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Gretchen McKay | (TNS) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Beans are kind of like the your best friend from high school — nearly forgotten but always ready to step back into the limelight and help out an old pal when needed. As gorgeously (and tantalizingly) demonstrated in Rancho Gordo’s new cookbook, “The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans” (Ten Speed, $35), beans are indeed a magical fruit, though not in the way you heard as a kid. Classified as both a vegetable and a plant-based protein in the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, beans and other legumes can be the ingredient you build an entire vegetarian or veggie-forward meal around. Or, they can help an economical cook stretch a dish twice as far with nutritious calories. A healthful and shelf-staple plant food — they last for years when dried — beans have been among a home cook’s most reliable pantry items for a very long time. (Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are thought to have been grown in Mexico more than 7,000 years ago.) That’s why, for some, they’re often something of an afterthought, especially if the only time you ate them as a kid was when your mom tossed kidney beans into a pot of beef chili or made baked beans (with brown sugar and bacon, please!) for a family cookout. Related Articles Restaurants Food and Drink | Do not wash your turkey and other Thanksgiving tips to keep your food safe Restaurants Food and Drink | Frying a turkey this Thanksgiving? Here are some tips to stay safe Restaurants Food and Drink | 5 budget-friendly Thanksgiving dinner ideas Restaurants Food and Drink | The future of Thanksgiving is takeout and hosts couldn’t be happier Restaurants Food and Drink | A starry Thanksgiving: Recipes beloved by Donna Kelce, Eric Stonestreet, Taylor Swift Vegetarians have always appreciated their versatility and nutritional punch, and because they’re cheap, they also were quite popular during the Great Depression and World War II as C rations. Sales also peaked during the coronavirus pandemic, when shoppers stockpiled long-lasting pantry essentials. It wasn’t until Rancho Gordo, a California-based bean company, trotted out its branded packages of colorful heirloom beans that the plant began to take on cult status among some shoppers. Unlike the bean varieties commonly found in even the smallest grocery stores, heirloom beans are mostly forgotten varieties that were developed on a small scale for certain characteristics, with seeds from the best crops passed down through the generations. The result is beans that are fresher and more colorful than mass-produced beans, and come in different shapes and sizes. They also have a more complex and intense flavor, fans say. “The Bean Book” dishes up dozens of different ways to cook Rancho Gordo’s 50 heirloom bean varieties, which include red-streaked cranberry beans, mint-green flageolets, black and classic garbanzos and (my favorite) vaquero — which wear the same black-and-white spots as a Holstein cow. Other gotta-try varieties (if just for the name) include eye of the goat, European Soldier, Jacob’s Cattle and Good Mother Stallard, a purple bean with cream-colored flecks. “The very good news is that you have to work extra hard to mess up a pot of beans, and it’s not difficult to make an excellent pot,” Steve Sando writes in the book’s foreword. “The even better news is that you become a better cook with each pot you make.” Not convinced? Here are five reasons to jump on the bean bandwagon: They’re easy to find Even the smallest grocery store will have a selection of dried and canned beans. Common varieties include black, cannellini (white kidney), Great Northern, pinto, navy, kidney, Lima and garbanzo (chickpea) beans. They’re affordable Even when they’re not on sale, beans are a bargain at the supermarket. Many varieties cost less than $1 a can, and dried beans are an economical way to build a menu. I paid $1.25 for a one-pound bag of cranberry beans, a smooth and velvety bean with a slightly nutty flavor, at my local grocery store. Rancho Gordo’s heirloom beans cost substantially more. (They run $6.25-$7.50 for a one-pound bag, with free shipping on orders over $50.) But they are sold within a year of harvest, which makes them more flavorful and tender. A bag also comes with cooking instructions and recipe suggestions, and the quality is outstanding. Plus, after cooking their beans with aromatics, “you are left with essentially free soup,” Sando writes in the cookbook. “If you drain properly cooked and seasoned beans, the liquid you are left with is delicious.” They’re nutritious Beans are a great source of plant-based protein and both soluble and insoluble fiber, and they include essential minerals like iron, magnesium and potassium. If you’re watching your weight or following a particular diet, beans are naturally free of fat, sodium and cholesterol and are rich in complex carbohydrates. They also contain antioxidants and folate. And if you’re vegan or vegetarian, most types of dry beans are rich sources of iron. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating 1-3 cups of legumes, including beans, per week They’re a cinch to cook Dry beans have to be soaked overnight, but cooking them is easy. They can be cooked on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, in the pressure cooker and in the oven. Canned beans are even easier — just rinse and drain, and they’re ready to go. They’re versatile Beans can be used in so many different dishes. They can be made into soup, salad or dips, top nachos, add some heft to a casserole or be mashed into the makings of a veggie burger. You also can add them to brownies and other baked goods, toss them with pasta, add them to chili or a rice bowl or stuff them into a taco or burrito. Check out these four recipes: White Bean Soup with Shiitake Bacon PG tested This light and creamy vegetarian soup benefits from a surprising garnish, roasted shiitake mushrooms, which taste exactly like bacon. For soup 1/4 cup olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 medium carrot, scrubbed and chopped 6 garlic cloves, finely grated or pressed 2 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for garnish 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 4 cups vegetable broth 2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed For bacon 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, caps cut into 1/8 -inch slices 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt To finish Plant-based milk Chili oil, for drizzling Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Make soup: In large pot, heat oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add onion, celery, carrot, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are fragrant and tender, 8-10 minutes. Add vegetable stock and beans, increase heat to high and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until thickened, 12-14 minutes. Meanwhile, make the bacon: Spread shiitake mushrooms into a single layer on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Bake until browned and crispy, 18-20 minutes, rotating pan front to back and tossing mushrooms with a spatula halfway through. Let cool in pan; mushrooms will continue to crisp as they cool. To finish, add some milk to the soup and use an immersion blender to puree it in the pot, or puree in a blender. (Cover lid with a clean kitchen towel.) Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Divide soup among bowls and top with shiitake bacon. Garnish with thyme sprigs and a drizzle of chili oil. Serves 4-6. — “Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking” by Joe Yonan Polenta with Cranberry Beans and Tomato Sauce PG tested Velvety cranberry beans simmered with tomato and the punch of red wine vinegar are a perfect match for a soft bed of cheesy polenta. This is a filling, stick-to-your-ribs dish perfect for fall. 1/4 cup olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups canned chopped tomatoes, juice reserved 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth 4 fresh sage leaves Salt and pepper 4 cups cooked Lamon or cranberry beans 2 cups uncooked polenta 6 ounces pancetta, diced Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving In large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until onion begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and red wine vinegar. In a small bowl, dissolve tomato paste in the broth and add to pan. Stir in sage and season with salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, 15-20 minutes. Add beans to tomato sauce. Cook, stirring frequently, until heated through, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare polenta according to package instructions. Place pancetta in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pancetta is brown and crisp, about 15 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer pancetta to a paper towel to drain. To serve, spoon polenta into serving dishes. Ladle the beans over the polenta and top with the pancetta. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with grated Parmesan. Serves 6. — “The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans” by Steve Sando White Beans with Clams and Chorizo PG tested Beans and seafood might seen like an unusual pairing, but in this recipe, mild white beans take on a lot of flavor from clams. Spanish chorizo adds a nice contrast. 4 cups cooked white beans, bean broth reserved 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 white onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1/2 cup finely chopped Spanish-style cured chorizo 2 plum tomatoes, chopped 1/2 cup dry white wine 2 pounds small clams, scrubbed well Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Country-style bread and butter, for serving In large pot, heat beans in their broth over medium-low heat. In large lidded saucepan, warm olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onion, garlic and salt and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add chorizo and cook gently until some of the fat has rendered, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and wine and cook to allow the flavors to mingle, 5-6 minutes. Increase heat to medium and add clams. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. Uncover the pan and cook until all of the clams open, another few minutes. Remove pan from heat, then remove and discard any clams that failed to open. Add clam mixture to the bean pot and stir very gently until well mixed. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to mingle but not get mushy. Ladle into large, shallow bowls and sprinkle with parsley. Set out a large bowl for discarded shells and encourage guests to eat with their fingers. Pass plenty of good bread and creamy butter at the table Serves 4-6. — “The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans, from the Rancho Gordo Kitchen” by Steve Sando with Julia Newberry White Bean Dip PG tested So easy to pull together for your next party! 1 1/2 cups cooked cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Juice and zest of 1 lemon 1 small garlic clove, minced Generous pinch of salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 or 3 tablespoons water, if needed 2 fresh basil leaves, chopped, optional 1 sprig fresh rosemary, leaves chopped, optional In a food processor, pulse cannellini beans, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt and several grinds of pepper until combined. If it’s too thick, slowly add the water with the food processor running until it is smooth and creamy. Blend in the basil and/or rosemary, if using Serve with veggies, pita or bruschetta. Makes 1 1/2 cups — Gretchen McKay, Post-Gazette ©2024 PG Publishing Co. Visit at post-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Former Duluth youth leader sentenced to 13 years in prison for sexual abuse of young girls

Bruins notebook: Jake DeBrusk set to make his return to GardenDULUTH – Jackson Gatlin was sentenced to 13 years in prison Monday morning, the first of back-to-back days of sentencings after the former youth leader from Duluth Vineyard pleaded guilty earlier this month to felony-level sexual misconduct. In early 2023, a handful of women came forward with similar stories of sexual assault, from when they were teens or younger, at the hands of Gatlin — who held a position of authority at the church where his parents Michael and Brenda Gatlin were senior pastors. On November 6, Jackson Gatlin, 36, pleaded guilty to five counts of criminal sexual conduct . “I hope you conquer your demons,” Judge Dale Harris said to the defendant on Monday. Gatlin, dressed in orange, did not comment in the courtroom. When he is out of prison, he will have to register as a sex offender. The first day of sentencings were tied to two separate victims, numbered 4 and 5 in court documents: one who said she was 14 when Gatlin, then 21, snuck her into his parents basement and committed the first of several sexual assaults, according to the criminal complaint. It ended when she saw his flirtatious text messages with other girls from youth group. The second woman was in middle school when she said Gatlin started sending her sexual text messages and later trapped her in a bus seat during the church’s annual retreat weekend in the Twin Cities. He assaulted her and threatened that if she told anyone, the police would get involved, according to the criminal complaint. The courtroom was at capacity, with the victims sitting together in a row. “We’re talking about something, for them, that is nearly 20 years in the making,” the victims’ attorney Paul McBride said after the sentencing. “Finding justice is a journey. This is one step toward that. Hopefully we can come to a meaningful end.” Gatlin will be back in court on Tuesday morning. Since Gatlin’s plea earlier this month, nine victims have filed civil charges against him — in addition to his parents, Duluth Vineyard and Vineyard USA, its governing body. In the civil complaints filed November 6, Gatlin is accused of extended hugs, touching teenaged girls over and under their clothes, making them touch him, tackling them in the guise of playing games, and raping them. He is accused of tying a girl to his bedpost. In one case, Brenda Gatlin reportedly walked into her bedroom and found her son sexually assaulting a girl. Nothing came of it, according to the complaint. Gatlin told several girls that he was going to teach them and show them the love of god, according to court documents. A parent found sexual text messages from Jackson Gatlin to their daughter and notified at least one of his parents. The Gatlins, Duluth Vineyard and Vineyard USA are accused of continuing to give Jackson Gatlin access to minors, even though leadership had been told of his action, not providing proper training, covering up information and not going to the local police department, among other accusations. Jackson Gatlin was fired from his position within the church in mid-February 2023 and was not allowed back on the church campus. Michael Gatlin resigned as senior pastor at Duluth Vineyard and from various positions and board tied to the church in February 2023. He had been with the church for 2 years. Brenda Gatlin, who was a super regional leader for Vineyard USA, followed suit.

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In the Commons on Monday, Mr Barros-Curtis asked: “Can I ask that the Secretary of State speak to his Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) colleagues to carefully look into the role of the Met Office here? “It is clear that their response was slow and that there was a clear underestimation of the impact of Storm Bert. “They put it yellow rather than amber or red. Our constituents have been let down by this incompetence before, and it cannot keep happening.” Mr Reed said: “In most parts of the countries that were affected, warnings were given with adequate time for people to prepare and I would encourage people to sign up on the Defra website, or the Environment Agency website for warnings and alerts if they live in an area that could be affected by flooding. “I’m aware of the particular concern that he mentions regarding the Met Office, and I will indeed be speaking to colleagues in DSIT as they review the circumstances of that and look at how the situation can be improved for future events of this kind.” During his update to the House, the Environment Secretary said that more flooding this week is “likely” but its impact “should be less severe” than has been seen. He said: “Around 28,000 properties are being protected by Environment Agency flood defences. “Unfortunately, an estimated 107 properties have flooded across England, principally from river and surface water flooding.” He added: “The Environment Agency and local responders have also been busy protecting properties elsewhere in England, including flooding from the River Teme in Tenbury Wells where around 40 properties have flooded. “The river has now peaked and local responders will be focusing on the lower reaches of rivers over the next few days.” He further stated: “Further flooding is sadly likely over the next few days as water levels rise in slower flowing rivers such as the Severn and the Ouse. “The Environment Agency anticipates that any impacts should be less severe than we have seen in recent days.” Mr Reed also described the flood defences they inherited from the previous government as being “in the worst condition on record following years of underinvestment”. He added: “Over 3,000 of our key flood defences are below an acceptable standard. “That is why we are investing £2.4 billion over the next two years to build and maintain flood defences.” Elsewhere in the session, Labour MP for Coventry South, Zarah Sultana, was among the MPs to call for a legal duty on fire services to respond to flooding. She said: “I want to express my solidarity and thanks to all of our emergency services, including firefighters on the front line. “Extreme weather events are on the rise and becoming ever more frequent due to climate change, highlighting the urgent need for proper funding and resources. “England is the only part of the UK without a statutory duty for flooding, leaving fire services underfunded and under-resourced to respond effectively. This must change, as the FBU (Fire Brigades Union) has long called for.” “When will the Government finally provide a statutory duty for Fire and Rescue authorities to respond to flooding incidents in England?” Mr Reed replied: “The fire and rescue authorities have the powers to intervene, but she’s quite right to point out there’s not a duty, and officials in my department, working with the Home Office, will review that to see that that remains appropriate.” Conservative MP for Mid Buckinghamshire Greg Smith said some communities in his constituency are flooding “for the first time in decades” as he accused the Government of wanting to “concrete over the countryside”. He said: “That is a result of some of the big infrastructure we are seeing being built, particularly HS2 where they will concrete over a field completely, it seems, unaware that that will have a knock-on effect to farmland next door. “So will the Secretary of State commit to working with the Transport Secretary (Louise Haigh) and I also suggest the Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner) given their plans to concrete over the countryside to ensure that where construction takes place proper, and I really mean proper, flood mitigation measures are put into place.” Mr Reed replied: “This needs to operate across Government, and we will have those conversations and ensure that measures are put in place to support communities as much as is possible from the more severe weather events that we’re seeing as a result of climate change.”

