mcw online casino Caitlin Clark raised the profile of women's basketball to unprecedented levels in both the college ranks and the WNBA, and Tuesday she was named the AP Female Athlete of the Year for her impact on and off the court. After leading Iowa to the national championship game , Clark was the top pick in the WNBA draft as expected and went on to win rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers tuned in to follow her journey. Clark’s exploits were far reaching, casting a light on other women’s sports leagues along the way. A group of 74 sports journalists from The Associated Press and its members voted on the award. Clark received 35 votes, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles was second with 25 and boxer Imane Khelif was third, getting four votes. Clark is only the fourth women’s basketball player to be honored as the female athlete of the year since it was first presented in 1931, joining Sheryl Swoopes (1993), Rebecca Lobo (1995) and Candace Parker (2008, 2021). “I grew up a fan of Candace Parker and the people who came before me and to be honored in this way, is super special and I’m thankful,” Clark said in a phone interview. “It was a great year for women’s basketball and women’s sports .” Shohei Ohtani won the AP Male Athlete of the Year on Monday for the third time. Clark broke the NCAA Division I career scoring record for both men and women finishing her career with 3,951 points while guiding Iowa to its second consecutive national championship game. After her Hawkeyes lost t South Carolina for the title, Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley took the mic during her team’s celebration and said, “I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport.” For all the success Clark has had and the attention she has brought to women’s basketball, she is often the centerpiece of debates and online toxicity towards her and other players in the league. For her part, Clark has disavowed the toxic discourse . Lobo also has been impressed with the way the 22-year-old Clark has handled the pressure and attention that has come her way. “I would say she’s navigated it almost flawlessly. she hasn’t had an big missteps or misspeaks at a time you’re under constant scrutiny,” Lobo said. “She’s seemed to say and do all the right things. That’s just incredible at a time when it’s constant attention and scrutiny. She has not done anything to tarnish this sort of mild persona she has.” As Clark handled the praise — and the backlash — during the heat of competition, it was hard for her to appreciate just what she was able accomplish over the past year. But after having time to reflect on the whirlwind tour, she appreciates those who were there alongside her for the ride. “I'm thankful for the people I got to do it with,” Clark said. “A year ago I was still in the early part of my senior year in college. ... How fast things change, and now I can see how great a college season it was.” Iowa sold out all of its games at home and on the road with Clark as the main attraction. That momentum continued into the pros. Her No. 22 jersey was prevalent wherever she played during her rookie season and will be retired at Iowa . “You’d be remiss not to acknowledge how crazy her fan base is and the eyes she gets with everything she does,” said Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was often spotted courtside at Clark's Indiana Fever games. “It’s a different type of popularity, she’s one of the most popular athletes in the world. It’s not just women’s sports anymore. "It’s really cool to see and she just handles it with such grace.” Clark said she enjoys spending time with fans at games, usually taking a few minutes before and after games to sign autographs. “For me it's still really fun,” she said. “Whether it's 15 seconds or 10 seconds or 5 seconds can be very impactful in a young girl and young boys life. Seeing the fans going crazy an hour before tipoff, I never take that for granted. That's super cool and I never want that to go away.” After a slow start to her WNBA career, Clark eventually found her stride there too. She set the single-game assist record with 19 and also had 337 assists on the season to break that mark as well. Clark, known for her logo-distance 3-pointers, was the fastest player to reach 100 3’s when she did it in 34 games which helped Indiana reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Lobo, who won the AP female athlete of the year award after lifting UConn to its first national championship, was on the court for launch of the WNBA two years later. The ESPN analyst sees Clark's ascension as something different. “She’s brought unprecedented attention both in the building, but also viewership to the sport that was worthy of it but didn’t have it yet," Lobo said. "There’s never been anything like this. "That timeframe from 1995-97 was a baby step in the progression of it all. This is a giant leap forward. I’ve never seen anything like this. There's more attention then the sports ever had." The numbers have been record breaking when Clark is part of a broadcast: — TV viewership in the WNBA was up 300% thanks in large part to Clark with ABC, CBS, ION, ESPN, and ESPN2 all having record viewers when Fever games were on. — The NCAA women’s championship game outdrew the men on TV for the first time in the sport’s 42-year history with 18.9 million viewers tuning it to watch the event. It was the second most watched women’s sporting event outside of the Olympics in the history of U.S. television. — The 2024 WNBA draft was the most-watched in league history with 2.4 million viewers. Clark credits the community of women athletes for the popularity increase of women's sports, saying “we” did this or “we” did that when asked about it. “It's fascinating, you don’t always appreciate how many people 18 million is,” Clark said. “You see that number against a college football game or the Masters or whatever it is as far as the biggest sporting events in our country and it puts it in perspective. We outdrew the men’s Final Four.” ___ AP Sports Writer John Marshall contributed to this story from Phoenix. ___ AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketballThe Swans stunned Pride Park into silence with less than two minutes on the clock when Zan Vipotnik sent a bullet past Jacob Widell Zetterstrom before Ronald slotted home his first of the season in the 14th minute. Cyrus Christie brought Tom Barkhuizen down inside the box and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing dispatched the resulting penalty to cut the deficit in half and, despite piling on the pressure, Derby succumbed to a second home defeat of the season. Williams told a press conference: “We started the game very well, we were good up until we scored the second goal then we lost the grip on the game and I thought Derby were the better team. “The next thing for us we have to be able to maintain that level throughout the game and we weren’t able to do that to be quite honest today. “They made it difficult, reacted very well after the second goal and didn’t go under, far from it.” Swansea leapfrogged their opponents into the top half of the table with their sixth win of the season and took three points back to south Wales following two last-minute defeats by Burnley and Leeds heading into the match. Williams added: “We’ve recently conceded late goals but they’re a very resilient group and we saw it out in the end. “We’ve dominated games a lot but probably failed to score when we’ve been that dominant and tonight we managed to score the goals when we were dominant. “We scored the goals at the right time today.” Derby had been unbeaten in their last three matches coming into this one but Paul Warne put defeat down to a poor start. He said: “We conceded two and didn’t get close enough, weren’t aggressive enough, not enough body contact and looked soft, that’s my fault. “Maybe I didn’t message it properly. Sometimes it doesn’t come down to shape and tactics but I thought that was what the difference was. “Credit Swansea for the win but after the 25 mins it looked like we would score. I really enjoyed it, that’s the truth. I had 70 minutes of a team giving everything, I don’t think we’ve had that many attempts in the Championship this season. “It’s a rude awakening, last year we would’ve won that 4-2.”Walmart is the latest and largest company to reverse its diversity and inclusion policies

NEW YORK (AP) — A number of President-elect Donald Trump 's most prominent Cabinet picks and appointees have been targeted by bomb threats and “swatting attacks," Trump's transition team said Wednesday. The FBI said it was investigating. “Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them," Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. The attacks ranged from bomb threats to swatting, in which attackers initiate an emergency law enforcement response against a target victim under false pretenses, she said. The tactic has become a popular one in recent years. Leavitt said law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted and Trump and his transition team are grateful. Among those targeted were New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick to serve as the next ambassador to the United Nations ; Matt Gaetz, Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general ; Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, whom Trump chose to lead the Department of Labor , and former New York congressman Lee Zeldin, who has been tapped to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Law enforcement officials are also looking into whether Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming chief of staff, and Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general whom Trump has chosen as Gaetz’s replacement, and other incoming administration officials were also victims — as well as how each was targeted, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity as the investigation continues. Wiles and Bondi did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The FBI said in a statement that it was “aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees" and was investigating with its law enforcement partners. White House spokesperson Saloni Sharma said President Joe Biden had been briefed and the White House is in touch with federal law enforcement and Trump's transition team. Biden “continues to monitor the situation closely," Sharma said, adding the president and his administration “condemn threats of political violence.” Stefanik's office said that, on Wednesday morning, she, her husband, and their 3-year-old son were driving home from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence in Saratoga County. Police swept Stefanik’s home on Wednesday morning in response to the bomb threat but did not locate any explosive devices, New York State Police said. Zeldin said in a social media post that he and his family had also been threatened. “A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message,” he wrote on X . “My family and I were not home at the time and are safe." In Florida, the Okaloosa County sheriff’s office said on Facebook that it “received notification of a bomb threat referencing former Congressman Matt Gaetz’s supposed mailbox at a home in the Niceville area" Wednesday. While a family member resides at the address, the office said, Gaetz “is NOT a resident.” No threatening devices were found. Gaetz was Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general, but he withdrew from consideration after allegations that he paid women for sex and slept with underage women. Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and a Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations ended with no charges against him. The threats follow a political campaign marked by disturbing and unprecedented violence. In July, a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing the then-candidate in the ear with a bullet and killing one of his supporters. The Secret Service later thwarted a subsequent assassination attempt at Trump's West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course when an agent spotted the barrel of a gun poking through a perimeter fence while Trump was golfing. Trump was also the subject of an Iranian murder-for-hire plot , with a man saying he had been tasked with planning the assassination of the Republican president-elect. Also this week, authorities arrested a man they say posted videos on social media threatening to kill Trump, according to court documents. In one video posted on Nov. 13, Manuel Tamayo-Torres threatened to shoot the former president while holding what appeared to be an AR-15 style rifle, authorities said Among the other videos he posted was one from an arena in Glendale, Arizona on Aug. 23, the same day Trump held a campaign rally there, according to court papers. An attorney for Tamayo-Torres did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Public figures across the political spectrum have been targeted in recent years by hoax bomb threats and false reports of shootings at their homes. About a year ago the FBI responded to an uptick in such incidents at the homes of public officials, state capitols and courthouses across the country around the holidays. Many were locked down and evacuated in early January after receiving bomb threats. No explosives were found and no one was hurt. Some of those targeted last year were Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The judges overseeing the civil fraud case against Trump in New York and the criminal election interference case against him in Washington were both targeted earlier this year. Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who recently abandoned the two criminal cases he brought against Trump, was also the subject of a fake emergency call on Christmas Day last year. Earlier this year, schools, government buildings and the homes of city officials in Springfield, Ohio, received a string of hoax bomb threats after Trump falsely accused members of Springfield’s Haitian community of abducting and eating cats and dogs. And in 2022, a slew of historically Black colleges and universities nationwide were targeted with dozens of bomb threats, with the vast majority arriving during the celebration of Black History Month. The U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement Wednesday that anytime a member of Congress is the victim of a swatting' incident, “we work closely with our local and federal law enforcement partners.” The force declined to provide further details, in part to “minimize the risk of copy-cats.” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson called the threats “dangerous and unhinged.” “This year, there was not just one but TWO assassination attempts on President Trump," he wrote on X . “Now some of his Cabinet nominees and their families are facing bomb threats.” He added: “It is not who we are in America.” ___ Richer reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Colleen Long and Eric Tucker in Washington, Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin, and Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York, contributed to this report.Heritage Distilling (NASDAQ:CASK) Releases Quarterly Earnings Results

Patna: A male government teacher in Bihar was granted maternity leave after which he took a week-long break. The bizarre anomaly came to light when users of a portal, set up for government teachers applying for leave online, saved a screenshot and posted it on social media. However, authorities claim it was a “technical error” that would be set right, and there was nothing to smell a rat. “It is a case of wrongful entry in the leave application format. The error is technical and will be rectified,” said Archana Kumari, the education officer in charge of the Mahua block in Vaishali district, where the teacher, Jitendra Kumar Singh, is posted. She agreed that maternity leaves were granted only to women but pointed out that “even males get ‘pitritva avakash’ (paternity leave) to look after their newborns.”. “We will find out the details of this instance, which has been brought to our notice,” she said. “Some teachers have complained of their earned leaves being deducted even though they had applied for casual leaves,” she added.Georgia QB Carson Beck announces plan to enter NFL draft after season-ending elbow injuryCharley Walters: McCarthy could get another redshirt year behind Darnold'Deeply repulsive': ABC chairman unleashes on Josh Rogan

Garrett Wilson captures biggest concern as Jets keep blowing games: ‘It’s like you have a gene, or some s---'Specialty Board Certification Error Causes Headaches for DoctorsTriSalus Life Sciences: Continuing To Maintain Optimism As Costs Are CutPublic Sector Pension Investment Board lowered its position in shares of Simulations Plus, Inc. ( NASDAQ:SLP – Free Report ) by 2.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 34,427 shares of the technology company’s stock after selling 800 shares during the period. Public Sector Pension Investment Board’s holdings in Simulations Plus were worth $1,102,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of SLP. Deerfield Management Company L.P. Series C acquired a new stake in shares of Simulations Plus during the second quarter valued at about $811,000. Royce & Associates LP raised its holdings in Simulations Plus by 28.8% in the 3rd quarter. Royce & Associates LP now owns 237,416 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $7,602,000 after buying an additional 53,092 shares during the last quarter. US Bancorp DE grew its holdings in Simulations Plus by 37.0% during the 3rd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 4,974 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $159,000 after acquiring an additional 1,343 shares during the last quarter. Tributary Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Simulations Plus by 54.7% during the 3rd quarter. Tributary Capital Management LLC now owns 325,567 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $10,425,000 after acquiring an additional 115,122 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its position in Simulations Plus by 10.1% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 414,005 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $20,128,000 after acquiring an additional 37,992 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.08% of the company’s stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages recently weighed in on SLP. Stephens assumed coverage on shares of Simulations Plus in a research note on Friday, November 15th. They issued an “overweight” rating and a $39.00 price objective on the stock. BTIG Research reduced their price target on Simulations Plus from $60.00 to $50.