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slot machine winning tips

Sowei 2025-01-13
Manchester United will have to battle Chelsea , Juventus and other European clubs to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap . Prior to the start of the season, Ipswich were seen by some as the favourites to finish last considering they had remarkably earned consecutive promotions from League One to reach the Premier League. While the Blues are second last in the top flight , they are at least within touching distance of the safety given their tally of nine points is the same as 17th-placed Crystal Palace. During their time in the division, Delap's tenacity in the box and ability to hold play up has caught the eye, and he has already managed to score six times, just one fewer than Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson . According to TheMirror , Man United boss Ruben Amorim will have to battle Chelsea and Juventus for his signature in the summer should the Red Devils look to materialise their interest. United's goalscoring issues under previous boss Erik ten Hag were profound, with the side having only netted eight times in nine league matches under the Dutchman this season. The team have scored once in one fixture under Amorim so far, and considering forwards Mason Mount , Marcus Rashford , Bruno Fernandes , Joshua Zirkzee , Amad Diallo , Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho have only netted 10 Premier League goals between them in 2024-25, links to Delap make some sense. However, the United boss will at least want to see if he can make the most of the talent at his disposal, while Chelsea will feel that boss Enzo Maresca can maximise the talent of players like Jackson. Chelsea and United would also likely find it difficult to justify even further expenditure in the forward line considering both clubs have spent heavily in that department in recent years. As for Juventus, striker Dusan Vlahovic has long been linked with a move away from the Italian side , but with his deal set to expire in the summer of 2026, it makes sense as to why the Old Lady would hold interest in the 21-year-old Ipswich player. If Delap was to transfer from Ipswich to a club like Manchester United, he might encounter issues regarding playing time considering the demands placed on players at Europe's biggest clubs. Indeed, while the Red Devils have no doubt floundered in front of goal and could use with extra firepower in attack, there is a chance that Delap could struggle to have much of an impact due to the problems that have affected all of United's forwards. At Ipswich under the guidance of Kieran McKenna , the striker has started 11 of his side's 13 Premier League games, and he has been allowed to iron out any rustiness in his game without having the spotlight thrust on him. Perhaps staying at Ipswich beyond the current season would be the best course of action for the 21-year-old, especially as he is assured of his place in the starting XI irrespective of occasional poor performances. However, the allure of playing for European royalty would no doubt be tempting, and if Delap continues his strong form for Ipswich, then he could very well be the subject of a bidding war in the summer.Could this happen to my company? That was surely one of the questions running through the minds of the assembled tech leaders and founders attending the tell-all fireside chat between Sampler founder and former CEO Marie Chevrier Schwartz and BetaKit editor-in-chief Douglas Soltys at SAAS NORTH 2024 on Nov. 13. “In hindsight, [the pandemic] made me, as a leader, ultimately ignore some of the fundamentals of the business that were very difficult.” On The BetaKit Keynote Stage at SAAS NORTH, an “extremely nervous” Schwartz unpacked the factors that led to her decade-old business folding after earlier this year. Schwartz, who had not spoken publicly on Sampler’s shuttering until after BetaKit’s story in August, told the SAAS NORTH audience she had decided to tackle the stigma surrounding failure. She hoped to let everyone in attendance know that they’ll likely fail at some point too—and that’s OK. “In my reflection, I realized that if I was feeling lonely, and 80 to 90 percent of businesses fail, then there’s a lot of people who have felt lonely, and a lot of people who will feel lonely,” she said. “If I could be an example of someone who survived through that failure, perhaps we as a community of founders could rebound faster [in the future.]” “I’m using failure with intent today, because I don’t want to be ashamed of saying ‘failure,’ Schwartz added. “In many ways, it’s not a failure. But people might label it as that, and I think that’s OK.” Founded in 2014 and based in Toronto, Sampler created a digital platform for product samples of consumer packaged goods (CPGs). Working with clients like Unilever and L’Oreal, and retailers like Kroger, Sampler reached 4.5 million users across Canada and the United States, with 1,000 CPG brands and agencies as customers and $10 million in annual recurring revenue. At the date of its bankruptcy filing, Sampler had total liabilities of $12.9 million and total assets of more than $300,000. Addressing the attentive crowd, Schwartz detailed what went wrong at the company. From her perspective, Sampler suffered from a series of market shifts from which it could not recover. “In summary, Sampler lost product-market fit 10 years into running its business.” Schwartz noted the COVID-19 pandemic “significantly accelerated” Sampler’s business initially as consumers moved away from brick-and-mortar stores and squarely into its domain of online retail. The former CEO said she took this as a signal to significantly invest in the business and gear up for international expansion, but acknowledged it likely wasn’t the right move. “In hindsight, [the pandemic] made me, as a leader, ultimately ignore some of the fundamentals of the business that were very difficult,” Schwartz said. She added that, while Sampler positioned itself as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company for the sake of fundraising, the company was ultimately beholden to the constraints of the physical, not digital world—namely, shipping and logistics. “At the end of the day, we had something like a 35 to 40 percent margin. We had very difficult unit economics,” she confessed. In the midst of a pandemic-fuelled surge in demand, the low margins didn’t matter as much. But when the impacted Sampler’s CPG customers, the reality was laid bare. As boats full of goods sat in ports, CPG brands were missing key ingredients for their products, Schwartz explained. If a potato chip manufacturer couldn’t stock shelves with product, they weren’t going to provide samples. Sampler continued to see growth until it was hit with the higher shipping costs that followed in the pandemic’s wake. The United States Postal Service increased Sampler’s delivery costs by 200 percent, according to Schwartz, eating further into the company’s margins. As the world began to open back up Sampler’s customers were then very eager to return to in-person shopping. “All