A big battery will plug into the solar corridor to the south of Canberra, with the profits to go to the taxpayer in a revenue-sharing first. Login or signup to continue reading Located next to existing powerlines and solar farms, construction has begun on Eku Energy's $400 million project that will bring 200 jobs for local tradies. The 250 megawatt/500 MW hour Williamsdale battery energy storage system located 35km south of Canberra will store enough renewable energy to power one-third of the capital for two hours during peak demand periods when it comes online in 2026. A critical energy asset for greater energy security and a bulwark against future price spikes, it is also a crucial step in the fight against climate change, according to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr. Importantly, a revenue-sharing deal means profits from the project will flow to the ACT and pay for more clean energy and other services for a growing population, he said in Williamsdale. "That is an important principle for our community, who want to see investment in renewable energy and battery storage not only supporting the effectiveness and reliability of our energy network but generating revenue." Recently re-elected and already the nation's longest-serving political leader, Mr Barr says the revenue-sharing model could be extended nationally as a good template for government procurement. Working with Evoenergy, Tesla Energy and the Australian Energy Market Operator, the Williamsdale battery will also be part of the NSW energy market and the broader east coast energy market. "The electrons flow in real time so what we would be replacing is the next most expensive form of generation when we dispatch," Eku Energy chief executive Daniel Burrows told AAP. It will provide additional supply when the market is tight, which should help lower wholesale prices and support making more clean energy available when it is required, he said. The battery will also provide more grid security by responding within milliseconds to demand and storing energy when it is abundant. "What we have in Australia is a prevalence of distributed energy - rooftop solar, large-scale wind and batteries - and a reasonably sophisticated grid," Mr Burrows said. "As we're doing business all around the world, other businesses, other governments, other industry players are looking to what happens here as to how we might manage the energy transition." Not a player in a nuclear energy future, he says Eku Energy focuses on projects that are "genuinely the most cost-effective and will stand the test of time". A $500 million community grants program set up by the company will be available to eligible local non-profit organisations for employment and education, social and environment initiatives. Another $500,000 will go to an Australian National University program that has been a testing ground for neighbourhood batteries and other technology. "Research funding in this area helps ensure we remain at the forefront of advancing technology for a clean energy future," Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program co-director Heather Logie says. Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water Suzanne Orr donned high-vis gear to shovel dirt alongside Mr Barr in her first public engagement in her new portfolio. Simon Corbell, the architect of the ACT's clean energy transition as a Labor minister more than a decade ago, is one of her heroes, she told AAP. "Everyone has a different journey in coming to politics and mine has definitely been flavoured by the environmental movement," she said. Ms Orr, first elected in 2016, replaced former energy and emissions reduction minister Greens Leader Shane Rattenbury in the new government that has taken power without the ACT Greens as a partner. Canberra has already achieved a nation-leading 100 per cent renewable electricity supply and the ACT is aiming for net-zero emissions by 2045. The territory is phasing out household gas, with support for households to buy new appliances, electric vehicles, solar panels and batteries. But Ms Orr said the next stage of the transition will be more than "care and maintenance" of what has already been achieved. "I don't think anyone wants to rest on their laurels," she said. The Big Canberra Battery project that Mr Barr began as climate action minister will include the large-scale system in Williamsdale and neighbourhood-scale batteries at nine government sites. Australian Associated Press DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. 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WASHINGTON - Jimmy Carter, the earnest Georgia peanut farmer who as US president struggled with a bad economy and the Iran hostage crisis but brokered peace between Israel and Egypt and later received the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work, died at his home in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday, the Carter Center said. He was 100. “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, the former president’s son. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.” The Carter Center said there will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington. These events will be followed by a private interment in Plains, it said. Final arrangements for the former president's state funeral are still pending, according to the center. Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, served as president from January 1977 to January 1981 after defeating incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford in the 1976 US election. Carter was swept from office four years later in an electoral landslide as voters embraced Republican challenger Ronald Reagan, the former actor and California governor. Carter lived longer after his term in office than any other US president. Along the way, he earned a reputation as a better former president than he was a president — a status he readily acknowledged. His one-term presidency was marked by the highs of the 1978 Camp David accords between Israel and Egypt, bringing some stability to the Middle East. But it was dogged by an economy in recession, persistent unpopularity and the embarrassment of the Iran hostage crisis that consumed his final 444 days in office. In recent years, Carter had experienced several health issues including melanoma that spread to his liver and brain . Carter decided to receive hospice care in February 2023 instead of undergoing additional medical intervention. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, died on Nov. 19, 2023, at age 96. He looked frail when he attended her memorial service and funeral in a wheelchair. Carter left office profoundly unpopular but worked energetically for decades on humanitarian causes. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 in recognition of his "untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development." Carter had been a centrist as governor of Georgia with populist tendencies when he moved into the White House as the 39th US president. He was a Washington outsider at a time when America was still reeling from the Watergate scandal that led Republican Richard Nixon to resign as president in 1974 and elevated Ford from vice president. "I'm Jimmy Carter and I'm running for president. I will never lie to you," Carter promised with an ear-to-ear smile. Asked to assess his presidency, Carter said in a 1991 documentary: "The biggest failure we had was a political failure. I never was able to convince the American people that I was a forceful and strong leader." Despite his difficulties in office, Carter had few rivals for accomplishments as a former president. He gained global acclaim as a tireless human rights advocate, a voice for the disenfranchised and a leader in the fight against hunger and poverty, winning the respect that eluded him in the White House. Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to promote human rights and resolve conflicts around the world, from Ethiopia and Eritrea to Bosnia and Haiti. His Carter Center in Atlanta sent international election-monitoring delegations to polls around the world. A Southern Baptist Sunday school teacher since his teens, Carter brought a strong sense of morality to the presidency, speaking openly about his religious faith. He also sought to take some pomp out of an increasingly imperial presidency — walking, rather than riding in a limousine, in his 1977 inauguration parade. The Middle East was the focus of Carter's foreign policy. The 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty, based on the 1978 Camp David accords, ended a state of war between the two neighbors. Carter brought Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin to the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland for talks. Later, as the accords seemed to be unraveling, Carter saved the day by flying to Cairo and Jerusalem for personal shuttle diplomacy. The treaty provided for Israeli withdrawal from Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and establishment of diplomatic relations. Begin and Sadat each won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1978. By the 1980 election, the overriding issues were double-digit inflation, interest rates that exceeded 20% and soaring gas prices, as well as the Iran hostage crisis that brought humiliation to America. These issues marred Carter's presidency and undermined his chances of winning a second term. Hostage crisis On Nov. 4, 1979, revolutionaries devoted to Iran's Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini had stormed the US Embassy in Tehran, seized the Americans present and demanded the return of the ousted shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was backed by the United States and was being treated in a US hospital. The American public initially rallied behind Carter. But his support faded in April 1980 when a commando raid failed to rescue the hostages, with eight US soldiers killed in an aircraft accident in the Iranian desert. Carter's final ignominy was that Iran held the 52 hostages until minutes after Reagan took his oath of office on Jan. 20, 1981, to replace Carter, then released the planes carrying them to freedom. In another crisis, Carter protested the former Soviet Union's 1979 invasion of Afghanistan by boycotting the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. He also asked the US Senate to defer consideration of a major nuclear arms accord with Moscow. Unswayed, the Soviets remained in Afghanistan for a decade. Carter won narrow Senate approval in 1978 of a treaty to transfer the Panama Canal to the control of Panama despite critics who argued the waterway was vital to American security. He also completed negotiations on full US ties with China. Carter created two new US Cabinet departments — education and energy. Amid high gas prices, he said America's "energy crisis" was "the moral equivalent of war" and urged the country to embrace conservation. "Ours is the most wasteful nation on earth," he told Americans in 1977. In 1979, Carter delivered what became known as his "malaise" speech to the nation, although he never used that word. "After listening to the American people I have been reminded again that all the legislation in the world can't fix what's wrong with America," he said in his televised address. "The threat is nearly invisible in ordinary ways. It is a crisis of confidence. It is a crisis that strikes at the very heart and soul and spirit of our national will. The erosion of our confidence in the future is threatening to destroy the social and the political fabric of America." As president, the strait-laced Carter was embarrassed by the behavior of his hard-drinking younger brother, Billy Carter, who had boasted: "I got a red neck, white socks, and Blue Ribbon beer." 'There you go again' Jimmy Carter withstood a challenge from Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy for the 1980 Democratic presidential nomination but was politically diminished heading into his general election battle against a vigorous Republican adversary. Reagan, the conservative who projected an image of strength, kept Carter off balance during their debates before the November 1980 election. Reagan dismissively told Carter, "There you go again," when the Republican challenger felt the president had misrepresented Reagan's views during one debate. Carter lost the 1980 election to Reagan, who won 44 of the 50 states and amassed an Electoral College landslide. James Earl Carter Jr. was born on Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, one of four children of a farmer and shopkeeper. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1946, served in the nuclear submarine program and left to manage the family peanut farming business. He married his wife, Rosalynn, in 1946, a union he called "the most important thing in my life." They had three sons and a daughter. Carter became a millionaire, a Georgia state legislator and Georgia's governor from 1971 to 1975. He mounted an underdog bid for the 1976 Democratic presidential nomination, and out-hustled his rivals for the right to face Ford in the general election. With Walter Mondale as his vice presidential running mate, Carter was given a boost by a major Ford gaffe during one of their debates. Ford said that "there is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe and there never will be under a Ford administration," despite decades of just such domination. Carter edged Ford in the election, even though Ford actually won more states — 27 to Carter's 23. Not all of Carter's post-presidential work was appreciated. Former President George W. Bush and his father, former President George H.W. Bush, both Republicans, were said to have been displeased by Carter's freelance diplomacy in Iraq and elsewhere. In 2004, Carter called the Iraq war launched in 2003 by the younger Bush one of the most "gross and damaging mistakes our nation ever made." He called George W. Bush's administration "the worst in history" and said Vice President Dick Cheney was "a disaster for our country." In 2019, Carter questioned Republican Donald Trump's legitimacy as president, saying "he was put into office because the Russians interfered on his behalf." Trump responded by calling Carter "a terrible president." Carter also made trips to communist North Korea. A 1994 visit defused a nuclear crisis, as President Kim Il Sung agreed to freeze his nuclear program in exchange for resumed dialogue with the United States. That led to a deal in which North Korea, in return for aid, promised not to restart its nuclear reactor or reprocess the plant's spent fuel. But Carter irked Democratic President Bill Clinton's administration by announcing the deal with North Korea's leader without first checking with Washington. In 2010, Carter won the release of an American sentenced to eight years hard labor for illegally entering North Korea. Carter wrote more than two dozen books, ranging from a presidential memoir to a children's book and poetry, as well as works about religious faith and diplomacy. His book "Faith: A Journey for All," was published in 2018. —ReutersAP Business SummaryBrief at 2:56 p.m. ESTFaruqi & Faruqi Reminds Lilium Investors of the Pending Class Action Lawsuit with a Lead ...

