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REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 9, 2024-- Zuora, Inc. (NYSE: ZUO), a leading monetization suite for modern business, today announced financial results for its fiscal third quarter ended October 31, 2024. Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results: Descriptions of our non-GAAP financial measures are contained in the section titled "Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below and reconciliations of GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures are contained in the tables below. Proposed Acquisition; Conference Call and Guidance On October 17, 2024, we announced that Zuora entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Silver Lake, the global leader in technology investing, in partnership with an affiliate of GIC Pte. Ltd. (“GIC”). The transaction is valued at $1.7 billion, with Silver Lake and GIC to acquire all outstanding shares of Zuora common stock for $10.00 per share in cash. The acquisition is expected to close in the first calendar quarter of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions and approvals, including the receipt of the required regulatory approvals. Upon completion of the transaction, Zuora will become a privately held company. Given the proposed acquisition of Zuora, we will not be holding a conference call or live webcast to discuss Zuora's third quarter of fiscal 2025 financial results, we will not be providing any forward looking guidance, and we are withdrawing all previously provided goals, outlook, and guidance. Key Operational and Financial Metrics: Explanation of Key Operational and Financial Metrics: Annual Contract Value (ACV) . We define ACV as the subscription revenue we would contractually expect to recognize from a customer over the next twelve months, assuming no increases or reductions in their subscriptions. We define the number of customers at the end of any particular period as the number of parties or organizations that have entered into a distinct subscription contract with us and for which the term has not ended. Each party with whom we have entered into a distinct subscription contract is considered a unique customer, and in some cases, there may be more than one customer within a single organization. Dollar-based Retention Rate (DBRR) . We calculate DBRR as of a period end by starting with the sum of the ACV from all customers as of twelve months prior to such period end, or prior period ACV. We then calculate the sum of the ACV from these same customers as of the current period end, or current period ACV. Current period ACV includes any upsells and also reflects contraction or attrition over the trailing twelve months but excludes revenue from new customers added in the current period. We then divide the current period ACV by the prior period ACV to arrive at our dollar-based retention rate. Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR). ARR represents the annualized recurring value at the time of initial booking or contract modification for all active subscription contracts at the end of a reporting period. ARR excludes the value of non-recurring revenue such as professional services revenue as well as contracts with new customers with a term of less than one year. ARR should be viewed independently of revenue and deferred revenue, and is not intended to be a substitute for, or combined with, any of these items. ARR growth is calculated by dividing the ARR as of a period end by the ARR for the corresponding period end of the prior fiscal year. Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures: In addition to financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), this press release and the accompanying tables contain non-GAAP financial measures including: non-GAAP cost of subscription revenue; non-GAAP subscription gross margin; non-GAAP cost of professional services revenue; non-GAAP professional services gross margin; non-GAAP gross profit; non-GAAP gross margin; non-GAAP income from operations; non-GAAP operating margin; non-GAAP net income; non-GAAP net income per share; and adjusted free cash flow. The presentation of these financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. We use non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with GAAP measures as part of our overall assessment of our performance, including the preparation of our annual operating budget and quarterly forecasts, to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies and to communicate with our Board of Directors concerning our financial performance. We believe these non-GAAP measures provide investors consistency and comparability with our past financial performance and facilitate period-to-period comparisons of our operating results. We also believe these non-GAAP measures are useful in evaluating our operating performance compared to that of other companies in our industry, as they generally eliminate the effects of certain items that may vary for different companies for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance. We exclude the following items from one or more of our non-GAAP financial measures: Additionally, we disclose "adjusted free cash flow", which is a non-GAAP measure that includes adjustments to operating cash flows for cash impacts related to Shareholder matters and Acquisition-related expenses described above, and net purchases of property and equipment. We include the impact of net purchases of property and equipment in our adjusted free cash flow calculation because we consider these capital expenditures to be a necessary component of our ongoing operations. We believe this measure is meaningful to investors because management reviews cash flows generated from operations excluding such expenditures that are not related to our ongoing operations. Investors are cautioned that there are material limitations associated with the use of non-GAAP financial measures as an analytical tool. The non-GAAP measures we use may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes. We compensate for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP items excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Words such as “believes,” “may,” “will,” “determine,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continues,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “expects,” “could,” “would,” “projects,” “plans,” “targets,” “strategy,” “likely,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding the proposed acquisition of Zuora, including the expected timing of the closing of the acquisition, and expectations for Zuora following the completion of the acquisition. Forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations as of the date of this filing and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control. Our actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to, risks detailed in our Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2024 as well as other documents that may be filed by us from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2024. In particular, the following factors, among others, could cause results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements: the possibility that the closing conditions to the proposed acquisition are not satisfied (or waived), including the risk that required approvals from Zuora’s stockholders for the proposed acquisition or required regulatory approvals to consummate the acquisition are not obtained in a timely manner (or at all); the outcome of the current complaint and any potential litigation relating to the proposed acquisition; uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the proposed acquisition; the ability of each party to consummate the proposed acquisition; our ability to attract new customers and retain and expand sales to existing customers; our ability to manage our future revenue and profitability plans effectively; adoption of monetization platform software and related solutions, as well as consumer adoption of products and services that are provided through such solutions; our ability to develop and release new products and services, or successful enhancements, new features and modifications; challenges related to growing our relationships with strategic partners; loss of key employees; our ability to compete in our markets; adverse impacts on our business and financial condition due to macroeconomic or market conditions; the impact of actions to improve operational efficiencies and operating costs; our history of net losses and ability to achieve or sustain profitability; market acceptance of our products; the success of our product development efforts; risks associated with currency exchange rate fluctuations; risks associated with our debt obligations; successful deployment of our solutions by customers after entering into a subscription agreement with us; the success of our sales and product initiatives; our security measures; our ability to adequately protect our intellectual property; interruptions or performance problems; litigation and other shareholder related costs; the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and ability to integrate operations and technology of any acquired company; geopolitical conflicts or destabilizing events; other business effects, including those related to industry, market, economic, political, regulatory and global health conditions and other risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent our views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. We undertake no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Important Information and Where to Find It In connection with the proposed acquisition, Zuora has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a proxy statement in preliminary form on November 25, 2024, a definitive version of which will be mailed or otherwise provided to its stockholders. The Company and affiliates of the Company have jointly filed a transaction statement on Schedule 13E-3 (the Schedule 13E-3). Zuora may also file other documents with the SEC regarding the potential transaction. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, ZUORA’S STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND THE SCHEDULE 13E-3 IN THEIR ENTIRETY AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the proxy statement, the Schedule 13E-3 and other documents that Zuora files with the SEC from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and Zuora’s website at investor.zuora.com . In addition, the proxy statement, the Schedule 13E-3 and other documents filed by Zuora with the SEC (when available) may be obtained from Zuora free of charge by directing a request to Zuora’s Investor Relations at investorrelations@zuora.com . Participants in the Solicitation Zuora and certain of its directors, executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Zuora’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of the stockholders of Zuora in connection with the proposed transaction, including a description of their respective direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise will be set forth in the proxy statement and Schedule 13E-3 and other materials to be filed with the SEC. You may also find additional information about Zuora’s directors and executive officers in Zuora’s proxy statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on May 16, 2024 (the “Annual Meeting Proxy Statement”). To the extent holdings of securities by potential participants (or the identity of such participants) have changed since the information printed in the Annual Meeting Proxy Statement, such information has been or will be reflected in Zuora’s Statements of Change in Ownership on Forms 3 and 4 filed with the SEC. You can obtain free copies of these documents from Zuora using the contact information above. About Zuora, Inc. Zuora provides a leading monetization suite to build, run and grow a modern business through a dynamic mix of usage-based models, subscription bundles and everything in between. From pricing and packaging, to billing, payments and revenue accounting, Zuora’s flexible, modular software platform is designed to help companies evolve monetization strategies with customer demand. More than 1,000 customers around the world, including BMC Software, Box, Caterpillar, General Motors, The New York Times, Schneider Electric and Zoom use Zuora’s leading combination of technology and expertise to turn recurring relationships and recurring revenue into recurring growth. Zuora is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices in the Americas, EMEA and APAC. To learn more, please visit zuora.com . © 2024 Zuora, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Zuora, Subscribed, Subscription Economy, Powering the Subscription Economy, Subscription Economy Index, Zephr, and Subscription Experience Platform are trademarks or registered trademarks of Zuora, Inc. Third party trademarks mentioned above are owned by their respective companies. Nothing in this press release should be construed to the contrary, or as an approval, endorsement or sponsorship by any third parties of Zuora, Inc. or any aspect of this press release. SOURCE: ZUORA, INC. ZUORA, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue: Subscription $ 105,253 $ 98,048 $ 308,263 $ 283,232 Professional services 11,676 11,801 33,831 37,760 Total revenue 116,929 109,849 342,094 320,992 Cost of revenue: Subscription 1 23,954 20,378 67,207 62,304 Professional services 1 14,383 14,650 43,483 47,851 Total cost of revenue 38,337 35,028 110,690 110,155 Gross profit 78,592 74,821 231,404 210,837 Operating expenses: Research and development 1 26,833 27,504 76,853 79,428 Sales and marketing 1 36,597 40,245 108,579 124,488 General and administrative 1 26,880 15,893 71,351 54,160 Total operating expenses 90,310 83,642 256,783 258,076 Loss from operations (11,718 ) (8,821 ) (25,379 ) (47,239 ) Change in fair value of debt derivative and warrant liabilities (20,174 ) 6,997 (29,115 ) 2,241 Interest expense (7,045 ) (5,610 ) (20,781 ) (14,604 ) Interest and other income (expense), net 6,505 2,272 19,988 13,639 Loss before income taxes (32,432 ) (5,162 ) (55,287 ) (45,963 ) Income tax (benefit) provision (226 ) 340 (2,152 ) 1,396 Net loss (32,206 ) (5,502 ) (53,135 ) (47,359 ) Comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation adjustment 462 (696 ) 386 (1,383 ) Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities 248 (18 ) 63 494 Comprehensive loss $ (31,496 ) $ (6,216 ) $ (52,686 ) $ (48,248 ) Net loss per share, basic and diluted $ (0.21 ) $ (0.04 ) $ (0.36 ) $ (0.34 ) Weighted-average shares outstanding used in calculating net loss per share, basic and diluted 152,263 141,488 149,457 138,789 (1) Stock-based compensation expense was recorded in the following cost and expense categories: Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Cost of subscription revenue $ 2,331 $ 2,350 $ 6,291 $ 6,889 Cost of professional services revenue 2,598 2,747 7,359 8,997 Research and development 7,697 7,165 21,680 20,661 Sales and marketing 7,613 8,191 20,609 24,857 General and administrative 4,694 5,648 13,163 16,569 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 24,933 $ 26,101 $ 69,102 $ 77,973 ZUORA, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) (unaudited) October 31, 2024 January 31, 2024 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 277,615 $ 256,065 Short-term investments 280,909 258,120 Accounts receivable, net 82,414 124,602 Deferred commissions, current portion 15,995 15,870 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 25,183 23,261 Total current assets 682,116 677,918 Property and equipment, net 27,403 25,961 Operating lease right-of-use assets 20,591 22,462 Purchased intangibles, net 23,146 10,082 Deferred commissions, net of current portion 24,941 27,250 Goodwill 73,903 56,657 Other assets 4,972 3,506 Total assets $ 857,072 $ 823,836 Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 761 $ 3,161 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 45,167 32,157 Accrued employee liabilities 29,860 37,722 Deferred revenue, current portion 177,436 199,615 Operating lease liabilities, current portion 7,030 6,760 Total current liabilities 260,254 279,415 Long-term debt 368,348 359,525 Deferred revenue, net of current portion 860 2,802 Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 32,573 37,100 Deferred tax liabilities 4,066 3,725 Other long-term liabilities 6,781 7,582 Total liabilities 672,882 690,149 Stockholders’ equity: Class A common stock 15 14 Class B common stock 1 1 Additional paid-in capital 1,067,329 964,141 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (410 ) (859 ) Accumulated deficit (882,745 ) (829,610 ) Total stockholders’ equity 184,190 133,687 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 857,072 $ 823,836 ZUORA, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) (unaudited) Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $ (53,135 ) $ (47,359 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 14,715 13,684 Stock-based compensation 69,102 77,973 Provision for credit losses 2,117 457 Amortization of deferred commissions 13,946 14,415 Reduction in carrying amount of right-of-use assets 3,470 4,876 Change in fair value of debt derivative and warrant liabilities 29,115 (2,241 ) Other (2,418 ) 2,630 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 40,149 12,476 Prepaid expenses and other assets (2,657 ) 878 Deferred commissions (12,107 ) (12,013 ) Accounts payable (2,529 ) (634 ) Accrued expenses and other liabilities 6,843 (82,904 ) Accrued employee liabilities (7,986 ) 509 Deferred revenue (24,439 ) (7,461 ) Operating lease liabilities (7,476 ) (10,962 ) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 66,710 (35,676 ) Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (9,252 ) (6,913 ) Purchases of short-term investments (240,093 ) (66,665 ) Maturities of short-term investments 222,279 175,128 Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired (24,786 ) (4,524 ) Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (51,852 ) 97,026 Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options 3,372 1,000 Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan 4,481 4,765 Payment for taxes related to net share settlement of stock options (1,547 ) — Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes, net of issuance costs — 145,861 Net cash provided by financing activities 6,306 151,626 Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents 386 (1,383 ) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 21,550 211,593 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 256,065 203,239 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 277,615 $ 414,832 ZUORA, INC. RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED GAAP MEASURES TO NON-GAAP MEASURES (in thousands, except percentages) (unaudited) Subscription Gross Margin Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Reconciliation of cost of subscription revenue: GAAP cost of subscription revenue $ 23,954 $ 20,378 $ 67,207 $ 62,304 Less: Stock-based compensation (2,331 ) (2,350 ) (6,291 ) (6,889 ) Amortization of acquired intangibles (1,164 ) (607 ) (2,706 ) (2,083 ) Workforce reductions (228 ) — (796 ) (38 ) Acquisition-related expenses (12 ) — (103 ) — Asset impairment — (439 ) — (439 ) Shareholder matters — — (20 ) — Non-GAAP cost of subscription revenue $ 20,219 $ 16,982 $ 57,291 $ 52,855 GAAP subscription gross margin 77 % 79 % 78 % 78 % Non-GAAP subscription gross margin 81 % 83 % 81 % 81 % Professional Services Gross Margin Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Reconciliation of cost of professional services revenue: GAAP cost of professional services revenue $ 14,383 $ 14,650 $ 43,483 $ 47,851 Less: Stock-based compensation (2,598 ) (2,747 ) (7,359 ) (8,997 ) Acquisition-related expenses (22 ) — (22 ) — Shareholder matters — — (28 ) — Workforce reductions — — (5 ) (46 ) Non-GAAP cost of professional services revenue $ 11,763 $ 11,903 $ 36,069 $ 38,808 GAAP professional services gross margin (23 )% (24 )% (29 )% (27 )% Non-GAAP professional services gross margin (1 )% (1 )% (7 )% (3 )% ZUORA, INC. RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED GAAP MEASURES TO NON-GAAP MEASURES (CONTINUED) (in thousands, except percentages) (unaudited) Total Gross Margin Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Reconciliation of gross profit: GAAP gross profit $ 78,592 $ 74,821 $ 231,404 $ 210,837 Add: Stock-based compensation 4,929 5,097 13,650 15,886 Amortization of acquired intangibles 1,164 607 2,706 2,083 Workforce reductions 228 — 801 84 Acquisition-related expenses 34 — 125 — Asset impairment — 439 — 439 Shareholder matters — — 48 — Non-GAAP gross profit $ 84,947 $ 80,964 $ 248,734 $ 229,329 GAAP gross margin 67 % 68 % 68 % 66 % Non-GAAP gross margin 73 % 74 % 73 % 71 % Operating (Loss) Income and Operating Margin Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Reconciliation of (loss) income from operations: GAAP loss from operations $ (11,718 ) $ (8,821 ) $ (25,379 ) $ (47,239 ) Add: Stock-based compensation 24,933 26,101 69,102 77,973 Acquisition-related expenses 10,299 19 17,100 211 Amortization of acquired intangibles 1,164 607 2,706 2,083 Workforce reductions 241 — 1,518 265 Shareholder matters 181 (3,508 ) 4,240 (3,265 ) Asset impairment — 1,592 — 1,592 Non-GAAP income from operations $ 25,100 $ 15,990 $ 69,287 $ 31,620 GAAP operating margin (10 )% (8 )% (7 )% (15 )% Non-GAAP operating margin 21 % 15 % 20 % 10 % ZUORA, INC. RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED GAAP MEASURES TO NON-GAAP MEASURES (CONTINUED) (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) Net (Loss) Income and Net (Loss) Income Per Share Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Reconciliation of net (loss) income: GAAP net loss $ (32,206 ) $ (5,502 ) $ (53,135 ) $ (47,359 ) Add: Stock-based compensation 24,933 26,101 69,102 77,973 Change in fair value of debt derivative and warrant liabilities 20,174 (6,997 ) 29,115 (2,241 ) Acquisition-related expenses 10,299 19 17,100 211 Amortization of acquired intangibles 1,164 607 2,706 2,083 Workforce reductions 241 — 1,518 265 Shareholder matters 181 (3,508 ) 4,240 (3,265 ) Asset impairment — 1,592 — 1,592 Non-GAAP net income $ 24,786 $ 12,312 $ 70,646 $ 29,259 GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted 1 $ (0.21 ) $ (0.04 ) $ (0.36 ) $ (0.34 ) Non-GAAP net income per share, basic and diluted 1 $ 0.16 $ 0.09 $ 0.47 $ 0.21 (1) For the three months ended October 31, 2024 and 2023, GAAP and Non-GAAP net (loss) income per share are calculated based upon 152.3 million and 141.5 million basic and diluted weighted-average shares of common stock, respectively. For the nine months ended October 31, 2024 and 2023, GAAP and Non-GAAP net (loss) income per share are calculated based upon 149.5 million and 138.8 million basic and diluted weighted-average shares of common stock, respectively. Adjusted Free Cash Flow Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Reconciliation of adjusted free cash flow: Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (GAAP) $ 22,408 $ (55,657 ) $ 66,710 $ (35,676 ) Add: Acquisition-related expenses 5,587 28 7,300 135 Shareholder matters 824 71,377 4,379 72,130 Less: Purchases of property and equipment (3,330 ) (3,075 ) (9,252 ) (6,913 ) Adjusted free cash flow (non-GAAP) $ 25,489 $ 12,673 $ 69,137 $ 29,676 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (GAAP) $ 18,999 $ 2,005 $ (51,852 ) $ 97,026 Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (GAAP) $ (1,295 ) $ 145,899 $ 6,306 $ 151,626 View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209614914/en/ CONTACT: Investor Relations Contact: Luana Wolk investorrelations@zuora.com 650-419-1377Media Relations Contact: Margaret Juhnke press@zuora.com 619-609-3919 KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SOFTWARE PAYMENTS ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TECHNOLOGY ELECTRONIC COMMERCE FINTECH OTHER TECHNOLOGY SOURCE: Zuora, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/09/2024 04:10 PM/DISC: 12/09/2024 04:08 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209614914/en