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 24th. William Blair restated an “outperform” rating on shares of Simulations Plus in a research report on Wednesday, November 6th. Finally, StockNews.com cut Simulations Plus from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a report on Monday, November 4th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $51.40. Insider Activity at Simulations Plus In other news, Director Walter S. Woltosz sold 20,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.66, for a total value of $553,200.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 3,462,584 shares in the company, valued at $95,775,073.44. This trade represents a 0.57 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . In the last 90 days, insiders sold 60,750 shares of company stock valued at $1,837,255. 20.90% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Simulations Plus Price Performance Shares of NASDAQ:SLP opened at $30.13 on Friday. Simulations Plus, Inc. has a 1 year low of $27.07 and a 1 year high of $51.22. The business’s 50-day moving average is $30.79 and its 200-day moving average is $36.98. The company has a market capitalization of $604.62 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 61.49 and a beta of 0.76. Simulations Plus ( NASDAQ:SLP – Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 23rd. The technology company reported $0.06 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.04 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $18.70 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $19.73 million. Simulations Plus had a net margin of 14.15% and a return on equity of 6.16%. The business’s quarterly revenue was up 19.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.18 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that Simulations Plus, Inc. will post 1.1 EPS for the current year. Simulations Plus Company Profile ( Free Report ) Simulations Plus, Inc develops drug discovery and development software for modeling and simulation, and prediction of molecular properties utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning based technology worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Software and Services. It offers GastroPlus, which simulates the absorption and drug interaction of compounds administered to humans and animals; and DDDPlus and MembranePlus simulation products. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SLP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Simulations Plus, Inc. ( NASDAQ:SLP – Free Report ). 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Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank raised its holdings in Federated Hermes, Inc. ( NYSE:FHI – Free Report ) by 2.1% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 16,638 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 340 shares during the quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank’s holdings in Federated Hermes were worth $612,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in FHI. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its position in shares of Federated Hermes by 49.0% in the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,061 shares of the company’s stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 349 shares during the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. purchased a new position in shares of Federated Hermes in the second quarter worth $47,000. CWM LLC lifted its stake in shares of Federated Hermes by 985.7% during the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,444 shares of the company’s stock worth $47,000 after buying an additional 1,311 shares during the period. UMB Bank n.a. grew its holdings in shares of Federated Hermes by 26.0% during the second quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 1,436 shares of the company’s stock valued at $47,000 after buying an additional 296 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Headlands Technologies LLC increased its position in shares of Federated Hermes by 134.9% in the 2nd quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC now owns 1,945 shares of the company’s stock valued at $64,000 after acquiring an additional 1,117 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.94% of the company’s stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In FHI has been the subject of a number of research reports. TD Cowen raised Federated Hermes from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $35.00 to $46.00 in a research report on Monday, October 28th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their target price on Federated Hermes from $36.00 to $39.00 and gave the company a “sector perform” rating in a research report on Monday, October 28th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price target on shares of Federated Hermes from $43.00 to $45.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, November 11th. StockNews.com cut shares of Federated Hermes from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, November 26th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Federated Hermes from $36.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 22nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $43.33. Federated Hermes Stock Down 1.2 % FHI stock opened at $42.79 on Friday. The firm’s fifty day moving average is $39.95 and its 200 day moving average is $35.87. The firm has a market cap of $3.50 billion, a PE ratio of 13.76, a P/E/G ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 1.15. Federated Hermes, Inc. has a one year low of $31.24 and a one year high of $43.