gar fish Michelle Keegan and husband Mark Wright told family about baby news WEEKS ago before announcing surprise pregnancy in heartwarming postApiaries abuzz over ruling against widening cross-border trade in live honeybeesNo. 24 Illinois cruises past Chicago State 117-64 behind Kylan Boswell's triple-double

This bull market has been running rampant for more than two years, but it's an unusual one. Most bull runs don't have to share time with inflation crises, and the monetary pressure that started to build in 2021 is finally easing. The macroeconomic boost from that shift could keep this bull running longer than usual. While the bullish trend has been having a broad impact on the stock market, some stocks can be expected to benefit more than others as the investor-friendly run continues. These two supercharged tech companies could deliver market-beating returns over the next few years. How to play the digital advertising turnaround in style Anders Bylund (Criteo): One of the most game-changing aspects of this bull market is the ongoing return to normal consumer spending behavior. People largely reined in their discretionary spending when inflation surged a few years ago. The list of industries that faced lower sales in that tight economy has a lot of overlap with the sectors that do a lot of brand-oriented marketing. From luxury goods and travel services to cars and smartphones, consumer demand tightened up and brand advertising slowed down. Why spend big money on targeted ads when people aren't willing to buy anything? So digital advertising was pushed into an extra-deep downturn. Now, the leaders of that industry are poised to come back swinging as consumer spending recovers. Criteo ( CRTO 3.47% ) is a fine example of this rebound opportunity. The Paris-based marketing campaign manager's stock is down 22% from recent highs, but the business is poised to perform in a healthier economy. Speaking during the October earnings call , retiring CEO Megan Clarken outlined a thrilling growth opportunity. "Retail media facilitates the targeting of high-intent shoppers by brands primarily on retailer sites and extending reach across the open web," she said. "Performance media focuses on targeting high-intent shoppers for direct-to-consumer brands, primarily on the open web and social platforms. In other words, our solutions have a hyper focus on addressing or advertising to consumers who are on their buyer journey. " So Criteo should benefit greatly when luxury brands and brand-oriented advertisers boost their marketing budgets again. And that's already happening, just in time for the holiday shopping season. Meanwhile, the stock is trading for just 1.1 times sales and 9 times expected forward earnings. These valuation ratios would be cheap for a tired old retailer -- they're dirt cheap for a tech stock with proven growth chops that is arguably heading into a game-changing sector turnaround . Down 34%, Micron can deliver wins for long-term investors Keith Noonan : Micron Technology ( MU -0.12% ) is a leading provider of memory-chip solutions. The company's business has been posting huge performance improvements in conjunction with artificial intelligence ( AI ) trends, but some investors appear to be betting that the good times will soon come to an end. On the heels of recent pullbacks, Micron stock is down roughly 34% from the high it hit earlier this year. While the company's future sales and earnings will almost certainly be uneven and shaped by cyclical industry trends, its recent performance points to the emergence of catalysts that will have positive long-term impacts on the business. Micron's revenue increased 93% year over year to $7.75 billion in the fourth quarter of its fiscal 2024, which ended Aug. 29. That explosive growth was spurred by AI-driven demand for the company's DRAM and high-bandwidth-memory solutions. Along with the surge in sales, strong demand for its higher-end products helped the business post a non-GAAP (adjusted) net profit of roughly $1.34 billion -- improving from a loss of roughly $1.18 billion in the prior-year period. Micron stock is now valued at roughly 11 times this year's expected earnings. Given the cyclical nature of the company's business, it doesn't make sense to put too much weight on the company's price-to-earnings multiple when assessing the stock. However, it could still signal an attractive risk-reward profile for investors who approach the stock with an understanding of the cyclical guesswork involved. Depending on demand and pricing trends in the memory chip space, the company's performance can make big shifts in short order. Along those lines, some Wall Street analysts are concerned that weakness in the consumer market and oversupply in the high-bandwidth memory segment will soon lead to softer sales and earnings results. But the company's current valuation suggests that investors are being too bearish about Micron's near-term and long-term outlooks. Spending on data-center infrastructure to support the training, deployment, and scaling of AI applications is likely still in a relatively early stage of its long-term growth trajectory. While Micron's business will remain heavily cyclical and its results will be shaped by industry trends, it appears that the market is underappreciating the company's potential to be a lasting beneficiary of the AI revolution.