of us wanted to go pick our veggies again, so that was bad for the business,” Schwartz said. “In summary, Sampler lost product-market fit 10 years into running its business.” Amid these troubles, and one year before declaring bankruptcy, Sampler became a buyer to try and expand its business while courting a Series B funding round to extend its runway. Sampler beauty industry digital sampling agency Abeo in April 2023 to strengthen its underperforming beauty category and accelerate its expansion into Europe and the United States. The company’s second acquisition, , came three months later. The artificial intelligence-powered software was meant to help brands and their agencies create data-driven, user-generated content promotions. Sampler hoped it could start leveraging its large dataset to monetize new features following a more conventional SaaS business model that Schwartz hoped would provide the company higher margins. “We were very confident that the strategy would hit traction fast enough for us to raise our next round,” Schwartz said before taking a short beat. “We were unable to raise the next round.” Schwartz said her investors were with her “in the trenches,” sending her meals and offering to hire a nanny as she tried to juggle her company’s woes while expecting a baby. The CEO also made clear to the audience that it was her responsibility to find new investors who would get her company to the Series B level. But the market demand wasn’t there, and Schwartz claimed she was fundraising while a “huge exit” of venture capital from the CPG space was taking place. Ultimately, all those factors together signalled that her business was no longer viable. Toward the end of the conversation, Schwartz acknowledged that she wasn’t the only one affected by Sampler’s failure, noting its impact on investors, partners, and employees. She detailed how it felt to lose everything she built her professional identity around, while navigating the confusing process of bankruptcy. “What happens in bankruptcy is that, one day, you have everybody working together, and then the next day there’s ,” she recalled. “Your email gets shut down. You have to return your laptop, it’s gone.” “You don’t have any funds left, right?” Schwartz later added. “So you can’t pay the lawyer, you can’t pay the accountant, your investors are in a conflict and so, frankly, there’s just nothing for you to find.” Schwartz noted that being open about Sampler’s failure has helped create a support network as rediscovers her passions. Now the CEO of tech community organization , she’s dedicating her time to supporting those taking on “the extreme sport of building technology companies.” Schwartz currently has at least one person per week asking for her help navigating the unspoken parts of the bankruptcy process, reinforcing that Sampler’s struggles are not an isolated incident in Canadian tech. She is working with “a few folks” on a project to help make that process easier to understand, and made a pitch to accounting or law firms in attendance at SAAS NORTH for their support. Soltys concluded the conversation with one more prompt for introspection, asking Sampler’s former CEO what she would say to the Marie Chevrier Schwartz of 2013. “You are going to come out of this the wealthiest person ever,” Schwartz concluded, taking another beat. “In experience.”slot machine winning tips

Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. When Michael Cox was 17 and paddling out for a surf, another surfer collided with him and struck him in the head. After three weeks on life support and six months in hospital he was left with permanent brain damage that harmed his speech. “It was a major deal – I’ve got a hole in my head,” Cox says. “It’s been hard.” Now 50, Cox says he understands everything but struggles to make himself understood. After a lifetime of part-time, casual positions, interspersed with long spells of unemployment, he started working at Thora mill near Bellingen a month ago. He has already proven himself a good worker, his bosses say. “It’s the first time in my life that I’ve got a full-time job; it’s been hard to find a full-time gig,” Cox says. “It’s going well, I’m happy and everyone else is happy, they don’t judge me.” If the mill closes, Cox expects to be unemployed again. Michael Cox has found steady work at Thora mill. Credit: Janie Barrett Thora mill provides stable employment for 32 people, many of whom fear they would struggle to find other work. Like many in the region, their fate hinges for better or worse on the NSW government’s imminent decision about the Great Koala National Park. Creating the park by adding state forests to 140,000 hectares of existing national parks was an election promise, but a lot is riding on the size. An extra 176,000 hectares is under assessment for possible inclusion. The industry wants a much smaller footprint. Many people on the Mid North Coast are looking forward to the park and want as much forest protected as possible. The environmental case is strong – recent thermal drone surveys suggest the assessment area is home to about 12,000 koalas, as well as other endangered species such as greater gliders. Scientists say better connectivity between the forests will ensure it is better able to withstand climate change. ‘I’ll happily take a job farming koalas but I can’t see that happening.’ There are many people, too, who are eagerly anticipating the park as a driver of tourism – an industry that employs roughly twice as many people as forestry and timber processing in the Coffs-Grafton area alone. Yet every decision has winners and losers. The creation of the park has long been opposed by the Coalition in favour of other koala conservation work, and National MPs say “there already is a koala park – it’s called state forests”. On the line are hundreds if not thousands of jobs. Forestry and related industries, including wood and paper processing, accounted for 958 jobs in the Coffs-Grafton region in the last census. That is about 2 per cent of jobs in the region. An Ernst & Young report from February 2023 says there are 5700 direct jobs in the hardwood industry in North-East NSW – a broad region, extending from the Hawkesbury River in the south to the Queensland border and inland to Armidale. The Great Koala National Park assessment area is much smaller, spanning from north of Kempsey to around Grafton, but the industry argues that jobs across the whole region will be at risk from constrained wood supply. NSW Forestry Corporation regional manager Dean Caton says change has been a constant theme for the industry, and his “staff have been pretty resilient through that” and will continue to enact the policies of the government. Australian Workers’ Union NSW branch secretary Tony Callinan says forestry workers are “extremely worried about their future”, both for their own jobs and their communities. The Australian Forest Products Association estimates there are about 50 small-to-medium mills in the north-east region similar to Thora mill. Without a supply of wood, they must either close down or import timber. Thora mill manager Brook