Avid Bioservices, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CDMO – Get Free Report ) CEO Nicholas Stewart Green sold 145,911 shares of Avid Bioservices stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.22, for a total value of $1,783,032.42. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 157,620 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,926,116.40. This represents a 48.07 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Nicholas Stewart Green also recently made the following trade(s): Avid Bioservices Trading Down 0.3 % NASDAQ:CDMO opened at $12.24 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $782.91 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -5.12 and a beta of 1.44. Avid Bioservices, Inc. has a 1-year low of $5.65 and a 1-year high of $12.48. The business’s 50-day moving average price is $11.75 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $10.40. The company has a current ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.58. Institutional Trading of Avid Bioservices Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on CDMO shares. Craig Hallum downgraded Avid Bioservices from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Thursday, November 7th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a “sector perform” rating and issued a $12.50 price objective (up from $12.00) on shares of Avid Bioservices in a research report on Thursday, November 7th. StockNews.com raised shares of Avid Bioservices to a “sell” rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 10th. Stephens downgraded shares of Avid Bioservices from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 4th. Finally, William Blair restated a “market perform” rating on shares of Avid Bioservices in a report on Thursday, November 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and four have given a hold rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $12.25. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Avid Bioservices About Avid Bioservices ( Get Free Report ) Avid Bioservices, Inc operates as a contract development and manufacturing organization for the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries in the United States. It provides process development and current good manufacturing practice clinical and commercial manufacturing services of biologics, including clinical and commercial drug substance manufacturing, bulk packaging, release and stability testing, regulatory submission and support, upstream and downstream development and optimization, analytical methods development, cell line development, testing, and characterization services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Avid Bioservices Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Avid Bioservices and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .CLEVELAND (AP) — Shortly after doing a face-down snow angel, firing a few celebratory snowballs and singing “Jingle Bells” on his way to the media room, Jameis Winston ended his postgame news conference with a simple question. “Am I a Brown yet?” he asked. He is now. And who knows? Maybe for a lot longer than expected. Winston entered Cleveland football folklore on Thursday night by leading the Browns to a 24-19 win over the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers, who had their five-game winning streak stopped. Winston's performance at Huntington Bank Field, which transformed into the world's largest snow globe, not only made him an instantaneous hero in the eyes of Browns fans but added another wrinkle to the team's ever-changing, never-ending quarterback conundrum. In his fourth start since Deshaun Watson's season-ending Achilles tendon injury, Winston made enough big plays to help the Browns (3-8) get a victory that should quiet conjecture about coach Kevin Stefanski's job. Some wins mean more than others. In Cleveland, beating the Steelers is as big as it gets. But beyond any instant gratification, Winston has given the Browns more to consider as they move forward. Watson's future with Cleveland is highly uncertain since it will still be months before the team has a grip on whether he's even an option in 2025, his fourth year since signing a $230 million, fully guaranteed contract that has proven calamitous. It's also possible the Browns will cut ties with Watson. They signed Winston to a one-year contract to be Watson's backup. But the unexpected events of 2024 have changed plans and led to the possibility that the 30-year-old Winston could become Cleveland's full-time QB or a bridge to their next young one. So much is unclear. What's not is that Winston, who leaped into the end zone on fourth-and-2 for a TD to put the Browns ahead 18-6 in the fourth quarter, is a difference maker. With his larger-than-life personality and the joy he shows whether practicing or throwing three touchdown passes, he has lifted the Browns. A man of faith, he's made his teammates believe. Winston has done what Watson couldn't: made the Browns better. “A very, very authentic person,” Stefanski said Friday on a Zoom call. “He’s the same guy every single day. He's the same guy at 5 a.m. as he at 5 p.m. He brings great energy to everything he does, and I think his teammates appreciate that about him.” Winston, who is 2-2 as a starter with wins over the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, has a knack for inspiring through fiery, preacher-like pregame speeches. But what has impressed the Browns is his ability to stay calm in the storm. “He doesn’t get rattled,” said Myles Garrett, who had three sacks against the Steelers . “He’s just tuned in and focused as anyone I’ve seen at that position. Turn the page. There was a turnover, came back to the sideline, ‘Love you. I’m sorry. We’re going to get it back.’ He was already on to the next one, ‘How can we complete the mission?’ “I have a lot of respect for him. First was from afar and now seeing it on the field in front of me, it’s a blessing to have someone who plays a game with such a passion and want-to. You can’t ask for a better teammate when they take those things to heart and they want to play for you like we’re actually brothers and that’s what we have to attain. That brotherhood.” What's working Winston has done something else Watson couldn't: move the offense. The Browns scored more than 20 points for just the second time this season, and like Joe Flacco a year ago, Winston has shown that Stefanski's system works with a quarterback patient enough to let plays develop and unafraid to take shots downfield. What needs help The conditions certainly were a factor, but the Browns were a miserable 1 of 10 on third down, a season-long trend. However, Cleveland converted all four fourth-down tries, including a fourth-and-3 pass from Winston to Jerry Jeudy with 2:36 left that helped set up Nick Chubb's go-ahead TD run. Stock up RT Jack Conklin. Garrett outplayed Steelers star T.J. Watt in their rivalry within the rivalry partly because Conklin did a nice job containing Pittsburgh's edge rusher, who was held without a sack and had one tackle for loss. Conklin has made a remarkable comeback since undergoing reconstructive knee surgery last year. Stock down Owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam. Their desire to build a dome is well intended, but an indoor game could never come close to matching the surreal setting of Thursday night, when snow swirled throughout the stadium and covered nearly all the yard lines and hash marks. “It was beautiful,” Winston said. Injuries WR Cedric Tillman is in the concussion protocol. He had two catches before taking a big hit on the final play of the third quarter. Key numbers 9 — Consecutive home wins for the Browns in Thursday night games. Three of those have come against Pittsburgh. What's next An extended break before visiting the Denver Broncos on Dec. 2. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — As the holiday season approaches, many families are grappling with the challenge of maintaining peace and protecting their mental health, especially in an environment of heightened political tension. Whether you’re hosting or attending gatherings, it’s essential to set boundaries to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable holiday season. In an interview with News 8 on Daybreak, Dr. Henderson, a clinical psychologist from Indiana University, shared practical advice for managing holiday interactions. Dr. Henderson suggests a helpful first step before attending or hosting any holiday event: ask yourself, “What can I control as I prepare for Thanksgiving or when hosting others?” “If I’m a guest, really thinking about what time do I want to arrive? How long do I want to stay?” Dr. Henderson said. Hosting can lead to a different kind of stress than being a guest, but you can still prepare and have control. “When I’m hosting, what time do I want people to start coming over? When will I be ready for people to go? So that when those times come, it’s not abrupt for anyone that the transition is happening.” Another useful tip is to establish a “retreat area” for moments when the conversation becomes heated. Dr. Henderson suggests setting up a cozy spot, such as a corner of the front porch, equipped with space heaters, seating, and refreshments. This gives guests a peaceful space to cool off and take a break if tensions rise. Dr. Henderson also recommends self-care strategies, saying, “Do something kind for yourself, drink water, light a candle, or change the subject if necessary.” By setting clear boundaries and staying calm, both hosts and guests can navigate holiday gatherings more easily, ensuring the season remains joyful and stress-free—without letting politics take center stage.The RCMP says it's considering deploying Mounties-in-training to help police the Canada-U.S. border as political anxiety over border control mounts in the face of tariff threats from the incoming Trump administration. RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme said the RCMP is looking first at sending uniformed officers from its federal policing department to shore up border patrols. He also said the idea of sending cadets from the training depot in Regina is on the table if there's a resource crunch. "If there is a surge that is so great that we need additional resources, that could be something," Duheme told reporters Tuesday. He pointed out that in 2014, RCMP cadets were used to bolster security on Parliament Hill after a gunman shot and killed Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and then stormed Parliament's Centre Block. Duheme spoke to reporters after testifying before the House of Commons public safety committee Tuesday. He told MPs contingency plans are being put together to address Canada's concerns about a surge in asylum seekers heading north, and to ease the incoming U.S. administration's border concerns. Canada to buy helicopters, drones to meet Trump's demand for tighter border security Trump's tariff threat throws a spotlight on the whack-a-mole trade in drug precursors Last week, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatened to slap a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada when he takes office next month, citing concerns about illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. Since last week's tariff scare, Canada has committed to procuring more helicopters and drones to patrol the border. Duheme said the RCMP has asked the federal government for an increase in the number of uniformed officers present at the border. "But there's also that increase on people who can operate the technology that we're going to get," he said. He wouldn't say how many officers he's asked for, adding that the public safety minister will have more to report soon. "The minister is well in tune to some of the challenges we're facing and they're being addressed," he said. "I'm looking forward to the investment." CBSA union asks for expanded mandate The request for more federal policing resources comes amid a staffing crunch within the RCMP's federal policing division, which is responsible for border integrity and investigating foreign interference, terrorism and other threats to national security, along with high-level organized crime and cybercrime. The unit has been losing regular members over the past decade in order to fill vacancies in the contract policing section, the RCMP's boots-on-the-ground policing service in the provinces and territories. "I've got close to 30 years in here and I think there's not a year that goes by that there's not a different priority [to which] we have to reassign resources," said Duheme. Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Mike Duheme waits to appear before the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU) in the Parliamentary Prescient of Ottawa on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Spencer Colby/Canadian Press) The head of the union representing Canada Border Services Agency workers has pressed the federal government to turn over some of the RCMP's mandate to border agents. In an open letter to the federal public safety minister issued Monday, Mark Weber, president of the Customs and Immigration Union, said Ottawa should give the agency the power to patrol the entire border, not just official entry points. "When considering the extensive mandate of the RCMP, empowering CBSA officers to act and patrol in between ports of entry in collaboration with RCMP officers is a logical step," wrote Weber. "Doing so will send a strong signal that the Canadian government understands what is needed to protect our border and our communities." So how did Trudeau and Trump's dinner meeting go? Here's what we know Duheme told reporters he's open to discussing the change but suggested that's a longer-term prospect. "I think we have to explore different ways of doing things," he said.

Garrett Wilson has experienced a lot of losing in his three seasons with the New York Jets. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * Garrett Wilson has experienced a lot of losing in his three seasons with the New York Jets. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Garrett Wilson has experienced a lot of losing in his three seasons with the New York Jets. Ten losses in his rookie year. Ten last year. And 10 — and counting — this season. The latest came Sunday, when New York held a late lead at Miami but blew it and lost, something that has been an embarrassingly way too common theme. “When you’re up in the fourth quarter, all of a sudden it starts to feel like you have a losing problem,” the wide receiver said after the Jets’ 32-26 overtime loss. “You have a gene or some (thing).” It’s as good a theory as any at this point, especially for frustrated fans who have watched the Jets (3-10) miss the postseason for 14 straight years. It’s the longest active drought in the NFL, a skid that also currently tops any franchise in the NBA, WNBA, NHL or Major League Baseball. “Losing hurts in general,” right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker said Monday. “So when you stack up those L’s, that’s obviously not where anybody in this building wants to be. That’s not anybody’s standard at all.” Instead, these Jets are setting dubious marks. They have lost a franchise-worst five games in which they held a fourth-quarter lead. And they’ve done it in three straight games. New York has nine consecutive losing seasons, also the longest active skid in the NFL. The Jets couldn’t even enjoy what interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said Monday was Aaron Rodgers’ “best performance of the season.” The 41-year-old quarterback threw for 339 yards — ending a 34-game 300-yard passing drought in the regular season — and a 3-yard touchdown pass to Davante Adams. It wasn’t enough. Not when the defense and special teams were having costly breakdowns. Again, with the Jets holding a late lead. And losing. “I wouldn’t say more frustrating, but probably equally frustrating,” Ulbrich said of the latest loss. “There has been, in my opinion, seven games that have come down to the end of the game and have been within one score and we didn’t get it done, and for a lot of different reasons when you look at the span of that seven games. “But we haven’t been good enough in those moments, and we need to be.” What’s working The passing game. The Jets’ offense with Rodgers hasn’t been nearly as dynamic through the air as most expected. But it has come alive lately, and probably not coincidentally with Rodgers overcoming some nagging leg injuries. The 300-yard game at Miami had Rodgers looking more like the vintage version of the four-time MVP. He was 27 of 39 passing with a season-high 8.7 yards per attempt, leading the Jets to a season-best 402 total yards. “I thought he did a very good job, and obviously the statistics would support that,” Ulbrich said. “He had an excellent day. I thought the offense had probably their best performance of the year.” What needs help Defense vs. the screen. Tua Tagovailoa made quick work of the Jets’ defense with a quick release and the Dolphins’ use of screen passes. Ulbrich counted 12 of them. “I’ve never been a part of a game like that,” he said. Ulbrich credited Miami for offsetting New York’s aggressive front and slowing it. “I’m taking a hard look at our screen defense,” he said. “We need to be better vs. the screens. Sometimes that’s from an execution standpoint and that’s sometimes from a call standpoint. So we’ve got to make sure that that type of day doesn’t occur for the defense. And I have a big part of that.” Stock up LB Jamien Sherwood. With C.J. Mosley going down with various injuries, Sherwood’s playing time has increased in his fourth season — and he has produced. He had 18 total tackles, including 13 solo, against the Dolphins and added to his team-leading season total. Sherwood became the first player in the NFL to have 18 or more tackles, two or more for losses and one pass defensed since Denver’s Alex Singleton did so in Week 6 of the 2022 season. Stock down Special teams. Anders Carlson made all four of his field-goal attempts, including a go-ahead 42-yarder with 52 seconds left in the fourth quarter. But his kickoff on the ensuing play was returned 45 yards by Malik Washington, helping set up Jason Sanders’ 42-yarder with 7 seconds remaining. Carlson acknowledged he was supposed to kick into the end zone for a touchback but mis-hit it. The coverage unit also fell flat in limiting Washington’s return. Injuries Ulbrich had no new information on the injuries to RT Morgan Moses, who hurt his left wrist in pregame warmups and left after the first half, or special teams ace Irvin Charles (knee). ... RB Breece Hall (knee) and CB Sauce Gardner missed the game, but Ulbrich said “I’d like to think they’ve got a chance” to play Sunday at Jacksonville. Key number Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 0 — The Jets had no hits on Tagovailoa, who threw 47 times. “As soon as he snapped the ball, the ball was gone,” Sherwood said. What’s next New York heads to Jacksonville next Sunday, when the loser will move up in the draft order. The Jets currently hold the No. 7 spot, according to tankathon.com, while the Jaguars (3-10) are at No. 5 entering Monday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Advertisement AdvertisementSean ‘Diddy’ Combs issues cease and desist from jail over documentary about his protégé - Hindustan TimesHealthEquity Reports Third Quarter Ended October 31, 2024 Financial Results

Parents have been spending an entire month every year cooking for their families, according to a study by Philips. One in ten parents admit to slaving over the stove for up to two hours a night and use six pots, pans and trays for just one meal. Luckily, Philips has come up with a solution to these troubles in the Philips 5000 Series Airfryer and Steamer . It could be the best way to get into air frying yet with is sleek design and incredible functionality. It's on sale at Currys for £249.99. It's also being sold at John Lewis for the same price. Fifty-two per cent of parents in the study say planning what to feed the family is a source of daily stress, but this could be a great reliever - Philip's first air fryer with a built-in steam function. The steam function defends against overcooking of food and can also be used to reheat leftovers. It also features a Steam Clean function to clear out fat in the larger drawer. Not to mention, this uses around 70 per cent less energy than a traditional oven. READ MORE: Furry electric throw with £45 off 'keeps heating costs down' and 'envelops you in soft warmth' The air fryer has a very large capacity at nine litres across two different baskets. There are 11 preset functions and each basket is an independent cooking zone so you can cook several things at once in entirely different ways. You can set each zone to finish at the exact right time too so you can serve up as soon as cooking is done. The Philips 5000 Series also features RapidAir Plus technology's unique star shaped design which means hot air is circulated evenly through the food ensuring a perfect cook every time. To see all the best Deals, Sales and Bargains in London, check out our Facebook group . The study found that 82 per cent of parents put off cooking a meal due to the amount of washing up required but the parts are also dishwasher safe, making washing up that much easier. In the study, many admit to making sacrifices just to ensure families are fed - with over half (51%) compromising on taste and one in five parents resorting to cooking from frozen eight times a week. Convenience (39%) is the factor parents most value when cooking, followed by taste (32%), simplicity (14%) and affordability (13%). This is partly solved by the the HomeID app alongside the air fryer with access to hundreds of delicious meals and step-by-step guidance tailored to your air fryer . You can now join MyLondon 's new WhatsApp Community to get the best deals, sales, bargains and much more. Through WhatsApp, we'll send the latest exciting new products and bargains straight to your phone, both across London and online. To join our community, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select 'join community' . No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the MyLondon team. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice . Click here to join our WhatsApp community . Sara Vaum, Senior Product Manager at Philips, said: “For many parents, when it comes to feeding the family, finding that balance between tasty, healthy and simple is not straightforward. It means some mums and dads are spending up to a month a year in the kitchen, juggling multiple pots, pans, and often a dose of daily stress in order to keep their little ones fed. “At Philips, we want to help people achieve a better balance, which is why we’re proud to unveil our latest innovation - the Series 5000 Airfryer and Steamer. By combining traditional Airfryer technology with a unique steam fry function - a delicious and nutritious family meal is at your fingertips in a matter of minutes - without a mountain of washing up to confront afterwards.” Alternatively, you can buy the Tower Vortx 7L air fryer with Steam Technology for £77.99 at Amazon. You can buy the Philips 5000 Series Airfryer and Steamer from Currys and John Lewis . You can get the Tower Vortx 7L air fryer with Steam Technology at Amazon .

