrounded by his parents and other family and friends, Adames was formally introduced and welcomed at Oracle Park after signing a $182 million, seven-year contract — the first big, splashy move made by Posey since he became President of Baseball Operations in late September. “There’s no words to describe my feeling right now to be here in this beautiful city, I’m just so happy to be here,” Adames said. "... This is a dream come true for me. I’m thrilled to be here, I’m so excited. Hopefully we can win a few championships like you did, and that’s one of the main reasons I’m here.” PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic — The trial against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking, was postponed on Thursday and scheduled to resume June 2, 2025. Dominican judge Yacaira Veras postponed the hearing at the request of prosecutors because of the absence of several key witnesses in the case. Only three out of 31 witnesses arrived to the hearing on Thursday. Franco’s lawyers asked the court to reconsider the postponement, arguing Franco must report to spring training in mid-February. “There is no case against Wander, for as many witnesses as they present, there is no case now,” Franco's lead lawyer Teodosio Jáquez told The Associated Press after the hearing. The judge replied that Franco is obligated to continue with the trial schedule and his conditional release from detainment.

Provides 2000 A15 Hydro Bitcoin mining machines in initial order Continues global expansion with addition of new customer SINGAPORE , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Canaan Inc. (NASDAQ: CAN) ("Canaan" or the "Company"), a leading high-performance computing solutions provider, today announced that Canaan Creative Global Pte. Ltd. ("CCG"), a wholly owned Singapore subsidiary of the Company, has entered into a purchase agreement with AGM Group Holdings Inc. ("AGMH"), an integrated technology company specializing in fintech software services and production of high-performance hardware and computing equipment, for its Avalon A15 HydU 370T ("A15 Hydro") mining machines. As part of the agreement, Canaan will initially provide 2,000 Bitcoin mining machines to AGMH. The Company has also agreed to provide its customer with an option to acquire approximately 30,000 additional BTC mining units, potentially providing AGMH with a combined power capacity not exceeding 300 megawatts. The Avalon Miner A15 Hydro enhances the miner's performance and lifespan while reducing energy consumption and noise pollution, aligning with Canaan's ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy. About Canaan Inc. Established in 2013, Canaan Inc. (NASDAQ: CAN), is a technology company focusing on ASIC high-performance computing chip design, chip research and development, computing equipment production, and software services. Canaan has extensive experience in chip design and streamlined production in the ASIC field. In 2013, Canaan's founding team shipped to its customers the world's first batch of mining machines incorporating ASIC technology in bitcoin 's history under the brand name Avalon. In 2019, Canaan completed its initial public offering on the Nasdaq Global Market. To learn more about Canaan, please visit https://www.canaan.io/ . Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward−looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward−looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Canaan Inc.'s strategic and operational plans, contain forward−looking statements. Canaan Inc. may also make written or oral forward−looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on Forms 20−F and 6−K, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Canaan Inc.'s beliefs and expectations, are forward−looking statements. Forward−looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward−looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company's goals and strategies; the Company's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the bitcoin industry and the price of bitcoin ; the Company's expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products, especially its bitcoin mining machines; the Company's expectations regarding maintaining and strengthening its relationships with production partners and customers; the Company's investment plans and strategies, fluctuations in the Company's quarterly operating results; competition in its industry; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to the Company and cryptocurrency . Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Canaan Inc. does not undertake any obligation to update any forward−looking statement, except as required under applicable law. Investor Relations Contacts Canaan Inc. Xi Zhang Email: IR@canaan-creative.com ICR, LLC. Robin Yang Tel: +1 (347) 396-3281 Email: canaan.ir@icrinc.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/canaan-inc-signs-agreement-with-agm-group-holdings-inc-302330362.html SOURCE Canaan Inc.MLB NOTESThe Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Kwara), has addressed misconceptions surrounding the four Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly. In a statement released on Wednesday to mark the Christmas celebration, Senator Bamidele dismissed claims about the derivation model in the Bills as “utterly incorrect and unfounded.” “The proposed tax reform bills, described as executive legislation, include a review of derivations to states. Under the new model, Kano State’s share would rise from 0.89 per cent to 6.17 per cent, while Zamfara State’s allocation would increase from 0.05 per cent to 1.21 per cent. “However, Lagos State, which currently receives 80.26 per cent, would see a significant reduction to 15.28 per cent, representing an 81 per cent decrease. Rivers State’s share would also drop from 7.74 per cent to 4.6 per cent, marking a 41 per cent reduction,” he stated. Additionally, the Bills propose tax exemptions for employees earning ₦1,000,000 annually (₦83,000 monthly), as well as for start-ups, shared services, and technologically-driven businesses. They also recommend zero VAT on essential services and consumables. The reform Bills have sparked debates, particularly from northern governors, who have labelled them ‘anti-North’. Similarly, members of the National Assembly from across the country have expressed divergent views on the proposed VAT sharing formula in the proposed legislation. LEADERSHIP reports that the National Economic Council (NEC), led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, had earlier urged President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the Bills for further consultation. However, the President insisted that all concerns be addressed within the ongoing legislative process on the Bills. Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State recently criticised the reforms, claiming they would disproportionately benefit Lagos State, the President’s home state. However, Senator Bamidele emphasised that the reforms aimed to foster an environment conducive to business, investment, and economic growth. “We are committed to building an environment where businesses can operate seamlessly; where investors are confident, and where Nigerians can thrive without undue burdens,” he said. He noted that the reforms, including the Tax Reform Bills, National Minimum Wage Act, and Investment and Securities Act, were designed to reverse troubling economic indicators. He reassured Nigerians that the reforms were guided by principles of equity, fairness, and justice. “Contrary to misconceptions, the Tax Reform Bills exempt all employees earning ₦1,000,000 annually, support start-ups and technological services, and propose zero VAT on essential goods and services,” he clarified. Addressing the Christmas season, the Senate Leader highlighted the importance of gratitude, reflection, and compassion. He urged Nigerians to remember the needy, reflect on Christ’s mission, and pray for the country’s economic recovery, political stability, and unity. “As we celebrate, let us recommit to the development of our nation. This is not the time to search for greener pastures abroad but to join hands to rebuild and rebrand our homeland,” he stated. President Tinubu, during his recent Presidential Media Chat, affirmed his commitment to reforming Nigeria’s tax system, stressing that “tax amendments require negotiation and consensus.” He reassured Nigerians that while the reforms may be challenging, they were necessary to secure the nation’s future. Senator Bamidele concluded his message with warm wishes for the festive season: “With all my heart, I wish you all happy celebrations in this season of deep reflection. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance.”

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Benguet Corp. has secured the go-ahead from stakeholders to increase its authorized capital stock as the listed company gears up to expand its foothold outside the mining industry. In a stock exchange disclosure, Benguet said it secured the green light for an increase to P3.18 billion from P784.8 million, during the firm’s annual meeting of stockholders conducted via livestreaming. Benguet will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the application for a higher authorized capital stock. READ: Benguet Corp pushes expansion, diversification “The purpose of the capital increase is for the company to conduct a stock rights offer (SRO), stock option grants, and declare stock dividends in the future,” it said. A company such as Benguet carries out an SRO to provide existing shareholders an opportunity to purchase more shares at a discount. Proceeds from this transaction are used to settle debts or bankroll projects in the pipeline. In a stock option grant, an entity offers employees, consultants or executives the right to purchase a certain number of its shares at a predetermined price, subject to certain conditions. This developed as Benguet signified its intention to increase its activities not only in the mining sector but also in other industries such as renewable energy after settling its decades-long debt. Benguet disclosed it is focusing on its gold prospects as prices of the yellow metal soar. The company initiated the exploration of its gold concession area in Zamboanga Sibugay and is on the lookout for other copper-gold prospects. It is also studying a new technology for higher recovery of its gold tailing project in Itogon. Likewise, the firm continues to implement its drilling program at the Pantingan gold prospect in Bataan. It approved a budget of P50 million to support Phase Two of the drilling and exploration plan. Last October, Benguet secured the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ approval to extend its mineral production sharing agreement for another 25 years, which it expects will lead to the declaration for mining project feasibility. Benguet has an operating agreement with Balanga Bataan Minerals Corp. signed in March 1996. It covers 1,410 hectares situated in the towns of Bagac, Mariveles and Limay in Bataan. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . The mining firm unveiled its plans to expand its portfolio to include construction, real estate, water, agribusiness and renewables as it became debt-free with the settlement of all its outstanding debts in October. —Jordeene B. LagareLions head into NFC title game rematch vs. 49ers seeking top seed more than revenge

BJP govt in Bihar on its own will be true tribute to Vajpayee: Deputy CM Vijay Kumar SinhaTightKnit Brewing Co. to close downtown Greeley location later this month