Waugh, whose grandfather started the business, says he has “no confidence whatsoever to invest anything in our sawmill” given the political climate. Brook Waugh, manager of Thora mill, who sources timber from forests that may be locked up by the establishment of the Great Koala National Park. Credit: Janie Barrett “Basically, we’ll be starved out, meaning you just won’t get enough [timber] and it’ll become unviable and you’ll just shut the doors,” Waugh says. “That’s my fear. The greenies have been given so much over the years, and no matter how much they get, it’s never enough.” Waugh says the proposed size of the park is “ridiculous” and the koalas are “thriving”. His sister Shannon Scott, who manages the book work in the office, says the family feels “huge pressure” to keep the mill going. “We feel like we have an obligation to all the workers,” Scott says. “You don’t want to see anyone lose their job and go hungry because a lot of them are unskilled workers, and I don’t know how easily they would find jobs in the region, and I don’t know how suitable those jobs would be for them.” Shannon Scott’s grandfather started Thora mill and she says the family feels a responsibility to keep going for the sake of the workers. Credit: Janie Barrett Andrew West, 58, who has worked for Thora mill for 24 years, is sceptical about any claims that the Great Koala National Park would create jobs. “I’ll happily take a job farming koalas, but I can’t see that happening,” says West. “I quite like the job I have. It will really disappoint me the day when this is going to close. I’d hoped it would see me through to retirement.” Australian Forest Products Association NSW chief executive James Jooste says the industry wants an immediate decision to end the uncertainty. “The longer the government takes to make that decision, the greater the human cost will be,” Jooste says. The forestry industry has put forward a case for $1.35 billion in compensation if the park is 176,000 hectares, but only $271 million if it is 37,000 hectares. The Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation, chaired by former Treasury secretary Ken Henry, claims these figures are inflated by at least $300 million by exaggerating the cost of wood buyouts and land management services under NPWS. “Native forest logging businesses are either trying to scare the NSW government with inflated costs to force them to break an election promise or line their pockets with unjustified buyouts at taxpayers’ expense,” Henry says. Environmentalists are hanging out for a quick decision, too, since logging has continued within the assessment area since the election. The longer the park is delayed, they say, the greater the destruction. Dean Caton, northern region manager of NSW Forestry Corporation, in Orara East State Forest, that is part of the assessment area for the Great Koala National Park. Credit: Janie Barrett Forestry Corp for its part says logging in native forests involves selective harvesting, and both its employees and contractors adhere to strict environmental regulations. Any breaches, Caton says, result from the complexity of the rules and are regretted. For Gumbaynggirr elders Uncle Micklo Jarrett and Aunty Alison Buchanan, protection of their Country cannot come soon enough. “The whole world should be Great Koala National Park,” Jarrett says. “While we’re talking, talking, talking, the Forestry is still in there smashing down the trees.” Buchanan tears up as she says: “I want people to know that this is our everything.” Not all Gumbaynggir people share the same views, with jobs in both forestry and forest protection. On the Coffs Coast, nearly one in four NPWS employees are Aboriginal, while there are Indigenous tourism businesses such as the Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience, but there are also many Indigenous people employed in timber harvesting and processing. Gumbaynggirr elders Aunty Alison Buchanan and Uncle Micklo Jarrett at a protest against logging at Little Newry forest. Credit: Janie Barrett As part of the planning for the new park, NPWS has been consulting the community about the desired uses, such as mountain biking and four-wheel-driving. The agency has simultaneously been investing in its existing parks on the Mid North Coast. Glenn Storrie, NPWS manager Coffs Coast area, says this ranges from a refresh of the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and accessible boardwalk to the development of a multi-day Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk. “During COVID, people really discovered the importance of natural areas, and we’re very mindful of the role we play,” says Storrie. “Conservation is at the core but in addition to that we’re providing opportunities for people to get away and de-stress.” Environment Minister Penny Sharpe has consistently described the forthcoming Great Koala National Park as a boon for tourism in the region. In the last census, the Coffs-Grafton region had 1860 jobs in tourism-related industries – not including food services – making up nearly 4 per cent of employment. Michael Thurston, general manager of Destination North Coast, says tourism businesses are excited about the creation of the park. He expects strong promotion by state and national bodies, and says it will raise the international profile of the region, which can be overlooked in favour of Byron Bay further north. “Nature-based tourism is the No.1 driver of visitation to the north coast, and this product leans really heavily into that,” Thurston says. “It’s going to be a first-class asset, protecting an iconic species in a truly spectacular part of the world.” Chris Fenech, from HWH Stables, takes visitors on rainforest horse rides in Upper Orara along the Urumbilum River. Credit: Janie Barrett Chris Fenech, owner of HWH Stables in the Orara Valley, runs horse-riding tours in the rainforest and nearby beaches, and says his business will be a direct beneficiary of a new attraction for NSW and Australia. “For a little business like mine, anything that puts a highlight on the Mid North Coast or further down into this little area can only be a good thing,” Fenech says. “It’s not only going to attract tourism visitors, but along the way put a focus on the conservation and protection of flora and fauna, particularly our lovely koalas, which are in rapid decline.” Get to the heart of what’s happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter.Nittany Lions will face No. 1 Oregon next Saturday in IndianapolisFrom Bond-style cars with secret hidey holes to hollow gas cylinders, drug smugglers’ most cunning tricks revealedGeorgia Southern 26, Coastal Carolina 6

Donald Trump’s social media company is considering developing a cryptocurrency payment service, according to a trademark application filed this week, the latest sign of the president-elect’s embrace of the crypto industry. Trump Media & Technology Group filed an application Monday for a service called TruthFi, which it described as a platform for crypto payments, financial custody services and trading in digital assets.FTSE 100 shares: bargain hunting to get richer!