Is Enron back? If it’s a joke, some former employees aren’t laughing

By Hyunsu Yim and Joyce Lee SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's parliament began a session on Friday where a vote to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo over short-lived martial law is scheduled, as the Constitutional Court said it would swiftly decide suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol's fate. The push to impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who has been acting president since Yoon was impeached on Dec. 14 for declaring martial law on Dec. 3, has thrown South Korea's once-vibrant democratic success story into uncharted territory. Ahead of the parliamentary session, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said his Democratic Party, which has majority control of parliament, will go ahead with the plan to impeach the acting president, accusing Han of "acting for insurrection". "The only way to normalise the country is to swiftly root out all the insurrection forces," Lee said in a fiery speech, adding the party was acting on the public order to eradicate those who have put the country at risk. There has been overwhelming public support for Yoon's removal, according to opinion polls conducted after his martial law attempt. The plan for a vote to impeach Han was unveiled on Thursday by the main opposition Democratic Party after he declined to immediately appoint three justices to fill vacancies at the Constitutional Court, saying it would exceed his acting role. It remained unclear how many votes are needed to impeach Han as acting leader. The threshold for a prime minister is a simple majority, while a two-thirds majority is needed for a president. It is also unclear whether Han and the ruling party would accept any outcome. If Han is suspended, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will assume the acting presidency by law. Lee's pledge to oust Han came minutes after Choi warned that impeaching the acting president would seriously damage the country's economic credibility and asked political parties to withdraw the plan. "The economy and the people's livelihoods are walking on thin ice under a national state of emergency and it cannot cope any greater political uncertainty that will result from another acting president assuming the acting presidency," he said. Choi spoke for the country's cabinet, flanked by ministers. The South Korean won weakened to a fresh low of 1,486.7 per dollar on Friday, the weakest since March 2009, as analysts said there was little to reverse the negative sentiment stemming from the political uncertainty. The vote to determine Han's fate comes on the same day the Constitutional Court held its first hearing in a case reviewing whether to overturn the impeachment and reinstate Yoon or remove him permanently from office. It has 180 days to reach a decision. Speaking for the court in a preparatory hearing, Justice Cheong Hyung-sik said the court will move swiftly on the case considering its gravity, denying a request by Yoon's lawyers for a postponement in proceedings to better prepare the case. In the hearing that wrapped up under an hour, the court set the next hearing for Jan. 3. Yoon Kap-keun, one of the lawyers representing the impeached president, later told reporters the legal team is still adding members and that Yoon himself plans to appear in person in the future. The hearing follows weeks of defiance by Yoon ignoring requests by the court to submit documents as well as summons by investigators in a separate criminal case over his martial law declaration. Yoon was not required to attend Friday's hearing. If he ousted, a new presidential election would be held within 60 days. WORST POLITICAL CRISIS IN DECADES The events following the Dec. 3 martial law declaration have plunged the country into its gravest political crisis since 1987, when widespread protests forced the ruling party of former military generals into accepting a constitutional amendment bringing in direct, popular vote to elect the president. Yoon shocked the country and the world with a late-night announcement on Dec. 3 that he was imposing martial law to overcome political deadlock and root out "anti-state forces". The military deployed special forces to the national assembly, the election commission, and the office of a liberal YouTube commentator. It also issued orders banning activity by parliament and political parties, as well as calling for government control of the media. But within hours 190 lawmakers had defied the cordons of troops and police and voted against Yoon's order. About six hours after his initial decree, Yoon rescinded the order. Yoon and senior members of his administration also face criminal investigations for insurrection. (Writing by Josh Smith, Jack Kim; Editing by Ed Davies and Michael Perry)

A former high school classmate of Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the “strong person of interest” arrested Monday in the brazen Manhattan killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, said he was surprised to learn of his arrest. Freddie Leatherbury hasn’t spoken to Mangione since they graduated in 2016 from Gilman School in Maryland. He said Mangione was a smart, friendly and athletic student who came from a wealthy family, even by the private school’s standards. “Quite honestly, he had everything going for him,” Leatherbury said. Leatherbury said he was stunned when a friend shared the news of their former classmate’s arrest. “He does not seem like the kind of guy to do this based on everything I’d known about him in high school,” Leatherbury said. Mangione, a high school valedictorian from a Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesman told The Associated Press on Monday. He had learned to code in high school and helped start a club at Penn for people interested in gaming and game design, according to a 2018 story in Penn Today, a campus publication. His posts also suggest that he belonged to the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. They also show him taking part in a 2019 program at Stanford University, and in photos with family and friends in Hawaii, San Diego, Puerto Rico, the New Jersey shore and other destinations. In an email to parents and alumni, Gilman headmaster Henry P.A. Smyth said it “recently” learned that Mangione had been arrested. “We do not have any information other than what is being reported in the news,” Smyth wrote. “This is deeply distressing news on top of an already awful situation. Our hearts go out to everyone affected.” A poster issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation shows a wanted unknown suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (FBI via AP) AP Luigi Mangione is one of 37 grandchildren of Nick Mangione Sr., according to a 2008 obituary. Mangione Sr. grew up poor in Baltimore’s Little Italy and rose after his World War II naval service to become a millionaire real estate developer and philanthropist, according to a 1995 profile by the Baltimore Sun. He and his wife Mary Cuba Mangione, who died in 2023, directed their philanthropy through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating her death. They donated to a variety of causes, ranging from Catholic organizations to higher education, to the arts. Mangione Sr. was known for Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione Sr. prepared his five sons — including Luigi Mangione’s father, Louis Mangione — to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report. The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday afternoon, Baltimore County police officers had blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. A swarm of reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione, a spokesperson for the delegate’s office confirmed Monday. Healthcare SEO shooting Reviewers slam Pa. McDonald’s after worker tip leads to arrest in CEO killing Ghost gun possibly used to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO can be made at home ‘Strong person of interest’ arrested in Pa. in health care CEO’s killing: Here’s what we know

Mikel Arteta has described the first half of Arsenal 's 5-2 win over West Ham as "crazy" after all seven goals were scored in the first 45 minutes of the game. Arsenal raced into a 4-0 lead inside 36 minutes before being pegged back twice through goals from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson . Bukayo Saka slotted home a penalty in first-half stoppage-time to restore Arsenal's three-goal lead. Editor's Picks Arsenal thrash West Ham after 7-goal first half 19m Reuters Arsenal get their statement road win in Champions League as Odegaard dazzles 4d James Olley Arteta won't write off Man City in Prem title race 1d James Olley Saturday's game at the London Stadium tied the Premier League record for the most first-half goals in a match (seven). It is only the fourth time in history that seven goals have been scored in the opening 45 minutes of a Premier League match -- the last occasion coming in Manchester United 's 4-3 win over Reading in December 2012. "I didn't know that record," Arteta said. "But it tells you how crazy it was, how efficient both teams were in front of goal. It was a spectacular 30 minutes and straight away [you could see] how much the team wanted it, the purpose, determination and quality that we deliver to score three great goals in different ways and then score the fourth one in a great way as well. "But then after that, we had a period where the individual quality of them played a big part, 4-2 and then it is game on. You can sense the energy change and [you think] what's next? It was great to score the fifth one because obviously that calmed everything down and in the second half we could play a very different game that was much suited for us." Arsenal took the lead after 10 minutes through Gabriel Magalhães ' header before Leandro Trossard doubled the away side's lead. Martin Ødegaard 's 34th-minute penalty extended their advantage and Kai Havertz struck two minutes later as some home fans headed for the exits. However, Wan-Bissaka and Emerson 's quickfire double -- the latter a superb 25-yard free-kick crashed in off the underside of the crossbar -- briefly restored hope only for West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski to then foul Gabriel to give Saka the chance to complete the scoring. The result means Arsenal end Saturday in second place with leaders Liverpool due to face defending champions Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The largest artificial intelligence data center ever built by Facebook’s parent company Meta is coming to northeast Louisiana, the company said Wednesday, bringing hopes that the $10 billion facility will transform an economically neglected corner of the state. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry called it “game-changing” for his state's expanding tech sector, yet some environmental groups have raised concerns over the center's reliance on fossil fuels — and whether the plans for new natural gas power to support it could lead to higher energy bills in the future for Louisiana residents. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, is expanding its existing supercomputer project in Memphis, Tennessee, the city's chamber of commerce said Wednesday. The chamber also said that Nvidia, Dell, and Supermicro Computer will be “establishing operations in Memphis,” without offering further details. Louisiana is among a growing number of states offering tax credits and other incentives to lure big tech firms seeking sites for energy-intensive data centers. The U.S. Commerce Department found that there aren’t enough data centers in the U.S. to meet the rising AI-fueled demand, which is projected to grow by 9% each year through 2030, citing industry reports. Meta anticipates its Louisiana data center will create 500 operational jobs and 5,000 temporary construction jobs, said Kevin Janda, director of data center strategy. At 4 million square feet (370,000 square meters), it will be the company's largest AI data center to date, he added. “We want to make sure we are having a positive impact on the local level,” Janda said. Congressional leaders and local representatives from across the political spectrum heralded the Meta facility as a boon for Richland parish, a rural part of Louisiana with a population of 20,000 historically reliant on agriculture. About one in four residents are considered to live in poverty and the parish has an employment rate below 50%, according to the U.S. census data. Meta plans to invest $200 million into road and water infrastructure improvements for the parish to offset its water usage. The facility is expected to be completed in 2030. Entergy, one of the nation's largest utility providers, is fast-tracking plans to build three natural gas power plants in Louisiana capable of generating 2,262 megawatts for Meta's data center over a 15-year period — nearly one-tenth of Entergy's existing energy capacity across four states. The Louisiana Public Service Commission is weighing Entergy's proposal as some environmental groups have opposed locking the state into more fossil fuel-based energy infrastructure. Meta said it plans to help bring 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy onto the grid in the future. Louisiana residents may ultimately end up with rate increases to pay off the cost of operating these natural gas power plants when Meta's contract with Entergy expires, said Jessica Hendricks, state policy director for the Alliance for Affordable Energy, a Louisiana-based nonprofit advocating for energy consumers. “There’s no reason why residential customers in Louisiana need to pay for a power plant for energy that they’re not going to use," Hendricks said. "And we want to make sure that there’s safeguards in place.” Public service commissioner Foster Campbell, representing northeast Louisiana, said he does not believe the data center will increase rates for Louisiana residents and views it as vital for his region. “It’s going in one of the most needed places in Louisiana and maybe one of the most needed places in the United States of America,” Foster said. “I’m for it 100%.” Environmental groups have also warned of the pollution generated by Musk's AI data center in Memphis. The Southern Environmental Law Center, among others, says the supercomputer could strain the power grid, prompting attention from the Environmental Protection Agency. Eighteen gas turbines currently running at xAI’s south Memphis facility are significant sources of ground-level ozone, better known as smog, the group said. Patrick Anderson, an attorney at the law center, said xAI has operated with “a stunning lack of transparency” in developing its South Memphis facility, which is located near predominantly Black neighborhoods that have long dealt with pollution and health risks from factories and other industrial sites. “Memphians deserve to know how xAI will affect them,” he said, “and should have a seat at the table when these decisions are being made.” Sainz reported from Memphis, Tennessee. Associated Press writer Matt O’Brien in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this report. Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96

Man City blows 3-goal lead and gets booed by fans in draw with Feyenoord in Champions League

East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., a potential first-round pick, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday. Revel, who sustained a torn left ACL in practice in September, had one season of eligibility remaining. "After an incredible journey at East Carolina, I am officially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft," the senior posted on social media. "... Pirates nation, thank you for your unwavering energy and support every game. Representing ECU is an honor, and I look forward to continuing to do so on Sundays!" Revel recorded two interceptions in three games this season, returning one 50 yards for a touchdown on Sept. 14 against Appalachian State. Over three seasons with the Pirates, Revel had three interceptions, 15 passes defensed and 70 tackles in 24 games. He was a second-team All-American Athletic Conference selection last season. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Revel as the No. 2 cornerback and No. 23 overall prospect in the 2025 draft class. --Field Level MediaExperts are warning of the ‘imminent danger’ posed by the Kessler Syndrome, a chain reaction of space collisions that could overcrowd Earth's orbit with dangerous debris. This warning follows an incident last month when the International Space Station (ISS) had to manoeuvre itself out of harm's way to avoid an incoming piece of space junk. Kessler Syndrome, first theorised by NASA scientist Donald J. Kessler in 1978, describes a catastrophic scenario where space debris collides with satellites or other objects in orbit, creating runaway destruction. Such a chain reaction could knock out vital satellites, leading to widespread disruptions in communication networks, including Wi-Fi and cell phone services. Dan Baker, the director of the University of Colorado 's Atmospheric and Space Physics lab, warned during a conference this December that "unless we do something, we are in imminent danger of making a whole part of our Earth environment unusable". It is estimated that there are over 130 million pieces of ‘space junk’ currently orbiting Earth. These include bits of broken satellites, the remains of booster rockets and wreckage from weapons tests. NASA reports that most of this 'space junk' is moving very fast and travels at speeds of up to 18,000 mph, nearly seven times faster than a speeding bullet. Even small objects, like a fleck of paint , can smash through metal and can pose serious threats. In November, NASA reported that a Russian spacecraft attached to the space station fired its engines for more than five minutes to create a safer margin of distance from a passing hunk of debris. While NASA said it was unlikely that the debris would have collided with the space station, the debris could have passed within 2 1⁄2 miles (4 kilometers) of its orbital path. A direct impact might have depressurised parts of the station and left the astronauts struggling to return home. However, this is not the first time the space traffic experts have raised alarm bells about the increasing congestion. The ISS has had to make similar manoeuvers since it was first occupied in November 2000. Collision risks are growing every year as the number of objects in orbit around Earth multiplies. Dr. Vishnu Reddy, a professor of planetary sciences at the University of Arizona in Tucson observed that "the number of objects in space that we have launched in the last four years has increased exponentially". He added: "We are heading towards the situation that we are always dreading." The rapid increase in satellite launches by companies like SpaceX, which has deployed over 7,000 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit, has exacerbated the problem. Holger Krag, head of the European Space Agency’s Space Safety Office, stated last year, “We are seeing a dramatically increased use of space, but still insufficient technology to prevent the risks that follow.” Dr. Reddy echoed the concerns, pointing to the lack of regulation as a critical issue. “I think the biggest concern is the lack of regulation,” he said. “I think having some norms and guidelines that [are] put forward by the industry will help a lot.”

Xbox Game Pass Just Added 2024’s Most Underrated Gem

Lawmakers attend a plenary session at National Assembly in Seoul, Dec. 5. Yonhap A motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived martial law declaration was reported to the National Assembly's plenary session Thursday, a parliamentary procedure that set the stage for a full-house vote this week. Tabled by 190 opposition party lawmakers and one independent, the motion was reported to the session at around 12:48 a.m. It came less than a day after Yoon rescinded his martial law order following the legislature's passage of a resolution to overturn the order. By law, a motion must be put to a vote 24 hours after the reporting procedure, and within 72 hours of the reporting. A vote on the motion can proceed as early as 12:49 a.m. on Friday. In proposing the motion to parliament, opposition lawmakers alleged that Yoon's martial law declaration constituted violations of the Constitution and other laws concerning principles of popular sovereignty and of the separation of powers. President faces impeachment after bungled martial law declaration 2024-12-04 16:41 | Politics Ruling People Power Party to oppose Yoon's impeachment 2024-12-05 01:13 | Politics They also claimed that the martial law decree infringed upon freedom of expression as it put all media and publishing outlets under the control of the martial law command and banned strikes and protests. The opposition camp plans to hold the vote on the motion as quickly as possible. To pass the motion, a majority of all 300 lawmakers must table it to the Assembly with two thirds of them required for its final endorsement. The number of opposition lawmakers, including National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik and independent Rep. Kim Jong-min, stands at 192. To pass the motion, support from eight lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party is needed. But the ruling party has made a decision against the impeachment motion. Should the motion pass, Yoon's presidential job would be suspended immediately. The surprise declaration of martial law on Tuesday night came after the opposition Democratic Party of Korea railroaded a downsized budget bill in the parliamentary budget committee, and submitted impeachment motions against a state auditor and the chief prosecutor. (Yonhap)

Capital Management Associates Inc Acquires 1,580 Shares of Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)Airbnb unleash new rule for customers that could ruin your next stay(TNS) — N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University said Wednesday it will take the lead on a N.C. Transportation Department initiative involving drones and unmanned aircraft systems. The projects involves the University Transportation Center of Excellence for Advanced Air Mobility and Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The department is investing an initial $2 million over the next two years to support research in “multimodal transportation, emergency response, regional air mobility, and preparing the infrastructure and workforce needed to make new aviation technologies a success.” Heading the N.C. A&T effort as principal investigator is Abdollah Homaifar, a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering within the College of Engineering. N.C. A&T is being joined by researchers from N.C. State University and Elizabeth City State University, along with industry partners that include Boeing, AeroX, Crown Consulting, Flyabout Strategies LLC, AirDex Inc. and Raven Advisory LLC. “Research leadership in air mobility and transportation is crucial given the importance of access in today's world," said Stephanie Luster-Teasley Pass, dean of the College of Engineering. "Our faculty and students are dedicated to finding solutions that enhance aviation technologies, focusing on improving safety, accessibility, and autonomous transportation. They are also committed to empowering students to apply their innovative ideas to meet the transportation challenges and design needs of the future." A&T officials said the proposed research "will directly enhance connectivity between ground and air transport, ensuring multimodal operations and greater efficiency." "It also will improve the state’s emergency response capabilities, enabling faster and more effective disaster relief efforts in rural communities." Another focus of the center will be economic growth, in particular job creation in the sector. N.C. A&T also will contribute to developing an advanced simulation platform between ground and air transport systems that aims to enhance connectivity, ensuring multimodal transportation solutions for urban and rural communities in North Carolina. That includes "ensuring the safe and reliable deployment of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, connecting regional areas to major transit hubs and addressing operational challenges." N.C. State’s research team will contribute primarily in the areas of surface and air mobility integration, rural emergency response, operational safety and reliability, and the potential economic, infrastructure, and workforce benefits and impacts of this technology. ECSU’s research team will focus on assessing unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility deployment for emergency response in rural areas and workforce training program for advanced air mobility operators.

Paragon Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Alphabet Inc. ( NASDAQ:GOOGL – Free Report ) by 2.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 24,611 shares of the information services provider’s stock after buying an additional 473 shares during the quarter. Alphabet comprises about 1.3% of Paragon Advisors LLC’s holdings, making the stock its 22nd largest position. Paragon Advisors LLC’s holdings in Alphabet were worth $4,082,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Christopher J. Hasenberg Inc increased its position in shares of Alphabet by 75.0% during the second quarter. Christopher J. Hasenberg Inc now owns 140 shares of the information services provider’s stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 60 shares during the period. Kings Path Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Alphabet during the second quarter worth $36,000. Denver PWM LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Alphabet during the second quarter worth $41,000. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of Alphabet during the second quarter worth $53,000. Finally, Summit Securities Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Alphabet during the second quarter worth $55,000. 40.03% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Alphabet Stock Performance NASDAQ GOOGL opened at $168.95 on Friday. Alphabet Inc. has a 52-week low of $127.90 and a 52-week high of $191.75. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $168.47 and a 200 day simple moving average of $170.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 1.95 and a current ratio of 1.95. The company has a market capitalization of $2.07 trillion, a PE ratio of 22.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 1.03. Alphabet Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 16th. Investors of record on Monday, December 9th will be issued a dividend of $0.20 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 9th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.47%. Alphabet’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 10.61%. Insider Transactions at Alphabet In other news, Director Kavitark Ram Shriram sold 10,500 shares of Alphabet stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $180.78, for a total value of $1,898,190.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 330,466 shares in the company, valued at $59,741,643.48. This trade represents a 3.08 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website . Also, Director Frances Arnold sold 441 shares of Alphabet stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $171.06, for a total transaction of $75,437.46. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 16,490 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $2,820,779.40. The trade was a 2.60 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold 206,795 shares of company stock worth $34,673,866 over the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 11.55% of the company’s stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Tigress Financial increased their target price on shares of Alphabet from $210.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, September 26th. Truist Financial increased their target price on shares of Alphabet from $220.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 30th. Pivotal Research increased their target price on shares of Alphabet from $215.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 30th. Piper Sandler reissued an “overweight” rating and set a $210.00 target price (up from $200.00) on shares of Alphabet in a research note on Wednesday, October 30th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their target price on shares of Alphabet from $190.00 to $205.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 30th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirty-one have given a buy rating and five have issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $205.90. Read Our Latest Analysis on Alphabet Alphabet Profile ( Free Report ) Alphabet Inc offers various products and platforms in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and Latin America. It operates through Google Services, Google Cloud, and Other Bets segments. The Google Services segment provides products and services, including ads, Android, Chrome, devices, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Maps, Google Photos, Google Play, Search, and YouTube. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GOOGL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alphabet Inc. ( NASDAQ:GOOGL – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Alphabet Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alphabet and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Pepe Coin’s Growth Echoed- Could This Altcoin Be the Next Big Hit?Colts QB Anthony Richardson ruled out for Sunday's game against the Giants

Colts QB Anthony Richardson ruled out for Sunday's game against the Giants

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Senate Republicans on Tuesday blocked an effort by Democrats to pass a bipartisan bill that would give journalists greater protections under federal law – a move that comes in the wake of President-elect Donald Trump opposing the measure. Trump called on Republicans to “kill this bill” in a Truth Social post last month. Known as the PRESS Act, the Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act would prevent the government from forcing journalists to reveal their sources and limit the seizure of their data without their knowledge. The bill passed the GOP-controlled House earlier this year. After Trump’s reelection, press advocacy groups redoubled their efforts to get the legislation signed into law before the end of President Joe Biden’s term. But the bill’s failure to pass on Tuesday comes as time is fast-running out before the Democratic president leaves office. The bill is unlikely to win 60 votes, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has prioritized confirming judges during the lame-duck session. Government funding and a must-pass defense policy bill will also take up valuable floor time before lawmakers leave town for the winter holiday break. On Tuesday evening, Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon went to the Senate floor and asked for unanimous consent to pass the bill. But GOP Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas objected, blocking the attempt. Any single senator has the power to halt a bill put forward by a unanimous consent request. The Freedom of the Press Foundation said on X that Democrats knew the move would fail and called on the chamber to cut the holiday break short if necessary to try to pass the bill. “Speeches aren’t enough. The senate has had all year to pass this bipartisan bill,” the group said. Schumer spoke in support of the bill on the floor and urged passage, calling the provisions “common sense” and “more important now than ever before when we’ve heard so many in the incoming administration talk about going after the press one way or another.” Cotton argued in remarks on the floor that the bill is a threat to US national security and said its passage would turn the Senate “into the active accomplice of deep-state leakers, traitors and criminals, along with the America-hating and fame-hungry journalists who help them out.” Earlier on Tuesday, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press used the release of a Justice Department’s inspector general report into leak investigations during Trump’s first term to argue for passage of the act. “This investigation highlights the need for a reasonable, common-sense law to protect reporters and their sources,” the group’s executive director, Bruce D. Brown, said. “It’s time for Congress to pass the PRESS Act, which has overwhelming bipartisan support, to prevent government interference with the free flow of information to the public.”