Benguet Corp. has secured the go-ahead from stakeholders to increase its authorized capital stock as the listed company gears up to expand its foothold outside the mining industry. In a stock exchange disclosure, Benguet said it secured the green light for an increase to P3.18 billion from P784.8 million, during the firm’s annual meeting of stockholders conducted via livestreaming. Benguet will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the application for a higher authorized capital stock. READ: Benguet Corp pushes expansion, diversification “The purpose of the capital increase is for the company to conduct a stock rights offer (SRO), stock option grants, and declare stock dividends in the future,” it said. A company such as Benguet carries out an SRO to provide existing shareholders an opportunity to purchase more shares at a discount. Proceeds from this transaction are used to settle debts or bankroll projects in the pipeline. In a stock option grant, an entity offers employees, consultants or executives the right to purchase a certain number of its shares at a predetermined price, subject to certain conditions. This developed as Benguet signified its intention to increase its activities not only in the mining sector but also in other industries such as renewable energy after settling its decades-long debt. Benguet disclosed it is focusing on its gold prospects as prices of the yellow metal soar. The company initiated the exploration of its gold concession area in Zamboanga Sibugay and is on the lookout for other copper-gold prospects. It is also studying a new technology for higher recovery of its gold tailing project in Itogon. Likewise, the firm continues to implement its drilling program at the Pantingan gold prospect in Bataan. It approved a budget of P50 million to support Phase Two of the drilling and exploration plan. Last October, Benguet secured the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ approval to extend its mineral production sharing agreement for another 25 years, which it expects will lead to the declaration for mining project feasibility. Benguet has an operating agreement with Balanga Bataan Minerals Corp. signed in March 1996. It covers 1,410 hectares situated in the towns of Bagac, Mariveles and Limay in Bataan. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . The mining firm unveiled its plans to expand its portfolio to include construction, real estate, water, agribusiness and renewables as it became debt-free with the settlement of all its outstanding debts in October. —Jordeene B. Lagare

Premiers to meet with Trudeau Wednesday about trade and tariffs, Ford saysMarvell Introduces 1.6 Tbps LPO Chipset to Enable Optical Short-reach, Scale-up Compute Fabric Interconnects

'I needed to get this." County Executive Crowley to graduate from UWM years after dropping out.

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The Buffalo Bills are in the midst of their bye week, and Bills Mafia is still riding high after Buffalo's biggest win of the year over the Kansas City Chiefs. The game was treated as the potential game of the year, so much so that THE NFL Today left their studio in New York City and travelled up to Buffalo for the pregame show. Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show , J.J. Watt talked about the experience of doing the show on the road, and gave massive praise to Buffalo and Bills Mafia. "It was awesome," Watt said. "It was a really fun experience. Obviously, we're normally in the studio every week. CBS sent us out for the big game." Watt compared the show going on the road to College Gameday. "I see why you love Gameday so much," Watt said to McAfee. "That atmosphere... I tried to get the Buffalo crowd going and they delivered. We were chugging beers, we had people showing up at 6:00 AM. It was electric... very similar to Wisconsin folks. I felt right at home." The idea of having The NFL Today go on the road more often was pitched by Jim Nantz during the pregame show, and it very well may become a reality after the overwhelmingly positive responses following last Sunday.I watched the interview with Sam Altman by Andrew Ross Sorkin of the New York Times. It seemed like a fundamental way station in the story that people are telling about large language models and related technology. Here are some of the main points that stood out to me about the journey, and how it has informed not just business, but society as a whole. First of all, Sorkin asked Altman about the trajectory of the technology itself, and he brought this up early on the interview. Why, he asked, did people get suddenly more interested when ChatGPT first came out? In response Altman talked about what he called the “chanciness” of change, and suggested that one reason for massive investments directly after the unveiling of ChatGPT is that people were having a lot of fun talking to the model, interacting directly, and seeing firsthand what the technology was capable of. “We said, ‘Well, if that's what people want, we can make it much easier to use,’” he explained. “You don't have to sign up for a developer account and do all these other things, and we can sort of train it to be good at conversations. And so we said, okay, let's make this as a product.” Since then, as the two noted, it’s been off to the races. Is There a Wall? Artificial Intelligence and Its Limitations Sorkin and his interview subject also discussed limitations and constraints on technological progress. Altman seemed to suggest that we shouldn’t worry so much about whether there is a wall, but understand what’s already happened, and be enthusiastic about the potential that it shows. In a sense, these technologies have already proven themselves. As for drivers of this program, he suggested that algorithmic progress is at least as important as expanding compute. He pointed to the transformer as a major innovation, and if you look back in the blog, I had been laying out how new models take advantage of this architecture to jump to the next level. The AI Arms Race Noting an “arms race” in terms of processing power, Sorkin asked Altman about who the competitors are, and how that works. Later in the interview, he got into some of the tensions within the industry, where Altman largely declined to wade into the fray, but instead talked about his positive past history with Elon Musk, and his general desire to work with others across the field, rather than foment conflict. Now, without trying to cherry-pick Altman’s responses to Sorkin’s sort of personal inquiries, I think it’s notable to provide this quote and take notice, in the context that there’s a lot of talk flying around about business clout and political sway, specifically centered around whether anti-competitive behavior can come out of unusual political relationships: “I believe pretty strongly that Elon will do the right thing,” Altman said. “It can be profoundly unAmerican, to use political power, to the degree that Elon has it, to hurt your competitors and (unfairly position) your own businesses. ... I don't think Elon would do it.” For more on the background, and his other thoughts on this score, you can watch the segment. The Long March In terms of AI safety and the singularity, Altman, when asked about pain points, suggested that there’s going to be a big gap between AGI and the eventual singularity. We can be nervous now, he said, about some things, but major challenges will crop up on that open road well after we’ve attained these current sets of goals that humanity has for AI. In general, he said, he has faith that researchers will solve a lot of the practical problems with emerging digital sentience, to wit – how do we coexist with other thinkers who don’t have physical bodies, but are stuck in a mainframe somewhere? A Sense of Place Talking about the unique value and contributions of OpenAI, Altman noted that the company was essentially in the right place, at the right time. “We discovered an important new type of (tech),” he said. As an analogy, he talked about transistors and how they facilitated the eventual cloud and big data eras, invoking Moore’s law. Gordon Moore’s now-famous prediction has become a staple of reading the tea leaves on tech, and figuring out how and why we arrived at this point. To Those Who Write Near the end of the interview, Altman threw all of us who live in the human writing world a bone when he suggested that AI will not replace humans as a creative force. “We need to find new economic models where creators can have new revenue streams,” he said. To which I think most freelancers, and those working in beleaguered newsrooms, would agree. The interview ended with some touching remarks about parenthood, and Altman‘s own impending role as a father, with his thoughts about the next generations and what they will face. “The industrial revolution comes along, so machines take all of our jobs,” he said, moving through historic periods of change. “What does this mean? Computer revolution comes along. Computers take a bunch of current jobs. What does it mean? And the answer, at least in terms of what it means to be human, is: not very much. The economy will change, the kinds of jobs people will do will change, and people will care way more, and love their kids way more than they care about AI and anything else that any technology can deliver. The sort of the deep human drives are so powerful and have been here for so long. Evolution is pretty slow ... I think in some sense, my kids will grow up in a super different world, and in some other sense, it will be exactly the same.” This is my roundup of what I heard from one of the brightest stars in technology at this month’s event which is often so notable in terms of the industry as a whole. It’s almost Christmas time, and we’re looking at 2024 as a year that is coming to a close. It’s fascinating and staggering how much progress has taken place in just four short quarters. Stay tuned for more.

Senator recognizes SharksDENVER — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's “America’s Got Talent” meets “American Idol,” with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it’s never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at “Dream Team” status given the men’s side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (to be determined) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023 . The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. “We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport,” said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. “We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world.” Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores . “Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That’s something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok , the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football, though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado’s two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. “If a receiver is running around, I’m thinking, ‘OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,’” Daniels explained. “They’re like, ‘No, you can’t.’ I’m just like, ‘So I’m supposed to let this guy just run?’ I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn.” The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a back seat. “I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. “I’m not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, ‘I played NFL football for five years. I’m popular. I have a huge name.’ I’m still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise.” Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It’s his way of working on avoiding a “defender” trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. “You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the ‘Redeem Team’ led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, ‘That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. “Everybody thinks, ‘Yeah, the U.S. just wins,’” Daniels said. “But we work hard all the time. We don’t just walk in. We don’t just get off the bus thinking, ‘We’re going to beat people.’”

The Pew Research poll from this summer found that 56% of Americans say the government is “almost always wasteful and inefficient.” Gallup’s recent polling data shows that 55% of Americans say the government is doing “too much” while only 41% say it should do more. Americans are more evenly split how big the government should be, but increasing government efficiency has more broad support. “Gallup polling earlier this year showed that 58% of Americans are dissatisfied with the size and power of the federal government,” Gallup said. “A slight majority of Americans say the government has too much power. Seven in 10 Americans in 2019 agreed that businesses can do things more efficiently than the federal government.” The survey comes after President-elect Donald Trump won the White House and issued broad, sweeping plans to decrease the scope of the federal government. To accomplish this task, Trump appointed businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and billionaire Elon Musk to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency. “Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies – Essential to the ‘Save America’ Movement,’” Trump said in his announcement. Both Ramaswamy and Musk have publicly issued scathing remarks about the waste of federal resources currently occurring in Washington, D.C. Ramaswamy, for instance, has laid out a specific plan on how thousands of federal workers could be fired. The pair of businessmen have said publicly DOGE could cut $2 trillion in federal spending. Ramaswamy and Musk visited Capitol Hill on Thursday to meet with lawmakers to discuss the potential cuts, which could even include ideas as drastic as eliminating the Department of Education and returning that responsibility to the states. Trump's allies have also discussed cutting spending on diversity, equity and inclusion programs, which are seen by Trump's camp as taxpayer-funded investment in woke ideology. Whether such stark actions would be supported by Americans remains unclear, but for now the latest polling shows Americans want something to be done. On top of that, Americans’ desire for smaller government seems to be more than a momentary political phase. “Gallup has asked this question annually over the past 24 years. On average, 52% of Americans have said the government is doing too much, compared with 42% saying the government should do more...” Gallup said. “Only twice have more Americans chosen the ‘government should do more’ alternative over the ‘government doing too much’ alternative -- in 2001 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and in 2020 after the outbreak of COVID-19.”