Cancer Daily Horoscope Today, Dec 30, 2024 predicts Marriage is on the cardsTwo fresh new cases have been registered against Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur for allegedly making inflammatory statements to incite hatred, ARY News reported. Following a video statement made by Bushra Bibi, cases were filed under the Telegraph Act of 1885. Police have stated that the proceedings are being conducted under Section 126 of the Telegraph Act and other relevant laws. The content of the cases accuses Bushra Bibi of making provocative remarks intended to stir public emotions. It is claimed that the statement, made with intent and planning, targeted Saudi Arabia, playing on the public’s sentiments. The video also allegedly contained statements contrary to the country’s foreign policy and public interest. The first case was filed in Dera Ghazi Khan on the complaint of a citizen named Ghulam Yaseen. Additionally, a second case was filed in Rajanpur, with another citizen, Hakeem, as the complainant. Read More: PTI distances itself from Bushra Bibi’s statement, calling it a “personal opinion” On November 22, PTI leaders distanced their selves from Bushra Bibi’s recent statement regarding Saudi Arab reflects, stating that, her personal views and should not be considered as party’s policy. According to sources, concern arose between PTI ranks regarding the statement made by the wife of Imran Khan. Leaders emphasised that Bushra Bibi has no formal role in party affairs, and only the founder, Imran Khan, is authorized to outline party policies. Sources further revealed that the Imran Khan has previously clarified Bushra Bibi’s non-involvement in politics. They also stated that her remarks should not be misrepresented or taken out of context. The controversy stems from a statement by former First lady, alleging interference by former COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa under foreign influence. PTI founder’s wife claimed that after the Imran Khan visited Madinah ‘barefoot’ and returned, General Bajwa began receiving phone calls. According to Bushra Bibi, Bajwa was told, “Who have you brought forward? We don’t want such individuals.” She further alleged that Bajwa was informed, “We are planning to abolish Sharia in this country, and you have introduced such a person.” Bushra Bibi stated that following these remarks, a campaign of defamation was initiated against her and the PTI founder, Imran Khan. “They spread slander about me and began labelling the PTI founder as a Jewish agent,” she added.

Online child exploitation spiked during lockdowns. Police worry it's here to stay

Seedstars Africa Ventures I has secured a significant milestone with the first close of $42 million for its venture capital fund aimed at scaling digital solutions across Africa. The announcement was made during the 2024 Africa Investment Forum Market Days in Rabat, with major backing from the African Development Bank, EIB Global with EU support, and Boost Africa, among others. The fund, which operates across multiple African markets from offices in Nairobi, Dakar, and Paris, is now targeting an $80 million fundraising goal, having already attracted $50 million in additional commitments. Seedstars Africa Ventures I will focus on early-stage investments in digital tech startups that provide essential services to underserved populations, with a particular emphasis on driving economic growth and social impact. Seedstars Africa Ventures I aims to bridge the gap in early-stage financing by making investments of up to $2 million in seed and Series A rounds, and supporting follow-on funding of up to $5 million. By leading subsequent investment rounds, the fund plans to catalyse further co-investment opportunities while providing hands-on operational support to its portfolio companies. The fund is managed by Maxime Bouan, Tamim El Zein, and Bruce Nsereko Lule, who bring over 45 years of collective experience investing in and supporting ventures across Africa. Seedstars Africa Ventures is part of LBO France Group, which has been instrumental in seeding the initiative as part of its broader African strategy. Robert Daussun, Chairman of LBO France, expressed excitement over the fund’s success. “We are delighted by Seedstars Africa Ventures’ latest milestone, and proud to have been the initial supporter of the team. The portfolio they’ve built is innovative and transformative, already driving significant impact across the continent. We are proud to be part of Africa’s growth story.” Seedstars Africa Ventures I has already invested over $10 million in five companies, focusing on sectors such as climate tech, food systems, energy access, internet connectivity, financial inclusion, and payments infrastructure. These startups are already making a tangible difference in the lives of millions across Africa, with some of their achievements including providing internet access to 60,000 households, supporting 50,000 farmers, and enabling financial inclusion for 30,000 individuals across eight countries. The fund’s portfolio is also fully aligned with the 2X Challenge, ensuring that its investments are empowering women entrepreneurs and leaders in the tech ecosystem. Among the five startups that have received investment are: Speaking on the fund’s impact, Ahmed Attout , Director for Financial Sector Development at the African Development Bank, said, “We view Seedstars Africa Ventures as a strategic opportunity to improve access to finance, particularly for youth and women, while enhancing the availability of risk capital in Francophone Africa, a region that has traditionally struggled with limited access to investment.” Ambroise Fayolle, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of supporting digitalisation across Africa: “Accelerating digitalisation is a priority for the EIB, and we are committed to supporting African businesses that drive innovation and prosperity on the continent.” Seedstars Africa Ventures I’s focus on high-impact, digitally-driven businesses aligns with the fund’s mission to foster growth, innovation, and job creation across the continent. The fund is already on track to meet its $80 million target and remains poised to be a key player in Africa’s expanding venture capital landscape.