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 2.03 and a current ratio of 2.75. Federated Hermes ( NYSE:FHI – Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 24th. The company reported $1.06 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.92 by $0.14. Federated Hermes had a return on equity of 29.85% and a net margin of 16.62%. The company had revenue of $408.46 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $410.26 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.86 EPS. Federated Hermes’s quarterly revenue was up 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Federated Hermes, Inc. will post 3.88 EPS for the current year. Federated Hermes Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 15th. Investors of record on Friday, November 8th were paid a $0.31 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 8th. This represents a $1.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.90%. Federated Hermes’s dividend payout ratio is currently 39.87%. Insider Activity at Federated Hermes In related news, VP Paul A. Uhlman sold 6,311 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $41.39, for a total transaction of $261,212.29. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 310,767 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,862,646.13. The trade was a 1.99 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Also, CEO Saker Anwar Nusseibeh sold 12,152 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $39.86, for a total value of $484,378.72. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 179,096 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $7,138,766.56. This represents a 6.35 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last quarter, insiders have sold 29,280 shares of company stock valued at $1,185,871. 3.70% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Federated Hermes Profile ( Free Report ) Federated Hermes, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. Through its subsidiaries, the firm provides its services to individuals, including high net worth individuals, banking or thrift institutions, investment companies, pension and profit sharing plans, pooled investment vehicles, charitable organizations, state or municipal government entities, and registered investment advisors. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FHI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Federated Hermes, Inc. ( NYSE:FHI – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Federated Hermes Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Federated Hermes and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Ballroom Blitz (RTÉ One, Wednesday), his two-part celebration of Irish showbands, is less assured and suffers for never clearly explaining Clayton’s interest in this 1960s Irish peculiarity or why he’s criss-crossing the country to interview veterans of the genre, such as Linda Martin and Eileen Reid. It is also worth asking if the idea of the showbands as an unexplored and misunderstood chapter of Irish social history hasn’t been flogged to death slightly. It seems that people have been banging on about the importance of showbands for decades – certainly for far longer than these acts were actually going concerns, which means that Ballroom Blitz doesn’t score very highly on the originality front. Unlike Clayton’s Bacon documentary, it lacks a central thesis – the U2 bassist come across as vaguely appreciative of the showbands, but the film fails to set out a coherent case for their rehabilitation or tells us how they impacted on the Irish music industry in the decades that followed. That said, Clayton is great fun to hang with – and has managed to produce intriguing interviews. Bob Geldof is to be credited with sticking to his guns and continuing to criticise the showbands, saying that many talented musicians were stifled by the need to churn out bland pop hits night after night. A similar point is made by Hot Press editor Niall Stokes, who recalls how the Dublin beat scene of the 1960s suffered because its brightest musicians were headhunted by showbands with the promise of a full-time wage. Others have a more positive spin. Historian Diarmaid Ferriter argues the arrival in the 1960s of the showbands represented a break with the drudgery of the 1950s – and was a reflection of Ireland’s image of itself as a “young, dynamic, trusting nation”. There are interviews with Paul Brady, Phil Coulter (who got his first start in showbands before writing Congratulations for Cliff Richard) and radio presenter Ronan Collins, who pays tribute to the great star of the scene, Dickie Rock, by saying “he wanted to be Tony Bennett – he was actually Eddie Cochran”. Later on, Clayton talks to Aideen O’Brien, whose father Brendan O’Brien was the superstar father of Cork’s Dixies until he was electrocuted on stage. Unable to perform, he became a heavy drinker – which prompts Aideen to ask Clayton about his own issues with addiction. “It was a real struggle I knew something was wrong: it wasn’t until I missed a gig that I realised it was really wrong,” he says – a fascinating teaser for the documentary you want Clayton to make about the burden of being in U2. It is the curse of every generation to believe the music of their youth was uniquely magical. In that respect, the mania for showbands has parallels with the 1990s rave scene and all those ageing Gen Xers who are to this day banging on about the joys of acid house – to the bafflement of those too young to have first-hand experience of all-night gurning or Vicks VapoRub as fashion accessory. But to justify its airtime, Ballroom Blitz has to do more than simply reel in the years. It needs Clayton to parlay his enthusiasm into a cogent argument on behalf of the showbands – one that draws on his unique perspective as one quarter of U2. Otherwise, what is the point of having him drive around Ireland glad-handling Phil Coulter and Linda Martin? Did the showbands lead to U2? Or does Clayton agree with Geldof that they were a negative force, keeping Irish music in the dark ages? Should they be celebrated or held up as a warning about the triumph of commerce over art? Lacking an opinion on any of this, the first part of the two-hour documentary (the second lands next week) leans too hard on nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake and ends up feeling like a glorified Wikipedia entry.