Space Enabled at AGU in Washington, D.C. - MIT Media Lab(All times Eastern) Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts Friday, Nov. 22 AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL (WOMEN’S) 11 p.m. FS2 — AFL Playoffs: Port Adelaide at North Melbourne, Preliminary Final 3:30 a.m. (Saturday) FS2 — AFL Playoffs: Adelaide at Brisbane, Preliminary Final AUTO RACING 9:25 p.m. ESPNEWS — Formula 1: Practice, Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Las Vegas 12:55 a.m. (Saturday) ESPN — Formula 1: Qualifying, Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Las Vegas COLLEGE BASKETBALL (MEN’S) 11:30 a.m. ESPN2 — Charleston Classic: TBD, Semifinal, Charleston, S.C. ESPNU — Myrtle Beach Invitational: TBD, Consolation Semifinal, Conway, S.C. 2 p.m. ESPN2 — Myrtle Beach Invitational: TBD, Semifinal, Conway, S.C. ESPNU — Charleston Classic: TBD, Consolation Semifinal, Charleston, S.C. 2:30 p.m. CBSSN — Greenbrier Tip-Off: Pittsburgh vs. LSU, Semifinal, West White Sulphur Springs, W.V. 5 p.m. CBSSN — Greenbrier Tip-Off: Wisconsin vs. UCF, Semifinal, West White Sulphur Springs, W.V. ESPN2 — Charleston Classic: TBD, Semifinal, Charleston, S.C. ESPNU — Myrtle Beach Invitational: TBD, Semifinal, Conway, S.C. 6 p.m. BTN — Campbell at Ohio St. 7 p.m. CBSSN — Continental Tire Baha Mar Championship: TBD, Third-Place Game, Nassau, Bahamas ESPNU — Legends Classic: TBD, Third-Place Game, New York FS2 — Merrimack at Butler SECN — S. Illinois at Florida 8 p.m. BTN — Utah St. vs. Iowa, Kansas City, Mo. FS1 — Nebraska at Creighton 9 p.m. SECN — Little Rock at Arkansas 9:30 p.m. ESPNU — Legends Classic: TBD, Championship, New York CBSSN — Continental Tire Baha Mar Championship: TBD, Championship, Nassau, Bahamas 10 p.m. BTN — Cal St.-Fullerton at UCLA 10:30 p.m. ESPN2 — Duke at Arizona PEACOCK — Saint Louis vs. Wichita St., Kansas City, Mo. Story continues below video 12:30 a.m. (Saturday) ESPN2 — North Carolina at Hawaii COLLEGE BASKETBALL (WOMEN’S) 7 p.m. ACCN — Florida at Florida St. COLLEGE FOOTBALL 7 p.m. ESPN2 — Temple at UTSA 8 p.m. FOX — Purdue at Michigan St. 10 p.m. FS1 — UNLV at San Jose St. GOLF Noon GOLF — PGA Tour: The The RSM Classic, Second Round, Sea Island Golf Club - Seaside Course, Sea Island, Ga. 3 p.m. GOLF — LPGA Tour: The CME Group Tour Championship, Second Round, Tiburon Golf Club, Naples, Fla. 7:30 p.m. TNT — The Match Superstars: Semifinals, Breakers West Country Club, West Palm Beach, Fla. TRUTV — The Match Superstars: Semifinals, Breakers West Country Club, West Palm Beach, Fla. (DataCast) 9 p.m. TNT — The Match Superstars: Final, Breakers West Country Club, West Palm Beach, Fla. TRUTV — The Match Superstars: Final, Breakers West Country Club, West Palm Beach, Fla. (DataCast) 9:30 p.m. GOLF — DP World Tour: The BMW Australian PGA Championship, Third Round, Royal Queensland Golf Club, Brisbane, Australia 1 a.m. (Saturday) GOLF — Asian Tour: The LINK Hong Kong Open, Third Round, Hong Kong Golf Club, Hong Kong HORSE RACING Noon FS2 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races NBA BASKETBALL 7:40 p.m. ESPN — Golden State at New Orleans 10:05 p.m. ESPN — Dallas at Denver NHL HOCKEY 7 p.m. NHLN — Winnipeg at Pittsburgh SAILING 5 a.m. (Saturday) CBSSN — Sail GP: The Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix - Day 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates TENNIS 11 a.m. TENNIS — Davis Cup Finals Semifinal The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV .NEW YORK (WABC) -- When a film wins five Oscars, including Best Picture, any talk of a sequel is terrifying. But Ridley Scott has done what seemed impossible. Nearly 25 years after "Gladiator" became an instant classic, Ridley Scott returns to an empire built on blood and glory. But in this Rome, the stakes are higher and the battles are bigger. This sequel stars Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus, a character who appeared as a young boy in the 2000 movie starring Russell Crowe. Mescal reflected on seeing the sequel for the first time. "I was so relieved, excited, proud," Mescal says. "Just like a massive exhale, because this is the movie we set out to make, and I think it's a film that people who love the first film will really, really enjoy." He describes the world of Gladiator as, "360, it's further than your eye can see, and it's all around you all the time, it's bigger than I can describe to anyone. I think people just kind of nod and go, 'OK, so it was big.' I was like, 'No, it's huge.'" The film picks up fifteen years after the death of Maximus Meridius. His legacy lives on in Lucius, now a man and a warrior forced to fight in the arena for an empire he despises. As Lucius, Paul Mescal steps into the biggest role of his career. "This wasn't even in my wildest dreams," Mescal said, whose father loves the original movie. "It was a big moment for not just my dad, my family in general. I think they were just kind of in disbelief, and there was kind of cursing and shouting and roaring." Connie Nielsen returns as Lucilla, the heart of both films. "We were all really concerned with the responsibility that we felt to really make sure that our game was there maximum," Nielsen said. "When I walked up the hill to the old fort that I had been shooting in 25 years ago, when, at the time, I had a little young son, and now I have five children, and you kind of just see this return to this thing that is so big and so outsized in every way. And then at the end of the shoot, my heart was breaking. I just didn't want to let it go." This time, mad twin emperors reign in terror and excess, while in the shadows, a more dangerous game unfolds. That game comes from Denzel Washington's Macrinus, a new character lurking in the shadows as a political puppeteer. "I always choose roles," Washington said about his career. "I mean, they choose me. You know, Ridley Scott called me, I said, yes, Spike Lee called me for Malcolm X, I said, yes." Fred Hechinger, who appears in the movie as Emperor Caracalla, reflected on working with the legendary actor. "It's a blessing. I mean, truly, one of my favorite actors of all time," he said. "You just feel he is so in the moment of the moment of the moment." Hechinger portrays one of the twin emperors, with the other played by Joseph Quinn. "There were a lot of different inspirations, but one of them, and I swear to this, is Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head, which Sir Ridley Scott is a fan of," says Hechinger. "So, you know, sometimes we would do a scene and I would look over at Ridley, and we do the little laugh together." Washington says this is the first time he's been in a film this big, "I mean, Ridley built Rome," he said. "Gladiator II" arrives in theaters this week.