'Forever Present' campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream NEW YORK , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- De Beers Group today launched a new marketing campaign, 'Forever Present', to reinforce desirability for natural diamonds over the key holiday gifting season in the U.S. The campaign sees the return of the iconic 'A Diamond is Forever' tagline following its reintroduction to De Beers' category marketing activities last year. Highlighting a diverse array of gifting opportunities for natural diamonds this holiday season, the campaign celebrates familial, friendship and romantic relationships under the premise that 'natural connections deserve natural diamonds', making them the ideal choice for celebrating special moments with special people. The campaign reinforces the notion that natural diamonds are a store of emotional value that enable precious memories to remain 'forever present'. The campaign features diverse real-life couples, illustrating unforgettable moments and key milestones worth celebrating with the most special people in our lives, bringing the true essence of their relationships to life on screen. Showcasing classic jewellery designs including studs, tennis bracelets, anniversary bands, three-stone rings and solitaire pendants, the campaign speaks to a broad audience of U.S. gift-givers. The campaign will run nationally throughout the U.S. across digital platforms, social media including Instagram and TikTok, and out-of-home including major airports. To enhance its reach and impact and support U.S. independent jewellery retailers, the campaign assets will also be made available free-of-charge to retailers planning to invest in natural diamond marketing this holiday season. Sandrine Conseiller , CEO of De Beers Brands, said: "De Beers' iconic natural diamond category campaigns have shaped desire for natural diamonds over many decades. We're proud to build on this tradition by reviving and refreshing one of our most legendary taglines "A Diamond Is Forever" this holiday season. With a modern sensibility and playful colloquial language, this latest campaign encapsulates the unique qualities of natural diamonds, positioning them as the perfect choice for celebrating life's most cherished milestones." The Forever Present campaign follows the recently launched Worth the Wait campaign, a collaboration between De Beers Group and Signet Jewelers. While Worth the Wait is focused on soon-to-be-engaged Millennial and Gen Z audiences, Forever Present appeals to gift-givers of all ages by showcasing the connection between natural diamonds and creating precious memories with loved ones this holiday season. Retailers interested in learning more about the Forever Present campaign and how they can participate can visit: adiamondisforevermarketing.com . The campaign is featured on @Adiamondisforever on Instagram and TikTok. The Forever Present campaign assets are available to download here . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/de-beers-group-launches-holiday-campaign-for-natural-diamonds-302314554.html SOURCE De Beers GroupBlake's career receiving day helps Charlotte beat FAU 39-27Hingham Institution for Savings ( NASDAQ:HIFS – Get Free Report ) shares shot up 0.4% on Thursday . The company traded as high as $257.66 and last traded at $257.66. 713 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 95% from the average session volume of 15,166 shares. The stock had previously closed at $256.56. Hingham Institution for Savings Trading Down 1.5 % The stock has a market capitalization of $543.45 million, a PE ratio of 23.97 and a beta of 1.01. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $271.11 and its 200-day moving average price is $240.37. The company has a quick ratio of 1.57, a current ratio of 1.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.63. Hingham Institution for Savings ( NASDAQ:HIFS – Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 11th. The savings and loans company reported $1.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Hingham Institution for Savings had a return on equity of 2.27% and a net margin of 10.95%. The business had revenue of $15.21 million during the quarter. Hingham Institution for Savings Announces Dividend Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hingham Institution for Savings A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HIFS. Copeland Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Hingham Institution for Savings during the third quarter worth $61,000. FMR LLC lifted its stake in Hingham Institution for Savings by 27.0% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 419 shares of the savings and loans company’s stock worth $102,000 after purchasing an additional 89 shares in the last quarter. Wallace Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Hingham Institution for Savings during the 3rd quarter valued at about $219,000. Quantbot Technologies LP boosted its holdings in shares of Hingham Institution for Savings by 49.1% during the 3rd quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP now owns 950 shares of the savings and loans company’s stock valued at $231,000 after purchasing an additional 313 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Hingham Institution for Savings during the third quarter valued at about $243,000. 49.33% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Hingham Institution for Savings Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Hingham Institution for Savings provides various financial products and services to individuals and small businesses in the United States. It offers savings, checking, money market, demand, and negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. The company provides commercial and residential real estate, construction, home equity, commercial, consumer, and mortgage loans. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hingham Institution for Savings Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hingham Institution for Savings and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

LAS VEGAS — A slate of six Nevada Republicans have again been charged with submitting a bogus certificate to Congress that declared Donald Trump the winner of the presidential battleground's 2020 election. Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford announced Thursday that the state's fake electors case had been revived in Carson City, the capital, where he filed a new complaint this week charging the defendants with “uttering a forged instrument,” a felony. The original indictment was dismissed earlier this year after a state judge ruled that Clark County, the state’s most populous county and home to Las Vegas, was the wrong venue for the case. Ford, a Democrat, said the new case was filed as a precaution to avoid the statute of limitations expiring while the Nevada Supreme Court weighs his appeal of the judge's ruling. “While we disagree with the finding of improper venue and will continue to seek to overturn it, we are preserving our legal rights in order to ensure that these fake electors do not escape justice,” Ford said. “The actions the fake electors undertook in 2020 violated Nevada criminal law and were direct attempts to both sow doubt in our democracy and undermine the results of a free and fair election. Justice requires that these actions not go unpunished.” Officials have said it was part of a larger scheme across seven battleground states to keep Trump in the White House after losing to Democrat Joe Biden. Criminal cases have also been brought in Michigan, Georgia and Arizona. Get the latest breaking news as it happens. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . Trump lost in 2020 to Biden by more than 30,000 votes in Nevada. An investigation by then-Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske, a Republican, found no credible evidence of widespread voter fraud in the state. The defendants are state GOP chair Michael McDonald; Clark County GOP chair Jesse Law; national party committee member Jim DeGraffenreid; national and Douglas County committee member Shawn Meehan; Storey County clerk Jim Hindle; and Eileen Rice, a party member from the Lake Tahoe area. In an emailed statement to The Associated Press, McDonald's attorney, Richard Wright, called the new complaint a political move by a Democratic state attorney general who also announced Thursday he plans to run for governor in 2026. “We will withhold further comment and address the issues in court,” said Wright, who has spoken often in court on behalf of all six defendants. Attorneys for the others did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment. Their lawyers previously argued that Ford improperly brought the case before a grand jury in Democratic-leaning Las Vegas instead of in a northern Nevada city, where the alleged crimes occurred.BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) — Deshawn Purdie threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to O'Mega Blake for the go-ahead score and Charlotte defeated Florida Atlantic 39-27 on Saturday in a game that matched two new interim coaches. Charlotte (4-7, 3-4 American Athletic Conference) fired Biff Poggi on Monday and Tim Brewster took over. FAU (2-9, 0-7) fired Tom Ferman, also on Monday, with Chad Lunsford taking charge. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Bitcoin values hit record highs. Should you invest in cryptocurrency? Here's how it worksThe Week 13 college football slate featured some incredible matchups, most notably in the SEC and Big Ten. A few of these matchups included No. 2 Ohio State versus No. 5 Indiana, No. 7 Alabama versus Oklahoma and No. 3 Texas versus Kentucky. While much of the attention is turned toward the powerhouse conferences, there was an interesting matchup down south. The UAB Blazers hosted the Rice Owls in Week 13, heading into matchup having won two games in the entire 2024 season. Despite the season struggles they played a phenomenal game, defeating Rice 40-14. Journalist and photographer Reid Scott posted a picture of the crowd at Protective Stadium on social media, mentioning that the Blazers had a great performance, but it didn't come with too many fireworks. Protective Stadium can accommodate around 42,000 fans. It's a relatively new venue, originally being built from 2020 to 2021 with around a $200 million investment. Blazers are balling out but no one is here to see it. Man... #UAB pic.twitter.com/yegu8JvZIR The Blazers were led by quarterback Jalen Kitna who posted two touchdowns and 174 yards, completing 18-of-23 pass attempts. Kitna received tremendous help from running back Lee Beebe, who record video game-like stats in Week 13. He produced two touchdowns and 161 yards on 17 carries. Matt Bush-Imagn Images While the Blazers secured the Week 13 victory, they've been struggling all season. With the win, UAB advanced to 3-8 on the season, snapping a two-game losing streak. They now hold a 2-5 record in the American Athletic Conference. UAB will look to build off their Week 13 win when they take on Charlotte next weekend. ESPN's Matchup Predictor is giving the Blazers a 43.5% chance to win the game in Week 14. Related: College Football Reporter Laura Rutledge Was A Fan Favorite On Saturday Related: Travis Hunter Makes College Football History on SaturdayIndependent TDs seeking three junior ministerial roles and super junior appointment

The Stock Surge You Can’t Ignore

For over a year the government of Israel has waged a brutal and relentless military offensive in the occupied Gaza Strip in retaliation to Hamas ' horrific attacks of October 7, 2023. For over a year Israel has convinced its allies, and much of the world, that its efforts to annihilate Gaza are a legitimate act of self-defense. The actions of Hamas and other armed groups on October 7 were heinous atrocities that have no justification under any circumstances. My organization, Amnesty International, has denounced those crimes and continues to call for the unconditional release of all civilian hostages. Israelis, like Palestinians, have the right to live in safety. But the assertion that Israel's war in Gaza aims solely to dismantle Hamas, and not physically destroy Palestinians as a national and ethnic group, even in part, simply does not stand up to scrutiny. Amnesty International just published conclusive evidence that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and continues to do so. Genocide is a crime. It is not a political, personal, or public opinion, nor a judgment about Israel's actions. It is a crime, defined under international law by the Genocide Convention . The finding that Israel has perpetrated genocide is a conclusion based on painstaking research and rigorous legal analysis. Our research shows that Israel has carried out acts prohibited under the Genocide Convention against Palestinians in Gaza, including killings, causing serious bodily or mental harm, and deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction. The Israel Defense Forces has wrought destruction on Gaza at a speed and on a scale unseen in any other conflict this century. It has leveled entire cities and pulverized vital infrastructure, agricultural land, and cultural and religious sites. The direct killing of more than 42,000 Palestinians in a year—not including the toll of starvation and disease—is a tragedy of utterly staggering proportion. However, what makes this a genocide under international law is the intent behind Israel's actions. The evidence presented in our report clearly shows that the deliberate goal of Israel's military campaign is the destruction of the Palestinians in Gaza. From the outset of this war, public statements by high-level Israeli officials have dehumanized Palestinians and called for genocidal acts, contributing to an overall pattern of conduct that reveals Israel's true intentions. Time and again, Israel has carried out unlawful, deadly attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in places and under circumstances with no presence of Hamas nor any military necessity. Time and time again, Israel has deployed large explosive weapons in densely populated residential neighborhoods, knowingly inflicting a wide radius of destruction at times when such weapons would result in the highest civilian casualties. Time and again, Israel issued waves of arbitrary and confusing mass "evacuation" orders, forcibly displacing civilians into ever smaller and more inhospitable areas, all the while carrying out attacks on vital life-sustaining infrastructure. Time and again, Israel deliberately obstructed or denied humanitarian aid to Gaza, ignoring pleas from the international community, humanitarian organizations, and even legally binding orders from the International Court of Justice to take immediate steps to avoid genocide. Israel's repeated refusal to take necessary actions within its power allowed a deadly mix of hunger and disease to take hold, further endangering the survival of Palestinians in Gaza. The effects on young children and on pregnant and breastfeeding women have been particularly severe. Identification of genocidal intent in armed conflict is complex and challenging, not least because of the multiple military objectives often in play. It's complex, but not impossible. Moreover, it is essential that genocide in the context of armed conflict be recognized for what it is, that war not be allowed to excuse it, and that the "heat of battle" not cloud the facts on the ground. The evidence laid out in our 300-page report clearly shows that the destruction of the Palestinians in Gaza was and remains a goal for Israel, either in addition to or as a means to achieve its other military goals. Only one reasonable inference can be drawn from the evidence: genocidal intent has been part and parcel of Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Millions of people will bear the scars of this genocide for decades to come. People like Hussein Abdelal, who lost 20 family members across three generations to an Israeli airstrike on April 20, 2024. "I keep looking in the rubble for whatever I can find from my mother and my children," Hussein told us . "Their bodies were torn to shreds. I found shreds, body parts of my children. I found them without heads." However uncomfortable our findings may be, inaction in the face of such cruelty is indefensible. The evidence we have published means there is no room to hide; Israel's allies must stop pretending that international crimes have not been committed. It's time to stand up for humanity and against inhumanity. States must challenge Israel and push for an immediate ceasefire. They must finally address Israel's longstanding policies and practices of apartheid and unlawful occupation, which have continued with impunity for decades, laying the ground for the genocide we witness today. The international community's inertia has shielded Israel from accountability under international law, thereby also eroding what remains of the rules-based order. States must push for an immediate end to Israel's unlawful and inhumane blockade of Gaza, and those that continue to send weapons to Israel must suspend arms transfers now or know they risk complicity in genocide. Instead of undermining institutions like the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court, states must restore faith in international law and justice by ensuring implementation of the courts' decisions. For the last 13 months, millions of people across the globe have marched, week after week, to call for an end to Israel's crimes in Gaza. States cannot continue to turn their backs on those demands. They have a legal and moral duty to bring an immediate and conclusive end to this genocide and take all measures under the law to bring those responsible to justice. Agnès Callamard is Secretary General of Amnesty International. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.