Buck tagged by BC Wildlife reveals potential AI fraud scheme targeting seniorsOhio State AD: Ryan Day ‘absolutely’ back in 2025

On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com .If you’re looking for a mighty gift with a mini price, this JBL Go 3 Bluetooth Speaker deal on Amazon should be on your holiday shopping list. The JBL Go 3 Bluetooth Speaker is on sale for $30, instead of $40, for a savings of 25% off — but only for a limited time. The mini JBL Go 3 Speaker is big on sound with a powerful bass, despite it’s compact size. The portable wireless design offers up to five hours of battery life. It’s also waterproof and dustproof so you can easily take it everywhere you go. Amazon has the JBL Go 3 Speaker in stock at this low sale price in seven color options, including Black, Blue, Green, Red, Pink, Gray and Teal. It’s also offering free Prime delivery with most colors arriving before Christmas. Shop for this JBL Go 3 Bluetooth Speaker deal on Amazon here. You can also check out more Bluetooth speakers on sale from Amazon , including these popular models: Find more discounts on Bluetooth speakers on Amazon here. The Best Deals in December Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com . Dawn Magyar can be reached at dmagyar@njadvancemedia.com . Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/ .

TORONTO - CBC is restoring its live New Year’s Eve celebration. A year after the national broadcaster cancelled the 2024 countdown due to “financial pressures,” it says the special event is back on the TV schedule to mark the dawn of 2025. Festivities begin Dec. 31 with the one-hour “22 Minutes New Year’s Eve Pregame Special,” a satirical reflection on the events of 2024 with the cast of the political comedy series “This Hour Has 22 Minutes.” It will be followed by “Canada Live! Countdown 2025,” a special hosted by news anchor Adrienne Arsenault and singer Jann Arden broadcasting live from Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre, and anchor Ian Hanomansing and comedian Ali Hassan at Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden. A representative for the CBC says the coast-to-coast show will feature reporters at more than a dozen community events across the country while a countdown to the new year will take place in each of the six time zones. Throughout the seven-and-a-half-hour program, “many Canadian celebrity guests” will appear in live and pre-taped messages. “Canada Live! Countdown 2025” begins at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network and CBC Gem with CBC-TV and CBC Radio picking up the feed at 9 p.m. in local markets. Last year, the CBC replaced its live New Year’s Eve programming with a taped Just For Laughs special hosted by comedian Mae Martin. That left Canadians without a homegrown countdown on any of the major networks, which sparked blowback on social media from some viewers. The CBC began its annual specials in 2017 to mark Canada’s sesquicentennial year. Some of the more recent broadcasts were hosted by comedian Rick Mercer and featured fireworks and musical performances in key cities. But when CBC paused those plans last year, it said the show had become “increasingly expensive to produce.” The decision to sideline the program was made shortly after members of Parliament summoned outgoing CBC president Catherine Tait to testify about job cuts and her refusal to rule out bonuses for CBC executives. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024.Current President Chan Santokhi "has decided, based on his powers and advice received, that there will be no state funeral... No period of national mourning," Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin told a press conference. Bouterse was a former military man who twice mounted coups, in 1980 and again in 1990, to take charge as a dictator. He eventually returned to power after being elected president in 2010 and governed for a decade. He died Tuesday in the unknown location where he had been holed up as a fugitive, with in-absentia convictions for cocaine trafficking and murder. Bouterse's body was dropped off at his residence in the capital Paramaribo. An autopsy was ordered, though police said there were "no signs of criminal activity." Bouterse had been sentenced to 20 years in prison in December 2023 for the 1982 execution of political opponents, including lawyers, journalists, businessmen and military prisoners. He remained a popular figure with the poor and working class in the former Dutch colony. The foreign minister said that, out of respect for Bouterse's status as an elected former president, flags would be flown at half-staff on government buildings on the day of his funeral, whose date has not yet been given. str-jt/rmb/acb

Ohio State AD: Ryan Day ‘absolutely’ back in 2025

Boston College holds on down stretch to top Fairleigh DickinsonTaiwan’s foreign minister, Lin Chia-lung, wrapped up a weeklong trip to Europe Sunday after meeting European lawmakers in Brussels and overseeing efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation in developing drone technology between Taiwan and Lithuania. Analysts say the trip was part of Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to deepen engagement with European countries and reflected the current administration’s attempt to focus on facilitating practical and tangible cooperation with individual nations. “European countries and members of the European parliament have pushed for tangible cooperation that the EU and Taiwan can both agree on, so focusing on deepening bilateral ties is a more realistic approach for Taiwan as it can help tangible examples of economic cooperation to materialize,” Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy, an expert on EU-Taiwan relations at National Dong Hwa University in Taiwan, told VOA. During his seven-day trip, Lin met with several members of the European Parliament in Brussels and visited the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre, which focuses on nanoelectronics and digital technologies. Lin has made economic and trade diplomacy his priority since becoming Taiwan’s top diplomat in May. Lin also led a delegation of representatives from 20 Taiwanese drone companies to Lithuania. They attended a forum on drone technologies and signed two agreements that will facilitate collaboration in the unmanned aerial vehicle industry. The signing of the agreements is part of Taiwan’s efforts to build a domestic drone manufacturing industry, which the government sees as an important part of enhancing the island’s overall defense capabilities in the face of increasing military pressure imposed by China. Beijing views Taiwan, a self-governing island, as an inalienable part of its territory that should one day reunite with the mainland, by force if necessary. In September, Taiwan gathered more than 50 domestic drone manufacturers and established the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance, which has been building drone development partnerships with other countries. On November 16, the alliance signed an agreement to promote drone development with the Polish-Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Experts say Lin’s trip can help Taiwan broaden the scope of economic cooperation with central and eastern European countries beyond the semiconductor industry. By focusing on developing partnerships in drone development with Lithuanian companies, “the trip allows the conversation around economic engagements with Taiwan to move beyond the focus on semiconductors,” Marcin Jerzewski, the head of the Taiwan Office at the European Values Center for Security Policy, told VOA by phone. Other European analysts say since central and eastern European countries, especially Lithuania, play an important role in supplying drones to Ukraine in Kyiv's ongoing fight against Russia, Taiwan’s emphasis on deepening bilateral cooperation in this sector could resonate with these countries’ priorities. Since Taiwan is deepening cooperation over drone technology “with Lithuania and Poland, two front-line countries that have nuanced and realistic views of the threats coming from Russia, this development can help improve the defense capabilities in central and eastern Europe,” Matej Šimalčík, executive director of the Central European Institute of Asian Studies, or CEIAS, told VOA by phone. During a dinner ceremony marking the third anniversary of the establishment of Taiwan’s representative office in Lithuania on November 20, Lin said he expects Taiwan and Lithuania to expand the bilateral partnership and “work toward the common goal of promoting peace and prosperity.” Lithuania’s recalibration Despite Taiwan’s attempt to deepen engagement with Lithuania, Lin’s trip comes at a time when Lithuania’s potential new government is considering improving relations with China after Beijing downgraded diplomatic relations with the Baltic country in 2021 following the establishment of Taiwan’s representative office in the country. Gintautas Paluckas, the candidate that the Social Democratic Party wants to make prime minister after coming out on top in elections last month, expressed his desire to “normalize” relations with China. He spoke during an interview with Lithuanian national broadcaster LRT on October 31. “Having normal relations is certainly an aspiration because the EU – even though relations with China will not be rosy, they will argue about the economy, about tariffs, about protectionist measures [...] – but the EU is trying to maintain diplomatic relations. We cannot fall out of this context and call it leadership,” he said. Ferenczy said as Lithuania rethinks its engagement with China, Taiwan’s focus on deepening economic ties will be more “productive” to the sustainability of bilateral ties as it could avoid triggering potential retaliation from China. “It will help circumvent member states’ reluctance to engage with Taiwan and instead bring the kind of engagement that helps both sides,” she told VOA. Ferenczy adds that successful bilateral cooperation with European countries can help consolidate Taiwan’s engagement with the European Union as a whole. “Building up stronger bilateral relationships will help consolidate Taiwan’s cooperation with the EU, as countries that have substance to their partnerships with Taiwan may be more willing to embrace Taiwan at the European level,” she said. In response to questions about Lin’s trip to Europe, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing opposes any form of official interaction between Taiwan and countries having diplomatic ties with China. “The EU should abide by the one-China principle, stop any form of official interaction with the Taiwan authorities, and stop sending wrong signals to ‘Taiwan independence separatist forces,’” he said during a press conference on November 20. Lin Chia-lung's trip marks the third time a high-level Taiwanese delegation has visited Europe since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te won elections in January. As Taipei continues to deepen engagement with European countries, Jerzewski said the Lai administration should consider establishing a coherent approach to manage its relations with Europe. “Taiwan still doesn’t have a concrete strategic document that allows European stakeholders to understand how Taiwan wants to engage with them, and in order to make Taiwan’s ties with Europe more sustainable, such a document is important,” he told VOA.Trump tweets the merry out of Christmas

College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out

Saudi Arabia Works on Empowering Women, NEOM, Red Sea Resorts, and Training Initiatives for Travel IndustrySuriname rules out state funeral for ex-dictator BouterseIn a concerning development, cybercriminals have devised a new tactic to deceive Gmail users, exploiting Google Prompts, the one-tap login feature designed for convenience and security. This method, actively employed in ongoing phishing campaigns, bypasses traditional password entry, adding a layer of complexity to the threat landscape. The attacks, first reported in late November 2024, highlight the evolving nature of cyber threats and the continuous need for user vigilance. Security researchers and Google itself are urging users to exercise caution and adopt preventive measures to safeguard their accounts. This new wave of attacks primarily targets Google Workspace users, particularly those in organizations with less stringent security protocols. By manipulating Google Prompts, attackers aim to harvest login credentials and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. This alarming trend underscores the importance of understanding the mechanics of these attacks and adopting robust security practices. How the Attack Works: A Step-by-Step Breakdown The attack leverages the inherent trust users place in Google Prompts. Here’s how it unfolds: The Allure of Google Prompts for Attackers Google Prompts, introduced to enhance security by replacing traditional passwords, have ironically become a tool in the hands of cybercriminals. The reasons are multifold: Real-World Examples and Impact While specific details of ongoing attacks remain confidential to protect victims, security researchers have observed a surge in phishing campaigns employing this tactic. Reports from various cybersecurity firms indicate that these attacks are not limited to individuals but also target organizations, potentially leading to large-scale data breaches. Imagine this: You’re a project manager, and you receive an email seemingly from your CEO, requesting urgent access to a project proposal. You click on the link, land on a convincing Google login page, and receive a prompt on your phone. Assuming it’s you accessing the document from your laptop, you approve the prompt, unknowingly granting the attacker access to your entire Gmail account, including confidential project files, client communications, and potentially even financial information. The consequences of such attacks can be devastating, ranging from identity theft and financial loss to reputational damage and disruption of business operations. Google’s Response and User Protection Measures Google is aware of this emerging threat and is actively working to mitigate the risks. While the company has robust security measures in place to detect and prevent suspicious login attempts, the dynamic nature of these attacks demands continuous adaptation and user awareness. Here’s what Google is doing: What You Can Do to Stay Safe While Google is taking steps to combat these attacks, user vigilance remains crucial. Here are some essential precautions to protect yourself: Beyond Individual Responsibility: A Call for Collective Action While individual users must take responsibility for their online security, addressing this threat requires a collective effort. Organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies need to prioritize cybersecurity awareness and implement robust security protocols to protect their users and systems. This includes: The Future of Online Security in a Prompt-Driven World As technology evolves, so do the methods employed by cybercriminals. The exploitation of Google Prompts highlights the need for continuous innovation in security measures and user education. While prompts offer convenience and enhanced security in many ways, it’s crucial to recognize their potential vulnerabilities and adapt accordingly. The future of online security lies in a multi-faceted approach that combines advanced technology, robust security protocols, and a well-informed user base. By working together, we can create a safer online environment and mitigate the risks posed by ever-evolving cyber threats.

Will Chiefs' Isiah Pacheco Play vs. Panthers?AP News Summary at 6:07 p.m. EST

Vancouver city council approves 3.9% property tax increase

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Strictly Come Dancing professional Kai Widdrington has bagged a prestigious Guinness World Records certificate following an intense showdown in the annual Pro Challenge. Over the past fortnight, the Strictly pros have been competing to secure the world record for the most Cha Cha Cha Time Steps executed in half a minute. During tonight's (December 5) episode of It Takes Two, Kai was accompanied by fellow dancer Neil Jones as the final professionals to participate in the challenge. The pair went toe-to-toe for the title, with BBC viewers watching them perform the ballroom move that necessitates a side step on straight legs, a weight transfer from one foot to the other, settling on each heel followed by a chasse. The dancers then repeat this sequence in the opposite direction, ensuring their footwork remains ball flat throughout and the movement is completed on both sides. Initially, it seemed like a draw as both dancers completed 15 steps, but one of Neil's moves was disqualified, resulting in Kai clinching the record-breaking win and receiving the official certificate. The challenge was presided over by Craig Revel Horwood, with Guinness World Records official, Will Munford, supervising the attempts, reports the Express . The Strictly Come Dancing community was alight with reactions on social media as fans eagerly shared their thoughts: One fan posted: "SO happy Kai won the pro challenge!" while another commented: " Kai and Neil were so close. With 15 steps the winner of the Pro Challenge is Kai! Only one step was between him and Neil and Nadiya." Also, someone else chimed in with: "Well done Kai." Last year witnessed pro dancer Lauren Oakley smashing the Guinness World Record for executing the most pendulum dance moves in a mere 30 seconds, notching up an impressive 15 flawless steps. In the present Strictly season, Lauren Oakley is dazzling audiences alongside JLS heartthrob JB Gill. Originally not part of the pair, Lauren stepped into Amy Dowden's dancing shoes following Amy's sudden health scare which saw her collapse during the series. The BBC has reassured fans that Amy is now in good spirits but will not rejoin the current season. Despite her exit, Amy continues to root for her previous partner from the sidelines. Amy previously expressed her continued support on Instagram, sharing her heartfelt wishes for success and vowing to be their "biggest cheerleader". She also conveyed a special message to JB: "It says everything how you've been able to adapt to a new professional, produce such a great number (so excited for everyone to see) whilst supporting me! I'm so lucky! You're a STAR! I know what tonight means to you! Thank you!" Strictly It Takes Two at 1830 on BBC Two and iPlayer and Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturday and Sunday on BBC One and iPlayer.

Himax Promoting 3D Near-Eye Display Technology at CES 2025LOS ANGELES — Lake Tahoe visitors and locals may one day be able to avoid the area's congested and winding roads and opt instead to glide across the lake on a "flying" electric ferry. FlyTahoe and Sweden-based Candela are working to build this type of electric vessel in the U.S., which would get a boost above the water via hydrofoiling — a technology used in water sports on surfboards, jet skis and racing yachts — that relies on underwater wings to lift the hull above the waves. The ferry would cater to Lake Tahoe's California side and shuttle 30 passengers at a time across the roughly 20-mile stretch between the north and south ends of the lake. The 30-minute one-way ride would be a significant time-saver on a trip that can take two hours in a car. "This is solving a critical transportation problem around the entire Tahoe basin," said FlyTahoe founder and Chief Executive Ryan Meinzer, who said the ferry could be in operation by late 2025 or early 2026. A report from the Tahoe Transportation District in 2012 identified a north-south ferry service as a solution to reduce traffic in Lake Tahoe and enhance the public transit system. Despite an initial analysis of a large passenger diesel fuel-powered ferry, the option has not been developed. The area gets millions of annual visitors and Meinzer says it is time to make an electric ferry system a reality, reducing traffic and emissions. District Manager Carl Hasty said that he has not connected with FlyTahoe or Candela but that he believes the ferry could benefit the area, if it could meet all the regulations related to permitting and infrastructure. "If you want to get from one end of the basin to the other, it can be difficult. In summer, you can have construction congestion. You can have congestion just from the volume of cars that are largely on a two-lane highway system. In the winter time, you add snow," Hasty said. "I think it has a role to play." Tahoe is home to multiple resorts on the north and south side of the lake, but residents and tourists who want to visit one area from the other have a long commute. Meinzer's interest in finding a faster alternative stemmed from his own snowboarding experiences when he'd visit the area and wade through traffic, wondering why there wasn't a more seamless route. He was aware of hydrofoils for surfing and wakeboarding, and eventually learned about Candela's efforts. The hydrofoil technology, which allows for a smoother ride above waves, has been around for decades and has continued to emerge on a larger scale as electric power has gained traction. Candela launched a ferry in Stockholm this year that uses a hydrofoil system suited for electrification. "It basically works like a jet fighter ... except our wings fly in water instead of air," Candela founder and CEO Gustav Hasselskog said in a statement. A Washington state transit agency is working on its own hydrofoil electric ferry design in Puget Sound. The passenger vessel in Lake Tahoe initially would accommodate roughly 300 people a day over multiple rides. Meinzer envisions a future fleet that could shuttle more passengers and improve accessibility. Aside from building the vessel, which federal maritime law requires to be constructed in the U.S., several other steps must be taken before a launch. FlyTahoe would need to work with the private and public marinas around the lake to ensure there's proper infrastructure to charge the electric ferry, which Meinzer said could make a round trip when fully charged. The company also would have to follow various regulatory requirements related to permitting, design and shoreline effect and work with local, state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, which has authority on the lake. "We want to make sure we're solving this transit problem while keeping the pristine beauty of this lake," Meinzer said. Visitor parking would need to be established for those who plan to ride the ferry, which could accommodate bicycles but not cars. Meinzer did not disclose the budget needed to produce the flying electric ferry but said a one-way ticket would initially cost about $50. ___ ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

JIADE LIMITED Receives Nasdaq Notification Letter Regarding Minimum Bid Price Deficiency