Alabama left out of playoff as committee rewards SMU's wins over Crimson Tide's strong scheduleSemiconductor Memory Market: Growing from $110.9B to $298.4B by 2031 12-05-2024 09:25 PM CET | IT, New Media & Software Press release from: SkyQuest Technology Semiconductor Memory Market Scope: Key Insights : Semiconductor Memory Market size was valued at around USD 110.9 billion in 2022 and is expected to rise from USD 125.2 billion in 2023 to reach a value of USD 298.4 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 11.4% over the forecast period (2024-2031). Discover Your Competitive Edge with a Free Sample Report : https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/semiconductor-memory-market Access the full 2024 Market report for a comprehensive understanding @ https://www.skyquestt.com/report/semiconductor-memory-market In-Depth Exploration of the global Semiconductor Memory Market: This report offers a thorough exploration of the global Semiconductor Memory market, presenting a wealth of data that has been meticulously researched and analyzed. It identifies and examines the crucial market drivers, including pricing strategies, competitive landscapes, market dynamics, and regional growth trends. By outlining how these factors impact overall market performance, the report provides invaluable insights for stakeholders looking to navigate this complex terrain. Additionally, it features comprehensive profiles of leading market players, detailing essential metrics such as production capabilities, revenue streams, market value, volume, market share, and anticipated growth rates. This report serves as a vital resource for businesses seeking to make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving market. Trends and Insights Leading to Growth Opportunities The best insights for investment decisions stem from understanding major market trends, which simplify the decision-making process for potential investors. The research strives to discover multiple growth opportunities that readers can evaluate and potentially capitalize on, armed with all relevant data. Through a comprehensive assessment of important growth factors, including pricing, production, profit margins, and the value chain, market growth can be more accurately forecast for the upcoming years. Top Firms Evaluated in the Global Semiconductor Memory Market Research Report: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Micron Technology, Inc. SK Hynix Inc. Intel Corporation Toshiba Corporation Western Digital Corporation Kingston Technology Company, Inc. Qimonda AG Nanya Technology Corporation Key Aspects of the Report: Market Summary: The report includes an overview of products/services, emphasizing the global Semiconductor Memory market's overall size. It provides a summary of the segmentation analysis, focusing on product/service types, applications, and regional categories, along with revenue and sales forecasts. Competitive Analysis: This segment presents information on market trends and conditions, analyzing various manufacturers. It includes data regarding average prices, as well as revenue and sales distributions for individual players in the market. Business Profiles: This chapter provides a thorough examination of the financial and strategic data for leading players in the global Semiconductor Memory market, covering product/service descriptions, portfolios, geographic reach, and revenue divisions. Sales Analysis by Region: This section provides data on market performance, detailing revenue, sales, and market share across regions. It also includes projections for sales growth rates and pricing strategies for each regional market, such as: North America: United States, Canada, and Mexico Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, and Italy Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia South America: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, etc. Middle East and Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa This in-depth research study has the capability to tackle a range of significant questions that are pivotal for understanding the market dynamics, and it specifically aims to answer the following key inquiries: How big could the global Semiconductor Memory market become by the end of the forecast period? Let's explore the exciting possibilities! Will the current market leader in the global Semiconductor Memory segment continue to hold its ground, or is change on the horizon? Which regions are poised to experience the most explosive growth in the Semiconductor Memory market? Discover where the future opportunities lie! Is there a particular player that stands out as the dominant force in the global Semiconductor Memory market? Let's find out who's leading the charge! What are the key factors driving growth and the challenges holding back the global Semiconductor Memory market? Join us as we uncover the forces at play! To establish the important thing traits, Ask Our Experts @ https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/semiconductor-memory-market Table of Contents Chapter 1 Industry Overview 1.1 Definition 1.2 Assumptions 1.3 Research Scope 1.4 Market Analysis by Regions 1.5 Market Size Analysis from 2023 to 2030 11.6 COVID-19 Outbreak: Medical Computer Cart Industry Impact Chapter 2 Competition by Types, Applications, and Top Regions and Countries 2.1 Market (Volume and Value) by Type 2.3 Market (Volume and Value) by Regions Chapter 3 Production Market Analysis 3.1 Worldwide Production Market Analysis 3.2 Regional Production Market Analysis Chapter 4 Medical Computer Cart Sales, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2023-2023) Chapter 5 North America Market Analysis Chapter 6 East Asia Market Analysis Chapter 7 Europe Market Analysis Chapter 8 South Asia Market Analysis Chapter 9 Southeast Asia Market Analysis Chapter 10 Middle East Market Analysis Chapter 11 Africa Market Analysis Chapter 12 Oceania Market Analysis Chapter 13 Latin America Market Analysis Chapter 14 Company Profiles and Key Figures in Medical Computer Cart Business Chapter 15 Market Forecast (2023-2030) Chapter 16 Conclusions Address: 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 Phone: USA (+1) 351-333-4748 Email: sales@skyquestt.com About Us: SkyQuest Technology is leading growth consulting firm providing market intelligence, commercialization and technology services. It has 450+ happy clients globally. This release was published on openPR.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A new 35,000-square-foot pickleball facility is offering players in Scottsdale an upscale, luxurious option for enjoying the popular sport. Located near the Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road, Center Court Pickleball Club is aiming to elevate the indoor pickleball experience by offering private lessons and a wellness area equipped with HydroMassage chairs. The facility has 12 regulation-sized courts that can be used for open play, group sessions, clinics, tournaments and pickleball leagues. “Center Court Pickleball Club is more than just a sports facility, it is a vibrant community that fosters connection and love for the game,” Center Court Pickleball CEO Tim Keightley said in a statement. Center Court's newest location is the third to recently open in the Valley after the business opened spots in Gilbert and Glendale. Club memberships typically start at $149 per month and the club offers a "crew membership" at the discounted rate of $125 per month for players who link their membership with friends and family. Center Court additionally offers a retail shop, beverage wall, food options and a members' lounge. RELATED: Ahwatukee pickleball enthusiasts asking City of Phoenix to meet growing demand, build more public courts RELATED: Iconic Arizona sandwich shop files for bankruptcy Watch 12News for free You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app! The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV . 12+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. Roku : Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX." Amazon Fire TV : Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12+ app to add to your account , or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.swerte 99.live login register 。

Return of Taylor Rapp should help a leaky Bills pass defense against Aaron RodgersBurt died over the weekend, the Crocosaurus Cove reptile aquarium in Darwin, Australia, said. He was at least 90 years old. “Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor – an attitude he made clear during his earlier years at a crocodile farm,” Crocosaurus Cove wrote in social media posts. The aquarium added: “He wasn’t just a crocodile, he was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures. While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and beloved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years.” A saltwater crocodile, Burt was estimated to be more than 16 feet long. He was captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River and became one of the most well-known crocodiles in the world, according to Crocosaurus Cove. The 1986 film stars Paul Hogan as the rugged crocodile hunter Mick Dundee. In the movie, American Sue Charlton, played by actress Linda Kozlowski, goes to fill her canteen in a watering hole when she is attacked by a crocodile before being saved by Dundee. Burt is briefly shown lunging out of the water. But the creature shown in more detail as Dundee saves the day is apparently something else. The Internet Movie Database says the film made a mistake by depicting an American alligator, which has a blunter snout. The Australian aquarium where Burt had lived since 2008 features a Cage of Death which it says is the nation’s only crocodile dive. It said it planned to honour Burt’s legacy with a commemorative sign “celebrating his extraordinary life and the stories and interactions he shared throughout his time at the park”.

What's your health forecast? Expert explains science behind personal guides to well-beingPhillies have no plans to start pitching prospect Andrew Painter in spring training following injury

Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week

Ludhiana: Candidate lists released by political parties for the MC polls indicate that the seventh MC general house will have more of fresh faces. The four main parties in the fray are giving a chance to new leaders. Another factor contributing to the preference for new faces is ward delimitation. During ward delimitation last time, Congress was in a majority. After the exercise, many of the wards are either reserved or divided into two or three wards. Many former councillors, including former mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, Balkar Sandhu and Jaiparkash have given way to younger leaders. Also, since AAP is a relatively new entrant, people expect new leaders as candidates. For Shiromani Akali Dal, this election is an issue of survival. On the other hand, morale is high in the BJP camp, with leaders confident about forming the house. However, rival parties are mystified by the BJP’s delay in announcing the list, particularly with AAP MLAs proclaiming that there was no dearth of potential candidates in their party. A number of former councillors like Gagandeep Bhalla, Pankaj Sharma and Parvinder Lapran have been replaced by their wives as candidates. Ruling party candidates have to find space for themselves as after the ward delimitation exercise, many wards have multiple aspirants. This has necessitated division of one ward into multiple ones. A ticket aspirant from the BJP said that the saffron party has to give 95 reliable faces, so the leaders are trying to convince them to shift their wards if they can win from somewhere else. He said there is much pressure on aspirants as well as senior leaders to give the best candidates at this time. We also published the following articles recently Muvattupuzha municipality: Merchant body alleges irregularities in ward delimitation Muvattupuzha merchants have lodged a complaint with the district collector, citing irregularities in the delimitation commission's draft. They argue that ward boundaries violate guidelines, creating unequal resident distribution and forcing some to travel long distances to access services. The merchants suspect political motivations behind the delimitation, potentially impacting upcoming local body polls. BJP braces for GMC bypolls in 2 wards Ghaziabad gears up for crucial civic body bypolls in two wards on December 17th. These elections were necessitated by the unfortunate demise of two sitting councillors. With nine candidates vying for the seats, including representatives from BJP, Congress, and SP, the BJP aims to bolster its existing 77-member majority in the 100-member house. Ward strikes right notes Hockey star Samuel Ward, 33, is set to make his Hockey India League (HIL) debut with UP Rudras, starting December 28. Recovering from a near career-ending eye injury in 2019, Ward's resilience is key for the Rudras. He's excited to play alongside Olympic medalists and learn from young captain Hardik Singh. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. The request came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court, in which the company argued the court should strike down a law that could ban the platform by Jan. 19 while the government emphasized its position that the statute is needed to eliminate a national security risk. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

