Clare Pleydell-Bouverie, co-lead fund manager at Liontrust Asset Management, is eyeing up firms hovering near — but not currently a part of — the seven biggest tech firms. Pleydell-Bouverie warned keen AI investors to see that "you've got to build out this new compute infrastructure before you can monetize it." This includes silicon chips, semiconductor equipment, the likes of Applied Materials, and firms responsible for laying underground cables and networks, she said. > 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are The AI revolution is "the biggest platform shift since electricity" and, as such, will bring investment opportunities in smaller tech firms that are climbing ever nearer to the Big Tech behemoths, according to one U.K.-based fund manager. "We're of the firm belief that the winners of this new technology cycle, that really started 18 months, two years ago with the ChatGPT moment [and the] AI revolution, these are not going to be the same winners as the last technology cycle," Clare Pleydell-Bouverie, co-lead fund manager at Liontrust Asset Management, told CNBC's Arjun Kharpal last week. "We're really focused on the opportunities sat below the Magnificent Seven," Pleydell-Bouverie said, referencing a group of Big Tech stocks comprising of Alphabet , Amazon , Apple , Meta , Microsoft , Nvidia and Tesla . Many of those tech firms she says are ripe for investment work on AI applications, which the fund manager describes as an emerging club of high-value firms, and one of a number of different layers growing within the wider AI industry. "This year we've been really focused on the AI infrastructure layer of this new technology stack," she said. Money Report European markets set to open lower as investors digest European Central Bank rate cut Europe can make up the Ukraine funding shortfall if the U.S. withdraws, analysts say Pleydell-Bouverie warned keen AI investors to see that "you've got to build out this new compute infrastructure before you can monetize it." This includes silicon chips, semiconductor equipment, the likes of Applied Materials , and firms responsible for laying underground cables and networks, she said. "So, the Broadcom 's, the Amphenol 's, the Arista 's of this world, these are all really crucial components to scale this AI infrastructure. And on top of that, you've got the model providers. For the most part, we view these players as quite commoditized ... It's a complete arms race to build these large foundation models," she said. Large foundation models refer to machine-learning models that are trained on large amounts of data. Below the AI application making "stack" are engineering firms "who bring AI to companies and customers," said Pleydell-Bouverie, adding: "The value at the moment resides still in that AI infrastructure layer, but we see that moving up the stack into next year." Nvidia 'primary beneficiary' of AI boom Pleydell-Bouverie believes Nvidia will be the key player for the AI revolution in 2025, striking comparisons with Apple 's surge as the dominant player during the smartphone transition. Understanding Nvidia's role in 2025, however, requires investors to view the Magnificent Seven firm in a different light. "The key misunderstanding about Nvidia is that it's a chip provider. Looking at the company through this framework ... looking at this company through the framework of a backward looking hyperscaler capex [capital expenditure] is fundamentally the wrong way to be looking at this company," said Pleydell-Bouverie. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs is credited with integrating a failing operating system with sleek hardware in the mid-1990s, laying down the foundations for it to eventually take advantage of the smartphone boom that would emerge at the turn of the millennium. Pleydell-Bouverie sees Nvidia accelerating similarly to Apple. "Nvidia is actually positioning itself to be the operating system for this new AI-infused software that we're going to really start to see come to market from next year," she added. Nvidia has been the primary beneficiary of the ongoing artificial intelligence boom, with its next-generation AI chip Blackwell now in focus. Shares of the company have nearly tripled so far in 2024 — up more than 180% in the year-to-date — making it one the world's most valuable companies. Also on CNBC Strategist says South Korea's value is 'compelling', maintains overweight Focus on 'AI infrastructure' layer in tech, says fund manager Buy Big Tech firms with exposure to emerging markets, says veteran investor Mark MobiusPinnacle West and APS Announce Leadership SuccessionVCK slams leader’s remarks on DMK

Interchange Capital Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of Amazon.com, Inc. ( NASDAQ:AMZN – Free Report ) by 3.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 24,778 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock after acquiring an additional 728 shares during the period. Amazon.com makes up about 1.6% of Interchange Capital Partners LLC’s portfolio, making the stock its 9th biggest position. Interchange Capital Partners LLC’s holdings in Amazon.com were worth $4,618,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. PayPay Securities Corp lifted its stake in Amazon.com by 64.6% during the 2nd quarter. PayPay Securities Corp now owns 163 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 64 shares during the period. Hoese & Co LLP acquired a new stake in Amazon.com during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Bull Oak Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Amazon.com during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $45,000. Christopher J. Hasenberg Inc increased its holdings in shares of Amazon.com by 650.0% during the 2nd quarter. Christopher J. Hasenberg Inc now owns 300 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock valued at $58,000 after purchasing an additional 260 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Values First Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Amazon.com during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $56,000. 