Arnab Neil Sengupta For years, the intertwined issues of climate change and decarbonization seemed sacrosanct, almost immune to scrutiny. Scientists, economists, and policymakers often toed the line, wary of being labeled climate skeptics. But the intensifying debate over the global bill for decarbonization — whether its distant benefits justify the staggering immediate costs — is a welcome reckoning. The complexity of the debate, reflecting economic, technological, environmental and equity concerns, is only now beginning to dawn on the world. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s remark that “Europe has to grow out of the mindset that Europe’s problems are the world’s problems, but the world’s problems are not Europe’s problems,” made in 2022 in the context of the Ukraine war, resonates strongly here. Climate change may be a politically popular issue in progressive cities and regions of Europe and the US, but it cannot dictate the priorities of the entire planet, especially when the projected global costs range from $3 trillion to $12 trillion annually. The US, of course, is poised for a dramatic policy shift. Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s appointment of Chris Wright, a fossil fuel advocate, as energy secretary signals a pivot toward hydrocarbon exploration and production, potentially disrupting global climate agreements and inspiring other nations to challenge the conventional wisdom. “Climate activists, for the most part, do not dispute the hair-raising price tag; they simply consider the expense worthwhile when weighed against the catastrophic damage unchecked climate change is likely to inflict,” The Economist says in its latest issue in an article titled, “The energy transition will be much cheaper than you think.” But the jury is still out on whether the cost of decarbonizing the world economy is too high compared with the potential long-term savings and broader societal benefits. The Paris Agreement’s twin goals — limiting warming to “well below” 2°C and striving for 1.5°C by the end of this century — were adopted with laudable intent. Yet, the risk-reward calculus underpinning these targets looks tenuous when one considers the fact that economic modelers have a poor record of predicting technological advances. Critics and even advocates of decarbonization increasingly acknowledge the colossal upfront investments required, the risks to economic stability, and the disproportionate burdens placed on developing nations. The world’s reliance on fossil fuels is undeniable, with coal, oil, and gas responsible for over 75 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN. Shifting from these energy sources to renewables is critical, but fraught with challenges. Wealthier nations may have the resources for a smooth transition, but the Global South lacks the means to achieve this without substantial financial assistance — assistance that many developed countries are reluctant to provide amid concerns over governance and corruption in aid-receiving nations. Moreover, breakthroughs in technology that are essential for decarbonizing heavy industry and aviation remain uncertain, even though these sectors face significant challenges in transitioning to clean energy. Whether such breakthroughs will materialize soon enough is an open question. While urban transportation worldwide may gradually embrace electric or hybrid solutions, innovations such as green hydrogen for energy-intensive sectors are still in their infancy. Renewable energy sources do promise energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports, yet this is not universally applicable. Not all nations enjoy abundant solar or wind resources, and nuclear energy — once heralded as a solution — has grown less competitive due to rising costs. Still, proponents highlight declining costs of renewables and the job-creation potential in green energy sectors as compelling incentives for decarbonization. In public health terms, transitioning to cleaner energy offers clear benefits. Northern India’s annual smog crisis, a health catastrophe exacerbated by vehicle emissions and the burning of crop stubble, underscores the urgency of clean energy adoption. Studies from institutions such as Oxford University project long-term economic savings from accelerated decarbonization. But skeptics counter that these savings hinge on speculative technological advances and policy consistency. What is certain is that rapid decarbonization raises risks to economic stability and job losses in traditional energy sectors, which are, in fact, capable of meeting the energy needs of the planet without requiring trillions of dollars of additional investments every year. Saudi Arabia has championed a pragmatic approach, as articulated by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan at a recent G20 session in Rio de Janeiro. He emphasized equitable and inclusive transitions, highlighting the Kingdom’s investments in technologies that have lowered emissions intensity in oil and gas operations. Saudi Arabia’s example shows that balancing environmental goals with economic and developmental priorities is possible. In the final analysis, the decarbonization debate cannot be reduced to binary positions. It is less about whether the world should transition and more about how to achieve it equitably, pragmatically, and sustainably. Revisiting the costs and methods is not a rejection of climate action, but an overdue acknowledgment of its complexity. The true challenge lies in ensuring that this moment of introspection leads to a consensus that, instead of raising ambitions, aligns ambition with affordability, leaving no country behind in the pursuit of a livable planet. Courtesy: arabnewsFrench President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to stay in office until 2027 and announced that he will name a new prime minister within days following the resignation of ousted Prime Minister Michel Barnier. Mr Macron came out fighting on Thursday after a historic no-confidence vote at the National Assembly left France without a functioning government. He laid blame at the door of his opponents on the far right for bringing down Mr Barnier's government. "They chose disorder," he said. The president said the far right and the far left had united in what he called "an anti-Republican front" and stressed: "I won't shoulder other people's irresponsibility." He said he'd name a new prime minister within days but gave no hints who that might be. While he was critical of his political opponents, Mr Macron also acknowledged his own "responsibility" in the chaos shaking French politics and alarming financial markets. He revisited his decision in June to dissolve parliament, which led to an election that produced a hung parliament. "I do recognise that this decision wasn't understood. Many people criticised me for it. I know many continue to criticise me for it," he said. However, he argued, "I believe it was necessary" to let French voters speak. Earlier in the day, Mr Macron "took note" of Mr Barnier's resignation, the Elysee presidential palace said. Mr Barnier and other ministers will be "in charge of current affairs until the appointment of a new government," the statement said. The no-confidence motion passed by 331 votes in the National Assembly, forcing Mr Barnier to step down after just three months in office—the shortest tenure of any prime minister in modern French history. The new prime minister "will be charged with forming a government of general interest representing all the political forces — that commit not to vote a no-confidence motion," Mr Macron said. The priority will be to pass a budget law for 2025, he added. Mr Macron tore into lawmakers who brought Mr Barnier's government down, accusing them of pursuing their own political interests. He noted that the vote came with the end-of-year holidays just around the corner. "Why did lawmakers act this way? They're not thinking of you, of your lives, your difficulties," he said. "They're thinking of just one thing: the presidential election — to prepare it, to provoke it, to precipitate it." But Mr Macron said he'd see out the 30 months still left in his second and last term as president. Mr Macron faces the critical task of naming a replacement capable of leading a minority government in a parliament where no party holds a majority. Yaël Braun-Pivet, president of the National Assembly and a member of Macron's party, urged the president to move quickly. "I recommend he decide rapidly on a new prime minister," Ms Braun-Pivet said on Thursday on France Inter radio. "There must not be any political hesitation. We need a leader who can speak to everyone and work to pass a new budget bill." The process may prove challenging. Mr Macron's administration has yet to confirm any names, though French media have reported a shortlist of centrist candidates who might appeal to both sides of the political spectrum. Mr Macron took more than two months to appoint Mr Barnier after his party's defeat in June's legislative elections, raising concerns about potential delays this time. The no-confidence vote has galvanised opposition leaders, with some explicitly calling for Mr Macron's resignation. "I believe that stability requires the departure of the President of the Republic," said Manuel Bompard, leader of the far-left France Unbowed party, on BFM TV Wednesday night. Far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen , whose party holds the most seats in the Assembly, stopped short of calling for Mr Macron's resignation but warned that "the pressure on the President of the Republic will get stronger and stronger." Mr Macron has dismissed such calls and ruled out new legislative elections. The French constitution does not call for a president to resign after his government was ousted by the National Assembly. "I was elected to serve until 2027, and I will fulfil that mandate," he told reporters earlier this week. The constitution also says that new legislative elections cannot be held until at least July, creating a potential stalemate for policymakers.

In 2020, a conspiracy theory spread across social media claiming that online home goods retailer Wayfair was involved in child trafficking . People claimed that odd pricing and certain product names were evidence of the theory. VERIFY reader Leslie emailed us to ask if Wayfair was ever involved in the sex trafficking of children. THE QUESTION Is Wayfair involved in the sex trafficking of children? THE SOURCES National Center on Sexual Exploitation DeliverFund , a nonprofit intelligence agency that uses technology to help law enforcement fight human trafficking Polaris , organization that operates the U.S. National Human Trafficking hotline Original VERIFY reporting in 2020 Statement from Wayfair to the BBC in 2020 THE ANSWER No, there is no evidence to support the claims that Wayfair was involved in the sex trafficking of children. WHAT WE FOUND When the conspiracy theory first spread in 2020, people on social media pointed to Wayfair products with strange names and disproportionately high prices as proof that the online furniture store was involved in child trafficking. These products included a “Samiyah Storage Cabinet” priced at over $14,000 and a “Duplessis Zodiac Sign Astrological Constellation Personalized Throw Pillow” at $9,999. At the time, people claimed that these products shared the names of girls that were reported missing. The theory followed that the products had high prices because they were fronts for selling the missing girls. Wayfair told the BBC in 2020 that the prices were accurate for the industrial grade cabinets and were the result of a glitch in the case of the pillows. The viral social media posts frequently linked products to girls who were no longer missing. Multiple anti-trafficking groups said the claims were unproven and likely false. “We believe that the accusations being leveled against Wayfair regarding sex trafficking are lacking credibility in significant ways and, in many places, demonstrably false,” the National Center on Sexual Exploitation said at the time. In 2020, VERIFY found that the family of Samara Duplessis, a missing girl purportedly linked to the overpriced pillows, reported she was back home a couple of months before the Wayfair conspiracy became widespread. When VERIFY searched Wayfair for “Duplessis” products in 2020, we found the name attached to a number of different items that were considerably less expensive than the pillow. When VERIFY searched Wayfair’s site again on Dec. 2, 2024, we found it’s using the “Duplessis” name for at least one product, a rug selling for $144.99 , years after the missing girl was found. As for the reference to the cabinets in the original rumors, people claimed that there was a missing teenager from Ohio named Samiyah, too. But VERIFY was unable to find any evidence that a girl by that name was missing, and a teenager some people believed to be Samiyah refuted that she was missing in a video posted to her Facebook account. Wayfair told the BBC in 2020 that the expensive cabinets were “industrial size,” meant for business or commercial use and that the $14,000 price point was accurate. “We have temporarily removed the products from our site to rename them and to provide a more in-depth description and photos that accurately depict the product to clarify the price point,” Wayfair told the BBC in 2020. Another example of a missing teenager’s name possibly matching a Wayfair product was Mary Durrett to a Durrett coffee table. But she went missing in 2017 and was found safe two days after she was first reported missing. The claim connecting her to the coffee table listing was posted three years later. Many anti-trafficking organizations addressed the rumors in 2020. They all said the claims lacked credibility. “We identified early on that this was a likely hoax or a case of overexuberance by someone who did not have the expertise and data-driven approach that DeliverFund has,” Michael Fullilove, chief of operations for DeliverFund , a nonprofit intelligence agency that uses technology to help law enforcement fight human trafficking, said in 2020. “Based on the original source of the information, we were able to use open source intelligence techniques to determine that it was highly unlikely that the trafficking of children was taking place through the sale of expensive items on Wayfair,” Fullilove said. Polaris , which operates the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, said the claims were unsubstantiated and did more harm than good. People overwhelmed the hotline to make reports related to the conspiracy, increasing wait times and potentially denying trafficking victims from reaching the hotline. The theory also resulted in harassment and privacy intrusions of people mistakenly believed to be victims, as well as broad sharing of online sexual abuse material of real victims never connected to the Wayfair conspiracy, Polaris said. Polaris pointed out that trafficking is rarely perpetrated by a total stranger who kidnaps children and is instead usually perpetrated by people the victims know or even love and trust. Scenarios where the trafficker locks up or imprisons the victim with literal shackles make up a minority of trafficking cases despite it being the common public perception of trafficking, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation said. Traffickers usually groom their victims and keep them captive through forms of psychological abuse, manipulation and coercion that can be difficult to identify. There are real cases in which sex trafficking is perpetrated online, usually through prostitution sites and pornography websites, according to the National Center on Sexual Exploitation. The National Center on Sexual Exploitation said in 2020 that traffickers were increasingly using “popular social media apps such as Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok to identify, groom and exploit children in the online space.” Anti-trafficking organizations say that sharing viral, unsubstantiated trafficking rumors online is generally unhelpful to trafficking victims. What’s more helpful, these organizations say , is to learn how to identify real, common cases of trafficking to spot victims who need help. VERIFY reached out to Wayfair for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication. Related Articles No, most sex trafficking victims are not kidnapped by strangers There’s no evidence sex traffickers use tactics in viral warnings to target victims Claim that 320,000 migrant children went missing during the Biden administration is misleading 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

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Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman said the party could not buck the trend in Ireland of junior coalition partners in Fine Gael and Fianna Fail governments losing support in subsequent elections. He said they expected to retain two to three seats out of the 12 they had won in the 2020 election on the back of a worldwide “Green wave”. “Undoubtedly it’s a disappointing result for our party today,” Mr O’Gorman told reporters in Ongar, Dublin. “It’s hard for a smaller party in government, that’s long been the tradition, the history in Ireland. We hoped going into the election to buck that but we haven’t been able to buck that today.” Mr O’Gorman, a candidate in Dublin West, is among the outgoing Green Party TDs in a battle to retain their seats. Culture Minister Catherine Martin, who is fighting to remain a Green Party TD for Dublin Rathdown, said it was a “very tight” race in her four-seat constituency. “We go in (to government) not afraid of that because the issue of the climate and biodiversity crisis is (greater) than our survival,” she said on RTE Radio. “I stand over and am proud of our track record of delivery.” Green candidate in Waterford Marc O Cathasaigh said he would not be “in the shake-up” to retain his seat in that constituency, while junior minister Ossian Smyth looks at risk of losing his seat in Dun Laoghaire. Junior minister Joe O’Brien is expected to lose his seat in Dublin Fingal, Neasa Hourigan is at risk in Dublin Central, while Wicklow’s Steven Matthews garnered just 4% of first preferences. Former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, who announced his retirement from frontline politics in June, said his party had not had a good day. Arriving at the count centre at the RDS in Dublin, the outgoing environment minister told reporters: “If you don’t get elected you accept that, but you come back stronger and you learn lessons, and we’ve done that in the past and we will do that again.” He added: “No matter what the results today there will be a strong Green Party in Ireland, we have deep roots in the community and it’s a very distinct political philosophy and I think there is still space for that in Irish politics, for sure.” Mr Ryan said he did not believe his decision to retire, and the timing of his announcement, had affected the party’s showing. “Unfortunately – and this is just one of those days – we didn’t get the number of votes,” he said. He added: “We’ll look back and see what are the lessons, and what can we learn and what can we do differently. “It’s just one of those days when we didn’t have a good day.The Yomiuri Shimbun 5:00 JST, December 17, 2024 The Yomiuri Shimbun and U.S. media company Dow Jones & Co. plan to launch a digital media service for corporate customers next spring. The subscription service will be called the “DOW JONES YOMIURI SHIMBUN Pro.” As technological innovations and social changes accelerate, situations in Japan and around the world are becoming less stable. People in corporate management and organizational operations are more eager than ever to obtain information that will help them foresee coming changes as quickly as possible. The two companies will aim to meet this demand by capitalizing on their strengths in keeping fully abreast of frontline developments in various areas and providing, in a real-time manner, news items that shed essential light on changing situations as well as information “seeds” with great potential to shape future events. The Yomiuri Shimbun will also enhance its ability to provide news globally. Selected news items will be translated into English by dedicated staff and offered through Dow Jones media services. Accurate updates on matters concerning Japan will be delivered to the rest of the world. When information distributed through this new service enables international understanding of how Japanese companies and organizations are working to overcome difficult situations, it will generate a virtuous cycle both in Japan and abroad and help Japan to achieve growth. Founded in 1882 in the United States, Dow Jones provides business news services and operates such brands as The Wall Street Journal, a renowned newspaper established in 1889, and Dow Jones Newswires, which provides financial and business information. The Yomiuri Shimbun has about 2,500 staff writers, the largest number in Japan, covering such areas as politics, the economy, international affairs, society, science, medicine, education, regional affairs, lifestyles, culture and sports. The Yomiuri Shimbun intends to further enhance its capabilities through this new project and improve its content.

Results of this year’s NAPLAN test have been released, offering parents a snapshot of schools’ performances in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. The Age’s interactive guide to results allows families to search their school’s results in this year’s exams, sat in March by more than 300,000 students from years 3, 5, 7 and 9 across Victoria. As the education sector reacted on Wednesday to the publication of the results, Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) chief executive Stephen Gniel told radio 3AW that the ultimate goal of NAPLAN was to support improvements in educational outcomes. “We keep doing the best we can and providing this kind of information so that schools and the broader community can really get behind education and support those kids,” Gniel told the station. He said ACARA rarely saw schools that “gamed the system” to improve results. “We don’t see a lot of that ... most people are focused on making sure we know how kids’ literacy and numeracy skills are tracking,” he said. Gniel highlighted the performance this year of schools in under-privileged areas. “Those are schools that are serving, really challenging communities ... and they’re punching above their weight,” he told 3AW. Victorian Principals Association deputy president Deborah Grossek said NAPLAN data allowed schools to deeply analyse how their students were performing. “We can actually look at whether there are gaps in learning, and we relate that to our teaching program and what we need to teach,” Grossek, principal of Glendal Primary School in Glen Waverley, told ABC radio this morning. But she said the results only partly contributed to how the public perceived a school. “It’s only part of what they hear in the community about whether a school is a good school or not, whether they’re inclusive, whether they’ve got a good student wellbeing program and so on,” Grossek said. “It’s probably a small part of the puzzle,” she added. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here .Some viewers were left unimpressed by scores that were awarded to a couple on the latest episode of Strictly Come Dancing , with there now more complaints of "overmarking". Saturday's episode opened with a performance by reality TV star Pete Wicks , 36, and his dance partner Jowita Przystał , 30. They danced a tango to the song Easy Lover by Philip Bailey and Phil Collins on the BBC show this weekend. The performance received a score of 29 from the judges. Craig Revel Horwood , 59, awarded him a six and Motsi Mabuse , 43, gave a seven, whilst head judge Shirley Ballas , 64, and former pro Anton Du Beke , 58, both gave an eight. Although there's support for Pete and Jowita among fans, some viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter , following the scoring to share their frustration. It comes following criticism in previous weeks over some scores on Strictly. One fan tweeted on Saturday: "Pete's Tango was what you'd expect in week 3 not week 10. WTF were those 8 paddles!?" Another said: "No way was that Tango worth an 8." A third wrote: "The scoring tonight is WILD [...] Pete very overscored." Someone commented: "Knew Shirley would overmarked Pete." Another said: "Of course Shirley and Anton would give Pete an 8." Whilst one viewer said: "Shirley and Anton overmarking, surprise ... not." Another said: "Shirley agreed with Motsi's critique yet still awarded Pete one mark higher than her." Sharing their thoughts, one fan wrote in a tweet on the platform this week: "Can the judges PLEASE vote/score fairly. It seems the contestants who CAN dance are critiqued more meanwhile Pete Wicks gets smoke blown up his a***?!" Pete and Jowita however were bottom of the leaderboard following the other remaining couples' performances on Saturday night. Fans are now awaiting the next dance-off, which will feature in Sunday night's result show. Whilst giving feedback to Pete on Saturday, Motsi said: "I loved your topline, because it was quite controlled and steady and it gave the tone to the dance. All your open work is always brilliant [but] when you were doing the tango pieces, I did feel a little bit of hesitation but only because I think you're trying so hard, which is a good thing." Shirley said as part of her response: "I feel that you're quite an extraordinary performer. [...] What I love this week is you've come out and are absolutely focused on the job at hand. [...] I love visual improvement. [...] I thought you did very well this week." Anton said in his feedback: "Credit where credit's due. I mean, you've improved so dramatically. [...] Your posture is absolutely super now. [...] Your open work I've loved for weeks [and] when you're dancing in closed position [...] you just need to get into your knees and feel like you're sitting into the dance. But I have to say, it's just a joy watching slightly improve every week." Craig's critique included him saying to Pete: "It's not difficult to improve on last week! I do love you though darling, I do. The footwork was a little but unsure, I felt, a little bit unsteady. And the timing I thought was just a little bit slower behind and that's only because I think you're lacking the drive that this dance needs. But I loved the sharpness of it." Addressing previous criticism of her judging, as reported by the Sun , Shirley said recently: "I judge without fear or favour. I'm just someone who sits in that chair as head judge to stay in my lane and judge the dancing - legs, feet, body co-ordination, synchronisation and chemistry between the leader and the follower." And she told the Daily Mail : "The audiences at home see certain camera angles, with all the effects and things like leaves falling down on the screen. But as judges we just see the cold ballroom as it is. We see all the footwork and landings, little mistakes, things like that, that influence our decision." Follow Mirro r C elebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