India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, architect of economic reforms, dies at 92

The Onion's rejected purchase of Infowars in an auction bid supported by families of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting dealt them a new setback Wednesday and clouded the future of Alex Jones' conspiracy theory platform, which is now poised to remain in his control for at least the near future. What's next for Infowars and Sandy Hook families' long-sought efforts to hold Jones accountable over calling one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history a hoax was unclear, after a federal judge in Houston late Tuesday rejected The Onion's winning bid for the site . U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston said he did not want another auction but offered no roadmap over how to proceed. One possibility includes ultimately allowing Sandy Hook families — who comprise most of Jones' creditors — to return to state courts in Connecticut and Texas to collect on the nearly $1.5 billion in defamation and emotional distress lawsuit judgments that Jones was ordered to pay them. “Our hope is that when this process ends, and it will end, and it will end sooner rather than later, is that all assets that Alex Jones has available are paid to the families, and that includes Infowars, and that as a result of that process Alex Jones is deprived of the ownership and control of the platform that he’s used to hurt so many people,” Christopher Mattei, an attorney for the Sandy Hook families, said in a phone interview Wednesday. The families, meanwhile, were preparing the mark the 12th anniversary of the Dec. 14 shooting. The sale of Infowars is part of Jones’ personal bankruptcy case , which he filed in late 2022 after he was ordered to pay the $1.5 billion. Jones was sued for repeatedly saying on his show that the 2012 massacre of 20 first graders and six educators was staged by crisis actors to spur more gun control. Lopez said there was a lack of transparency in the bidding process and too much confusion about The Onion's bid. He also said the amount of money offered in the only two bids was too low and there needed to be more effort to try to raise as much money possible from the selling of Infowars' assets. The Onion's parent company, Global Tetrahedron, submitted a $1.75 million cash offer with plans to kick Jones out and relaunch Infowars in January as a parody . The bid also included a deal with many of the Sandy Hook families for them to forgo $750,000 of their auction proceeds and give it to other creditors. Lopez called it a complex arrangement that led to different interpretations of the bid's actual value as well as last-minute changes to a proposed sale order. The other bidder was First United American Companies, which runs a website in Jones’ name that sells nutritional supplements and planned to let Jones stay on the Infowars platforms. It offered $3.5 million in cash and later, with Jones, alleged fraud and collusion in the bidding process. Lopez rejected the allegations, saying that while mistakes were made there was no wrongdoing. Christopher Murray, the trustee who oversaw the auction, said he picked The Onion and its deal with the Sandy Hook families because it would have provided more money to Jones' other creditors. The next steps remained unclear Wednesday. The judge directed Murray to come up with a new plan to move forward. Murray and representatives of The Onion did not immediately return messages seeking comment. The judge said there was a possibility there could be a trial in 2025 to settle Jones' bankruptcy. He said Murray could try to sell the equity in Infowars' parent company. He also said Murray could abandon the efforts, which could allow the Sandy Hook families to return to the state courts where they won their lawsuits against Jones and begin collection proceedings against him. The judge said he wanted to hear back from Murray and others involved in the bankruptcy within 30 days on a plan to move forward. Mattei, who represented the Sandy Hook families in the Connecticut lawsuit, said everyone is waiting to see what plan the trustee comes up with. Jones, meanwhile, continued to allege fraud and collusion on his show Wednesday and threatened legal action over what he called an attempted “rigged auction.” On the social media platform X, he called the judge's ruling a “Major Victory For Freedom Of The Press & Due Process." “I don’t want to have to go after these people, lawsuit-wise, but we have to because if you don’t then you’re aiding and abetting and they do it to other people. They made some big mistakes," he said. It's a solemn and heartbreaking week for relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. The 12th anniversary is Saturday, and some of the victims' relatives were traveling to Washington, D.C., to attend the annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence on Wednesday evening. The families usually mark the anniversary out of the public eye. Many of the families said their lawsuits against Jones bought back the unbearable pain of losing their loved ones, as well as the trauma of being harassed and threatened by believers of Jones' hoax conspiracy. Relatives said they have been confronted in public by hoax believers and received death and rape threats. Robbie Parker, whose 6-year-old daughter Emilie was killed, testified at the Connecticut lawsuit trial in 2022 that the decade of abuse his family suffered made them move across the country to Washington state, and even there he was accosted in person. The families have not received any money from Jones since winning the trials. Jones has been appealing the $1.5 billion in judgments, and has since conceded that the shooting did happen. Last week, a Connecticut appeals court upheld most of the judgment in that state but reduced it by $150 million. Associated Press writer Juan A. Lozano in Houston contributed to this report.

Johnny Sexton autobiography wins Irish Sports Book of the YearIndependence Realty Trust, Inc. (IRT) to Issue Quarterly Dividend of $0.16 on January 17th

West Virginia knocks off No. 3 Gonzaga in overtimeCash position at over $125 Million in just under 7 months as a public company Financing provides cash runway to expedite cutting-edge portable nuclear microreactor technologies, auxiliary businesses, seek complimentary acquisitions and drive growth towards initial revenue generation New York, N.Y., Nov. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”) , a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing portable, clean energy solutions, today announced the closing of a private placement with three accredited institutional investors for gross proceeds of approximately $60 million to NANO Nuclear, before deducting offering expenses. In the private placement, NANO Nuclear sold 2,500,002 shares of common stock and five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to an additional 2,500,002 shares of common stock, or 100% warrant coverage, at a combined purchase price of $24.00 for each share and associated warrant. The warrants are exercisable for $26.00 per share. The proceeds from this financing significantly augments NANO Nuclear’s cash on hand to over $125 million. With this cash on hand, NANO Nuclear will be able to more readily advance and expedite its cutting-edge microreactors, auxiliary businesses, seek complimentary acquisitions and drive growth towards initial revenue generation. “We are humbled to be supported by a growing number of institutional investors,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy. “We will continue to work extremely hard to establish NANO Nuclear as one of the leaders in the U.S. advanced nuclear energy market. With over $125 Million now in our treasury, we are positioned for rapid growth, to drive stockholder value and to realize our vision of becoming a leading, diversified, and vertically integrated advanced nuclear energy company.” The Benchmark Company, LLC acted as sole placement agent for the transaction. The securities sold in the private placement have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the SEC or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. The Company has agreed to file, by January 15, 2025, a registration statement with the SEC covering the resale of the shares of common stock and shares of common stock underlying the warrants issued in the private placement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc. NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable microreactor technology, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S. Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s products in technical development are “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor , each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors. Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT) , a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America. HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF) , a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry. NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS) , a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon's surface. For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/ For further information, please contact: Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com Business Tel: (212) 634-9206 PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE: NANO Nuclear Energy LINKEDIN NANO Nuclear Energy YOUTUBE NANO Nuclear Energy TWITTER Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release or related events contain or may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements (including statements related to the closing, and the anticipated benefits to the Company, of the private placement described herein) related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", “potential”, "will", "should", "could", "would" or "may" and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management's current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of government regulation and policies including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the recently enacted ADVANCE Act, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings . Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

Lower populated areas in the UK areas are outpacing London in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure , according to data compiled during October 2024. This extends to areas traditionally overlooked in tech advancements, like Wokingham and Vale of Glamorgan. Globally, electric car sales neared 14 million in 2023, 95% of which were in China, Europe and the U.S. Wokingham alone has registered an increase in private EV ownership (n=185). Meanwhile, Vale of Glamorgan’s 85.19 percent increase in total charging stations is a testament to its proactive approach to infrastructure development. The top ten areas are: However, enabling works highlight a divided nation. While some regions boast more than 30 percent growth in charging infrastructure, others are not keeping up, showing a divide that could shape future transport policies. The bottom areas of the UK are: This review comes from junction21chauffeurs.co.uk and it is designed to provide insights into the UK’s shift towards electric vehicles. Areas with increases in total 50KW charging stations: Areas with decreases or slow progress in total 50KW charging stations: These findings challenge existing narratives, revealing a complex landscape of EV adoption that spans beyond urban centres. The UK’s electric vehicle ambitions now hinges on a race against time – can the charging network expand fast enough to support the wave of new EVs hitting the roads? Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.jili slot app 。