ANNAPOLIS , Md. — Kaylene Smikle scored 16 points and made a couple key baskets down the stretch to help No. 10 Maryland hold off George Mason 66-56 in a matchup of unbeatens Saturday at the Navy Classic. The Terrapins (7-0) led by just two when Smikle stole the ball and made a layup while being fouled. The free throw pushed the lead to 58-53. Then a putback by Smikle put Maryland up by seven. The Terps won despite shooting 13 of 26 on free throws. George Mason (6-1) trailed by 10 at halftime before outscoring Maryland 18-7 in the third quarter. The Patriots' final lead was 49-48 in the fourth after a jumper by Kennedy Harris. Harris led George Mason with 26 points. Maryland is off to its best start since winning its first 12 games in 2018-19. George Mason: The Patriots have lost all nine meetings with Maryland, but it's been more competitive of late. The Terps won 86-77 last year, and this game was more competitive than the final score suggested. Maryland: After a down season by their standards, the Terps are off to a nice start, but the free-throw problems in this game nearly cost them. With the score 55-53, George Mason had a chance to tie, but the Patriots never really recovered after Smikle swiped the ball from Harris and went the other way for a three-point play with 3:08 remaining. Although Maryland was awful at the line, at least the Terps got there. George Mason was only 3 of 8 from the stripe, and the Terps held the Patriots to 32% shooting from the field. George Mason faces Navy in this event Sunday. Maryland takes on Toledo. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

HMRC has issued a warning to taxpayers as you could get a "large tax bill" if you don't carry out an important check. The caution came after a person got in touch with a query about how to pay a tax bill on their pensions. The individual said they had seen they could pay their self assessment tax return via PAYE. They asked: "I meet all the conditions, My self assessment payment is for a USA Pension. Can I still pay by PAYE? If so who do I contact at HMRC ?" HMRC first asked them to clarify if their bill was for the 2023/2024 tax year and they responded to say it was in fact for the 2024/2025 tax year. The tax body then stated: "The balancing payment for the 23/24 tax year would be collected through the PAYE income source commencing 6th April 2025." The taxpayer then asked how they could sign up for PAYE as they currently pay the tax on their USA pension via self assessment. They explained: "I was originally told that tax for foreign pensions had to be via self assessment. However I believe there is a reciprocal arrangement US/UK which may mean tax on my US pension can be paid via PAYE?" HMRC responded to spell out that it "cannot operate PAYE" on a foreign pension and that the person "must declare this to us". Clarifying how the arrangement with the US works, the department said: "The reciprocal arrangement is the double taxation agreement that stipulates who is entitled to the tax on this income and where any claim to foreign tax relief is to be given. "If you wish for this pension to be included in your PAYE code to avoid having a large tax bill at the end of the year please contact us." The tax body further emphasised that this would not affect the person's obligation to declare the tax via self assessment. HMRC recently explained the rules as regards ISAs in response to a query from a saver. They asked: "Can I open a cash ISA, LISA and stocks and shares ISA in the same financial year?" The group said in response: "Yes, as long as you don't exceed your £20,000 ISA allowance in any given tax year." The Lifetime ISA is a good way to save up for your first home, as it offers a 25 percent bonus on any deposits. You can put in £4,000 a year, with a potential £1,000 bonus. The funds have to go towards your first home or can be accessed once you turn 60, otherwise there is a 25 percent charge if you withdraw for other reasons.