72.20% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Amazon.com Trading Up 2.9 % NASDAQ AMZN opened at $227.03 on Friday. The firm’s 50-day moving average is $197.39 and its two-hundred day moving average is $188.12. Amazon.com, Inc. has a 12 month low of $143.64 and a 12 month high of $227.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a current ratio of 1.09 and a quick ratio of 0.87. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.39 trillion, a P/E ratio of 48.61, a PEG ratio of 1.46 and a beta of 1.16. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Amazon.com news, CEO Douglas J. Herrington sold 3,500 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $210.00, for a total transaction of $735,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 524,567 shares in the company, valued at $110,159,070. This represents a 0.66 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website . Also, Director Daniel P. Huttenlocher sold 1,237 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $199.06, for a total transaction of $246,237.22. Following the sale, the director now owns 24,912 shares in the company, valued at $4,958,982.72. This trade represents a 4.73 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold 6,030,183 shares of company stock worth $1,252,883,795 over the last three months. Company insiders own 10.80% of the company’s stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Wedbush lifted their target price on shares of Amazon.com from $225.00 to $250.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Friday, November 1st. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an “overweight” rating and set a $230.00 target price on shares of Amazon.com in a report on Monday, October 7th. Pivotal Research assumed coverage on shares of Amazon.com in a report on Friday, October 11th. They set a “buy” rating and a $260.00 target price for the company. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed an “equal weight” rating and set a $197.00 target price on shares of Amazon.com in a report on Wednesday, November 20th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on shares of Amazon.com from $224.00 to $245.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, November 1st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, forty-one have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $236.20. Get Our Latest Analysis on Amazon.com Amazon.com Profile ( Free Report ) Amazon.com, Inc engages in the retail sale of consumer products, advertising, and subscriptions service through online and physical stores in North America and internationally. The company operates through three segments: North America, International, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). It also manufactures and sells electronic devices, including Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TVs, Echo, Ring, Blink, and eero; and develops and produces media content. Featured Articles Five stocks we like better than Amazon.com 3 Grocery Stocks That Are Proving They Are Still Essential Fast-Growing Companies That Are Still Undervalued The 3 Best Fintech Stocks to Buy Now Top Cybersecurity Stock Picks for 2025 Why Are These Companies Considered Blue Chips? Archer or Joby: Which Aviation Company Might Rise Fastest? Receive News & Ratings for Amazon.com Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Amazon.com and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Zimbabwe’s cconomic stability hinges on inflation controlDENVER — 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 (TBD) 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 backseat. "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.'" Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Elon Musk has denied he is gearing up to chuck $100m at Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, as it pushes to take on the Tories. But the very fact the question arose is a reminder of the pressing need for political funding reform on this side of the Atlantic. Musk is the living embodiment of economic power in the modern US: a multibillionaire, with spicy political views, who has bought his way into a role as Donald Trump's costcutter-in-chief. Part of his motivation seems to be not just slashing spending for the sake of it but the dismantling of regulators that his companies have found irksome. He had previously joined legal action, alongside Amazon's Jeff Bezos, aimed at having the National Labor Relations Board declared unconstitutional, for example. This is the body, created in 1935, that enforces workers' rights. It ensured staff at Amazon's Staten Island warehouse had the opportunity to ballot – successfully – for union recognition (an outcome the giant retailer has continued to challenge). Musk has also said he wants to "delete" the Consumer Financial Protection Agency, suggesting it is "duplicative". Musk et al's affront at the very idea that federal agencies have oversight of business is reminiscent of the fury faced by President Theodore Roosevelt and his allies during the so-called Progressive Era, at the turn of the 20th century, when they fought to bust vast monopolies and tame the worst excesses of capitalism. The mega-rich capitalists back then were the likes of JD Rockefeller and JP Morgan but then, as now, there was a clash of principles about the government's right to oversee corporations. And then, as now, money was used to buy influence over the debate. If Musk and his co-director, Vivek Ramaswamy, succeed in scrapping a whole suite of regulators, it could fundamentally shift the relationship between capital and the individual (which, of course, is exactly his hope). Musk's deregulatory zeal may yet run into trouble in