DANBURY, Conn., Dec. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ethan Allen recently held its 2024 International Convention live at the Company’s headquarters and livestreamed across the world. With the theme of Focused on the Future , the program honored the Company’s 92-year history, reviewed current and future initiatives in manufacturing, logistics, technology, marketing and retail, and celebrated its annual Spirit Awards, honoring interior designers both for achievement in written sales and design excellence. Led by its Chairman, President and CEO Farooq Kathwari, the convention highlighted five key areas of focus for Ethan Allen: talent, service, marketing, technology, and social responsibility. “It was good to review all areas of our vertically integrated enterprise, to share new products and initiatives, and to celebrate the work and achievements of our team members. We take pride in sharing this special event with about 4,000 in attendance both watching and participating each year.” Ethan Allen’s annual convention is an important, decades-long tradition that gives its associates the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from all over the world while they review the progress the Company has made over the past year. The Spirit Awards highlight Ethan Allen’s interior design network, one of the world’s largest, and emphasize the Company’s unique combination of technology and personal service. The celebratory event concluded with Mr. Kathwari saying, “We are just getting started,” as the Company is Focused on the Future . ABOUT ETHAN ALLEN Ethan Allen (NYSE:ETD), named America's #1 Premium Furniture Retailer by Newsweek for the second year in a row, is a leading interior design destination combining state-of-the-art technology with personal service. Our design centers, which represent a mix of independent licensees and Company-owned and operated locations, offer complimentary interior design service and sell a full range of home furnishings, including custom furniture and artisan-crafted accents for every room in the home. Vertically integrated from product design through logistics, we manufacture about 75% of our custom-crafted products in our North American manufacturing facilities and have been recognized for product quality and craftsmanship since 1932. Learn more at www.ethanallen.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. CONTACT: Catherine Plaisted Senior Vice President, Marketing catherine.plaisted@ethanallen.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/03602b41-d7d5-4e48-89b9-c4cf8d11a28f https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f03d7cf2-d8e6-433e-afb3-45d6616ed037 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6dd9c843-54d2-4f8e-970f-e8a2d90d71ae

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Kodiak Sciences Inc. ( NASDAQ:KOD – Get Free Report ) fell 7.5% on Friday . The stock traded as low as $10.08 and last traded at $10.08. 212,886 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 55% from the average session volume of 476,958 shares. The stock had previously closed at $10.90. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have issued reports on KOD. Barclays upped their target price on Kodiak Sciences from $3.00 to $4.00 and gave the stock an “underweight” rating in a report on Friday, November 15th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Kodiak Sciences from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $20.00 price target on the stock in a report on Monday, December 9th. Finally, HC Wainwright reiterated a “neutral” rating and issued a $3.00 price objective on shares of Kodiak Sciences in a report on Friday, November 15th. Get Our Latest Research Report on Kodiak Sciences Kodiak Sciences Stock Performance Hedge Funds Weigh In On Kodiak Sciences A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in KOD. LJI Wealth Management LLC increased its position in Kodiak Sciences by 21.3% during the 3rd quarter. LJI Wealth Management LLC now owns 17,100 shares of the company’s stock valued at $45,000 after purchasing an additional 3,000 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Kodiak Sciences by 18.5% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 54,323 shares of the company’s stock valued at $128,000 after purchasing an additional 8,470 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Kodiak Sciences by 1.7% during the third quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 768,740 shares of the company’s stock worth $2,007,000 after buying an additional 12,783 shares during the period. SG Americas Securities LLC bought a new position in Kodiak Sciences during the third quarter worth $33,000. Finally, State Street Corp lifted its holdings in Kodiak Sciences by 1.8% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 816,634 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,131,000 after buying an additional 14,711 shares during the period. 89.06% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Kodiak Sciences Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Kodiak Sciences Inc, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, researches, develops, and commercializes therapeutics to treat retinal diseases. Its lead product candidate is tarcocimab tedromer (KSI-301), an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody biopolymer that is in Phase IIb/III clinical study to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as well as Phase III clinical study for the treatment of diabetic macular edema, naïve macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion, and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Kodiak Sciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kodiak Sciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

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Arkansas WR Andrew Armstrong declares for NFL draft, skipping bowlSupply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics Recognize Reveel's Shipping Intelligence Platform in the Category of Supply Chain Visibility IRVINE, Calif. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Reveel , the only Shipping IntelligenceTM Platform with Parcel Spend Management 2.0 (PSM 2.0) technology, today announced that Food Logistics , the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of product through the global cold food supply chain, and Supply & Demand Chain Executive , the only publication covering the entire global supply chain, have named Reveel as one of the winners of this year's Top Software & Tech award , which spotlights new-to-market software and technology solutions designed to provide automation, efficiency and visibility to the supply chain space. Reveel's Shipping Intelligence Platform leverages advanced analytics, modeling and simulation, statistical analysis, and real-time insights to transform complex shipping data into simple ways to save money. It empowers shippers to see through the unstructured data and litany of constantly changing rules – including annual changes on critical variables such as zones and service fees – that can dramatically impact what it costs to ship any one parcel. With Reveel, brands are able to identify opportunities for savings, work more effectively with carriers, easily compare contract proposals from multiple carriers, identify the most effective carrier service or product for shipments, and optimize their multi-carrier strategies by ensuring that volume thresholds and delivery expenses are closely monitored. "Since founding Reveel, we've made it our purpose to make it easier for customers to understand their shipping expenses and use that information to improve their bottom line," said Josh Dunham , co-founder and CEO of Reveel. "This prestigious industry award reflects how successful our team has been at engineering a platform that can positively impact our customer base - and grow with them as their expense management needs evolve." The publications reported that close to 43% of submissions pertained to supply chain visibility solutions, followed by WMS/TMS software (23%), warehouse automation (18%), procurement/ERP software (12%) and robotics at just 4% of the submissions. Fifty-five percent of the entries were enhancements to already existing solutions, while 45% were new-to-market technologies. Further, 58% of submissions came from small businesses, under $50 million , and 42% came from Enterprises, over $50 million . "Automation, sustainability, smart technology, supply chain optimization and risk management were the major themes of this year's new software and technology solutions. These new products and enhancements are upping the ante in modernizing how product moves through the chain, and I appreciate everything this year's winners do to ensure the safety, security and sustainability of our supply chains," added Marina Mayer , Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive . Please visit https://foodl.me/kmr2r068 for more on the award and the full list of winners. About Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive Food Logistics reaches more than 26,000 supply chain executives in the global food and beverage industries, including executives in the food sector (growers, producers, manufacturers, wholesalers and grocers) and the logistics section (transportation, warehousing, distribution, software and technology) who share a mutual interest in the operations and business aspects of the global cold food supply chain. Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only supply chain publication covering the entire global supply chain, focusing on trucking, warehousing, packaging, procurement, risk management, professional development and more. Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive also operate SCN Summit and Women in Supply Chain Forum. Go to www.FoodLogistics.com and https://www.sdcexec.com/ . About IRONMARKETS IRONMARKETS , formerly known as AC Business Media , is a leading business-to-business media and buyer engagement platform with a portfolio of renowned brands in heavy construction, asphalt, concrete, paving, rental, sustainability, landscape, manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain markets. IRONMARKETS delivers relevant, cutting-edge content to its audiences through its industry-leading digital properties, trade shows, conferences, videos, magazines, webinars, and newsletters. It also provides advertisers the analytics, data, and ability to reach their target audience. Learn more at https://www.iron.markets . About Reveel Reveel is the leading Parcel Shipping IntelligenceTM platform, revolutionizing the way businesses manage their shipping expenses and navigate the complexities of modern logistics. Through its advanced Parcel Spend Management (PSM) 2.0 technology, the company empowers shippers with real-time visibility, actionable insights, and enhanced control over shipping costs and carrier performance. With over $8 billion in parcel spend under management, Reveel combines more than 17 years of agreement management expertise with cutting-edge, AI-driven solutions to foster a culture of innovation across the parcel shipping industry. From optimizing carrier contracts to automating complex processes and driving data-driven decisions, Reveel sets the standard for transparency and efficiency, while providing the flexibility and scalability needed for future growth. For more information, please visit the company's website and follow it on X , LinkedIn and Facebook . Media Contact: Jeff Drew Guyer Group for Reveel P: 617.233.5109 E: reveel@guyergroup.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reveel-named-winner-of-2024-top-software--tech-award-302332802.html SOURCE Reveel

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FAIRFIELD, Conn. (AP) — Nyle Ralph-Beyer's 20 points helped Sacred Heart defeat Division III-member Manhattanville 100-60 on Sunday. Ralph-Beyer also had five rebounds for the Pioneers (5-8, 1-1 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference). Anquan Hill scored 18 points and added seven rebounds. Griffin Barrouk had 16 points and went 5 of 8 from the field (4 for 7 from 3-point range). Andrew Saint-Louis led the Valiants in scoring, finishing with 26 points. John Ranaghan added 10 points for Manhattanville. Don Mays Jr. also had eight points. Sacred Heart hosts Canisius in its next matchup on Sunday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .By Pranshu Verma, Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post Far-right activists clashed online with billionaire Elon Musk and other supporters of President-elect Donald Trump over the need for a skilled-worker immigration program that has long been a lifeblood for Silicon Valley – signifying a potential rift between Trump’s core nationalist base and technology executives who have come to support him. The fight that spilled into public view over the holiday week could preview a wedge within Trump’s coalition over how to execute immigration policy, an issue that animated Trump’s White House campaign. The controversy spread across X after far-right activist Laura Loomer on Monday criticized Trump’s choice to name Sriram Krishnan, a technology entrepreneur and investor who was born in India, as his senior policy adviser on artificial intelligence. She pointed to Krishnan’s previous support for removing some caps on H-1B visas, a program allowing foreigners with technical skills to work in the United States. The policy is “in direct opposition” to Trump’s agenda, Loomer wrote. The critique ran headlong into tension with some of Trump’s closest advisers, notably Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk; David Sacks who will be the president-elect’s AI and crypto czar; and Vivek Ramaswamy, who will co-lead a commission to cut government spending. “‘Normalcy’ doesn’t cut it in a hyper-competitive global market for technical talent,” Ramaswamy said. “And if we pretend like it does, we’ll have our a–es handed to us by China.” The online fight sparked a slew of racist posts from Loomer falsely describing Indians as “third world invaders” with low IQs, while saying it is fueling a “civil war” between Trump’s far-right base and the “tech bros” that have come to support his upcoming administration. Notable Republicans, including former GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley, championed Loomer’s position. “There is nothing wrong with American workers or American culture,” she said Thursday on X. “We should be investing and prioritizing in Americans, not foreign workers.” Musk, who once held an H-1B visa and has relied on the program to employ thousands of Tesla employees, said the program is a crucial way technology companies recruit the best engineering talent to compete globally. “The number of people who are super talented engineers AND super motivated in the USA is far too low,” Musk wrote on X on Christmas. “If you want your TEAM to win the championship, you need to recruit top talent wherever they may be.” The online feud reflects the challenges that Trump will have holding together the delicate political coalition that delivered him the White House, which included unprecedented levels of financial support from Musk and other Silicon Valley billionaires. “It’s a sign of future conflicts,” said Samuel Hammond, a senior economist at the Foundation for American Innovation. “This is like the pregame.” Krishnan declined to comment. Loomer and a representative for the Trump transition team did not respond to requests for comment. Trump traveled with Loomer during the campaign, but amid criticism of her previous statements, he said in September he doesn’t “control” her. Trump has sought to position himself as a champion for legal immigration, even though he slashed pathways for immigrants during his first term. Trump has offered few specifics about how he will address high-skilled immigration in the tech industry during his second term. On a June episode of the “All In” podcast, which is co-hosted by Sacks, Trump said he would automatically give a green card to every international student with a college diploma. “If you graduate or you get a doctorate degree from a college, you should be able to stay in this country,” he said. Ahead of the first Trump administration, many tech CEOs sought to build bridges with the president-elect during the transition with a meeting at his New York Trump Tower. But those delicate relationships broke down when Trump almost immediately rolled out what critics and federal judges have branded a “Muslim ban,” which prohibited U.S. entry by the citizens of several majority-Muslim countries. The episode amounted to a “shock wave” in the industry, where many people either are or know immigrant founders and co-workers, Hammond said. “Immigration is an economically important issue for tech, but also in many cases a personal one,” he said. “They all understand the inefficiencies and the bureaucracy around the U.S. immigration system and the Kafkaesque nightmares it can throw you in.” But this time, the tech industry is far more directly intertwined in Trump’s transition. Self-described “first buddy” Elon Musk has spent much of the weeks since Election Day by the president-elect’s side, and Trump has tapped many Silicon Valley investors and executives to serve in prominent roles within his administration. As Silicon Valley companies compete to create artificial intelligence products, the need for foreign-born talent has intensified. Twenty eight of the top 43 AI companies in the United States were co-founded by immigrants, and 70 percent of full-time graduate students in AI-related fields are international students, according to a 2023 analysis from the National Foundation for American Policy . As Trump previews a hard-line immigration policy including militarized mass deportation of illegal immigrants, many in the tech industry are pushing him to expand legal immigration for high-skilled workers. Some argue the shift is necessary for the United States to remain competitive with China. High-skilled immigration emerged as one of the top flash points between Trump and Silicon Valley during his first presidency. Although Trump at times acknowledged the need for American companies to recruit top talent, his administration limited the H-1B program. Stephen Miller, who helped craft some immigration policies during the first Trump administration, is returning to the White House as Trump’s deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser. The online debate reverberated among Washington lawmakers, who have long pursued ways to improve the H-1B program. Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat who represents Silicon Valley, defended Krishnan and said he supported reforming the H-1B program. “We should celebrate that immigrants like Elon Musk, Jensen Huang and Sriram Krishnan choose to come to the United States,” he told The Washington Post. “This has fueled our economic and technology preeminence. I am glad Sriram is being appointed.” The restrictions of H-1B visas during Trump’s first term faced fierce opposition from major tech companies. During the pandemic, Trump temporarily froze H-1B visas in a move the administration said would help Americans experiencing job loss. That same year, the Trump administration also introduced new rules tightening eligibility for H-1B visas and requiring companies to offer higher salaries to people on the visas. A federal judge later rejected some of the rules, including the salary provision. During President Joe Biden’s final weeks in office, his administration has introduced rules to “modernize” the H-1B program by making it easier for international students to obtain the visas and improving the efficiency of the application process. “These reforms target systematic misuse by IT consulting firms while acknowledging the program’s demonstrated net positive impact on U.S. technological competitiveness,” said Divyansh Kaushik, a vice president at Beacon Global Strategies. Technology companies are particularly reliant on H-1B visas – which are capped at 85,000 new visas annually – to help recruit talent. Amazon, with 3,871 new H-1B employees, had the most approved new petitions in 2024, according to data compiled by the nonpartisan organization National Foundation for American Policy. Google had 1,058 approved applications, and Tesla had 742, the data showed. (The Washington Post is owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.) Ramaswamy said in an X post on Thursday that the reason technology companies hire foreign-born engineers is because “American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long,” drawing criticism from notable pro-Trump personalities. Brenden Dilley, a pro-Trump podcaster, shot back to Ramaswamy’s post. “I always love when these tech bros flat out tell you that they have zero understanding of American culture and then have the gall to tell you that YOU are the problem with America,” he wrote. Loomer, who has 1.4 million followers on X, sparred with Musk over his support of the H-1B program, questioning the skills of Indian programmers at X because of glitches during a May live event on the site kicking off Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s presidential campaign. (“Loomer is trolling for attention. Ignore.” Musk said on X.) Loomer said she hopes the feud with Silicon Valley changes Trump’s views. “Looking forward to the inevitable divorce between President Trump and Big Tech,” she said on X. “Let’s pray this fake Big Tech ‘love fest’ with Trump ends sooner rather than later.” Elizabeth Dwoskin contributed to this report. Extra News Alerts Get breaking updates as they happen. Be civil. Be kind.

Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and says a US withdrawal from NATO is possibleBUFFALO — The year started with a bang. In January, Gov. Kathy Hochul named UB the home of Empire AI, a new $400 million supercomputing center that will provide UB and partners with breathtakingly powerful resources to harness artificial intelligence for the betterment of society. An avalanche of advancements – all pointing towards UB’s leadership in AI, in New York State and nationwide – followed the governor’s announcement. With interest in AI surging globally, these advancements showcase and build upon UB’s impressive half-century of expertise in AI research and education. They also hint at a brighter future, where AI’s uncanny abilities merge with human ingenuity to tackle society’s greatest challenges. “Traditionally, colleges and universities are at the epicenter of life-changing research and ideas,” said Venu Govindaraju, vice president for research and economic development. “The University at Buffalo is pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence and data science in fields that are critical to the state’s and nation’s future.” As 2024 comes to a close, here’s a look back at what has been a year of AI at UB. January UB researchers have been laying the groundwork for today’s boom in artificial intelligence for decades. This includes pioneering work creating the world’s first autonomous handwriting recognition system, which the U.S. Postal Service and Royal Mail adopted to save billions of dollars. Those innovations explain, in part, why Gov. Kathy Hochul chose UB to be the home of Empire AI, a consortium of public and private universities, and foundations, that will harness AI for the public good while driving economic development. “We want to make sure New York State is the capital of AI development ... but I need a home for this supercomputer that’ll power the innovation all over our state. And I’m proud to announce that the home will be right here at [UB],” Hochul said Jan. 26 at the Center for the Arts. Earlier in the month, during her State of the State address in Albany, the governor spotlighted UB student Holliday Sims for her work using AI to improve the child welfare system. February UB was chosen to join the federal government’s first-ever consortium dedicated to ensuring that AI systems are safe and trustworthy. Announced Feb. 8, the U.S. AI Safety Institute Consortium (AISIC) includes government agencies and top research universities, as well as Microsoft, Apple, Google, OpenAI and other tech companies. AISIC will create standards for AI usage that protect Americans’ privacy; advance equity and civil rights; and promote innovation and competition. Weeks later, UB was among 28 new members to join AI Alliance, an international coalition led by IBM and Meta that is dedicated to promoting open, safe and responsible AI. March On a beautiful spring day, engineering professor Chase Murray and students took to the skies at UB’s Structure for Outdoor Autonomy Research, one of the largest outdoor drone-testing labs among the nation’s colleges and universities. Murray uses AI and other technologies to optimize how autonomous vehicles work together – research that has implications in logistics, search-and-rescue, surveillance and more. Elsewhere, researchers in UB’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science kept tabs on their AI system that aims to improve indoor farming and address food insecurity. And another research group began using AI to make algae fuel production more cost-effective. The projects illustrate UB’s commitment to sustainability and social justice. April April brought Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Sethuraman Panchanathan, director of the National Science Foundation, to campus. The occasion? “Today, we’re here to celebrate something truly amazing: the opening of the new, $20 million, federally funded National AI Institute for Exceptional Education, and it’s going to be housed right here at UB,” said Schumer. Funded by the NSF and Department of Education, the institute will create AI systems that ensure children with speech and language disorders receive timely, effective assistance. The work, which addresses the nationwide shortage of speech-language pathologists, will help ensure that millions of children do not fall behind in their academic and socio-emotional development. May On May 31, UB hosted thought leaders from IBM, M&T Bank, Moog and other institutions for its ongoing chat series on AI and society. “Don’t be an AI user, be an AI value creator,” Dario Gil, IBM senior vice president and director of research, told attendees at the Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences. The event included presentations from UB researchers using AI to make advancements in medicine, medical devices, climate change, materials science, pharmaceutical science and other fields. June An electricity grid that uses AI to identify and fix problems before they cause widespread power outages? It could become reality sooner than you think due to research published June 4 and co-led by Souma Chowdhury, who studies how to apply AI to complex systems. He is among more than 200 researchers at UB using AI to address societal challenges. Also in June, more than 300 scholars from the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, one of the world’s most recognized scientific organizations dedicated to advancing AI research, gathered at UB for a multiday conference. The scholars represented more than a dozen fields – including machine learning, psychology, political science, the humanities and more. July On July 17, SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. and state lawmakers visited UB for a roundtable discussion on AI. The attendees learned about UB researchers using AI to identify “forever chemicals,” as well as spinoff companies working on technology to improve treatment for strokes and aneurysms. “We are pioneering AI discoveries that will drive progress in research and economic development, demonstrating UB’s commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefit,” Govindaraju said. August The start of the new semester brought record enrollment to UB’s Master of Science program focusing on AI. Launched in 2020 with five students, the number swelled to 73 students this fall, with an additional 50 expected next semester. The program’s growth “shows that we’re providing students with in-demand skills that they can use for the betterment of society,” said Kemper E. Lewis, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Graduates have taken jobs at Amazon Web Services, NVIDIA, Visa and other companies. September UB was awarded $10 million from the U.S. Department of Education to establish the Center for Early Literacy and Responsible AI. The center will create AI tools to ensure culturally and linguistically diverse learners in grades K-2, including those in Western New York, receive transformative early literacy instruction. “We believe that, with the right support, all students — regardless of their backgrounds — can succeed in literacy,” says project leader X. Christine Wang, a professor of learning and instruction in the Graduate School of Education. Later in the month, Rep. Tim Kennedy announced UB would receive $475,000 to equip its wind tunnel with equipment that allows it to leverage the power of AI, among other technologies. UB uses the facility to study and improve the nation’s response to hurricanes, wildfires and other extreme weather. October On Oct. 11, roughly nine months after it was announced, Empire AI went live. Gov. Kathy Hochul flipped the switch on a stack of powerful new computer servers at Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences. The servers represent a fraction of the eventual power of Empire AI, which will be located at a new building on North Campus. On the same day, UB President Satish K. Tripathi delivered his annual State of the University address. “While today, only the private sector has the computing power needed to seriously advance AI research, Empire AI will put New York State at the epicenter of artificial intelligence innovation. This game-changing initiative will enable us to tap the full power of AI to solve complex issues facing our state, nation and world.” November From fake celebrity endorsements to manipulated videos of politicians, the 2024 election was rife with misleading information. Debunking much of this content was the DeepFake-o-Meter, a publicly available tool used by journalists, law enforcement and others. The tool was created by UB computer scientist Siwei Lyu and students. With AI being added to medical devices, the Food and Drug Administration wants to ensure these products meet public health standards. The agency called upon experts, including UB’s Peter Elkin, for insight at a public meeting. Elkin, professor and chair of the Department of Bioinformatics, said the FDA should allow these devices to learn and therefore improve. “AI-enabled devices are no longer just tools; now they are partners in care,” he said. Back on campus, UB hosted the latest in a series of “AI at UB” forums on Nov. 21. Organizers updated faculty and staff on how UB is implementing AI in its classrooms and labs. Presenters also discussed how AI can be a tool to foster collaboration and enhance learning outcomes. December In early December, UB officials detailed plans to create a new academic department focused on AI and its impact on society. The department aligns with the mission of UB and SUNY, both of which are committed to responsibly harnessing the power of AI for social good. Around the same time, UB computer scientist Nalini Ratha published a series of research papers focused on machine learning and encrypted data. One of the papers suggests a new technique for safeguarding personal medical data as it travels from third-party cloud service providers back to patients and their doctors. The work points to a future where medical diagnostics are quicker and more accurate, and patient medical records remain confidential.