Campbell River city council voted Thursday (Nov. 21) to decrease funding to non-profit organizations in Campbell River, while also streamlining the city's approach to its grant process, with most of the changes taking effect in 2026. Chief financial officer Alaina Maher said the new grant policy will allow the city to continue to support non-profits in "improved ways." "It's less subjective, more transparent, and more inclusive," said Maher of the new policy. By providing $2.87 million in grants, leases, and facility rentals to non-profit organizations, she said, the changes reflect a $370,000 decrease in the city's current funding. She added the changes would also align city spending with comparable communities. Currently, the City of Campbell River spends more on non-profit funding than comparable communities, such as Courtenay and Penticton, according to the city report. During the presentation to the council, finance services manager Aaron Daur said the proposed changes streamline three existing policies – the permissive tax exemption, the community grant policy, and a segment of the property policy – into a single policy called the "financial assistance policy." Permissive tax exemptions will decrease from 1.7 percent (or $720,000) to 1.4 percent (or $603,000) of the previous year's tax, resulting in an estimated savings of up to $220,000 each year, he said. Community grants will no longer be restricted to the arts and culture sector. Instead, they will be available to all organizations that contribute directly to the city's social, recreational, cultural, environmental, and economic well-being. A total of $150,000 will be budgeted for community grants, with a maximum of $20,000 per organization. The city currently awards $277,000 in grants, meaning the savings will amount to $127,000, Daur said. The city operating grants are available to organizations operating on city-owned property – and, under the changes, are no longer restricted to arts and culture organizations. The budget will decrease to $550,000, from the $654,000 the municipality currently awards. For example, the Campbell River Art Gallery was awarded an operating grant of $80,000 in 2024. But, due to the changes, with a budget of $550,000, it would instead receive $67,000 – a reduction of $13,000. The changes are substantial, Daur said. City staff recommend the changes be phased in over 2025, taking effect in 2026. At the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Kermit Dahl addressed the significant community uproar over the changes. He said there is a "lack of understanding" about the substantial funding the city currently allocates to non-profits. "Like many cities across Canada, Campbell River is facing the challenge of maintaining our service levels while meeting the needs of a growing community and keeping taxes affordable," Dahl said. "We also recognize that we provide significant funding to the non-profit sector each year." Coun. Ben Lanyon said a five per cent reduction for certain organizations would not lead to dire consequences. He recommended the organizations reach out to the community for philanthropic donations. These days many families are just struggling to put food on the table and don't have any extra money to put toward a higher property tax, he added. 'Intense' approach to keeping taxes low Just one councillor, Tanille Johnston, voted against the changes. "We are taking a pretty intense, in my opinion, approach to where we're finding the money to keep the taxation as low as is desired," she said. "This is also a cumulative effect of having councils that have not, in my opinion, operated the community in a way that can sustain itself." She pointed to what she called the city's "historic commitment" to single-family housing as a culprit, adding that single-family homes don't pay for themselves, setting up the city to implement drastic tax measures. Sara Lopez Assu, the Campbell River Art Gallery's executive director, attended Thursday's council meeting. To her, the city is playing a "numbers game" and is "intentionally misleading." "I'm angry and I'm disappointed," she told the Mirror , adding when it comes to the actual money the art gallery receives, the community grant cuts amount to about 25 per cent, while the permissive tax cuts add up to 16 per cent. Asking organizations to seek philanthropic donations is "tone deaf," she said, as organizations, like the art gallery, already do so. She said city funding represents about 13 per cent of the art gallery's total operating budget. However, they use those funds, which are core operating funds, to leverage a "multiplier effect" with other funding sources. "We can show up with money in our pocket and say, 'Hey, match it.' And that is what we all have been doing. So we bring in four times what the city invests," she said. Lopez Assu is also not convinced the city funds more than the so-called comparable communities. "It's nine (comparative) communities that the city report is based on," she said. "Five out of those nine communities don't even have a public art gallery. You're comparing complete apples to oranges. "They're comparing us to communities that don't have arts and cultural assets," she said. To help with this transition, council also approved a $20,000 budget to implement the policy and provide workshops to help organizations navigate the changes. The city is also in discussions about creating a grant process with the Strathcona Regional District for non-profits that benefit the entire region, including the city.Larson Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in MetLife, Inc. ( NYSE:MET – Free Report ) by 59.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 906 shares of the financial services provider’s stock after acquiring an additional 338 shares during the period. Larson Financial Group LLC’s holdings in MetLife were worth $75,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Acadian Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of MetLife by 7,837.0% during the 2nd quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 1,129,353 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $79,250,000 after purchasing an additional 1,115,124 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its stake in MetLife by 22.4% during the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 5,396,274 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $378,799,000 after acquiring an additional 988,666 shares during the period. BNP PARIBAS ASSET MANAGEMENT Holding S.A. raised its holdings in MetLife by 79.1% in the 3rd quarter. BNP PARIBAS ASSET MANAGEMENT Holding S.A. now owns 1,726,209 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $142,378,000 after acquiring an additional 762,291 shares in the last quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board lifted its position in shares of MetLife by 347.4% in the 2nd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 432,887 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $30,384,000 after acquiring an additional 336,127 shares during the period. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc grew its holdings in shares of MetLife by 5.4% during the 2nd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 5,299,800 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $371,993,000 after purchasing an additional 269,246 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.81% of the company’s stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages recently commented on MET. TD Cowen raised their target price on MetLife from $97.00 to $99.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday. Barclays decreased their target price on shares of MetLife from $91.00 to $90.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 31st. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of MetLife from $86.00 to $85.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research report on Monday, August 19th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on MetLife from $92.00 to $93.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Tuesday, November 5th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on MetLife from $89.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, September 27th. Fourteen analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat, MetLife currently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $88.62. MetLife Price Performance MetLife stock opened at $88.20 on Friday. The business’s fifty day moving average is $83.34 and its two-hundred day moving average is $76.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a quick ratio of 0.16 and a current ratio of 0.16. The firm has a market cap of $61.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.78, a P/E/G ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 1.05. MetLife, Inc. has a 52 week low of $63.02 and a 52 week high of $89.05. MetLife Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 16th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 5th will be given a dividend of $0.545 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 5th. This represents a $2.18 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.47%. MetLife’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 43.95%. MetLife Profile ( Free Report ) MetLife, Inc, a financial services company, provides insurance, annuities, employee benefits, and asset management services worldwide. It operates through six segments: Retirement and Income Solutions; Group Benefits; Asia; Latin America; Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and MetLife Holdings. The company offers life, dental, group short-and long-term disability, individual disability, pet insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, vision, and accident and health coverages, as well as prepaid legal plans; administrative services-only arrangements to employers; and general and separate account, and synthetic guaranteed interest contracts, as well as private floating rate funding agreements. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for MetLife Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MetLife and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

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Sunday China Drive | Top cars of 2024 in China In 2024, BEVs led China’s NEV market with 5.55 million units sold, maintaining dominance across most price segments. PHEVs and EREVs, with 4.044 million units sold, saw rapid growth, narrowing the gap, particularly in mid-to-high-end categories. BEVs benefited from advancements like fast charging and solid-state batteries, while hybrids addressed range anxiety and offered versatility, intensifying competition for 2025. This year, we have witnessed Xiaomi’s rise into the Chinese auto market with the SU7 , while Jiyue and HiPhi have met their demise. BYD dominated the Chinese auto market, leading NEV sales with its extensive lineup of BEVs and PHEVs. The brand maintained strong performance across diverse segments by leveraging in-house battery technology and competitive pricing. Based on the range of vehicles we tested on Sunday China Drive , we are naming the best cars from China in 2024. Subcompact Car: Geely Geome Xingyuan The Geely Geome Xingyuan is a subcompact electric car that combines the features of a hatchback and an SUV, making it suitable for family use. Since its launch in October, it has gained popularity, rejuvenating the Geome brand after a period of low sales. Its approachable exterior showcases a clean and cheerful design, complete with drop-shaped headlights and seven pastel color options. The compact dimensions and SUV-like ground clearance make it ideal for urban environments, while thoughtful details such as semi-recessed door handles and sturdy 16-inch wheels enhance its practicality. However, its youthful styling might not appeal to those looking for a more mature aesthetic. Inside, the Xingyuan focuses on user comfort and practicality, offering a spacious cabin thanks to Geely’s C2P battery integration. Notable features include soft-touch materials, ample legroom, and advanced technology like Meizu’s Flyme Auto OS with AI voice assistance. The car provides generous storage solutions, with a trunk capacity of 375 liters that can be expanded to 1,320 liters. Powered by rear-wheel drive, the Xingyuan offers smooth handling, responsive acceleration, and two motor options, providing CLTC ranges of 310 km or 410 km. While some minor omissions, such as a telescopic steering column, may disappoint certain buyers. Unlike the BYD Seagull , the Xingyuan does not suffer from sluggish acceleration from 100 km/h to 120 km/h. Midsize Car: Mazda EZ-6 Developed with Changan , the Mazda EZ-6 comes in both BEV and EREV versions. Its sporty, coupe-like silhouette, signature grille, and distinctive “Wings of Light” LED lighting highlight its exterior design. Aerodynamic features like an active rear spoiler enhance both style and functionality. Measuring 4,921 mm in length, with a wheelbase of 2,895 mm, the EZ-6 is larger than its Deepal counterparts, offering ample interior space and practicality reminiscent of early Mazda liftbacks. The interior balances comfort and innovation, featuring zero-gravity seats, a 14.6-inch infotainment screen, and a 50-inch AR heads-up display supported by a responsive Snapdragon 8155 chipset and a premium 14-speaker Sony audio system. The EZ-6 EREV delivers a smooth and refined driving experience with a 160 kW electric motor and a 1.5-liter petrol engine acting as a range extender, enabling a total range of 1,300 km. The car excels in handling, with a low center of gravity and precise steering, maintaining stability during tight turns. The battery supports 130 km or 200 km of pure electric range, fast