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(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .DENVER — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's "America's Got Talent" meets "American Idol," with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it's never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at "Dream Team" status given the men's side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023. The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. "We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport," said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. "We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world." Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores. "Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That's something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok, the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado's two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. "If a receiver is running around, I'm thinking, 'OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,'" Daniels explained. "They're like, 'No, you can't.' I'm just like, 'So I'm supposed to let this guy just run?!' I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn." The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. "I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. "I'm not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, 'I played NFL football for five years. I'm popular. I have a huge name.' I'm still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise." Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It's his way of working on avoiding a "defender" trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. "You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the 'Redeem Team' led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, 'That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. "Everybody thinks, 'Yeah, the U.S. just wins,'" Daniels said. "But we work hard all the time. We don't just walk in. We don't just get off the bus thinking, 'We're going to beat people.'" Get local news delivered to your inbox!ZURICH — Saudi Arabia was officially confirmed Wednesday by FIFA as host of the 2034 World Cup in men's soccer, giving the oil-rich kingdom its biggest prize yet for massive spending on global sports driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Saudi bid was the only candidate and was acclaimed by the applause of more than 200 FIFA member federations. They took part remotely in an online meeting hosted in Zurich by the soccer body's president Gianni Infantino. "The vote of the congress is loud and clear," said Infantino, who had asked officials on a bank of screens to clap their hands at head level to show their support. The decision was combined with approving the only candidate to host the 2030 World Cup. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will co-host in a six-nation project, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay each getting one of the 104 games. The South American connection will mark the centenary of Uruguay hosting the first World Cup in 1930. The decisions complete a mostly opaque 15-month bid process which Infantino helped steer toward Saudi Arabia without a rival candidate, without taking questions, and which human rights groups warn will put the lives of migrant workers at risk. "We look forward to hosting an exceptional and unprecedented edition of the FIFA World Cup by harnessing our strengths and capabilities to bring joy to football fans around the world," Prince Mohammed said in a statement. FIFA and Saudi officials have said hosting the 2034 tournament can accelerate change, including more freedoms and rights for women, with Infantino on Wednesday calling the World Cup a "unique catalyst for positive social change and unity." "I fully trust our hosts to address all open points in this process, and deliver a World Cup that meets the world's expectations," the FIFA president said. An international collective of rights groups said FIFA made a "reckless decision" to approve Saudi Arabia without getting public assurances, and the Football Supporters Europe group said it was "the day football truly lost its mind." A fast-track path to victory was cleared last year by FIFA accepting the three-continent hosting plan for the 2030 World Cup. It meant only soccer federations in Asia and Oceania were eligible for the 2034 contest, and FIFA gave countries less than four weeks to declare a bid. Only Saudi Arabia did. The win will kick off a decade of scrutiny on Saudi labor laws and treatment of workers mostly from South Asia needed to help build and upgrade 15 stadiums, plus hotels and transport networks ahead of the 104-game tournament. Amnesty International said awarding the tournament to Saudi Arabia represents "a moment of great danger" for human rights. "FIFA's reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections are in place will put many lives at risk," said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International's Head of Labor Rights and Sport." One of the stadiums is planned to be 350 meters (yards) above the ground in Neom — a futuristic city that does not yet exist — and another named for the crown prince is designed to be atop a 200-meter cliff near Riyadh. During the bid campaign, FIFA has accepted limited scrutiny of Saudi Arabia's human rights record that was widely criticized this year at the United Nations. Saudi and international rights groups and activists warned FIFA it has not learned the lessons of Qatar's much-criticized preparations to host the 2022 World Cup. "At every stage of this bidding process, FIFA has shown its commitment to human rights to be a sham," Cockburn said. The kingdom plans to spend tens of billion of dollars on projects related to the World Cup as part of the crown prince's sweeping Vision 2030 project that aims to modernize Saudi society and economy. At its core is spending on sports by the $900 billion sovereign wealth operation, the Public Investment Fund, which he oversees. "It's amazing. The infrastructure, the stadiums, the conditions for the fans and everything. After what I see, I'm more convinced that 2034 will be the best World Cup ever," Cristiano Ronaldo said in a recorded package posted on X. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been part of Saudi Arabia's lavish spending on soccer — stunning the sport when agreeing to sign for Al Nassr in 2022 for a record-breaking salary reportedly worth up to $200 million a year. Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of "sportswashing" the kingdom's reputation. The prince, known as MBS, has built close working ties to Infantino since 2017 — aligning with the organizer of sport's most-watched event rather than directly confronting the established system as it did with the disruptive LIV Golf project. The result for Saudi Arabia and FIFA has been smooth progress toward the win Wednesday with limited pushback from soccer officials, though some from women international players. The steady flow of Saudi cash into international soccer is set to increase. FIFA created a new and higher World Cup sponsor category for state oil firm Aramco, and Saudi funding is set to underwrite the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States that is a pet project for Infantino. North American soccer body CONCACAF signed a multi-year deal with PIF, Saudi stadiums host Super Cup games for Italy and Spain, and nearly 50 FIFA member federations have signed working agreements with Saudi counterparts. Lavish spending by PIF-owned Saudi clubs in the past two years buying and paying players – including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mané – put hundreds of millions of dollars into European soccer. That influence could be key in talks to agree which months to play the 2034 World Cup. The November-December slot taken by Qatar in 2022 to avoid extreme midsummer heat is complicated in 2034 by the holy month of Ramadan through mid-December and Riyadh hosting the multi-sport Asian Games. Still, January 2034 could be an option — and likely better for European clubs and leagues —after the International Olympic Committee said it saw few issues in clashing with the Salt Lake Winter Games opening Feb. 10, 2034. The IOC also has a major commercial deal with Saudi Arabia, to host the new Esports Olympics.

Copper prices dropped modestly on Tuesday after incoming U.S. President Donald Trump provided details of proposed tariffs on top metals consumer China, which were lower than expected. Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange (LME) CMCU3 was down 0.1% at $9,040 per metric ton in official open-outcry trading, paring losses after touching an inter-day low of $8,958. On Monday, Trump pledged an additional 25% tariff on all products from Mexico and Canada from his first day in office, and 10% tariffs on goods from China. He has previously pledged to end China’s most-favored-nation trading status and slap tariffs on Chinese imports in excess of 60% – much higher than those imposed during his first term. “Trump’s message is pretty strong and the market obviously doesn’t like it, but the 10% on China was lower than what the market might have feared,” said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank in Copenhagen. The most-traded January copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) SCFcv1 closed down 0.3% to 73,740 yuan ($10,162.48) a ton. China’s peak demand season, which spans November and December, has also prevented a further decline in copper prices, with SHFE inventories falling and import premiums rising to a one-month high of $53 a ton SMM-CUYP-CN. On wider markets, the dollar rallied while European shares fell in the aftermath of Trump’s announcement. The dollar index .DXY pulled back from its gains and was slightly weaker in early afternoon European trading. A softer dollar makes commodities priced in the U.S. currency less expensive for buyers using other currencies. LME copper has shed 12% since hitting a four-month peak on Sept. 30. “Copper looks somewhat challenged, it’s trading near the low end of its recent range and the risk at this point is for some additional weakness,” Hansen said. Zinc CMZN3 jumped 1.9% to $3,077 a ton in official activity afterholders of LME inventories gave notice they wanted to remove over 50,000 tons of material, cutting the amount of available stocks by a fifth. Meanwhile, LME aluminium CMAL3 fell 1.2% to $2,620, nickel CMNI3 shed 0.5% to $16,125, lead CMPB3 was up 0.3% at $2,034 and tin CMSN3 dipped 0.1% to $28,950. Source: Reuters (Reporting by Eric Onstad; Additional reporting by Mai Nguyen in Hanoi; Editing by Shreya Biswas and Ed Osmond)