Enron , once among the largest energy companies in the U.S., has become a punchline since it famously collapsed amid inflated profits and corporate fraud in 2001. Now, social media posts, a slick promotional video and a revamped website suggest the infamous company is making a comeback. On Dec. 2, it posted promotional videos on TikTok , BlueSky and X about adapting to the changing world featuring inspiring imagery and diverse voices claiming "I am Enron" with the tagline, “We're back. Can we talk?” To coincide with the video and website launch, cryptocurrency bloggers speculated Enron will be involved in cryptocurrency exchange. Others speculated the rebranding is fake or parody . THE SOURCES Enron.com terms of use page Will Chabot , managing director of media strategy for Stu Loeser & Co. Enron Corporation articles of incorporation United States Patent and Trademark Office Wayback Machine archives of Enron.com WHAT WE FOUND On Dec. 2, a company calling itself Enron Corporation published a promotional video on social media, introduced a new website and issued a press release announcing a relaunch of the company. But the relaunched website calls itself a parody. The new company with the infamous name is owned by Connor Gaydos, the co-founder of satirical conspiracy group “Birds Aren’t Real.” A disclaimer on the website’s terms of service page reads, “THE INFORMATION ON THE WEBSITE IS FIRST AMENDMENT PROTECTED PARODY, REPRESENTS PERFORMANCE ART, AND IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.” VERIFY reached out to the media contact listed on Enron’s website and in the press release about the site’s relaunch. Will Chabot , spokesperson for the current Enron brand and managing director of media strategy for Stu Loeser & Co., would not confirm or deny if the company was real or parody, but did direct VERIFY to the company’s articles of incorporation and press release about the relaunch. “I understand you had some questions about Enron's launch. While I'm not able to answer all of them (we'll have more to share soon - including a big announcement in the energy space - and will be sure to keep you in the loop),” Chabot told VERIFY. The latest iteration of Enron Corporation’s articles of incorporation were filed in Delaware on Feb. 28, 2024 by Gaydos, according to records provided to VERIFY by Chabot. Gaydos is the co-founder of Birds Aren’t Real , a satirical conspiracy group founded in 2017 that jokingly claims the U.S. government has been replacing living birds with surveillance drones. Gaydos registered the Enron trademark on May 13, 2020, through his The College Company LLC, which also has registered trademarks for Birds Aren’t Real. According to the trademark application for Enron, the trademark is used for shirts and other merchandise. The new website has merchandise for sale. Archival versions of Enron.com dating back to 1998 are available on The Wayback Machine. In January of 2024, the website domain of enron.com was available for purchase , archives of the page show. The last time that URL represented the bankrupt energy giant was in 2007 . There is no evidence to support claims the Enron brand was relaunched as a cryptocurrency firm, as some have speculated. There is a page on Enron’s new website titled “decentralization,” which is a common term to describe the kind of technology behind cryptocurrency. The website says, “Decentralized technology is advancing, and we will of course have a role to play in its future. We couldn't be more excited to show you, but until then please stay vigilant and avoid falling for scams. When we announce something, you'll know.”Maschmeyer leads Charge past Sirens for 2nd win in 6 gamesBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Cam Carter hit five 3-pointers and finished with 23 points, Vyctorius Miller added 20 points and LSU never trailed Sunday night in a 110-45 win over Mississippi Valley State, the Tigers' 21st consecutive victory when scoring at least 100 points. LSU's 65-point margin of victory was its largest since the Tigers beat Grambling by 75 (112-37) on Nov. 20, 1999 and is the third biggest against a Division-I opponent in program history. The 110 points were the most by LSU since a 119-108 win over North Florida on Dec. 12, 2015. Carter scored 11 points — including three 3-pointers — in the first six minutes to make it 18-6 and LSU led by double figures the rest of the way. The Delta Devils went 0 for 6 from the field and committed five turnovers as LSU scored 17 consecutive points to take a 28-point lead with 7:44 left in the first half and led 55-13 at halftime. The Tigers allowed the seventh-fewest points in a half by an opponent in program history. Mississippi Valley State (2-11) is averaging 46.2 points and is winless with a scoring margin of minus-44.2 in 11 games against Division-I opponents this season. LSU (11-2) has won three games in a row since a 74-64 loss to SMU at the Compete 4 Cause Classic in Frisco, Texas, on Dec. 14. Jordan Spears and Daimion Collins added 15 points apiece for the Tigers, who shot 66% (46 of 70) from the field and made 12 3s. Alvin Stredic led Mississippi Valley State with eight points. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballSouth Bay boys and girls basketball notes heading into a busy week of action

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