The appointment of Valverde comes at a crucial juncture for Beijing Guoan, as the club looks to build on its recent successes and establish itself as a dominant force in Chinese football. With a strong squad of talented players and the guidance of a seasoned coach like Valverde, Beijing Guoan is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.

The question of whether the United States will stay in NATO ultimately depends on how member countries respond to President Trump's demands for fair payment. If countries continue to fall short of the 2% GDP target, it is likely that pressure will mount for the U.S. to reconsider its commitment to the alliance.Barry Odom begins Purdue career with larger NIL budget and questions about payment dispute at UNLV

In addition to their defensive responsibilities, the Salzburg defenders also recognize the importance of being proactive in their approach. They understand that in order to compete with PSG, they must not only be solid at the back but also look to exploit any weaknesses in the opponent's defense. Quick transitions and smart positioning will be key in creating scoring opportunities for Salzburg.

Chris Cenac Jr., the top center in the Class of 2025 according to the ESPN100, has committed to play for the Houston Cougars. The five-star recruit announced his decision Tuesday via the Bleacher Report's B/R App. Cenac previously said he wouldn't make his decision until the spring, but his stock soared over the summer after his impressive play on the Puma Pro 16 circuit with Dallas-based YGC, vaulting him into the national top-10 rankings. The 6-foot-10 New Orleans native was reportedly choosing between LSU, Auburn, Arkansas, Baylor, Kentucky, Tennessee and others before making the decision to join Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson's team. "I just like the coaching staff a lot, I like their plan to develop me and I like coming into a winning program," Cenac told 247Sports. "I'm looking forward to producing and just helping them win more. But the main thing was development and them being able to get me better so I can be ready for that next level." Cenac's rating of .9978 by 247Sports Composite makes him the Cougars' highest-rated commit in the modern era, according to multiple outlets. "They see me as a four who can kind of play all over the court and do everything," Cenac told 247Sports. "I can get rebounds, push the ball, shoot and play all over the floor." With Cenac joining other Houston commits like five-star shooting guard Isaiah Harwell, four-star point guard Kingston Flemings and three-star wing Bryce Jackson, Houston's Class of 2025 is ranked No. 2 in the nation by 247Sports and ESPN. --Field Level MediaST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — PGA Tour rookie Patrick Fishburn played bogey-free for an 8-under 64 for his first lead after any round. Joel Dahmen was 10 shots behind and had a bigger cause for celebration Friday in the RSM Classic. Dahmen made a 5-foot par putt on his final hole for a 2-under 68 in tough conditions brought on by the wind and cold, allowing him to make the cut on the number and get two more days to secure his PGA Tour card for next year. He is No. 124 in the FedEx Cup. "I still got more to write this weekend for sure," said Dahmen, who recently had said his story is not yet over. "But without having the opportunity to play this weekend, my story would be a lot shorter this year." Fishburn took advantage of being on the easier Plantation course, with trees blocking the brunt of the wind and two additional par 5s. He also was helped by Maverick McNealy, who opened with a 62 on the tougher Seaside course, making two bogeys late in his round and having to settle for a 70. Fishburn, who already has locked up his card for next year, was at 11-under 131 and led McNealy and Lee Hodges (63) going into the weekend. Michael Thorbjornsen had a 69 and was the only player who had to face Seaside on Friday who was among the top five. What mattered on this day, however, was far down the leaderboard. The RSM Classic is the final tournament of the PGA Tour season, and only the top 125 in the FedEx Cup have full status in 2025. That's more critical than ever with the tour only taking the top 100 for full cards after next season. Players like Dahmen will need full status to get as many playing opportunities as they can. That explains why he felt so much pressure on a Friday. He didn't make a bogey after his opening hole and was battling temperatures in the low 50s that felt even colder with the wind ripping off the Atlantic waters of St. Simons Sound. He made a key birdie on the 14th, hitting a 4-iron for his second shot on the 424-yard hole. Dahmen also hit wedge to 2 feet on the 16th that put him on the cut line, and from the 18th fairway, he was safely on the green some 40 feet away. But he lagged woefully short, leaving himself a testy 5-footer with his job on the line. "It was a great putt. I was very nervous," Dahmen said. "But there's still work to do. It wasn't the game-winner, it was like the half-court shot to get us to halftime. But without that, and the way I played today, I wouldn't have anything this weekend." His playing partners weren't so fortunate. The tour put three in danger of losing their cards in the same group — Zac Blair (No. 123), Dahmen and Wesley Bryan (No. 125). The cut was at 1-under 141. Blair and Bryan came to the 18th hole needing birdie to be assured of making the cut and both narrowly missed. Now they have to wait to see if anyone passes them, which is typically the case. Thorbjornsen in a tie for fourth and Daniel Berger (66 at Plantation) in a tie for 17th both were projected to move into the top 125. Dahmen, indeed, still has work to do. Fishburn gets a weekend to see if he can end his rookie year with a win. "I've had a lot of experience playing in cold growing up in Utah, playing this time of year, kind of get used to playing when the body's not moving very well and you've got to move your hands," said Fishburn, who played college golf at BYU. "Just pretty happy with how I played." Ludvig Aberg, the defending champion and No. 5 player in the world competing for the first time in more than two months because of knee surgery, bounced back with a 64 on Plantation and was back in the mix. Aberg played with Luke Clanton, the Florida State sophomore who looks like he belongs each week. Clanton, the No. 1 player in the world amateur ranking who received a sponsor exemption, had a 65 at Plantation and was two shots off the lead. Clanton already has a runner-up and two other top 10s since June. "Playing with him, it's pretty awesome to watch," Clanton said. "We were kind of fanboying a little it. I know he's a really good dude but to be playing with him and to see what he's done over the last couple years, it's pretty inspirational."