ZURICH — Saudi Arabia was officially confirmed Wednesday by FIFA as host of the 2034 World Cup in men's soccer, giving the oil-rich kingdom its biggest prize yet for massive spending on global sports driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Saudi bid was the only candidate and was acclaimed by the applause of more than 200 FIFA member federations. They took part remotely in an online meeting hosted in Zurich by the soccer body's president Gianni Infantino. "The vote of the congress is loud and clear," said Infantino, who had asked officials on a bank of screens to clap their hands at head level to show their support. The decision was combined with approving the only candidate to host the 2030 World Cup. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will co-host in a six-nation project, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay each getting one of the 104 games. The South American connection will mark the centenary of Uruguay hosting the first World Cup in 1930. The decisions complete a mostly opaque 15-month bid process which Infantino helped steer toward Saudi Arabia without a rival candidate, without taking questions, and which human rights groups warn will put the lives of migrant workers at risk. "We look forward to hosting an exceptional and unprecedented edition of the FIFA World Cup by harnessing our strengths and capabilities to bring joy to football fans around the world," Prince Mohammed said in a statement. FIFA and Saudi officials have said hosting the 2034 tournament can accelerate change, including more freedoms and rights for women, with Infantino on Wednesday calling the World Cup a "unique catalyst for positive social change and unity." "I fully trust our hosts to address all open points in this process, and deliver a World Cup that meets the world's expectations," the FIFA president said. An international collective of rights groups said FIFA made a "reckless decision" to approve Saudi Arabia without getting public assurances, and the Football Supporters Europe group said it was "the day football truly lost its mind." A fast-track path to victory was cleared last year by FIFA accepting the three-continent hosting plan for the 2030 World Cup. It meant only soccer federations in Asia and Oceania were eligible for the 2034 contest, and FIFA gave countries less than four weeks to declare a bid. Only Saudi Arabia did. The win will kick off a decade of scrutiny on Saudi labor laws and treatment of workers mostly from South Asia needed to help build and upgrade 15 stadiums, plus hotels and transport networks ahead of the 104-game tournament. Amnesty International said awarding the tournament to Saudi Arabia represents "a moment of great danger" for human rights. "FIFA's reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections are in place will put many lives at risk," said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International's Head of Labor Rights and Sport." One of the stadiums is planned to be 350 meters (yards) above the ground in Neom — a futuristic city that does not yet exist — and another named for the crown prince is designed to be atop a 200-meter cliff near Riyadh. During the bid campaign, FIFA has accepted limited scrutiny of Saudi Arabia's human rights record that was widely criticized this year at the United Nations. Saudi and international rights groups and activists warned FIFA it has not learned the lessons of Qatar's much-criticized preparations to host the 2022 World Cup. "At every stage of this bidding process, FIFA has shown its commitment to human rights to be a sham," Cockburn said. The kingdom plans to spend tens of billion of dollars on projects related to the World Cup as part of the crown prince's sweeping Vision 2030 project that aims to modernize Saudi society and economy. At its core is spending on sports by the $900 billion sovereign wealth operation, the Public Investment Fund, which he oversees. "It's amazing. The infrastructure, the stadiums, the conditions for the fans and everything. After what I see, I'm more convinced that 2034 will be the best World Cup ever," Cristiano Ronaldo said in a recorded package posted on X. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been part of Saudi Arabia's lavish spending on soccer — stunning the sport when agreeing to sign for Al Nassr in 2022 for a record-breaking salary reportedly worth up to $200 million a year. Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of "sportswashing" the kingdom's reputation. The prince, known as MBS, has built close working ties to Infantino since 2017 — aligning with the organizer of sport's most-watched event rather than directly confronting the established system as it did with the disruptive LIV Golf project. The result for Saudi Arabia and FIFA has been smooth progress toward the win Wednesday with limited pushback from soccer officials, though some from women international players. The steady flow of Saudi cash into international soccer is set to increase. FIFA created a new and higher World Cup sponsor category for state oil firm Aramco, and Saudi funding is set to underwrite the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States that is a pet project for Infantino. North American soccer body CONCACAF signed a multi-year deal with PIF, Saudi stadiums host Super Cup games for Italy and Spain, and nearly 50 FIFA member federations have signed working agreements with Saudi counterparts. Lavish spending by PIF-owned Saudi clubs in the past two years buying and paying players – including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mané – put hundreds of millions of dollars into European soccer. That influence could be key in talks to agree which months to play the 2034 World Cup. The November-December slot taken by Qatar in 2022 to avoid extreme midsummer heat is complicated in 2034 by the holy month of Ramadan through mid-December and Riyadh hosting the multi-sport Asian Games. Still, January 2034 could be an option — and likely better for European clubs and leagues —after the International Olympic Committee said it saw few issues in clashing with the Salt Lake Winter Games opening Feb. 10, 2034. The IOC also has a major commercial deal with Saudi Arabia, to host the new Esports Olympics. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Stock market today: Wall Street gets back to climbing, sending Nasdaq to a recordSanta Clara, CA and Kyoto, Japan, Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ROHM Semiconductor and Valeo, a leading automotive technology company, today announced they are collaborating to propose and optimize the next generation of power modules for electric motor inverters using their combined expertise in power electronics management. As a first step, ROHM will provide its 2-in-1 Silicon Carbide (SiC) molded module TRCDRIVE packTM to Valeo for future powertrain solutions. Valeo is broadening access to efficient, electrified mobility across various vehicle types and markets from the smallest one (ebikes), through the mainstream (passenger cars) to the largest one (eTrucks). By combining Valeo’s expertise in mechatronics, thermal management and software development with ROHM’s power modules, Valeo drives the power electronics solution forward, contributing to the performance, efficiency, and decarbonization of automotive systems worldwide. ROHM and Valeo have been collaborating since 2022, initially focusing on technical exchanges aimed at improving the performance and efficiency of the motor inverter – a key component in the propulsion systems of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). By refining power electronics, both companies aim to offer optimized cost/performance by delivering higher energy efficiency, reducing heat generation thanks to an optimized cooling and mechatronic integration, and increasing overall reliability with a SiC packaging. “We are pleased to support Valeo, a renowned automotive supplier, with our power semiconductors. ROHM’s TRCDRIVE pack provides high power density, leading to an improved power efficiency. Together, we contribute to the development of highly efficient powertrains by fostering the collaboration with Valeo,” said Wolfram HARNACK, President ROHM Semiconductor GmbH. “This partnership marks, for Valeo Power Division, a significant step forward in delivering advanced and high-efficient power electronics,” says Xavier DUPONT, Valeo Power Division CEO. “Together, we aim to set new industry standards for high voltage inverters and accelerate the transition towards more efficient and affordable electric mobility.” These evolutions are all essential to supporting the growing demand for longer range, faster charging capabilities and, overall, a high-performance and an affordable inverter for BEVs and PHEVs. Valeo will start supplying a first series project in early 2026. ROHM and Valeo will contribute to the improvement of efficiency and downsizing of Valeo’s next generation of xEV inverters. Background on ROHM’s TRCDRIVE pack TRCDRIVE pack is a trademark for ROHM’s SiC molded module developed for traction inverter drives. This product features high power density and a unique terminal configuration, solving the key challenges of traction inverters in terms of miniaturization, higher efficiency, and fewer person-hours. Because SiC enables low-loss power conversion under high-voltage conditions, combining Valeo's component technology, casing design and thermal management expertise with ROHM's power module creates a synergistic effect. Through both companies’ collaboration in automotive power electronics, they contribute to achieving a decarbonized society by enhancing the performance and efficiency of the motor inverter. More information is available at: https://www.rohm.com/news-detail?news-title=2024-06-11_news_trcdrive-pack&defaultGroupId=false TRCDRIVE packTM is a trademark or registered trademark of ROHM Co., Ltd. About Valeo Valeo is a technology company and partner to all automakers and new mobility players worldwide. The company innovates to make mobility safer, smarter and more sustainable. Valeo enjoys technological and industrial leadership in electrification, driving assistance systems, reinvention of the interior experience and lighting everywhere. These four areas, vital to the transformation of mobility, are the Group's growth drivers. https://www.valeo.com/ Valeo in figures: 22 billion euros in sales in 2023 | 109 600 employees, 28 countries, 159 plants, 64 research and development centers and 19 distribution platforms (June 30, 2024). Valeo is listed on the Paris stock Exchange. About ROHM Semiconductor ROHM, a leading semiconductor and electronic component manufacturer, was established in 1958. From the automotive and industrial equipment markets to the consumer and communication sectors, ROHM supplies ICs, discretes, and electronic components featuring superior quality and reliability through a global sales and development network. The company’s strengths in the analog and power markets allow ROHM to propose optimized solutions for entire systems that combine peripheral components (i.e., transistors, diodes, resistors) with the latest SiC power devices, as well as drive ICs that maximize their performance. https://www.rohm.com/ Attachment Keng Ly ROHM Semiconductor (248) 348-9920 kly@rohmsemiconductor.com Heather Savage BWW Communications (408) 507-4398 heather.savage@bwwcomms.com