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Australia’s biggest state looks to have narrowly avoided a widespread power break down, but only after residents, businesses and government employees took steps to “reduce demand”, the state’s energy minister has said. In a statement on Wednesday evening, NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe confirmed the Australian Energy Market Operator had downgraded its blackout warning for the state. “The risk of power supply shortage in NSW has considerably reduced and AEMO has downgraded its warning,” Sharpe said. “We thank the households, businesses and NSW government employees who have taken steps to reduce demand on the system this evening.” AEMO is expected to provide an update on the stability of the grid shortly. Earlier, the market operator had warned heatwave conditions and the unavailability of major power stations had reduced electricity reserves for the afternoon. NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe said the state had likely dodged a power breakdown. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short “Ahead of this tight supply-demand period, AEMO has requested that all available generation and transmission resources be deployed to ensure consumer electricity needs are met,” the agency said at 3pm. “Additional reserves have also been secured through the Reliability and Emergency Reserve Trader mechanism to help manage the forecasted shortfall. “The NSW government has enacted protocols to reduce electricity demand from government agencies.” In the morning, NSW Premier Chris Minns urged businesses and homes to decrease their energy consumption between 3pm and 8pm to reduce the risk of blackouts amid the ongoing heatwave across the state, which is anticipated to become the “nature of Sydney summers” in the future. Ms Sharpe also said in the morning the state’s power reserve would be “tight” on Wednesday afternoon, and a “range of action” would be taken to reduce demand on the energy grid. AEMO said the peak period for power use in NSW would be between 3pm and 8pm – the time when people usually return home from work and school and output from the state’s network of rooftop solar panels declines. The NSW government activated two protocols to reduce the likelihood of load shedding and blackouts, with government agencies, local councils and ACT and Commonwealth agencies reducing their electricity use between 3pm and 8pm. Premier Chris Minns has urged residents and businesses to scale back their electricity use amid the ongoing heatwave. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer The second voluntary demand reduction was requested of significant utilities in the state, including Sydney Water, some energy providers and local councils. Businesses and households in NSW were asked to consider following the same route, making “small changes” to their electricity use between 3pm and 8pm, including high-powered appliances like washing machines, dishwashers and pool filters, as “every small step makes a difference”. Energy could be used as normal until 3pm, as rooftop solar panels power much of the state, the political leaders stated. However, once the solar power production slows down, people were encouraged to cool down their houses with airconditioning before curbing their energy usage. “Solar is going gangbusters at the moment, so if you have airconditioning, go for it as hard as possible and cool down the house before you get home tonight, if you can,” the Energy Minister told reporters on Wednesday. Premier Minns has also urged the public to “be careful” as the ongoing heatwave grips the state, encouraging them to “stay in the shade”, keep hydrated and “try and avoid direct sunlight”. “This is reasonably early ... in the year to have a series of days well-above 30 degrees, but increasingly this will become the nature of Sydney summers, and obviously, we have to adapt to that,” he told reporters on Wednesday. Power outages have impacted thousands of residents in Wagga Wagga. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper The warning comes after power was restored for thousands in Wagga Wagga after a storm caused an outage on the Transgrid transmission line between Wagga Wagga and Albury, leaving many residents in the dark for hours. Reports of a blackout were first recorded at about 5.30am on Wednesday, affecting more than 6000 customers and was restored shortly after 9am. Residents across southern NSW were impacted, with parts of Wagga Wagga, Culcairn, Henty, Uranquinty, Holbrook and surrounding areas experiencing a power outage. A spokesman for Essential Energy told NewsWire power had been restored through a back feeder line. They said the outage was “caused by fault on the Transgrid transmission line between Wagga Wagga and Albury and is not related to load shedding”. A Transgrid spokesman told NewsWire the outage was triggered by early morning storms in the Riverina region, with storm-related debris cleared from the area before 10am. Those impacted by the outage were notified of the power outage via SMS on Wednesday morning, a spokesman for Essential Energy confirmed. A blackout hit Cronulla on Wednesday afternoon about 4pm. Picture: Supplied Residents have also been encouraged to stay “at least eight metres away from fallen powerlines or damaged electricity equipment”. A blackout also hit the beachside suburb of Cronulla in the afternoon, with power provider Ausgrid reporting nearly 1900 customer had lost power about 4pm. But the blackout is likely connected to an underground fault rather than heat, an Ausgrid spokeswoman told NewsWire. The outages hit the streets north of the Cronulla train station close to Cronulla beach, according to the Ausgrid outage map. But some businesses in the area continued to trade normally and were not impacted, including the Hoyts cinema on Kingsway Rd. Ausgrid expects power to be restored for affected businesses about 6.30pm. The outages come as a heatwave sweeps the state, sending temperatures soaring to 39C in some parts. It’s red hot in NSW. In order to enable stable supplies of electricity across the state, AEMO said it intends to launch negotiations with companies to help reduce the demand, known as the Reliability and Emergency Reserve Trader (RERT) scheme. The RERT scheme is a rarely-used system that “(protects) the reliability of the national electricity market” due to an increased demand for electricity as households swelter through the heatwave. On Tuesday, AEMO warned that energy supplies may be at “risk” as the sweltering heat continues into Wednesday. “We are experiencing some quite unseasonably hot weather ... and effectively that is a summer heatwave while we are still here in spring,” AEMO CEO Daniel Westerman said. Combined with scheduled maintenance works on three of the state’s four coal-fired power stations in Bayswater, Vales Point and Eraring, the AEMO warned residents of a “tightness in electricity supply”. “It is pretty normal both generation and transmission to use periods in autumn and spring to undertake maintenance activities that do need to happen,” he continued. More Coverage Commuters face 60 minute delays Aisling Brennan Power stations ‘unavailable’ in heatwave Alexandra Feiam, Clareese Packer Originally published as Premier’s plea after thousands lose power amid heatwave in NSW Breaking News Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News. More related stories Breaking News Thousands still queuing to vote after Namibia polls close Thousands still queuing to vote after Namibia polls close Read more Breaking News Tens of thousands in Lebanon head home as Israel-Hezbollah truce takes hold Tens of thousands in Lebanon head home as Israel-Hezbollah truce takes hold Read moreNone

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Kmani Doughty had 17 points in Indiana State's 83-80 victory against Iona on Saturday. Doughty shot 5 of 9 from the field, including 1 for 4 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 7 from the line for the Sycamores (4-4). Jaden Daughtry added 16 points while going 6 of 9 and 4 of 5 from the free-throw line while they also had six rebounds and three steals. Josiah LeGree shot 5 for 8, including 3 for 5 from beyond the arc to finish with 14 points. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.

NoneElon Musk doing Trump no favors | Editorial“Do you have kids?” I was interviewing a band just off Denmark Street in London. The singer was telling me about his toddler. His kid was cute, he was telling me, but he was still at that age: he didn’t DO much. “What age are your boys? Teenagers? Aw, I can’t wait til he’s that age so that I can talk to him about music, y’know?” I didn’t have the heart to tell him. It isn’t like that. When his kid becomes old enough to care about music, the last thing he’s gonna to do is ask his dad for recommendations. I had been like him once – a massive music nerd, eager to create an army of clones. Like sang in : “It might be fun to have a kid... A little me to fill up with my thoughts/A little me or he or she to fill up with my dreams”. I’ve got three boys. I thought I’d breed a little gang of music nerds, kids that knew the lyrics to , could tell you , and be able to hold their own in a conversation about the differences between dub, reggae, ska and rock steady. Who could appreciate , and . A little army of musical evangelists, able to recommend the latest hot band, or mad new remix, or mixtape. Spoiler alert: It didn't turn out like that. For two reasons, I think. One: You’ve gotta let your kids be themselves. I played music around the house, I tried to make it fun, and I had some small victories: They liked , the , and (particularly ). But mostly, they weren’t that into my old shit. They wanted to hear the stuff their friends liked. According to Apple Music, my 25 Most Played Songs includes by Ed Sheeran and songs by Passenger and John Legend. Those are not songs I have ever knowingly played. The latest news, features and interviews direct to your inbox, from the global home of alternative music. The Second Reason My Kids Didn’t Turn Out To Be Massive Music Nerds: Mobile phones. When my kids were old enough, they got their own phones. They had an Apple Music account but they hardly used it. They had YouTube. They had games to play. And then later they had Snapchat and TikTok. They had a world of entertainment in their pocket at all times. Music was just a small part of that world: annoying clips on TikToks, background music on FIFA. I bought them Bluetooth speakers but they didn’t use them: they just played stuff on their phone’s tinny little speaker. When they got to their mid-teens and they wanted headphones, they asked for Beats and Airpods. I told them: They’re not good headphones. They didn’t care. They were . All the footballers had them. And then something weird happened. My kids weren’t kids anymore. One of them went travelling by himself and it opened his eyes – and ears. He listened to a lot of music while travelling – you don’t look at videos on your phone when you’ve gone to the other side of the world and you’re looking around in wonder. And when he came back, and it was his birthday, he asked for headphones. Good ones. Over-ears. We did the research so you don't have to. The WH-1000XM4s have great sound quality, they're comfortable and the charge lasts forever (well, 30 hours). They'll make you, or your kids, listen to music differently, I did my research. I used Louder’s guide to , because I knew it was written by who’s been reviewing headphones and musical tech for decades. And I read Amazon reviews and Reviews on What HiFi and TechRadar and – on Prime Day this summer – I bought him a pair of headphones I saw raved about over and over again: the Sony WH-1000XM4s. (In his latest guide, Steve May actually recommends the Sony WH-1000XM5s, the newer version: I’m sure they’re great, but they were out of my budget. They’re in the .) Suddenly, I had a music fan. The Sonys made everything sound amazing. They were comfortable, the charge lasted for a week. Then the texts started: What's Neil Young like? Where should I start with Pink Floyd? Who else sounds like The Clash? Had I heard Fontaines DC or King Krule? He’s at university now. I’m still getting the texts. “What are like? Do have any other good songs apart from ?” The Sonys are never off his head. I texted him to ask what he liked about them: “I’d say sound quality,” he said. “You can hear everything in a song, all the different instruments. And comfort: you could wear them for four hours and they wouldn’t hurt. “It’s made me wanna listen to proper music – bass-y music sounds so good.” He's got into after hearing them on David Fincher’s movie. When he came home, I pulled my old vinyl copies out: He didn’t care, had no interest. Vinyl doesn’t mean anything to him. He has his phone, a library of music at his fingertips, and he has his headphones. I need to get in touch with that singer again. Maybe I've got some advice for him after all. There are still some excellent Black Friday deals to be had if you're a Lego fan on a budget Zavvi are running a 3 for £20 deal on Funko Pop! Vinyl, collectables and action figures, so it might be time to finally complete some of those collections Amazon's cyber weekend deals prove you can never own too many band shirts Tom Poak has written for the Hull Daily Mail, Esquire, The Big Issue, Total Guitar, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and more. In a writing career that has spanned decades, he has interviewed Brian May, Brian Cant, and cadged a light off Brian Molko. He has stood on a glacier with Thunder, in a forest by a fjord with Ozzy and Slash, and on the roof of the Houses of Parliament with Thin Lizzy's Scott Gorham (until some nice men with guns came and told them to get down). He has drank with Shane MacGowan, mortally offended Lightning Seed Ian Broudie and been asked if he was homeless by Echo & The Bunnymen’s Ian McCulloch.

An Israeli airstrike on a car in the Gaza Strip has killed five people, including employees of charity organization World Central Kitchen . The strike, which took place Saturday morning, occurred after Israel’s military said it targeted a World Central Kitchen worker who had been part Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7, 2023. “We are heartbroken to share that a vehicle carrying World Central Kitchen colleagues was hit by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza,” World Central Kitchen said in a statement on X , formerly Twitter. “At this time, we are working with incomplete information and are urgently seeking more details. World Central Kitchen had no knowledge that any individual in the vehicle had alleged ties to the October 7th Hamas attack.” The organization added, “World Central Kitchen is pausing operations in Gaza at this time. Our hearts are with our colleagues and their families in this unimaginable moment.” WCK did not confirm the names of those killed. Israeli Defense Forces shared their own statement on social media, noting, “Earlier today, the IDF struck a vehicle with a terrorist, Hazmi Kadih, who took part in invading Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 massacre. Kadih was monitored by IDF intelligence for a while and was struck following credible information regarding his real-time location.” They said that Kadih worked for WCK and that the charity had been asked “to clarify the issue and order an urgent examination regarding the hiring of workers who took part in the October 7 massacre and terrorist attacks against the State of Israel.” World Central Kitchen previously paused its operations in Gaza earlier this year when seven of its aid workers were killed in an Israeli strike. The strikes targeted three vehicles marked with WCK logos. “All three vehicles were carrying civilians; they were marked as WCK vehicles; and their movements were in full compliance with Israeli authorities, who were aware of their itinerary, route, and humanitarian mission,” the group wrote in a statement at the time. “An independent investigation is the only way to determine the truth of what happened, ensure transparency and accountability for those responsible, and prevent future attacks on humanitarian aid workers.” Editor’s picks The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time In an interview with Reuters , WCK founder and chef José Andrés said that the WCK workers “were targeted deliberately, nonstop, until everybody was dead in this convoy.” He continued, “This was not just a bad-luck situation where ‘oops,’ we dropped the bomb in the wrong place... Even if we were not in coordination with the [Israel Defense Forces], no democratic country and no military can be targeting civilians and humanitarians.” Israeli subsequently fired two officers it charged with having misidentified the WCK convoy. IDF admitted in a statement that “the forces targeted the three WCK vehicles based on the misclassification of the event and misidentification of the vehicles as having Hamas operatives inside them, with the resulting strike leading to the deaths of seven innocent humanitarian aid workers.” They added, “The strikes on the three vehicles were carried out in serious violation of the commands and IDF Standard Operating Procedures.”Tweet Facebook Mail Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto will face a leadership challenge today, with a crucial party meeting scheduled in the coming hours. Berwick MP Brad Battin, Kew MP Jess Wilson and Mornington MP Chris Crewther are expected to contest the leadership. If the party room votes in favour of a leadership spill, Pesutto will stand down as leader after two years in the job. READ MORE: 'Challenging time': Grampians National Park bushfire continues to grow Kew MP Jess Wilson, Berwick MP Brad Battin, and Mornington MP Chris Crewther are expected to contest the leadership. (Nine) The meeting will also include a motion to readmit exiled MP Moira Deeming to the party, a week after a similar motion failed in a 14-all vote deadlock . Pesutto used his vote last week to break the deadlock , telling reporters that the vote concluded "the matter". However, in an extraordinary backflip, Pesutto issued a statement yesterday calling for another meeting on January 15 to "discuss and vote on a motion" to readmit Deeming to the parliamentary Liberal Party. Deeming was exiled from the party room last May following her threat to sue Pesutto . READ MORE: Investigation promised after Sydney to Hobart race deaths overnight John Pesutto will face a leadership challenge today. (Nine) Last week, Deeming won her case against Pesutto , with the Federal Court ruling that he had defamed her during a series of media appearances and in a party expulsion motion. The judge found that Pesutto had implied Deeming was unfit to remain in the parliamentary Liberal Party. Following the ruling, Pesutto addressed the media, stating he had no plans to step down as head of the Liberal Party. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .

Just A Month Before Christmas, Amazon Has Slashed The Price of The PS5 Slim to a New Record Low

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Nigerian military authorities are praising the arrest of separatist leader Simon Ekpa in Finland on Thursday. Ekpa was arrested along with four others for alleged terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing in Nigeria. In two separate statements late Thursday, Nigerian defense authorities lauded Ekpa’s arrest as a step toward his extradition to Nigeria and a validation of Nigeria's bilateral relations with the international community. Police in Finland arrested Ekpa along with four others on Thursday for suspected terrorism financing and inciting deadly violence in Nigeria's southeast region using social media. Finnish police are seeking a court order to extend their detention. The arrest comes eight months after Nigerian authorities declared Ekpa a wanted man, and three months after they appealed to a visiting European Union delegation to extradite him. Beacon Security and Intelligence analyst Kabiru Adamu said the authorities’ negotiations paid off. "When such a bilateral conversation is held at that level, then you would've done the documentation that in most times would give you a good result,” Adamu said. Ekpa was a leader of the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra, or IPOB, a group that advocates the southeast region’s split from the rest of Nigeria but has long since politically fragmented. He rose to prominence following the arrest and incarceration of fellow IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, by Nigerian authorities in June 2021. Using social media posts and broadcasts, Ekpa has been calling for a “no work day” in Biafra every Monday to demand Kanu's release — a measure that some factions of IPOB have criticized. Following Ekpa’s arrest, Kanu’s supporters within IPOB released a statement disassociating themselves from the Ekpa. Security analyst Ebenezer Oyetakin said Ekpa's extradition can't come soon enough. "One would've expected that when the sovereignty of a nation is being threatened by individuals or a group of individuals, that should be a wake-up call to that country's leadership, particularly the security leadership,” Oyetakin said. “But we did not pursue this in a constructive and strategic diplomatic approach that it should be. But it is better late than never." The secessionist campaign in Nigeria's southeast led to a civil war in 1967 that killed an estimated 1 million people, mostly from starvation. In recent years, hundreds of people including security operatives have been killed there in renewed separatist agitation. Adamu said it won't be easy for Finnish authorities to extradite Ekpa to Nigeria. "I doubt if we have an extradition agreement between Nigeria and Finland,” Adamu said. “And the fact that he has dual citizenship — in my understanding of international relations, it will be next to impossible for Finland to extradite him knowing that he's likely to be tried for treason and terrorism. These are offenses that could even fetch a death penalty." Finland had previously investigated Ekpa for alleged financial crimes, including receiving money through questionable means. It's unclear if his arrest will spark more tensions in the region, but analysts say authorities must be on the lookout for a possible new Biafra separatist leader.ITV I'm A Celebrity fans make major Maura Higgins prediction as lies continueDrought, fires and deforestation battered Amazon rainforest in 2024

With the Municipal Corporation elections around the corner, aspiring candidates from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have ramped up their campaign efforts in a bid to secure party tickets. From engaging in social media campaigns to installing hoardings across their respective wards, the hopefuls are leaving no stone unturned to catch the party leadership’s attention. In several areas, ward heads and aspiring candidates have erected a significant number of hoardings and installed banners, many of which lack official permission. This has sparked concerns over the proliferation of illegal hoardings, cluttering public spaces and violating municipal regulations. AAP members vying for tickets have been highly active on social media, using platforms to highlight their public outreach and local contributions. Many of the leaders have uploaded pictures reading ‘Sewa vich haazar’, highlighting their community service, cleanliness drives and public interactions on their social media accounts as candidates seek to project themselves as deserving nominees for the upcoming elections. In addition to their online campaigns, such posters and hoardings have been installed in various parts of the city. These prominently display the candidates’ photos along with AAP logos and slogans. However, many of these hoardings have been deemed unauthorised by civic authorities. A senior Municipal Corporation official, requesting anonymity, said, “The installation of unauthorised hoardings is a violation of municipal bylaws. We are monitoring the situation and will take action against those found guilty of flouting the rules. Political pressure is there for not removing illegal posters.” Jaskaran Singh, a resident of Model Town, remarked, “Every election season, the city becomes a billboard jungle. Instead of addressing genuine issues, aspiring candidates focus on promoting themselves with flashy banners. The authorities must enforce rules to prevent such illegal practices.”