When President Donald Trump was searching for a new FBI Director after firing James Comey in 2017, he wanted among other things someone who looked the part of America’s top law enforcement official. Christopher Wray, a 50-year-old Yale-trained lawyer, was at the top of the list thanks to his conservative credentials as a leading partner at one of the nation’s biggest law firms and experience running the criminal division in George W. Bush’s Justice Department. For Trump, who has always placed emphasis on people looking the part for their jobs, Wray’s square-jawed serious demeanor helped seal the deal, people close to the process told CNN at the time. Soon after he became director, however, Trump began grousing that Wray wasn’t doing enough TV, people briefed on the matter said. Trump’s view was that the FBI director should be seen publicly supporting the president, who was in the middle of the Russia investigation into his campaign. Years later, in the spring of 2022, Trump sent Wray a handwritten letter, according to one person familiar with the note, congratulating him on his recent appearance on “60 Minutes” in which Wray discussed Chinese espionage efforts directed at the US. What Trump didn’t know at the time was that the FBI was beginning a criminal investigation, based on a referral from the National Archives, into his decision to hoard classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. The FBI court-authorized search of Mar-a-Lago that August led to a grand jury indictment against Trump — and ended any chance of Wray keeping his job in Trump’s second term. “He invaded my home,” Trump said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” this week, lambasting the director he chose . “He invaded Mar-a-Lago.” As Trump prepares to replace Wray with Kash Patel, a MAGA acolyte who has joined the president-elect in vowing to use the Justice Department to target political adversaries, Wray’s departure marks a clear end to a decadeslong era of independence for the FBI. When he first hired Wray, Trump’s expectations of unbridled fealty, a loyalty standard that Comey has said Trump also asked him to meet, were a sharp departure from the culture of the modern FBI, which has assiduously cultivated its independence since the Watergate scandal and the abuses of the 48-year reign of J. Edgar Hoover. It’s an independence that has irritated almost every president through the years. A tenure filled with tension Compared to Comey, whose frequent media appearances caused some of the bureau’s problems, Wray preferred to keep a lower profile and avoided the press. That was not the type of director Trump was anticipating, according to senior administration officials. That mismatch in expectations helped create a tightrope Wray tried to walk during Trump’s first term, as he limited his direct interactions with Trump while focusing on priorities that were important to the administration. Wray is “an ideal person to run the FBI because he recognizes it’s a non-partisan job and he has the respect of the troops,” said a former Justice Department official who helped push for Wray’s hiring. While Trump and Republicans rail against the so-called weaponization of the bureau, the former official said, “Kash Patel is exactly what Trump says he doesn’t want in an FBI director: someone who is going to weaponize the FBI.” Wray’s tenure under Trump was punctuated by periods of significant tension. Unhappy about the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, and eventually their failure to support his claims of fraud in the 2020 election, Trump would often lash out at Justice officials, including at times at Wray. At least twice, Wray told aides that he was prepared to resign over Trump’s demands, according to a former US official briefed on the matter. “A couple times, it got to where he said ‘I’m not going to do that,’ and he was persuaded to stay,” the former US official said. A current senior FBI official said that employees are frustrated that some of the attacks against the bureau and Wray were for decisions by their bosses at the Justice Department, which the FBI sometimes disagreed with. Early in the Biden administration, for example, the Justice Department issued a memo suggesting parents protesting at school boards over Covid measures could be investigated if they made threats. The FBI distanced itself from the memo, which never produced any actual investigations. But the damage was done, and Republican lawmakers continue to cite the issue as an example of overreach. FBI command center in 2020 The pressures on Wray came into clear view in June 2020, days after riots erupted across the country following the police killing of George Floyd. Wray, along with Vice President Mike Pence and Attorney General Bill Barr, stood in the FBI’s command center in downtown Washington, DC. After riots swelled around the city, a few blocks away a fire was set in the basement of historic St. John’s Church as protesters gathered in Lafayette Square outside the White House. Barr took charge of the law enforcement response and ordered 150 FBI agents into the square to clear protestors that night, according to a person present, despite some agents raising concerns that FBI agents aren’t trained to do crowd control, noting the risk that an agent or a protester could be killed. The decision was made and agents were deployed to patrol the streets of Washington. Wray later apologized to agents, noting that orders weren’t coming from him or even Barr, but from Trump, according to the person present at the command post. Days later Wray spoke at a press conference alongside Barr and for the first time appeared to endorse the idea that Antifa was behind the violence, something Trump had been insistent on despite a lack of evidence to support his claims. “We’re seeing people who are exploiting this situation to pursue violent extremist agendas,” Wray said. “Anarchists like Antifa and other agitators. These individuals have set out to sow discord and upheaval rather than join in the righteous pursuit of equality and justice.” Inside the bureau, some officials were surprised that Wray had come to echo Trump and Barr’s claims about Antifa. But Wray’s words, temporarily at least, served to help bolster Trump’s confidence that Wray and the FBI were doing what he wanted. Months later at a congressional hearing, Wray told lawmakers that Antifa was an ideology, not a group, prompting criticism from Republicans. A more understated director At the bureau, where Comey was well-liked as director, Wray’s arrival in 2017 was a sharp turn. But it was a welcome one for employees who hoped that a more understated director would lower the political heat on the bureau and refocus attention on its national security and criminal enforcement missions. Visibly uncomfortable in large crowds, Wray has a political gift in smaller gatherings, particularly rank-and-file employees who rarely get face time with the director, current and former FBI officials said. When he spoke to graduating classes of new agents at the FBI academy in Quantico, Virginia, Wray often compared the teamwork aspect of being an FBI agent to being on a rowing team, invoking his own time as a Yale crew team member. For each graduating class, Wray would eat lunch at the cafeteria with six to eight students who were viewed as leaders of their class, a former FBI agent who admires Wray told CNN. Like he did for all his meetings or when he was a trial attorney, Wray was known to prepare before even small gatherings at the academy. “He’s not a guy who works on emotion, he is very tactical, very prepared,” the former agent said. Former senior FBI officials said that while Wray didn’t like to speak publicly in the media, he was good at building relationships with local law enforcement agencies and with private sector companies that the FBI needs for its national security and counter-terrorism efforts. He often insisted to speak directly to current and former employees struggling with bereavement or health issues, notably former FBI employees suffering from post-9-11 illnesses. Every time a police officer was killed on duty anywhere in the US, Wray made calls to their family or police chiefs. “I cannot tell you how many deathbed calls he has made,” the former US official said. Decision to step down After Trump announced his intention last month to replace Wray with Patel, Wray wrestled with how to leave the bureau he had helmed for nearly eight years. He struggled with whether it was better for the FBI and its tradition of independence to stay and be fired, or to leave before Trump’s arrival to save the bureau from further attacks, people close to his thinking said. Ultimately Wray decided to announce his plans to resign to hundreds of FBI employees at the Washington, DC, headquarters, saying he would leave before Trump took office. His speech tacitly acknowledged the political headwinds the FBI will face under the new presidency. Wray also took the time during the speech to highlight the accomplishments by his agents throughout his years there, from thwarting terror plots to stopping cyber-attacks on US infrastructure and hospitals, fentanyl seizures and rescuing children from predators. “An awful lot of people are alive today because of your tireless efforts ,” Way told the audience. “As daunting as all that may sound, I’ve got enormous confidence in you and your ability to continue to meet the threats coming over the horizon.” Under Wray, the FBI stopped numerous foreign hacking operations from countries like China and Russia, alleged Iranian plots to kill current and former government officials, and opened up the largest investigation in FBI history, charging more than 1500 people in connection to the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack. Still, none of it was enough to save Wray, whose tenure ends the same way as Comey’s – with Trump angry about being investigated by what he sees as his own FBI.A Democratic Florida state representative announced she is defecting from her party and joining the Republicans because the Democrats are too open to “extreme progressive voices.” Hillary Cassel, who is Jewish, said in a statement on X that she was “increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party’s failure to unequivocally support Israel” in its war with Hamas. “I’m constantly troubled by the inability of the current Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians,” she added. “I can no longer remain in a party that doesn’t represent my values. I know I won’t always agree on every detail with every Republican, but I do know that I will always have input, collaboration, and respect.” Cassel first won office in Florida’s 101st district in 2022, beating out her Republican opponent by seven points, according to Ballotpedia. She won re-election two months ago, running unopposed. Earlier this month, another Democrat in Florida’s house, Susan Valdes, announced that she would join the Republicans because she felt “ignored” by her party, according to the Tallahassee Democrat . Legendary sportscaster Greg Gumbel has died at age 78, his family confirmed in a statement Friday, according to CBS News . “He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer,” they wrote. “Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity.” The veteran CBS Sports journalist, who spent more than 50 years in broadcasting, approached his job with the same regard, according to his colleagues who nicknamed him “Gumby” for his grace in front of the camera and behind the scenes. “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” added the post, authored by his wife Marcy and daughter Michelle. “Greg’s memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him.” No further details were given about his diagnosis. Gumbel is the older brother of fellow sportscaster and NBC host Bryant Gumbel, who is nicknamed “Never Stumble Gumbel.” After all the chaos of the holiday season, you and your loved one deserve a little one-on-one time. For 2025, make the resolution to create unforgettable date nights with The