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Dublin, Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Heavy Construction Equipment Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2019-2029F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Heavy Construction Equipment Market was valued at USD 202.86 Billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 277.45 Billion by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 5.36%. Governments are increasingly investing in public infrastructure projects to support economic growth, improve transportation systems, and enhance overall quality of life, further propelling the market. Advancements in technology, such as the integration of IoT and automation, are enhancing the efficiency and safety of heavy construction equipment, making it more appealing to contractors. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will likely lead to increased productivity, reduced labor costs, and improved project timelines, attracting more investment in heavy machinery. The growing focus on sustainable construction practices is also influencing market dynamics; manufacturers are developing eco-friendly equipment with lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency, catering to the rising demand for greener construction solutions. The aftermath of global disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has highlighted the need for resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding future challenges, prompting governments and private sectors to prioritize investment in heavy construction equipment. The rise of smart cities and advancements in infrastructure technology are pushing the demand for innovative machinery that can support complex projects, ensuring a steady growth trajectory for the market. As construction activities expand globally, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, driven by economic recovery and infrastructure initiatives, the Heavy Construction Equipment Market is poised for substantial growth. Ultimately, the convergence of urbanization, technological advancements, government investments, and a shift towards sustainable practices is expected to significantly elevate the Heavy Construction Equipment Market, making it a pivotal sector in the broader construction industry. Increasing Adoption of Automation and Robotics The integration of automation in heavy machinery allows for real-time data collection and analysis, enabling contractors to make informed decisions and optimize operational workflows. This trend is particularly evident in large-scale infrastructure projects where precision and speed are paramount. Advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning are enhancing the capabilities of construction equipment, allowing for predictive maintenance and improved equipment lifespan management. As firms increasingly recognize the benefits of automation in terms of cost savings and enhanced performance, the demand for automated heavy construction equipment is expected to continue growing, reshaping the landscape of the industry. Integration of Internet of Things Technology Real-time insights help prevent breakdowns, reduce downtime, and optimize resource allocation, leading to increased productivity on job sites. The ability to analyze data collected from connected equipment facilitates informed decision-making and improves project planning. As construction firms seek to leverage data analytics for better operational control, the demand for IoT-enabled heavy construction equipment is on the rise. This trend also aligns with the broader movement towards digital transformation within the construction industry, as firms increasingly recognize the importance of data-driven strategies for enhancing competitiveness and operational effectiveness. Rising Focus on Operator Training and Skill Development Many companies are partnering with educational institutions and vocational training centers to develop targeted training curricula that address industry needs. This trend not only helps in bridging the skills gap but also fosters a culture of continuous learning within organizations. By prioritizing operator training and skill development, construction companies can improve equipment utilization, reduce accidents, and increase overall productivity. As the Heavy Construction Equipment Market evolves, the emphasis on developing a skilled workforce will become increasingly vital to maintaining competitiveness and adapting to technological advancements. Key Attributes: Report Scope: Key Market Players Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. Terex Corporation Caterpillar Inc. Komatsu Ltd. Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. J C Bamford Excavators Ltd. Doosan Bobcat Inc. The Manitowoc Company, Inc. Epiroc AB Astec Industries, Inc. Heavy Construction Equipment Market, By Type: Earthmoving Equipment Material Handling Equipment Heavy Construction Equipment Others Heavy Construction Equipment Market, By Application: Excavation & Demolition Heavy Lifting Material Handling Tunneling Transportation Recycling & Waste Management Heavy Construction Equipment Market, By End Use: Building & Construction Forestry & Agriculture Infrastructure Mining Others Heavy Construction Equipment Market, By Region: North America United States Canada Mexico Europe Germany France United Kingdom Italy Spain Belgium Asia-Pacific China India Japan South Korea Australia Indonesia Vietnam South America Brazil Colombia Argentina Chile Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia UAE South Africa Turkey Israel For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4ggvsv About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Heavy Construction Equipment MarketConstruction sector lost more than 11,000 jobs in a year