What happens when 'The Simpsons' join 'Monday Night Football'? Find out during Bengals-CowboysAncelotti says Bellingham is 'fine' after Real Madrid midfielder substituted with apparent leg issueMCDONALD'S has assured some customers it's looking into a discrepancy with their recent coffee orders. Those who bought the fast food giant's affordable morning staple were expecting a different cup design than what they got. Earlier this month, it was announced that McDonald's McCafé would be featuring some holiday-themed cups starting on November 18. It's all part of the company's new "Good Mornin" campaign, honoring "the simple act of saying good morning and spreading a little joy through daily coffee moments." To create designs perfect for the season, McDonald's collaborated with artist Scott Martin and Doodles , an entertainment company anointed by Pharrell Williams that started as an NFT project, to create three variations for small, medium, and large McCafé coffees. Each features unique, colorful characters enjoying the winter and getting last-minute gifts. Read More on McDonald's "We're excited to bring a fun experience to our community, to introduce millions of fans to Doodles, and to spread some joy with morning coffee this holiday season," Julian Holguin, CEO of Doodles, said in a statement. While the Doodles holiday cups have been given out nationwide since Monday, some have claimed they still haven't gotten theirs when they've ordered coffee at McDonald's . MISSING OUT "Got bamboozled at our local @McDonalds no gm for us @doodles," a customer cried out in a post on X. "We too got rugged by @McDonalds," another wrote . Most read in Money Both customers included pictures of the standard yellow McCafé cups, searching for answers. McDonald's quickly responded to the first customer, noting that they would be looking into why their local chain didn't have the Doodles cups available for their morning coffees. "Hey! we hear ya. send us the restaurant address via DM, and we'll look into it for you," the official McDonald's account replied . While it's unclear why the customers weren't given the Doodles holiday cups, it's possible their local McDonald's hadn't gotten them yet after the nationwide distribution. DIGITAL DEAL There's also other ways to take advantage of the Doodles partnership in the meantime, per Food & Wine . Those who buy a coffee can use the McDonald's mobile app to get the exclusive "pack ripping" experience, which includes an assortment of Doodles-themed items, like digital wearables for avatars, access to Doodles animated content on the Stoodio platform, and more. This year, we're making our coffee even more special by giving our seasonal packaging a fresh and unexpected collaboration with Doodles, the perfect partner, as so much of their content revolves around mornings and coffee moments. There's even co-branded accessories and apparel from McDonald's and Doodles set to come out in early December, along with the music video to a new song called "Good Mornin'" from Marley Bleu. The song was produced by none other than Pharrell, a former McDonald's crew member. Tariq Hassan, chief marketing officer at McDonald's, emphasized that the Doodles collection was created as an effort to make the company's coffee even more "special" after working hard on the recipe for years. "It may not be the first thing you think about when you talk about McDonald's, but coffee is an integral part of the McDonald's experience," Hassan said in statement. "We've relentlessly worked to make it taste better year over year, investing in new technology and educating crew teams on coffee culture in an effort to deliver a more consistent, fresher cup of coffee every time." More information on the McDonald's and Doodles partnership can be found on the website dedicated for it. Read More on The US Sun McDonald's also recently confirmed the Grinch Happy Meal offering with limited-time plushies. The CEO of Krispy Kreme also noted that around 2,000 McDonald's locations would soon be seeing fresh donuts .

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Is Ireland still the sow that eats its youth thanks to antisocal NIMBY objectors to housing building?An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on

GUEST VIEWPOINT: Fired college football coaches are doing better than everPresident Carter, America’s 39th President, passed away at the age of 100. Ms Hanna said President Carter was the first US President to seriously engage with issues in Northern Ireland. The South Belfast and Mid Down MP said: “Throughout his life Jimmy Carter was an advocate for human rights, peace, humanitarianism and doing what’s right, no matter how difficult. Alongside his late wife Rosalynn, his legacy stretches far beyond his term as President and his achievements through the Carter Centre and with Habitat for Humanity are arguably just as meaningful as anything he achieved while in office. “At a time when violence was raging across Northern Ireland, Jimmy Carter ignored advice not to intervene and stuck his head above the parapet calling for the US to become directly involved in trying to secure peace here and promising investment after it was established. He was persuaded to get involved by Tip O’Neill, Ted Kennedy and others who updated him with the latest happenings here, though their own engagement with John Hume. “Carter’s intervention was a significant one, he was serious about his commitment to advancing the cause of peace around the world and shared Hume’s vision that the only solution to the conflict here could be a peaceful one. His statement sent a clear message to the then-British government that they could no longer act with impunity when it came to Northern Ireland. “Jimmy Carter leaves a lasting imprint not only on Northern Ireland, but around the world. He has left the world a better place as a result of his contribution throughout a lifetime of service and I can think of no greater legacy than that.” Carter, who was the longest-living former American president, died on Sunday, December 29, his son announced. An immediate cause was not given. He served as president for one term from 1977 to 1981, but is just as well-known for his humanitarian service after leaving Washington, DC, working for Habitat for Humanity and negotiating peace deals. In 2018, it was revealed by official files that he had been previously suggested for a Northern Ireland peace process role. Speculation was mounting in January 1993 that president-elect Bill Clinton would appoint a special envoy. British Foreign Office official Jonathan Powell mentioned Mr Carter in a note disclosed in an archived British government file released by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) in Belfast. Mr Powell described how former congressman Bruce Morrison, then head of the Irish Americans for Clinton lobby group, envisaged the envoy. Mr Powell wrote: “He (Morrison) did not envisage an Irish American filling the role. “An Irish American like (Bill) Flynn would have too much baggage. “He envisaged instead someone completely independent, like Jimmy Carter, or someone in the same mould but of lower profile.” Mr Carter only served one term in office but became a diplomat and mediator around the world. He worked on the Middle East peace process and tried to encourage talks between North and South Korea. In 1993 a statement from the Friends of Ireland in the US said: “On this St Patrick’s Day, the Friends of Ireland in the US Congress join with Irish Americans... in calling for renewed efforts to achieve peace, reconciliation and justice in Northern Ireland.” In the event, former Democratic senator George Mitchell was appointed as envoy in 1995, securing a commitment to non-violence from the gunmen and ultimately becoming the architect of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

CHICAGO (AP) — (AP) — Des Watson led Loyola Chicago with 14 points and sealed the victory with a 3-pointer with 32 seconds remaining as the Ramblers knocked off South Florida 74-72 on Saturday. Watson shot 3 for 15 (2 for 8 from 3-point range) and 6 of 8 from the free-throw line for the Ramblers (8-0). Kymany Houinsou scored 12 points while finishing 5 of 7 from the floor and added seven rebounds and five assists. Jalen Quinn had 12 points and shot 4 of 8 from the field and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line. The Ramblers extended their winning streak to eight games. The Bulls (5-4) were led by Jayden Reid, who recorded 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Kasen Jennings added 13 points for South Florida. Jamille Reynolds had 12 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Justin Moore scored six points in the first half and Loyola Chicago went into the break trailing 38-35. Watson scored a team-high nine points for Loyola Chicago in the second half, including their game-winning shot in the final minute. NEXT UP Loyola Chicago next plays Sunday against San Francisco at home, and South Florida will visit Utah State on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .is starting a fresh chapter — both literally and figuratively — sporting a new brunette look and . The 66-year-old former talk show host has and appears to have marked the transition with a bold new look. In an Instagram Reel shared by ’s pub The Farmer’s Dog and singer on November 13, DeGeneres was spotted enjoying an intimate live music session alongside her wife, , 51, and friends. The clip shows Imbruglia singing with the crowd before panning to DeGeneres, who waves to the camera — sporting a surprising transformation. Gone is her famous platinum blonde hair; in its place, a shorter, darker hairstyle. On November 21, confirmed DeGeneres had officially moved to England’s celeb-loved Cotswolds region, where she and de Rossi have already embraced their new community. “Ellen was in England house hunting in the beginning of October,” a source said. “She ended up finding a house that she loved and purchased it shortly after.” DeGeneres’s pub outing included rubbing elbows with Clarkson’s wife Lisa Hogan, James Blunt and The Corrs, who performed that evening. The pub is quickly becoming a hotspot for the couple’s low-key social life. DeGeneres’ lifestyle change comes two years after — which ran for 19 seasons — wrapped in May 2022, following allegations of a toxic workplace environment that surfaced in 2020. The controversy began with a July 2020 , where current and former employees anonymously shared troubling accounts, including claims of being penalized for taking medical leave, racial microaggressions, and fears of retaliation for raising complaints. In a May 2021 appearance on , DeGeneres addressed the fallout, telling Savannah Guthrie, “I really didn’t understand it; I still don’t understand it. It was too orchestrated; it was too coordinated.” This year, DeGeneres reflected on her exit from the spotlight in her Netflix comedy special, “Let me catch you up on what’s been going on with me since you last saw me,” she quipped. “I got chickens. Oh yeah, and I got kicked out of show business for being mean.” Doubling down on her decision to leave fame behind, she declared, “This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done.”

At least one Mega Millions player has plenty of dough to ring in the New Year after drawing the winning number. After three months without anyone winning the top prize in the lottery, a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in California for the drawing Friday night, according to the Mega Millions website. The California Lottery said the winning ticket was sold at Circle K (Sunshine Food and Gas) on Rhonda Road in Cottonwood, about 150 miles north of Sacramento. The winning ticket matched the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball 6. The identity of the winner or winners was not immediately known. Ishar Gill, a son of the store owner, said the winning ticket was “a blessing” for the small rural town of about 6,000 people. “We don't have the slightest clue of who may have won it or who may have sold it,” Gill told The Associated Press. “But congratulations to the winner.” The total amount of the Mega Millions jackpot would only be distributed to a winner who chooses an annuity paid over 29 years. Nearly all grand prize winners opt to take a cash payout, which for Friday night’s drawing is an estimated $549.7 million. Dennis Murphy shows off his lottery tickets he just bought Friday at Joe's Service Center in Altadena, Calif. In 2022, the location sold a $2.04 billion Powerball ticket. Despite the game’s long odds of 1 in 302.6 million, players continued to purchase tickets as the size of the grand prize grew. Until Friday, the last time a Mega Millions player hit the top prize was Sept. 10. The largest-ever Mega Millions jackpot ticket worth $1.6 billion was sold in Florida in August 2023. Two prizes for its compatriot Powerball lottery have been larger. Mega Millions and Powerball are sold in 45 states , as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball also is sold in Puerto Rico. Mega Millions ticket prices are set to rise from $2 to $5 in April . The increase will be one of many changes that officials say will result in improved jackpot odds , more frequent giant prizes and even larger payouts. The Mega Millions jackpot hit $1.1 billion in March 2024, becoming the fifth-largest jackpot ever. The last two billion-dollar jackpots were in 2023; there was one each in 2022, 2021, and 2018. More frequent billion-dollar winnings raise the question: Which payout option is better? Cash or annuity? Mark Cuban, self-made billionaire and star of ABC's "Shark Tank," says winners should opt for an annuity rather than a lump sum. Before discussing his reasoning, let's examine the payout options for a $1.1 billion jackpot winner. If someone matches six numbers on their ticket, they'll choose between receiving a lump sum of approximately $525.8 million or the $1.1 billion paid out as an annuity over 30 years. With the annuity payments, the winner would see roughly $23 million annually after deducting federal taxes. Depending on their state laws, they would still have to pay state taxes. Typically, most winners choose the lump sum and can, in theory, start growing and investing that right away. However, Cuban has historically advised winners to take the annuity. "Don't take the lump sum," he says. "You don't want to blow it all in one spot." Taking the 30-year annuity will likely increase your net income, even after all the tax obligations. Plus, if you take the lump sum with the idea of investing, you'd need to make up nearly half a billion dollars through investments to equal the earnings from the annuity, which isn't guaranteed. In fact, Cuban tells winners not to make investments. "You don't become a smart investor when you win the lottery," he says. Don't make investments. You can put it in the bank and live comfortably — forever." One billion dollars, or even a few hundred million dollars, is more than most Americans hope to achieve with their retirement accounts . If you win mass amounts like that in the lotto, is there a need to turn around and invest it? Cuban seems to think it's wiser not to take risks. He says, "You will sleep a lot better knowing you won't lose the money ." But Cuban doesn't just advise taking the annuity and warn against investing. He offers a few other tidbits of wisdom for mass lottery winners. First and foremost, he says to hire a tax attorney. Tax laws are already convoluted enough, but adding large sums of money, particularly from lottery winnings , just muddles the equation further. And you don't need the IRS breathing down your neck. Your winnings should help alleviate stress, not add to it. So, hiring a tax attorney can help you navigate local and federal laws around your tax obligations for lottery winnings. Cuban also says, "Tell all your friends and relatives no. They will ask. Tell them no." Everyone seems to come out of the woodwork when they hear about someone they know winning the jackpot. In this same vein, Cuban says, "If you are close to them, you already know who needs help and what they need. Feel free to help some, but talk to your accountant before you do anything, and remember this: no one needs one million dollars for anything. No one needs 100k for anything. Anyone who asks is not your friend." There you have it. Mark Cuban's advice on winning the lottery. While most of us can only dream about it happening, winning the lottery isn't the only way to gain wealth. Whether you are one of the lucky few who has won big or want to grow your wealth through more traditional means, everyone can benefit from a financial advisor to assess their portfolio and guide them on their journey to a successful financial future. This story was produced by Benzinga and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.No. 7 Tennessee extends its season-opening winning streak to 7 games in 78-35 win over UT Martin

The Rise of Smart Farming in India Agriculture has been the backbone of India’s economy for centuries, but traditional methods are no longer sufficient to meet modern challenges like climate change, resource constraints, and a growing population. Enter startups for smart farming solutions – innovative companies leveraging technology to transform Indian agriculture. From precision farming and IoT-enabled devices to AI-based analytics and blockchain for supply chain transparency, these startups are redefining the future of farming. Here are the top 10 startups for smart farming solutions to watch in 2025. 1. Fasal Fasal is an agritech startup that empowers farmers with data-driven insights to optimize crop yields. Its IoT-based platform monitors crop health, soil conditions, and weather patterns in real-time. Key Features: IoT sensors for precision agriculture AI-powered analytics for pest and disease prediction Mobile app with multilingual support Why It’s a Leader: Fasal has helped thousands of farmers reduce water usage and increase productivity by up to 40%. 2. DeHaat DeHaat is revolutionizing the agricultural supply chain by providing end-to-end solutions, including input procurement, advisory services, and market linkages. Key Features: AI-driven crop advisory Access to high-quality seeds and fertilizers Marketplace for selling produce Why It’s a Leader: With a network of over 1.5 million farmers, DeHaat is one of the fastest-growing agritech startups in India. 3. AgNext AgNext focuses on improving quality assessment processes in agriculture through AI and machine learning. Its solutions enhance transparency and efficiency in agri-trading. Key Features: AI-powered quality testing devices Blockchain-based traceability solutions Real-time quality reports Why It’s a Leader: AgNext’s solutions have streamlined the quality assurance process for crops like tea, spices, and grains. 4. CropIn CropIn provides farm management solutions using satellite imagery, IoT, and AI. It enables data-driven decision-making for farmers and agribusinesses. Key Features: Real-time farm monitoring Predictive analytics for yield optimization End-to-end traceability Why It’s a Leader: CropIn’s platform has digitized over 16 million acres of farmland and impacted 7 million farmers globally. 5. Stellapps Stellapps specializes in digitizing the dairy supply chain. Its IoT-enabled solutions improve efficiency and productivity for dairy farmers. Key Features: Automated milking systems Real-time monitoring of cattle health Supply chain management tools Why It’s a Leader: By reducing milk wastage and enhancing quality, Stellapps has created a sustainable ecosystem for the dairy industry. 6. Ninjacart Ninjacart is a B2B platform that connects farmers with retailers and businesses, ensuring fresh produce reaches consumers faster and at better prices. Key Features: Predictive analytics for demand forecasting Efficient logistics and supply chain Fair pricing for farmers Why It’s a Leader: Ninjacart’s streamlined processes have reduced food wastage and increased profits for farmers. 7. BharatAgri BharatAgri offers subscription-based advisory services to farmers, focusing on scientific methods to improve productivity. Key Features: Personalized crop plans Weather-based advisory Expert consultations Why It’s a Leader: Farmers using BharatAgri’s platform have reported a 20-30% increase in yields. 8. Ecozen Ecozen develops smart solutions for cold storage and irrigation, enabling farmers to preserve produce and optimize water usage. Key Features: Solar-powered cold storage units IoT-based irrigation systems Energy-efficient solutions Why It’s a Leader: Ecozen’s innovations have helped reduce post-harvest losses significantly. 9. FarmERP FarmERP is an enterprise resource planning software tailored for agriculture, enabling large-scale farms to manage operations efficiently. Key Features: Crop planning and monitoring Financial management tools Supply chain integration Why It’s a Leader among different startups for smart farming solutions: FarmERP’s comprehensive solutions are used by agribusinesses in over 25 countries. 10. Bijak Bijak is a B2B marketplace for agricultural commodities, providing a transparent platform for buyers and sellers to trade efficiently. Key Features: Credit rating system for traders Seamless payment options Real-time price discovery Why It’s a Leader: Bijak’s platform reduces the risk of fraud and delays in agricultural trade. The Role of Startups for Smart Farming Solutions The rise of startups for smart farming solutions in India is addressing critical challenges in agriculture: Productivity: Innovative technologies like AI and IoT optimize crop yields and resource utilization. Sustainability: Startups for smart farming solutions focus on reducing wastage, conserving water, and promoting eco-friendly practices. Market Access: Digital platforms bridge the gap between farmers and buyers, ensuring fair prices and reducing intermediaries. The Future of Smart Farming in India As India strives to achieve self-reliance in agriculture, startups for smart farming solutions will play a pivotal role. With government initiatives like Digital India and increasing adoption of technology, the startups for smart farming solutions is expected to grow exponentially. The integration of AI, blockchain, and IoT will further enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.