Fantasy Box . The subscription box comes with everything you need to spice up your love life, like step-by-step scenarios for role-playing, lingerie, accessories, lube, and props. Each box has a unique theme and there are over 30 different themed fantasies to pick. The Ride ‘Em Cowgirl scenario brings you to the wild west. She is a flirty cowgirl in sexy denim shorts and cow print pasties, while he is a charming bartender with a paddle. Perhaps you’re intrigued by the idea of exploring a more dominant and submissive dynamic. In the D is for Discipline box , she is the Mistress with drip candles and he is her toy in a satin blindfold and bondage collar. The Fantasy Box has created a quick quiz you can take to uncover you and your partner’s fantasies. After taking the quiz, you’ll be recommended three boxes. From there, you can buy any box you want directly. Don’t forget to use the code NEWYEAR at checkout to save $50 on your order. If you and your partner love it, try subscribing monthly or bi-monthly for only $99 the first month. Monthly subscriptions renew at $129 per box; bi-monthly at $139 per box. You’ll receive a new themed box, enjoy free shipping, and get up to 20% off at The Fantasy Box’s shop. Free Shipping Free Shipping If you buy something from this post, we may earn a small commission. Yet another billionaire is clambering to get into President-elect Donald Trump’s hyper-rich inner circle, the MAGA chief has claimed. Trump, who will take the hot seat on Jan. 20, 2025, has seen his popularity surge among Silicon Valley types after he was endorsed by the world’s richest man, Elon Musk . The number two, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos , soon made a beeline for the big man too, after he was spotted dining with Musk and Trump at Mar-a-Lago earlier this month. Now Bill Gates wants a slice, according to Trump. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said the former CEO of Microsoft— whom Forbes says is the 16th richest in the world— personally asked for an audience with him. In a somewhat incoherent post, he said: “Where are you? When are you coming to the ‘Center of the Universe,’ Mar-a-Lago. Bill Gates asked to come, tonight. We miss you and x! New Year’s Eve is going to be AMAZING!!! DJT.” The murder of health insurance CEO Brian Thompson is being blamed not just on the gunman–but on the industry the dead man worked for, a new poll has found. UnitedHealthcare CEO Thompson was gunned down from behind on a Manhattan street just before dawn on December 4, prompting a nationwide manhunt which ended five days later with the arrest of the suspected killer , 26-year-old Ivy League graduate Luigi Mangione . Now research by NORC at the University of Chicago published Friday shows that while 78 per cent of people said that the alleged killer, had a great deal or a moderate amount of responsibility for the death, almost as many blamed health insurance companies' denial of coverage for the death. And almost as many, 67 per cent, said profits by the insurers were to blame. A majority of people, 53 per cent, blamed “wealth or income inequality in general”–although it was Mangione who was the scion of a millionaire family , while Thompson was from rural Iowa and had been the first in his family to go to college. One in ten said that Thompson’s killer bore no responsibility at all–an issue which is likely to dog jury selection when Mangione goes on trial in Manhattan for the alleged murder. He is charged by both federal and state authorities with murder and in the federal case is eligible for the death penalty . Mangione has pleaded not guilty. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Boxing Week sales are still in full swing, folks! As an avid J.Crew fan , I can honestly say that the brand’s discount-laden factory store (the brand’s online outlet) is a great way to get high-quality wardrobe staples without the big price tag. J.Crew Factory always offers discounts up to 40 percent off J.Crew, but for a limited time, you can unlock even more savings from already discounted items. Right now, J.Crew Factory is offering 70 percent off clearance items with the code SALE70 at checkout. Now’s the time to invest in evergreen staples like jeans and office-friendly blazers while they’re half off, or grab a few outwear essentials to round out your cold-weather lineup. The sale also includes tons of denim for just $50, pure cotton crewneck T-shirts for $20, and even new arrivals like NYE frocks and cashmere items. And the sale is not just for women; the gents’ and kids’ sections are equally full of additional savings. Tom Cruise ’s first movie project after wrapping up the Mission: Impossible franchise next year with The Final Reckoning has been revealed. And it could land him back in the Oscar conversation. Warner Bros. announced Friday that Cruise will star in an untitled film from two-time Academy Award-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu ( Birdman , The Revenant ), set to be released on Oct. 2, 2026. The logline reads: “The most powerful man in the world embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity’s savior before the disaster he’s unleashed destroys everything.” Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, Sophie Wilde, and Riz Ahmed are among the other actors in the cast. The project is Iñárritu‘s first English-language film since 2015’s The Revenant , which won Leonardo DiCaprio his first Oscar for Best Actor. Cruise has been nominated for three acting Oscars over the course of his long career—for Born on the Fourth of July , Jerry Maguire , and Magnolia —but has never received a trophy at the ceremony. Entire stalls were engulfed by flames at the Bryant Park holiday market in Manhattan on Friday morning, videos show. A cause for the blaze is yet to be determined, but a spokesperson for FDNY told Gothamist it’s under investigation. The fire broke out around 9:30 a.m. and nobody was injured, the spokesperson said, adding that the fire was between “six feet wide by 40 feet long” at its peak. Clips of the flames quickly went viral on social media and the market has been closed indefinitely. New York City Emergency Management advised people to avoid the area and warned there will be traffic delays while a probe is completed. It’s the second time this season a holiday market has gone up in flames in the city, coming a week-and-a-half after a fire ignited a swath of Herald Square’s festive shopping corridor. Eighteen shops—and their merchandise, ranging from shirts to glass ornaments—were reportedly razed by that blaze. Bryant Park Christmas Village is on fire 🔥 #whatisnewyork pic.twitter.com/031iZ2D6He Kevin O’Leary , of Shark Tank fame, says half of Canada is “interested” in merging with the U.S.—a longshot arrangement that topped Donald Trump ’s wishlist this Christmas. “Canadians over the holidays—the last two days—have been talking about this,” O’Leary told Fox Business. “They want to hear more.” The 70-year-old Montreal native said he’s headed to Mar-a-Lago to start a conversation that, at the least, may lead to his homeland and the U.S. striking a partnership agreement akin to the European Union. “So secure [the northern territories], give a common currency, figure out taxes across the board, get everything trading both ways, create a new, almost EU-like passport—I like this idea and at least half of Canadians are interested,” he said. O’Leary acknowledged there’d be “a lot of issues” with a merger, but suggested now’s the time to get a deal done with Trump returning to office as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s power is waning. O’Leary may not be the best barometer for what the average Canadian thinks, however. The businessman, worth an estimated $400 million , has ditched the great white north for sunny Miami Beach . He was also soundly rejected by voters when he ran for the leadership of the Canadian Conservative Party in 2017 and won just one percent of the vote. Elon Musk has further stoked the flames of the MAGA H1-B civil war after he agreed with a post that called Americans too “retarded” to exclusively fill the U.S. tech workforce. The eye-popping endorsement came after a pro-Musk account on X summed up the right-wing divide on visas to skilled workers as such: “So basically the right split into two factions, tech right and right right, and the tech right is like ‘hey we need h-1b visa people to do the jobs,’ and the right right was like ‘no you need to hire Americans,’ and the tech right is like “but you guys are retarded,” and the right right is like ‘well you don’t train us,’ and the tech right is like ‘you can’t outtrain being retarded,’ and while all this was going on we learned some people *really* don’t like Indians.” Musk, a 53-year-old South African who’s recently enjoyed a spot inside the “America First” Trump’s inner circle, apparently thought that assessment was a fair one. He responded, “That pretty much sums it up. This was eye-opening.” Trump is yet to weigh in on the latest right-wing divide that pits his longtime loyalists against his new tech bro faction. That pretty much sums it up. This was eye-opening. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. If you’re looking to revamp your at-home fitness lineup ahead of 2025 and don’t have hours to commit to exercising each day, allow us to introduce you to the CAROL Bike . The science-backed and AI-powered fitness bike is engineered to give you maximum results in the shortest time possible—and by the shortest time, we mean as little as five minutes. In fact, according to the brand, the CAROL bike is “proven to deliver double the health and fitness benefits in 90 percent less time compared to regular cardio.” Free Returns | Free Shipping Not only is it a huge time-saver, but the CAROL Bike is also designed to be personalized to the rider’s individual fitness levels, goals, and preferences, making the workouts easy to follow, time-efficient, and super effective. 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The flight was headed from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, but diverted course amid bad weather before crash landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The incident left 29 survivors, all of whom are injured, the AP reported. With investigations underway in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia, officials in those countries have urged against speculation about the crash’s cause. Russia’s aviation authority has suggested, nevertheless, that a bird strike could have played a role. But aviation experts seem to disagree. Mark Zee, founder of the aviation safety organization OPSGroup, told the AP that based on images of the plane, he is “90-99%” sure it was struck by a missile. Independent Russian military expert Yan Matveyev agreed that the plane’s tail appeared to have been struck by shrapnel from a missile like the ones used by Russia’s defense system. Meanwhile, the UK aviation security firm Osprey Solutions reportedly cautioned its clients that “Azerbaijan Airlines flight was likely shot down by a Russian military air-defense system.” The man suspected of lighting a woman on fire in a Brooklyn subway car faces life without parole after he was charged with murder . Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, has been indicted on charges of murder in the first and second degree and arson, according to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. The horrific scene unfolded on an early morning F train stopped at the Coney Island-Stillwell Ave. stop in south Brooklyn on Dec. 22. Zapeta is accused of igniting the woman’s clothes and “fanning the flames” with a shirt. “These are significant counts. Murder in the first degree carries the possibility of life without parole. It’s the most serious statute in New York state law and my office is very confident about the evidence in the case and to hold Zapeta accountable for his dastardly deeds,” Gonzalez said. Zapeta, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 7.Minister removes N.W.T. health authority's leadership council