Congress, and Trump... Heather StewartOn Dec. 4, U.S. intelligence officials and the FBI announced a hacking campaign affecting at least eight U.S. telecommunication firms, including Verizon and AT&T. In response, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), along with domestic and international partners, issued guidance for telecommunication companies to strengthen their security. Recommendations include implementing measures like end-to-end encryption to safeguard both company and customer data. Several news outlets reported that officials are advising against sending unencrypted text messages in the aftermath of the hack, so bad actors can’t read them. VERIFY readers Barbara and Joseph asked us if Chinese hackers can actually read people’s text messages. Here’s what we can VERIFY about protecting your text message privacy. THE QUESTION Can hackers intercept and read some types of text messages? THE SOURCES Joint guide from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), the FBI and other international partners published Dec. 3 Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Apple Google WhatsApp , Signal and Telegram SoCRadar and How-To Geek , technology blogs McAfee THE ANSWER Yes, hackers can intercept and read some types of text messages. But there are ways to protect them. Sign up for the VERIFY Fast Facts newsletter here . WHAT WE FOUND Messages sent between Apple and Android devices, as well as some types of messages sent between multiple Android devices, can be susceptible to hackers. But there is a type of protection that can ensure no hackers can read your texts. It’s called encryption. Encryption uses an algorithm to scramble information, like text messages, that can only be un-scrambled by the recipient’s device. This layer of protection ensures that even if hackers or scammers intercept your texts, they can’t access the content. When text messages aren’t encrypted, they travel across networks in plain text, making them vulnerable to interception, the SoCRadar and How-To Geek technology blogs explain. It’s like sending a letter without an envelope . Encrypted messages aren’t plain text. They’re transformed into what’s called ciphertext , which appears across a network as a scrambled, unreadable string of characters. Hackers can use tricks like creating fake cell towers or spying on public wireless networks to capture the messages. Without protection, text messages can be read and other personal information can be stolen. So, hypothetically, if a hacker is monitoring a network and you send a message in plain unprotected text that says, “Meet at my house at 123 Elm Street, the door will be unlocked.” That is the message a hacker can read, leaving you (and your home) vulnerable. But, if you send it as an encrypted message, a hacker would only see gibberish, like "Ff8g$%qLq9d@8z.” Your intended recipient, though, would receive the real message. Cellular providers don’t directly provide end-to-end encryption automatically, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) says , but the device manufacturers and independent messaging apps often do. Here’s how some devices work and tips to protect yourself. For Apple users : iMessages sent between Apple devices – the messages that appear in blue bubbles – are encrypted from end to end. However, messages sent from an Apple device to a non-Apple device – the messages that appear in green – are not encrypted. For Android users : For Android users using Google Messages , there is a feature known as Rich Communication Services. If that feature is turned on ( here’s how ) on both devices, the messages are encrypted. Cross-platform messaging and third-party applications: Text messages sent between Apple gadgets are encrypted, as are those exchanged between users of Google Messages, but text messages between Android and Apple devices are not encrypted, CISA says . That’s where third-party applications come in. Apps like WhatsApp , Signal and Telegram encrypt messages automatically and work between any device. WhatsApp describes their encryption technology like having a key that is exchanged between recipients. The technology locks (encrypts) a message before it leaves a device, turning it into a jumbled code. Only the recipient’s device has the unique "key" to unlock (decrypt) it and make it readable again. Stay secure with updates While the use of these technologies is important to understand, you should also keep your software updated, McAfee , a security company, says. These security updates for devices and applications patch vulnerabilities that hackers or scammers exploit. On an Android device, go to settings and click on software update. On an iPhone, go to settings, then general and then continue to software updates. For more tips on protecting yourself from scammers and hackers, visit VERIFY’s website . Related Articles Watch out for these common holiday scams 5 tips to avoid online shopping scams: VERIFY Fact Sheet VERIFYING 6 kinds of social media scams The VERIFY team works to separate fact from fiction so that you can understand what is true and false. Please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter , text alerts and our YouTube channel . You can also follow us on Snapchat , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok . Learn More » Follow Us YouTube Snapchat Instagram Facebook TikTok Want something VERIFIED? Text: 202-410-8808

NonePittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has become known as one of the most troublesome — and entertaining — wide receivers in the NFL and is often able to give defensive backs bad days at the office. However, one Cleveland Browns safety, Rodney McLeod Jr., explained to The Ken Carman Show , a local Cleveland sports radio show, how the Browns were able to mess with Pickens. “I think there is a lot that we can do to obviously get in his head that works to our advantage,” he said. Pickens has been known for his temper when things do not go his way, throwing multiple tantrums in the past when the Steelers' offense was woeful. Now, with two new quarterbacks, he has been getting the ball plenty, but he can still lose his cool on opponents. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com , Pickens could face punishment for his role in a scrap with Browns cornerback Greg Newsome in Week 12. “The NFL will review George Pickens instigating a fight with Browns cornerback Greg Newsome after the Hail Mary at the end of the Browns' 24-19 upset of the Steelers, and a fine could be coming.” This would be his third fine of the season; Pickens also lost money for pulling a Cowboys player down by his facemask at the end of Pittsburgh’s loss to Dallas in Week 5 and excessively stiff-arming the facemask of a Washington Commander. GP clearly cannot stand to lose, nor to play less than great. He was held to four catches for 48 yards against the Browns, a mark lower than any since that last loss to Dallas back in Week 5. The similarities between the situations are stark, and the stats show a correlation between Pickens' success and the Steelers' success, which makes sense as their only starting-caliber wideout. They just have to keep him focused on football. Other than that, Pickens has been mostly dominant, becoming one of the best statistical deep-ball wideouts in the NFL since Russell Wilson took over, and Pickens has the sixth-most yards receiving overall. McLeod and the rest of the Cleveland defense will have to bring out their bag of tricks again in two weeks when they travel to Pittsburgh to stop the star receiver. We will see if Pickens can cool his fire just a bit by then, focus on the game, and change the story the next time around.Ombudsman to investigate delay in sending social assistance cheques amid post strike

Light & Wonder, Inc. Announcement: If You Have Suffered Losses in Light & Wonder, Inc. ...NEW YORK (AP) — The man charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was not a client of the medical insurer and may have targeted it because of its size and influence, a senior police official said Thursday. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told NBC New York in an interview Thursday that investigators have uncovered evidence that Luigi Mangione had prior knowledge UnitedHealthcare was holding its annual investor conference in New York City. Mangione also mentioned the company in a note found in his possession when he was detained by police in Pennsylvania. “We have no indication that he was ever a client of United Healthcare, but he does make mention that it is the fifth largest corporation in America, which would make it the largest healthcare organization in America. So that’s possibly why he targeted that company,” said Kenny. UnitedHealthcare is in the top 20 largest U.S. companies by market capitalization but is not the fifth largest. It is the largest U.S. health insurer. Mangione remains jailed without bail in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested Monday after being spotted at a McDonald's in the city of Altoona, about 230 miles (about 370 kilometers) west of New York City. His lawyer there, Thomas Dickey, has said Mangione intends to plead not guilty. Dickey also said he has yet to see evidence decisively linking his client to the crime. Mangione's arrest came five days after the caught-on-camera killing of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. Police say the shooter waited outside the hotel, where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, early on the morning of Dec. 4. He approached Thompson from behind and shot him before fleeing on a bicycle through Central Park. Mangione is fighting attempts to extradite him back to New York so that he can face a murder charge in Thompson's killing. A hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 30. The 26-year-old, who police say was found with a “ ghost gun ” matching shell casings found at the site of the shooting, is charged in Pennsylvania with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Mangione is an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family. In posts on social media, Mangione wrote about experiencing severe chronic back pain before undergoing a spinal fusion surgery in 2023. Afterward, he posted that the operation had been a success and that his pain had improved and mobility returned. He urged others to consider the same type of surgery. On Wednesday, police said investigators are looking at his writings about his health problems and his criticism of corporate America and the U.S. health care system . Kenny said in the NBC interview that Mangione's family reported him missing to San Francisco authorities in November.METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Dejounte Murray plans to return to the New Orleans Pelicans ' lineup on Wednesday night for the first time since fracturing his left hand in a season-opening victory over Chicago on Oct. 23. And when Murray takes the court against the Toronto Raptors , his mother will be on his mind. After practice on Tuesday, Murray discussed his impending return and disclosed more details about the previously unspecified “personal matters” that caused him to leave the team during the final days of the preseason. His mother had a stroke, he said. “It was tough to leave and go deal with that. As she got better, she wanted me to come play,” Murray said of his last-minute decision to start against Chicago. He added that his hand injury near the end of that game was God's way of telling him, “‘Nah, you need to stay with your mom.’” “I was more concerned about my mother. That was my priority,” Murray continued. “I wasn’t really worried about my recovery.” Murray's mother has recovered well, he said, while he is “healthy and ready to help this team.” Story continues below video “I’m ready to hoop. Play for my mother — she’s going to be