Chats: Lily's chat list is a mix of personal conversations with close friends, professional networking with colleagues, and group chats with classmates from university. She uses a blend of emojis, stickers, and GIFs to express herself and add a touch of humor to her conversations.Barcelona FC's talismanic forward, Lionel Messi, is set to make his much-anticipated return to the pitch in the upcoming clash against Leganes. The Argentine superstar has been sidelined with an injury for the past few weeks, much to the disappointment of fans and teammates alike. However, after intensive rehabilitation and training, Messi is now ready to lace up his boots and lead his team once again.

Title: Guiyang: New Policies Spark Market Boom, Meeting Strong Demand for Both First-time Buyers and UpgradersIn conclusion, President Trump's insistence on fair payment from NATO members has raised important questions about the future of the alliance. The issue of defense spending is a critical aspect of NATO's viability, and how member countries respond to President Trump's demands will shape the alliance's future. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the United States will stay in NATO or pursue a different path based on the principle of fair payment.On the other end of the supply chain, nutritionists and health experts have also raised alarms about the nutritional quality of instant meal kits. While these kits may offer a quick and easy solution for meal preparation, they often contain high levels of sodium, preservatives, and other additives to enhance flavor and prolong shelf life. As a result, consumers who regularly rely on these meal kits may unknowingly be consuming excess calories, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients that can contribute to various health issues in the long run.

In a statement released by the company, UnitedHealth has expressed its shock and sadness over the incident, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of its employees are of utmost importance. The company has also pledged to fully cooperate with law enforcement in their investigation and to provide support to the CEO and his family during this difficult time.SPDB Bank is one of China's leading commercial banks, with a strong presence in the domestic market and a growing international footprint. The bank has a solid track record of financial performance and a commitment to sustainable growth, making it a preferred choice for investors seeking exposure to the banking sector.

Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is another well-established risk factor for stomach cancer. This bacterium is a known carcinogen and can lead to chronic inflammation in the stomach lining, increasing the likelihood of cancer development over time. Early detection and treatment of H. pylori infections are essential in reducing the risk of stomach cancer, especially in younger individuals who may not be aware of their infection status.Consideredamong the hottest young prospects in world tennis, thesuper-talented trio of Jakub Mensik, Flavio Cobolli andGiovanni Mpetshi-Perricard, are heading to Auckland forJanuary’s ASB Classic. Mensik (Czechia), at 19years, is the world’s highest ranked teenager, alreadyinside the ATP Top-50 in his first season on theTour. Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, 22, jumped more than70 spots in 2024 to be 32nd in the world rankings with someimpressive scalps to his credit thisyear. Mpetshi-Perricard (France) (pronouncedEm-pet-shi Perry-car) is one of only four players in theworld aged 21 years or younger ranked in the top 30 on theATP rankings. The young guns ranked above him compriseFrenchman Arthur Fils, who competed at the ASB Classic thisyear, Dane Holger Rune and world No 2 CarlosAlcaraz. ASB Classic Tournament Director, NicolasLamperin said the tournament continues to be well receivedto start the new season in the run-up to the first major inAustralia. “The entries of Jakub, Giovanni andFlavio fit ideally with the ASB Classic’s push to attracttomorrow’s superstars today,” saidLamperin. Teenager Mensik, at just 19years, has already pushed his way to No 48 in the world andthis year became the first player born 2005 or later toreach an ATP Final, after beginning the year ranked No167. The former World No 2 junior, who turnedprofessional in 2022, has enjoyed a remarkable 2024 season.This year in ATP Tour events, he was runner-up in Doha,reached the semifinals in Umag, and the quarterfinals inMallorca, Vienna and Shanghai, where he lost to NovakDjokovic. “Reaching the final rounds of ATP events,finishing top 50 in the world, and competing in the ParisOlympic Games were absolute dreams come true, giving me muchmotivation for what’s next,” said Mensik. “Whata hell of a season it was. Absolutely incredible year with alot of amazing experiences, memories, fights, struggles,emotions and love, some real highs and lows yes, but theending string is something I’m taking with me into nextyear.” Mpetshi-Perricard is a product of the Frenchdevelopment system, joining the programme at 12 years from asporting background, with a father a former footballer andsister a basketballer of note. The 21-year-old hasemerged quickly on the ATP Tour, breaking into the top-100in May and pushing to No 30 at years-end. This followed hisoutstanding ATP Tour 500 victory in Basel, Switzerland, withvictory over ASB Classic semifinalist Ben Shelton in thefinal. His other tournament conquests included wins overFelix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov and HolgerRune. His first ATP title came in Lyon this year. Healso won three Challengers in Nottingham, Morelos, andAcapulco. Giovanni made it to the round of 16 at Wimbledon,where he became the first Lucky Loser to reach the fourthround since 1995. Mpetshi-Perricard packs a commandingfigure and big game to match his 2.03m frame. Tojuxtapose his frame and power is Flavio Cobolli, 22, whopossesses wonderful skills and touch as would be expectedfrom an Italian who loves the clay surface, and who’s herois the magician Fabio Fognini. Starting the yearoutside the top 100, he is now at No. 32. Cobolli, who iscoached by his father, accounted for Ben Shelton twice thisyear, on his way to the semifinal at Geneva and runner-up inWashington. He made the quarterfinals at Montpellier, DelrayBeach (losing to Tiafoe), Eastbourne and Beijing and thethird round at the Madrid Masters, Australian Open,Cincinnati Masters, US Open and Shanghai Masters (losing toNovak Djokovic). “Since I was young, I told myselfthat I was good at tennis and can do well in this sport.Stay calm, take your time and be patient, because theresults will come,” Cobolli said. “This year, theresults came, so I’m happy,” he said with 31 of his 37ATP career wins earned in 2024. He also soaked upbeing the alternate for Team Europe in the Laver Cup,rubbing shoulders with his heroes. “I learned a lotfrom the guys. They are amazing. They are reallyprofessional, and they never miss a thing,” he said.“They spend a lot of time recovering their bodies. All thetraining sessions are 100 per cent. At the beginning of theyear, it wasn’t like this for me. I did 70 or 80 per cent,I ate McDonald's. Now it has changed after I watched them. Ichanged it.” ASB Classic Tournament Director,Nicolas Lamperin said he was thrilled to secure some of thesport’s most celebrated rising stars toAuckland. “We are very excited to attract this trioof world-class young players, who are turning the game onits head with their exciting play and their breakthroughperformances,” said Lamperin. “Our tournament hasa reputation as an excellent platform where rising youngplayers can emerge, and I believe these young men fit thatgroup and we are excited to host them.” The WTAwomen’s tournament at the ASB Classic gets underway on 30December followed by the ATP men’s tournament from 6January 2025. Featuring insider accessand exclusive news, have alsolaunched , giving membersspecial benefits and offers to make their tournamentexperience even more memorable. includes VIP offers, upgrades, promotions,plus up-to-date news and draw information. Fans can accessClassic Club membership for free at https://asbclassic.flicket.co.nz/. The ASB Tennis Classic runs fromDecember 30th 2024, to January 11th 2025. Tickets are onsale now. The event will kick off with the Women’sTournament from December 30 to January 5, followed by theMen’s Tournament from January 6 - 11, 2025. The 2024 eventbroke records across the board, with unparalleled ticketsales, broadcast numbers, sponsorship sales and money raisedfor Youthline. The Serve will return, featuring all theoff-court action full of NZ’s best entertainment, food andbeverage offerings.

In conclusion, the Herona manager's words serve as a reminder to both the players and fans that the game against Liverpool is not just another match, but a unique opportunity to showcase their skills, test their limits, and enjoy the experience of competing at the highest level. By approaching the game with a positive mindset, giving their all on the field, and maintaining a never-say-die attitude, Herona can truly make the most of this exciting encounter with Liverpool.