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Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal

By MICHAEL R. SISAK and JENNIFER PELTZ NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urged a judge again Friday to throw out his hush money conviction, balking at the prosecution’s suggestion of preserving the verdict by treating the case the way some courts do when a defendant dies. They called the idea “absurd.” Related Articles National Politics | Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time National Politics | Ruling by a conservative Supreme Court could help blue states resist Trump policies National Politics | A nonprofit leader, a social worker: Here are the stories of the people on Biden’s clemency list National Politics | Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she ‘sustained an injury’ on official trip to Luxembourg National Politics | Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump’s suite at football game The Manhattan district attorney’s office is asking Judge Juan M. Merchan to “pretend as if one of the assassination attempts against President Trump had been successful,” Trump’s lawyers wrote in a blistering 23-page response. In court papers made public Tuesday, District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office proposed an array of options for keeping the historic conviction on the books after Trump’s lawyers filed paperwork earlier this month asking for the case to be dismissed. They include freezing the case until Trump leaves office in 2029, agreeing that any future sentence won’t include jail time, or closing the case by noting he was convicted but that he wasn’t sentenced and his appeal wasn’t resolved because of presidential immunity. Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove reiterated Friday their position that the only acceptable option is overturning his conviction and dismissing his indictment, writing that anything less will interfere with the transition process and his ability to lead the country. The Manhattan district attorney’s office declined comment. It’s unclear how soon Merchan will decide. He could grant Trump’s request for dismissal, go with one of the prosecution’s suggestions, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court, or choose some other option. In their response Friday, Blanche and Bove ripped each of the prosecution’s suggestions. Halting the case until Trump leaves office would force the incoming president to govern while facing the “ongoing threat” that he’ll be sentenced to imprisonment, fines or other punishment as soon as his term ends, Blanche and Bove wrote. Trump, a Republican, takes office Jan. 20. “To be clear, President Trump will never deviate from the public interest in response to these thuggish tactics,” the defense lawyers wrote. “However, the threat itself is unconstitutional.” The prosecution’s suggestion that Merchan could mitigate those concerns by promising not to sentence Trump to jail time on presidential immunity grounds is also a non-starter, Blanche and Bove wrote. The immunity statute requires dropping the case, not merely limiting sentencing options, they argued. Blanche and Bove, both of whom Trump has tabbed for high-ranking Justice Department positions, expressed outrage at the prosecution’s novel suggestion that Merchan borrow from Alabama and other states and treat the case as if Trump had died. Blanche and Bove accused prosecutors of ignoring New York precedent and attempting to “fabricate” a solution “based on an extremely troubling and irresponsible analogy between President Trump” who survived assassination attempts in Pennsylvania in July and Florida in September “and a hypothetical dead defendant.” Such an option normally comes into play when a defendant dies after being convicted but before appeals are exhausted. It is unclear whether it is viable under New York law, but prosecutors suggested that Merchan could innovate in what’s already a unique case. “This remedy would prevent defendant from being burdened during his presidency by an ongoing criminal proceeding,” prosecutors wrote in their filing this week. But at the same time, it wouldn’t “precipitously discard” the “meaningful fact that defendant was indicted and found guilty by a jury of his peers.” Prosecutors acknowledged that “presidential immunity requires accommodation” during Trump’s impending return to the White House but argued that his election to a second term should not upend the jury’s verdict, which came when he was out of office. Longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution . Other world leaders don’t enjoy the same protection. For example, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on trial on corruption charges even as he leads that nation’s wars in Lebanon and Gaza . Trump has been fighting for months to reverse his May 30 conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records . Prosecutors said he fudged the documents to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier, which Trump denies. In their filing Friday, Trump’s lawyers citing a social media post in which Sen. John Fetterman used profane language to criticize Trump’s hush money prosecution. The Pennsylvania Democrat suggested that Trump deserved a pardon, comparing his case to that of President Joe Biden’s pardoned son Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges . “Weaponizing the judiciary for blatant, partisan gain diminishes the collective faith in our institutions and sows further division,” Fetterman wrote Wednesday on Truth Social. Trump’s hush money conviction was in state court, meaning a presidential pardon — issued by Biden or himself when he takes office — would not apply to the case. Presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes. Since the election, special counsel Jack Smith has ended his two federal cases , which pertained to Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss and allegations that he hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. A separate state election interference case in Fulton County, Georgia, is largely on hold. Trump denies wrongdoing in all. Trump had been scheduled for sentencing in the hush money case in late November. But following Trump’s Nov. 5 election victory, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed the former and future president’s sentencing so the defense and prosecution could weigh in on the future of the case. Merchan also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. A dismissal would erase Trump’s conviction, sparing him the cloud of a criminal record and possible prison sentence. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office.

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A huge crocodile that rose to fame with a cameo in hit film Crocodile Dundee has died. Burt died over the weekend, the Crocosaurus Cove reptile aquarium in Darwin, Australia, said. He was at least 90 years old. “Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor – an attitude he made clear during his earlier years at a crocodile farm,” Crocosaurus Cove wrote in social media posts. The aquarium added: “He wasn’t just a crocodile, he was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures. While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and beloved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years.” A saltwater crocodile, Burt was estimated to be more than 16 feet long. He was captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River and became one of the most well-known crocodiles in the world, according to Crocosaurus Cove. The 1986 film stars Paul Hogan as the rugged crocodile hunter Mick Dundee. In the movie, American Sue Charlton, played by actress Linda Kozlowski, goes to fill her canteen in a watering hole when she is attacked by a crocodile before being saved by Dundee. Burt is briefly shown lunging out of the water. But the creature shown in more detail as Dundee saves the day is apparently something else. The Internet Movie Database says the film made a mistake by depicting an American alligator, which has a blunter snout. The Australian aquarium where Burt had lived since 2008 features a Cage of Death which it says is the nation’s only crocodile dive. It said it planned to honour Burt’s legacy with a commemorative sign “celebrating his extraordinary life and the stories and interactions he shared throughout his time at the park”.Perfect for the grind or the glide, the discounts are coming in hot. Meanwhile, U.S. retail sales are set to crack $75 billion, a 5% jump from last year. Online moves are outpacing the game too, with projections hitting $10.8 billion, up nearly 10% year over year. Amid the buzz, one scooter stands out, pairing raw performance, long range, and sleek design with a price that dares you to ignore it. The Hiboy X300: Black Friday's Best Deal The Hiboy X300 delivers raw power through its 500W motor, peaking at 700W, propelling you to speeds of up to 23 MPH. With a range stretching 37.3 miles per charge, it's built for more than just short trips—think daily commutes or weekend joyrides. Rugged 12-inch tires and a front suspension system eat up rough terrain with ease, balancing smooth comfort with rock-solid control. Additional features include: 3-light system : Headlight, taillight, and turn signals for enhanced safety. : Headlight, taillight, and turn signals for enhanced safety. Ergonomic handlebar design : Prioritizing rider comfort. : Prioritizing rider comfort. Removable battery : UL2272 certified for safety and convenience. : UL2272 certified for safety and convenience. IPX5 water resistance: Reliable in light rain or wet... Isaiah McCall

National chief urges MPs to send water bill to Senate before holiday break OTTAWA — The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is calling on all members of Parliament to send a First Nations water bill to the Senate before the holiday break. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press Dec 13, 2024 12:36 PM Dec 13, 2024 1:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is calling on all members of Parliament to send a First Nations water bill to a Senate committee before the holiday break. Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is seen during the first day of the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) in Ottawa, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby OTTAWA — The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is calling on all members of Parliament to send a First Nations water bill to the Senate before the holiday break. Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says the water and wastewater crisis in First Nations communities demands urgent action, and that legislation intended to fix the problem cannot afford to be delayed. In an open letter to MPs, she says the bill reflects years of advocacy by First Nations and marks a milestone in a decades-long fight for water in First Nations communities. She says passing the bill before Parliament breaks will demonstrate Canada's commitment to upholding its responsibilities and working in partnership with First Nations to address the crisis. It's unclear whether the Liberals will try to get the bill passed before the holidays, as they are expected to introduce the fall economic statement next week. They attempted to send the bill to the Senate last week through a unanimous consent motion, but were unsuccessful. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian 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 More The Mix S&P/TSX composite down more than 100 points, U.S. stock markets mixed Dec 13, 2024 1:32 PM Nova Scotia non-profit groups trying to save huge Acadian church now facing lawsuit Dec 13, 2024 1:30 PM Court approves The Body Shop Canada sale, about 100 to lose jobs as some stores close Dec 13, 2024 1:21 PM Featured Flyer

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swerte99 casino fb Ousted Syrian leader Assad flees to Moscow after fall of Damascus, Russian state media say DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Russia media say ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad has fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally. The reports came hours after a stunning rebel advance swept into Damascus to cheers and ended the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule. Thousands of Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire, joyful after a stifling, nearly 14-year civil war. But the swiftly moving events raised questions about the future of the country and the wider region. The rebels face the daunting task of healing bitter divisions in a country still split among armed factions. One rebel commander said “we will not deal with people the way the Assad family did." Analysis: Collapse of Syria's Assad is a blow to Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — For Iran’s theocratic government, it keeps getting worse. Its decadeslong strategy of building an “Axis of Resistance” supporting militant groups and proxies around the region is falling apart. Hamas has been batttered by Israel's campaign in Gaza. In Lebanon, Israeli bombardment has crippled Iran’s most powerful ally, Hezbollah, even as Israel has launched successful airstrikes openly inside of Iran for the first time. And now Iran’s longtime stalwart ally and client in Syria, President Bashar Assad, is gone. Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad? BEIRUT (AP) — Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader who led the stunning insurgency that toppled Syria’s President Bashar Assad, has spent years working to remake his public image and that of his fighters. He renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicts himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. The extent of that transformation from jihadi extremist to would-be state builder is now put to the test. The 42-year-old al-Golani is labeled a terrorist by the United States. He has not appeared publicly since Damascus fell early Sunday. But he and his insurgent force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, stand to be a major player in whatever comes next. Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutions WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump says he can’t guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers. And he's suggesting once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect made the comments in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday. He also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” The hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's elusive killer yields new evidence, but few answers NEW YORK (AP) — Police don’t know who he is, where he is, or why he did it. As the frustrating search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer got underway for a fifth day Sunday, investigators reckoned with a tantalizing contradiction: They have troves of evidence, but the shooter remains an enigma. One conclusion they are confident of, however: It was a targeted attack, not a random one. On Sunday morning, police declined to comment on the contents of a backpack found in Central Park that they believe was carried by the killer. Thompson was shot and killed Wednesday outside of a hotel in Manhattan. Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and says a US withdrawal from NATO is possible WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump is pushing Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine. Trump describes it as part of his active efforts as president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. Trump also said he would be open to reducing military aid to Ukraine and pulling the United States out of NATO. Those are two threats that have alarmed Ukraine, NATO allies and many in the U.S. national security community. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says any deal would have to pave the way to a lasting peace. The Kremlin's spokesman says Moscow is open to talks with Ukraine. Gaza health officials say latest Israeli airstrikes kill at least 14 including children DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health officials say Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza have killed at least 14 people including children, while the bombing of a hospital in northern Gaza has wounded a half-dozen patients. Israel’s military continues its latest offensive against Hamas militants in northern Gaza, whose remaining Palestinians have been almost completely cut off from the rest of the territory amid a growing humanitarian crisis. One airstrike flattened a residential building in the urban Bureij refugee camp Sunday afternoon. That's according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby city of Deir al-Balah, where the casualties were taken. South Korea's democracy held after a 6-hour power play. What does it say for democracies elsewhere? SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A short-lived martial law decree by South Korea's leader last week raised worries about budding authoritarianism around the world. In the end, though, democracy prevailed. President Yoon Suk Yeol announced that he was declaring martial law and giving his government sweeping powers to crack down on protesters, ban political parties and control the media. Members of the military blocked lawmakers from using the legislature's constitutional power to cancel the power grab. But the National Assembly within hours unanimously voted to do so. Trump's return may be a boon for Netanyahu, but challenges abound in a changed Middle East TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is jubilant about President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Trump's first term policies skewed heavily in favor of Israel, and he has picked stalwart Israel supporters for key positions in his administration. But much has transpired since Trump left office in early 2021. The turmoil in the Middle East, the lofty ambitions of Netanyahu’s far-right governing coalition and Netanyahu’s own personal relationship with the president-elect could dampen that enthusiasm and complicate what on the surface looks like a seamless alliance. First 12-team College Football Playoff set, Oregon seeded No. 1 and SMU edges Alabama for last spot SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs (11-2), losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama (9-3) of the SEC but one fewer loss. The first-of-its-kind 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta.Top 10 stories of the day: JZ’s ‘past sins’? | Free State horror crash | Sassa R700 grant scam