charging from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes. Advanced features like regenerative braking, L2.5 driving assistance, and effective suspension ensure a comfortable and safe ride. The EZ-6 blends Mazda’s hallmark driving dynamics with cutting-edge technology. The BEV version offers an alternative to the Tesla Model 3 with a distinctly Japanese identity. As much as we like to name the Xiaomi SU7 the best sedan for its performance and driving dynamics, the Mazda EZ-6 offers a larger boot with a much lower price tag. Large Car: BYD’s Denza Z9 GT The Denza Z9 GT , a high-performance electric wagon developed under BYD’s Denza brand, blends powerful performance, modern design, and practical features to stand out in the luxury EV market. Designed by Audi veteran Wolfgang Egger, the Z9 GT combines sleek aerodynamics with a sporty silhouette, featuring a clean front fascia and 21-inch alloy wheels. Measuring 5,180 mm in length, 1,990 mm in width, and 1,480 mm in height, it commands significant road presence while offering a spacious five-seat interior. Inside, the cabin emphasizes comfort and technology, with dual touchscreens, a Devialet sound system, adjustable seats with Nappa leather upholstery, and unique amenities such as built-in refrigerators and adaptive air suspension, catering to both luxury and functionality for long-distance travel and daily usability. Powered by a tri-motor setup producing 710 kW (952 hp), the Denza Z9 GT accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, delivering a dynamic yet composed driving experience. A rear-wheel steering system enhances maneuverability at low speeds and stability at high speeds, while the adaptive air suspension adjusts to road conditions for a refined ride. Despite its large size, the Denza Z9 GT handles like a “hot hatch” in tight corners. With an estimated range of 630 km, a spacious cargo area, and advanced features like rear leg support and electrically powered doors, the Z9 GT combines practicality with high performance. Midsize SUV: Chery’s Jetour Traveller The Jetour Traveller , a compact off-road SUV introduced by Chery’s Jetour brand, blends rugged styling with modern features at an accessible price range of 139,900 to 184,900 yuan (19,300 – 25,500 USD). The Traveler, designed by former Porsche designer Hakan Saracoglu, sports a boxy silhouette with off-road details like a rear spare container, towing hooks, and roof racks. It measures 4,785 mm in length, 2,006 mm in width, and 1,880 mm in height, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase. Practical specifications, including 220 mm ground clearance and 700 mm wading depth, enhance its mild off-road credentials. Inside, the cabin offers customizable color options, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen powered by a Snapdragon 8155 chip, and flexible storage solutions like foldable rear seats and a panoramic sunroof, making it suitable for outdoor adventures and daily commutes. With Chery’s hybrid drivetrain or a 2.0TD engine producing 254 hp and 390 Nm of torque, the Traveller provides efficient city driving and capable highway performance, with smooth transitions between electric and combustion modes. Its adaptive suspension and XWD intelligent four-wheel drive enhance comfort and traction on various terrains, while L2.5 driving assistance supports safe and convenient operation. Despite not being a hardcore off-roader, the Traveller balances capability and style, offering a practical, customizable option for budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking versatility for urban life and light off-road adventures. Luxury SUV: Luxeed R7 The Luxeed R7 , born from the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance between Chery and Huawei, has quickly gained traction in the electric coupe SUV market. The sleek design mirrors its S7 sedan counterpart, featuring a low beltline, slim LED headlights, and a slanted roofline while boasting a drag coefficient 0.219. It provides a spacious yet aerodynamic profile with 4,956 mm long, 1,981 mm in width, and a 2,950 mm wheelbase. Inside, Huawei’s HarmonyOS 4 powers dual screens, complementing a luxurious White Sand Apricot theme. Thoughtful features like adjustable rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a multi-tiered trunk emphasize comfort and practicality, making the R7 well-suited for families and long journeys. Cargo capacity ranges from 837 liters to a generous 2,130 liters with seats folded. On the road, the R7 offers precise handling, agile cornering, and a comfortable ride supported by an advanced air suspension system. Equipped with Huawei’s ADS 3.0, it delivers responsive autonomous driving capabilities, adeptly managing urban challenges and highway transitions. Its 800V architecture allows ultra-fast charging, achieving 400 km in just 15 minutes. While the unconventional steering column shape and the curb weight’s slight effect on agility may pose minor concerns, the R7 excels in blending cutting-edge technology, luxurious comfort, and dynamic performance. Regarding autonomous driving, Huawei’s ADS 3.0 is ahead of Meizu’s Flyme Auto in the Zeekr 7X . While the R7 is more fun to drive than the Avatr 07 and the Li Auto L6 . Off-Road SUV: GWM’s Tank 700 Hi4-T The Tank 700 Hi4-T , developed by Great Wall Motor’s off-road division, is a large hybrid SUV combining a 3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 517 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. The vehicle exudes a robust presence on the road with dimensions of 5.11 meters in length, 2.12 meters in width, and a 3-meter wheelbase. It offers an off-road-focused design with approach and departure angles of 32 and 33 degrees and rides on 275/50 R22 tires. The Tank 700 Hi4-T prioritizes stability, although it may be challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, especially in car parks. Inside, the Tank 700 Hi4-T provides a spacious cabin with comfortable seating, including adjustable rear seats with massage functions for long-distance comfort. However, taller passengers may find the cabin space limited, and the lack of electric door suction for the rear doors is an oversight. While practical, the interior lacks some finer details in premium vehicles, and the cargo space is relatively compact. The driving experience benefits from the hybrid powertrain, offering smooth acceleration and off-road capability, including a towing capacity of 2,500 kg. However, its large size may pose challenges in confined spaces. The Tank 700 Hi4-T excels off-road but could benefit from refinements in areas such as storage and rear door functionality. Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China , where you can read more first-person evaluations of Chinese cars.Nittany Lions will face No. 1 Oregon next Saturday in Indianapolis

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