Heavy equipment operators from more than 40 countries compete to claim worldwide title in largest challenge to date IRVING, Texas, Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) today launched its third Global Operator Challenge, inviting thousands of machine operators worldwide to put their agility, resilience and versatility to the test on a wide range of construction equipment and technology. "For nearly 100 years, our customers have been pushing the limits with our machines," said Caterpillar Construction Industries Group President Tony Fassino. "This challenge helps showcase and celebrate the exceptional skills of the expert men and women in this important profession as they forge their legacies of being the best operators in the world." More than 140 Cat® dealer competitions were held during the 2022-2023 challenge, which attracted more than 10,000 operators from 32 countries. The 2025-2026 challenge aims to include more events, countries and operators than previous programs. Invitation for Operators Operators are invited to compete in local challenges facilitated by Cat dealers around the globe during the first round, being held from January – September 2025. The competitions will feature at least three different challenges on at least three separate pieces of equipment. Scoring is based on the operator's skills, safety, efficiency and competence in using integrated technology such as payload, grade control and operator ease-of-use features to enhance the machine's performance. Winners from local dealer events will advance to regional semifinal competitions during the fall of 2025. Nine finalists will emerge from the regional semifinals and participate in the final competition in March 2026 at Caterpillar's outdoor Festival Grounds exhibit during CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas. The winner receives either a $10,000 cash prize or an equal value trip for two where Caterpillar has a location worldwide. For more information and official rules about the Global Operator Challenge, including how to participate, visit www.cat.com/operatorchallenge . About Caterpillar With 2023 sales and revenues of $67.1 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we've been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on our social media channels at caterpillar.com/en/news/social-media.html . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/caterpillar-invites-worlds-most-skilled-operators-to-forge-their-legacies-through-third-global-operator-challenge-302326150.html SOURCE Caterpillar Inc.

In a recent live stream broadcast on social media platform, popular influencer Xiaohua surprised her fans by giving celebrity Xiang Zuo a charming hairstyle makeover. The moment Xiaohua started braiding Xiang Zuo's hair into small braids, the viewership count skyrocketed, reaching an astonishing 67 million viewers tuning in to watch the transformation unfold.Buffalo's finance commissioner resigns to take job with city comptroller

EVERETT, Wash., Dec. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coastal Financial Corporation CCB ("Coastal" or the "Company"), the holding company for Coastal Community Bank (the "Bank"), today announced the launch of a proposed underwritten public offering of shares of its common stock, no par value. Coastal expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the number of shares of its Common Stock sold in this offering at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, supporting investment opportunities and the Bank's growth. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, a Stifel company , is serving as the lead bookrunning manager, Hovde Group, LLC is serving as a joint bookrunning manager and Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and Stephens Inc. are serving as co-managers for the proposed offering. The shares of common stock will be issued pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-279879) filed by Coastal with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which was declared effective by the SEC on June 13, 2024. A preliminary prospectus supplement related to the offering has been filed with the SEC and a final prospectus supplement relating to this offering will be filed with the SEC. Prospective investors should read the preliminary prospectus supplement, the final prospectus supplement, when available, and other documents Coastal has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Coastal and the offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov . Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement, the final prospectus supplement, when available, and the accompanying prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained by contacting Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., 787 Seventh Avenue, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10019, attention: Equity Capital Markets, or by calling toll free at (800) 966-1559 or emailing USCapitalMarkets@kbw.com. This press release is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, the securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation, or sale in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. About Coastal Financial Corporation Coastal Financial Corporation CCB (the "Company"), is an Everett, Washington based bank holding company whose wholly owned subsidiaries are Coastal Community Bank ("Bank") and Arlington Olympic LLC. The $4.07 billion Bank provides service through 14 branches in Snohomish, Island, and King Counties, the Internet and its mobile banking application. The Bank provides banking as a service to broker-dealers, digital financial service providers, companies and brands that want to provide financial services to their customers through the Bank's CCBX segment. Member FDIC. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and our financial performance and statements regarding the proposed offering. Any statements about our management's expectations, beliefs, plans, predictions, forecasts, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. Words or phrases such as "anticipate," "believes," "can," "could," "may," "predicts," "potential," "should," "will," "estimate," "plans," "projects," "continuing," "ongoing," "expects," "intends" and similar words or phrases are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Any or all of the forward-looking statements in this press release may turn out to be inaccurate. The inclusion of or reference to forward-looking information in this press release should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. We have based these forward- looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties discussed under "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recent period filed, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the most recent quarter, and in any of our other filings with the SEC. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what we anticipate. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Contact: Joel Edwards CFO 425.357.6987 Jedwards@coastalbank.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.