Despite the potential departure of Rashford, Manchester United fans are likely to have mixed feelings about seeing one of their own leave Old Trafford. Many supporters hold a special affection for the local lad who rose through the ranks of the club and made a name for himself on the world stage. However, the harsh reality of modern football dictates that tough decisions must be made in the pursuit of success, and sometimes that means saying goodbye to fan favorites.

The Stock Market Is Soaring but These 2 Stocks Are Still Dirt Cheap BuysThe newly released gameplay footage showcases the game's stunning visuals and exciting gameplay elements. From intense team skirmishes to breathtaking in-game environments, "From The Forgotten" promises to deliver an immersive gaming experience that will keep players on the edge of their seats. The dynamic character designs and unique abilities add a layer of depth to the gameplay, allowing for diverse and strategic team compositions that will keep players engaged and coming back for more.

In conclusion, NVIDIA's increasing revenue contribution from Mainland China presents both opportunities and challenges for the company. While the growth in the Chinese market has been a significant driver of revenue for NVIDIA, it also poses regulatory risks that could potentially lead to fines and penalties. By proactively addressing regulatory concerns and ensuring compliance with local laws, NVIDIA can navigate the complexities of the Chinese market and sustain its growth momentum in the region.

As we look towards the future, let us embrace the opportunities and challenges that come with planning for retirement, and work together to create a sustainable and inclusive personal pension system that benefits all members of society. Join us at the video conference in mid-month and be a part of the conversation on shaping the future of retirement planning in our country.President-elect Donald Trump over the weekend suggested the US should retake the Panama Canal, an idea that was immediately rejected by the government of Panama, which has controlled the passage for decades. In social media posts and remarks to supporters, Trump accused Panama of charging the US “exorbitant rates” to use the canal and hinted at growing Chinese influence over the crucial waterway. “The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the U.S.,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday. The US-built canal was opened in 1914 and controlled by the United States until a 1977 agreement provided for its eventual handover to Panama. The canal was jointly operated by both countries until the Panamanian government retained full control after 1999. Speaking to a crowd of young conservatives in Phoenix on Sunday, Trump said if the spirit of that agreement is not followed, “then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States. So, to the officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly.” It’s not clear how seriously Trump is taking his threat to reclaim control over the canal, though the weekend was not the first time he has said the US is getting a raw deal. The president-elect has not clarified how he would force a sovereign, friendly country to cede its own territory. And the Panamanian government wants nothing to do with Trump’s suggestion. “As President, I want to express precisely that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belong to PANAMA, and will continue to be,” President José Raúl Mulino said in a statement Sunday. “The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable,” he added. A fraught and deadly history Before the canal’s completion, ships traveling between the east and west coasts of the Americas would have to sail around Cape Horn, on the southern tip of South America, adding thousands of miles and several months to their journeys. Creating a passageway that would shorten that trip had been an elusive goal of several empires that had colonies in the Americas. In the early 20th century, President Theodore Roosevelt made the completion of a passageway a priority. The territory was at the time controlled by the Republic of Colombia, but a US-supported revolt led to the separation of Panama and Colombia and the formation of the Republic of Panama in 1903. The US and the newly formed republic signed a treaty that year that gave the US control over a 10-mile strip of land to build the canal in exchange for financial reimbursement. The canal was completed in 1914, cementing the US’ status as an engineering and technological superpower, but it came at an enormous human cost. About 5,600 people were estimated to have died during US construction of the canal. The canal’s practicality was demonstrated during World War II, when it was used as a critical passageway for the Allied war effort between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. But the relationship between the US and Panama slowly disintegrated over disagreements about control over the canal, treatment of Panamanian workers, and questions about whether the US and Panamanian flags should be flown jointly over the Canal Zone. Those tensions reached a peak on January 9, 1964, when anti-American riots led to several deaths in the Canal Zone and the brief severing of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Years of negotiations for a more equitable agreement led to two treaties during the administration of President Jimmy Carter. The agreements declared the canal neutral and open to all vessels and provided for joint US-Panamanian control of the territory until the end of 1999, when Panama would be given full control. “Because we have controlled a 10-mile-wide strip of land across the heart of their country and because they considered the original terms of the agreement to be unfair, the people of Panama have been dissatisfied with the treaty,” Carter said in remarks to Americans after the treaties were signed. “It was drafted here in our country and was not signed by any Panamanian.” The then-president added: “Of course, this does not give the United States any right to intervene in the internal affairs of Panama, nor would our military action ever be directed against the territorial integrity or the political independence of Panama.” Not everybody supported Carter’s plan. In a 1976 speech, then-presidential candidate Ronald Reagan said that “the people of the United States” are “the rightful owners of the Canal Zone.” Tensions over the canal deteriorated again in the late 1980s under the rule of Manuel Noriega, who was removed from power after the US invaded Panama as part of the “war on drugs.” Modern troubles Shortly after the Panamanians retained full control of the canal in 2000, shipping volume quickly exceeded the waterway’s capacity. A massive expansion project began in 2007 and was completed nearly a decade later. But the area around the canal has been experiencing severe droughts , leading to lower water levels that hindered its ability to function properly. Canal authorities have set restrictions on traffic and imposed higher fees to traverse the canal. Those fees appear to form one part of Trump’s issue with the canal. The president-elect on Sunday described them as “ridiculous” and “highly unfair, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama, I say, very foolishly, by the United States.” Trump’s other claim, that China is seeking to exert more control over Panama and the Canal Zone, is not without merit. In 2017, Panama signed a joint communique that stressed it would not maintain any official ties with Taiwan, the self-governing democracy that China’s ruling Communist Party claims as its own territory. Since then, China’s influence in the area around the canal has grown . Responding to Trump’s remarks over the weekend, Mulino, the Panamanian president, said, “Rates are not a whim.” He also dismissed the idea that China exercised overt control over the canal. “The Canal has no control, direct or indirect, neither from China, nor from the European Community, nor from the United States or any other power,” Mulino said in his statement. Trump’s remarks are the latest example of the president-elect expressing his desire to obtain, or threatening to take or encroach on, territory belonging to a friendly foreign power. Since his election in November, Trump has taunted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by suggesting his country should be made the 51st US state. During his first term, Trump repeatedly floated the idea of the US buying Greenland from Denmark. The island’s government said it is “not for sale.” But Trump does not seem to be dissuaded. Over the weekend, the president-elect resurrected the idea while announcing his pick for ambassador to Denmark. “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity,” Trump said while announcing the pick.

The incident served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human life and the importance of compassion and unity in times of adversity. It underscored the crucial role that communication and empathy play in resolving conflicts and cultivating a harmonious society.Photos: Remembering Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president

Recently, the renowned football commentator and analyst, Roberto Barresi, shared his insights on the state of Chinese football and the importance of not blindly emulating European football culture. Barresi, known for his deep understanding of the global football landscape, emphasized that while China possesses great potential in the sport, it is crucial to develop a unique identity that reflects the nation's own footballing strengths and traditions.

Former US president Jimmy Carter dies aged 100Facing off against PSG, a team renowned for its talented squad and formidable strength, Salzburg's midfielders are well aware of the challenge that lies ahead. With star players such as Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Lionel Messi in their lineup, PSG poses a formidable threat to any opponent. However, the Salzburg midfielders are not intimidated by the prospect of facing such high-caliber opponents. Instead, they see it as an opportunity to test their skills against some of the best in the world.

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