TheaDesign What I will be sharing today has made me think quite a bit about Mr. Market and its discrepancies. A two-fold dilemma stands before us investors, placing us before bifurcating paths. The case involves two mega-cap stocks, but only one can be justly judged or, in Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of GOOG either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.Our 11-year-old great-nephew has been gaming now for about a year. When he comes to visit, instead of reading or playing cards or board games with us, he wants to disappear with his video games. We feel vacated. How do we navigate this with his parents who think his being on a video gaming team at school is awesome and I think it is a bad omen? What is a fair place of compromise and balance? — Game Off Dear Game Off: Let his parents parent their child. The other night I re-watched the movie “Network” from 1977. In it, a character in his 60s dismisses a character played by Faye Dunaway by saying, “She’s the television generation. She learned life from Bugs Bunny. The only reality she knows is what comes to her over her TV set.” Every generation has anxieties about the ways that technology is changing social interactions or altering the minds of the generations below. While some of those concerns are valid, those of Faye Dunaway’s generation (now in their 70s and 80s) would argue that they’ve managed to stay quite well-rounded, despite TV. In moderation, video games have been shown to improve a child’s cognitive function and working memory. While your great-nephew’s gaming might not be your choice, it’s important that you not seek to undermine the research and thinking that his parents have done about it. What you’re really yearning for is a sense of togetherness as a family, so try talking to your niece and her spouse about group activities you can plan to meet your great-nephew where he is. Dear Eric: I eat at a local restaurant a couple times a week and tend to get one of three meals. This one waitress asks me what I want to eat, but then interrupts me to make guesses or tell me my choice. I just put my head down and nod yes or no to the guesses. It’s frustrating, but not life-threatening. She enjoys it. I hate it. However, if I were to say something, it would force her to make the choice of being herself, doing something she likes doing, or appeasing me so I can order the way I want to order. I don’t know if this is a big enough problem to have a “high road.” The answer will not change my life. She can easily change, and I can easily suffer. The question is who gets to be themselves? — Speaking Up Dear Speaking Up: I worked in the service industry for more than a decade. I loved it. I loved seeing regulars, meeting new people and carrying a lot of beverages in my hands at one time. The whole bit. I also loved knowing what people wanted, but I would always ask and confirm. That’s part of the job. She may think you’re a regular who likes to be known in this way. So, informing her that that’s not the case won’t be keeping her from being herself. It will be helping her to do her job better. You may not have the kind of temperament that easily or comfortably course-corrects in social situations. That’s just fine. But know you won’t be causing her suffering by saying something like, “I’ve already decided on my meal. Let’s skip the guessing today and I’ll just tell you.” This also clears the path for the two of you to talk about something else, if you want.

Vice President Sara Duterte —Niño Jesus Orbeta MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday said the sudden change in her security detail left her confused, noting the lack of any planning made known to her either by the military or the police. At a press conference in Zamboanga City, Duterte said she would decline from making any further comment for now regarding the major shake-up of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG). She said she would like to see first the final arrangements to be made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. “I’d like to hold [my] comment on that because from what I observed, they keep changing their minds and lines about the matter,” Duterte told reporters. READ: Brawner: It’s not true that I will take over VP Duterte’s security group “The AFP would say it will be the PNP [who will take charge of my security], then you have the police saying otherwise. They are not good at planning, which is why it’s confusing.” “My advice to them: Sit down, plan everything before making any statements about it so no one will catch you lying.” She maintained that the threats to her life—a matter she first mentioned during the hot-tempered online press conference she called in the wee hours of Nov. 23—were “very serious.” It was in the context of revealing this supposed threat that she also disclosed having hired a hit man to have President Marcos, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez killed in case the plot against her succeeds. Citing a “diametric contrast,” she noted that while the threats to her life was being ignored by the authorities—“baliwala”—her statements about the Marcoses and Romualdez were quickly considered a “national security concern.” On Tuesday, the National Bureau of Investigation issued a subpoena asking Duterte to appear on Nov. 29 and shed light on her open threat to the first couple and the House leader. The NBI said she was being investigated for “alleged grave threats” in relation to the anticybercrime law and for “possible violation” of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Reacting to the subpoena, Duterte also said her lawyers would ask the NBI to reschedule her date of appearance, citing a “conflict in schedule” with the ongoing hearing of the House committee on good government and public accountability. As to the alleged crimes for which she was called, Duterte said the Marcos administration may now be using the antiterror law in a bid to freeze and seize her assets. She said the same law was applied to expelled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., who faces extradition from Timor-Leste as the prime suspect in the murder of a political rival in 2023. The law might also be invoked to have her passport canceled, place her on an Interpol “red notice,” and have search warrants issued “left and right” so that the government can raid her properties, she added. “This is clearly oppression and harassment. For the remarks [against the President] and to take it out of its logical context,” Duterte said, stressing that being a lawyer herself she knows “what is legal and illegal.” “I know what is actionable and not actionable. It is not actionable to leave a word on someone. It’s not,” Duterte said, referring to her statement about hiring a killer. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . “There’s no active threat there unless I die. There is nothing wrong [with what I said], nothing illegal there.”