BRKH, ARCH, B URGENT: The M&A Class Action Firm Encourages $hareholders to Act Before the Vote

1. A magnetic phone mount that clips onto your heat vents so you don't have to look down at your phone for directions. You can *safely* keep your eyes on the road (which you should be doing anyway), and once you make it to your destination, just pop it off the magnet! Promising review: "I bought this for my cell phone. It comes with a magnet to attach to my cell phone and then attach the other magnet to the dash of my car air vent. After I make a call, I attach my cell phone on the magnet and can talk hands free. My voice is heard clearly to the recipient of my call. I love it." — Arlene Berge Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.98 . 2. A compact extendable window sunshade you easily attach with suction cups and fan out when needed so you can have some sun protection in seconds. This will make the inside of your car much, much cooler (both in vibes *and* temperature). Check out a TikTok of the sunshade in action. Promising review: "I purchased this windshield cover for our RV, it holds the heat out and covers the window completely! Well worth the money, it’s sturdy and the suction cups hold up for long periods of time!" — Allison Get it from Amazon for $26.45+ (available in three styles). 3. A sleek backseat hook for your bags, groceries, and purses because we've all had that moment of slamming on the brakes when the light turns red out of nowhere — and your things go EVERYWHERE. This will make sure your eggs and nice purse never collide with each other... they're both too precious! Promising review: "I saw this product in a TikTok video for 'products on Amazon you didn’t know you needed' and added it to my cart. I didn’t actually purchase it until I got a new bigger car and my kids were sick of me setting my big purse on their feet in the car. It’s easy to snap on and stays in place. Money well spent!" — Asha Brown Get a set of two from Amazon for $5.99 (available in two colors). 4. A comfy seatbelt shoulder pad so you don't have to tug at the strap that's uncomfortably chaffing your neck as you drive. Reviewers who are shorter swear by this because it's soft, durable, and makes driving more enjoyable! It's super easy to attach to your seatbelt since it just wraps around with velcro. Promising review: "I'm fairly short and seatbelts cut into my neck. This little gizmo has made driving a lot more pleasant for me and is such an easy solution. It comes in a two-pack, so there is one for the passenger side, as well. I liked being able to pick a color to coordinate with my car. The price is good. Other than making one yourself which I don't have time to do, I highly recommend!" — Dolphin Get a two-pack from Amazon for $7.99 (available in 18 colors). 5. A collapsible trunk organizer to give your random assortment of stuff a home that looks a teensy bit more put together. Your umbrella, ice scraper, and cleaning supplies can go in the seemingly endless amount of pockets and compartments so you always know where everything is. This organizer has three sectioned compartments on the side, four mesh pockets on the front, and two side pockets. Promising review: "Great organizer. Easy to collapse if I need to put it away. Storage pockets are well thought out and sturdy. Fun prints, too." — RDD Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in 12 prints and three sizes). 6. A Saucemoto dip clip if you loveee a dipping sauce with your fries or nuggets. It holds various sauce sizes and clips onto your air vent, so you can dip and eat while keeping your eyes on the road. Saucemoto is a small business established in 2018 that specializes in unique car accessories. Promising review: "How did I go so long without one of these??? The Saucemoto was my first 'TikTok Made Me Buy It' purchase and I have no regrets. It clips easily to my car's vent and the sauce cups clip in easily so I can dip and drive . No more trying not to dump the sauce by accident while steering with the same hand that's holding the dip cup. It even comes with a dip cup for those places that do the pouches for their sauces rather than the cups. (I'm looking at you, Arby's.) Ya know, you end up squeezing the sauce onto the wrapper that's balanced on your lap and you end up getting some sauce on your steering wheel. OR you try the whole 'wrapper and sauce on the passenger seat and try to dip while watching the road,' which usually doesn't turn out so great." — Pleasure Pamela Get set of two from Amazon for $12.99 (available in three colors). 7. A steering wheel tray because you deserve to enjoy your lunch break during work without accidentally spilling food all over your lap. Reviewers also use it as a makeshift desk for their laptop, a changing station for their baby, or a makeup vanity — the options are endless! Promising review: "I often times like to enjoy my lunch at work in my car, I just like having my own personal space but I’m always dropping my food on the seats and floor of my car. This product is super nifty and I am guilty of discovering it via TikTok of course, but it’s great!" — Bella W Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 14 colors). 8. A memory foam cushion if you're tired of your butt going numb after sitting in the car for too long. It'll relieve pressure on your back and tailbone so you can actually enjoy a long commute. This has even given reviewers with sciatica some relief! Promising review: "I bought this several years ago and have been using it on my desk chair. I was recently cleaning and when I got to my chair I thought, "I don't know why I have this cushion here, I don't have much problem with my sciatica anymore." .....Then I realized the obvious. I don't have as many problems with my back anymore since I've been using this cushion! What I need to do now is remember to use it on long car rides as well. This is one of the least expensive options for seat cushions and it works! Spend more if you wish. But this cushion holds up over time and — did I mention — IT WORKS! " — JennySue Get it from Amazon for $37.44+ (available in three colors). 9. A sleek seat gap filler so you don't ever have to clean that weird, hard-to-reach area in your car again. McDonald's fries, loose change, and other mystery tidbits have met their match. Drop Stop is a small business that specializes in car accessories. Promising review: "Somehow my phone manages to ALWAYS fall perfectly between the large gap between my console and seat. And MAN when I'm driving it is so frustrating, because I can NEVER reach it without stopping the car, because it's wayyyy under my seat. Before I ordered this I tried the traditional insert that is a popular solution because it gives you extra storage and such, but it didn't fit the gap, it was loose, sloppy and would literally slide forward with the brakes. UGH, Those are now sitting on my bar waiting to be gifted to some lucky person hopefully with a smaller gap . I immediately ordered these and love love love them !" — Ronald & Shannon White Get a two-pack from Amazon for $24.99 . 10. Or, a console side pocket if you want something that blocks stuff from falling into that deep crack and provides more storage for your things — AND adds an extra cup holder!! Because, yes, we need space for our three drink mornings, lip balms, and change from the Starbucks drive-thru! The gap has to be *at least* .3 inches for this to fit — just FYI! Promising review: "I put this in last night and went to work today and everything was perfect. I did have to install the foam spacers (included) to make it a really snug fit. It would have still worked without it but I like things perfect. So now the coins go in the coin pocket and my keys and other work related accessories go in the bigger pocket. This is one of the best cheap life hacks you can get if you're a car person and/or just like being organized and neat. " — R Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available with or without cupholder). 11. A blind-spot mirror so you don't have to look over your shoulder a bajillion times when switching lanes. Reviewers say this helps them feel safer when driving — and for under $10!? That's pretty worth it IMO. Promising review: "I bought these for my mom's car and mine a while back ago and these little things are great. Since I got my license, I've hated merging or switching lanes; I never felt good or safe doing it. Since having these it's been a blessing, I feel less like a scared new driver. I'm currently encouraging my sister and friends to invest in these too! These are also great for backing up, because you can see exactly how close you are to hitting the car behind, and it's helpful when I parallel park in the city." — Mariam Abass Get a pack of two from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in seven shapes and in a pack of four). 12. A dimmable LED car visor mirror if you're just *so* over using your car's tiny Polly Pocket mirror to make sure your hair and makeup look perfect. You'll never return to your old mirror again, because this is much bigger and has three lighting modes — it's basically an on-the-go vanity! This attaches right over your car visor — easy peasy! Promising review: "Very large, very bright but brightness is adjustable. You also have the choice of true white LED illumination or a softer incidence 'yellow'/natural light or you can run both simultaneously. Very large but would fit all sun visors. No magnification (that I am aware of) but its clarity makes you think it does. Battery is chargeable but we have not needed to recharge it yet due to its long battery run time . It’s inexpensive and needed for anyone that loves to 'finish getting ready in the car.'" — Chris Cook Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in three colors and two-packs). 13. A portable car vacuum because we like to think our car will *stay* clean post-deep cleaning, but accidents happen! Reviewers with kids and dogs say this sucks up crumbs and hair with no issue at all. It plugs right into your 12V outlet and one reviewer said the super long cord was able to reach the back of their Ford Expedition! Promising review: "This vacuum is great and worth the price!! I sometimes have my friend's dog in my car who sheds a lot and this vacuum is amazing. Saw it on TikTok and am glad I bought it." — ivy lopes Promising review: "This was the perfect solution for a busy mom as myself. I have three little ones and every day there is a mess of some sort in the backseat. It saves time and money to not have to go to a carwash place and keep feeding the machine . It’s simple to use and a great size. Wish the suction was a little better but for the price and quality I can’t complain. It’s a must!