watching," Murray said. “I’m ready to compete, bring that winning spirit.” The Pelicans (4-14) certainly could use the help, having lost 14 of 16 games since opening the season with a pair of victories. Injuries have ravaged the roster. At times, all five starters have been out. Star power forward Zion Williamson has missed 12 games this season — one with an illness and 11 with a hamstring injury. Herb Jones has been sidelined by a shoulder strain and Brandon Ingram's status is in doubt after he sat out practice on Tuesday with calf soreness that also sidelined him during a loss on Monday night at Indiana. But at least two starters — Murray and fellow guard CJ McCollum — are expected to play against the Raptors. “I don’t care how many games we’ve lost. I just know every time I step on the floor I feel like we can win games,” said Murray, who had 14 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in his lone game with the Pelicans. "That’s just my mentality, and I feel like it can carry over to a lot of guys.” AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

TikTok advertisers stay put after US appeals court upholds law forcing saleOTTAWA — As Canada looks to beef up its border security after president-elect Donald Trump threatened tariffs while raising concerns about illicit fentanyl pouring into his country, border officials pointed out there's barely any coming from Canada. Though, none of them wanted to say the name Trump when they said so. “Canada is not a significant source of fentanyl in the United States," said Aaron McCrorie, vice-president of intelligence and enforcement at the Canada Border Services Agency. He made the comment to a House of Commons committee studying the impact of president-elect Donald Trump's plans for border security and migration. McCrorie said border officials seized 4.9 kg of fentanyl in the first three quarters of the year, with the biggest amount being 4.1 kg bound for the Netherlands. The other seizures were all small, personal amounts caught along the land border, and there are no statistics to suggest significant shipments out of Canada. CBSA President Erin O'Gorman also said the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has characterized the amount coming from Canada as "slippage" — small amounts sent over for personal use, mostly by post. Still, that doesn't trivialize the problem. Small package shipments are where CBSA is focusing its efforts, she said, which are hard to detect and can result in many lives lost. Trump has threatened 25 per cent tariffs against Canada and Mexico unless the two countries step up on border security to tamp down on flows of illicit fentanyl. During the presidential race, Trump also threatened to deport millions of undocumented people, stirring fears that could trigger an influx of migrants into Canada. When questioned by NDP MP Alistair MacGregor about what Canada could face if Trump follows through and if the country's immigration detention centres are up to the task, O'Gorman said her organization does not have projections or estimates of what that could look like. “We are prepared for a surge,” O'Gorman said. Ottawa is compiling new measures to bolster border security through more staff and equipment in the face of Trump's tariff threats. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared his border plan with the premiers during a Wednesday evening meeting, and Ottawa plans to add their suggestions into the soon-to-come package of measures. Several media outlets have reported that the tab for that could surpass $1 billion, citing confidential sources. RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme said he was surprised to see that figure bandied about in headlines, but he's not clear whether Ottawa will actually put that much into beefing up the border. He would not share with reporters any of the specifics on his wish list -- or how much money he's asked for, saying the announcement is coming soon enough. "You heard the minister in the past saying drones, helicopters, and we want to modernize everything we have with technological equipment and additional human resources," he said outside the committee room. "We have drones right now that we use to patrol areas that are hard to get to and what not. We just want to modernize the equipment and go to the more advanced technology that they have so we can better secure the border." An RCMP official said the police force currently has more than 900 drones and nine helicopters located across the country, with six helicopters that occasionally provide border surveillance. Meantime, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, when announcing Alberta's own new border security plan Thursday featuring a new patrol unit and drones, said the province doesn’t support retaliatory tariffs and prefers the diplomatic route. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said he and other premiers support the need for stronger border security to deal with illegal migrants and street drugs. “There is broad support to increase the investment in border security on behalf of Canadians, not just because President-elect (Trump) has asked for it,” Moe said. According to the CBSA, there are 1,200 ports of entry across the country staffed by approximately 8,500 front-line employees. CBSA also employs over 200 criminal investigators and some 60 international officers at 40 missions in 35 countries abroad. "The CBSA strategically dedicates its resources to address the threats that Canada faces while supporting the flow of legitimate trade and travel across the border," said CBSA spokesperson Rebecca Purdy. In the past fiscal year, she said CBSA seized close to 51 million grams of illicit drugs, more than 27,000 banned weapons and almost 900 firearms. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024. -- With files from Chris Purdy in Edmonton and Jeremy Simes in Regina. Kyle Duggan, The Canadian Press