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $34.67+ (available in three colors). 14. A backseat iPad holder so your child's on-the-road watch-a-thon can distract them from asking, "Are we there yet?" for the 15th time. Hopefully, Paw Patrol can do the trick! Reviewers love this because it's adjustable, sturdy, and affordable. Promising review : "If you're like us, we took awhile to pick which car mount to choose since there are so many options . We opted for this one and we love it! It was super easy to install. We have it in a 2021 Toyota Highlander for reference. Our kid is using an iPad mini with a case on it and it's still able to mount. Stays sturdy when driving. Easy to swivel around whichever direction our kid is sitting . I didn't wanna buy one that's just a little moderately cheaper, have it break to just buy another one. Bought this and it's been holding up pretty well, and seems like it'll stay that way forever." — jjjj Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in four styles). 15. Or a car seat organizer that'll still hold your child's beloved tablet, but also snacks and drinks — because what's a movie without your favorite sweet treat? It's like a DIY fancy movie theater that serves you food during the movie. This has one clear pocket for tablets and five small mesh pockets for bottles, toys, and other items. Promising review: “Purchased this for a road trip and it has been amazing. I actually use it for my rear facing infant, so on the front side of the back seat . I am able to put the iPad in the case for movies and it holds toys, snacks, bottles, and squeezes. And it helps to protect the seat from her shoe prints. Love it and so glad we purchased." — mr.bigs12 Get it from Amazon for $13.99 . 16. A car diffuser since it fits right into your cup holder — how convenient! It has colorful lights, two spray modes, and an auto-shutoff. You'll feel like you stepped into a relaxing spa even if you're just in your SUV with a longgg to-do list for the day. And what's an essential oil diffuser without essential oils? May I suggest this Laguna Moon set or this Eternal Essence Oils set. According to Johns Hopkins , you may want to avoid diffusing oils around larger groups and young children because of the side effects of different oils. You may also want to avoid using an oil diffuser around pets with breathing problems, according to the ASPCA . Promising review : "Fits perfectly in the cupholder of my Prius C. This has lasted over an hour of driving . There are times I have to shut it off because it's so powerful and my car is so small. I purchased the black one to match my interior. The lights transition effortlessly and look great. It's very intuitive and easy to use. I'm so glad I bought this one (the cord doesn't bother me) instead of paying over $70 for a cordless one. It looks sleek, works great, seals well, and the cord it comes with is long (I didn't need a long one since my cupholder is right near the USB port). I highly recommend it. I keep a water bottle in my car in the holder next to it so I can use it every drive." — Jennifer Mandeville Get it from Amazon for $16.99 . 17. An upholstery stain remover if your backseat could be described as stain central. It happens to the best of us, so use this to lift up those lingering stains on fabric, leather, wood trim, and more! It's also perfect for anyone who bought a pre-owned vehicle but still wants that ~brand-new car~ look. Promising review: "Works great! I saw a video for this product on TikTok, and knew that I needed it in my life. I love it, and it helps keep my new car looking clean and new!" — Alison Crawford Get it from Amazon for $16.99 . 18. An effective universal cleaning putty you can roll around your drink holders, AC vents, and other crumb-ridden areas. People will be impressed with how clean you are, but you just really like playing with this putty (that doubles as cleaning). Promising review: "This product does exactly what it says it does. I saw this product from TikTok. I was surprised at how easily it picks up dust and small debris, especially from inside of vents and cup holders. The only complaint is the very artificial smell when you use it. It doesn’t last, just when it’s out of the container!" — Loren Get it from Amazon for $6.99 . 19. A bottle of Invisible Glass windshield cleaner that leaves your glass *streak-free* and, dare I say... invisible. Reviewers even say it's more effective than Windex *but* you don't have to overspray since a little goes a long way! Promising review : "Invisible Glass is an absolute game-changer for keeping my car windows spotless and streak-free! With just a few sprays and a wipe, it effortlessly removes dirt, grime, and even tough residues, leaving my windows crystal clear and gleaming . I love how it doesn't contain any dyes, so there's no risk of streaks or haze, just a pristine view both inside and out. Its 19-ounce size is generous. If you're looking for an auto cleaner that truly lives up to its name, Invisible Glass cleaner is a must-have in your car care arsenal!" — M Anas Get a set of two bottles from Amazon for $9.76 (available in six different pack options). 20. A Twilight -themed car mirror decal if you're Team Edward and need a little reminder on the road that you — Y/N, are his EVERYTHING. Because your Twilight fanfiction obsession shouldn't end after closing out Wattpad! Ally Makes Magic is a Florida-based Etsy shop established in 2021 that specializes in custom pop culture-themed glassware and decor. Promising review: "It came out perfect! The color I chose was vibrant and was easily legible." — Destiny Get it from Ally Makes Magic on Etsy for $4.19 (available in 5 colors and two styles). 21. A compact emergency seatbelt cutter and window breaker you can discretely keep near you for quick access in case you're in an emergency. This'll give you peace of mind knowing you're prepared for any situation — even if the car is underwater. FYI: Reviewers say *NOT* to test this out because it works and is super effective! Promising review: "This is a great window breaker/seatbelt cutter combo. I love that they give you a small piece of safety glass to test the window breaker on. That gives me peace of mind that if I ever need to use it, it will do its job. I highly recommend buying these for everyone in your life." — Haley Get it from Amazon for $12.98 (available in three colors). 22. A backseat car video monitor so you can have an eye on your baby or little ones without turning your head and taking your eyes off the road. Reviewers say the picture is good quality, the screen is large, and it was easy to install. So the next time your kids are roughhousing at a red light, you'll be able to see who *actually* started it. Reviewers also love these because they're easy to install *and* work for kids with rearview-facing car seats. But always make sure to keep your eyes on the road when the car is in motion! Promising review: "I saw this product on TikTok and knew I wanted to try it. I LOOOOOVE this product! I hate trying to use my rear view mirror to look into her mirror to make sure she’s okay. The quality of the video is great for the price, and I can easily see if my infant has spit up or I can see her mouth to shove a paci in if needed. I can see details like if her eyes are open or closed. The night vision isn’t too bad but not as detailed but you can see enough. But overall for the price, I would buy this product again hands-down." — Michael Giblin Get it from Amazon for $26.99 . 23. An interior cleaner and protectant you can spray on carpet, cloth, leather, and vinyl if your car is in desperate need of detailing — but you don't want to drop the $$$ for someone else to do it. Plus, this helps protect against fading from UV rays too! Promising review: "This does exactly what I wanted — clean all the interior surfaces of my car while not leaving any residues, streaks, or strong odors. I first used this on my 4-month-old Grand Cherokee Trailhawk that was CAKED in dust (inside!) from a recent off-road adventure. The Total Interior Cleaner cleaned all my surfaces — dash, screen, leather seats, etc. After things settled, my car looked and smelled new again! " – T. Porter Get it from Amazon for $11.97+ (available in four sizes and various bundles). 24. A set of pastel cloud air vent clips for some cutesy decor that just makes you want to smile. I seriously think this could be a universal cure to road rage because who could ever be upset after looking at these!? Happy2be2gether is a US-based Etsy shop that specializes in unique car air vent clips. Promising review: "I love these little clouds! They are such a fun detail to add to your car :)" — Gabi Get it from Happy2be2gether on Etsy for $6.29+ (available in five colors, horizontal or vertical clip options, and two-packs or a five-pack). 25. An emergency car jump starter so you don't even need a kind stranger or AAA to come help you when you're stranded! It's also got an air compressor for tires with a universal nozzle, an LED floodlight, and can charge several devices with its two USB ports. So basically, this covers all your bases. Check out a TikTok of the emergency power kit in action. Promising review: "I would 1,000% recommend this for anyone and everyone. My dad bought me one for Christmas and it has got me out of bad situations a couple of times . I have since bought one for everyone in the family and have recommended to the rest of the extended family. It comes in handy and can help avoid being in an unsafe situation where you are stranded and someone taking advantage of the situation. Not only does it charge your car battery but you can use it to emergency charge your phone or to plug in something during a trip. This one airs up tires. Just perfect." — SA Sunshine Get it from Amazon for $129.99+ (available in five styles). 26. An audio adapter since it's cheaper than getting a whole new radio for your car! If your old (but totally still working) car needs a little technology upgrade, this device can pair your speakers with Bluetooth, an AUX cable, or TF card — because good music in the car is a need, not a want. It also lets you answer calls with the touch of a button, *and* lets you skip or pause through songs. Promising review: "The CD player on my 2002 Yukon isn't working anymore but it also doesn't have an aux port for music or Bluetooth. I got the unit and it instantly paired with my iPhone SE and in just a minute or so I was playing all the music from my phone through the radio in my car. It pairs automatically after the initial setup and the sound is really nice. If you play music while you have the GPS going, the music volume will go down when instructions are being given on where to turn, a nice touch! So far I am really pleased with the performance and now I can answer calls hands-free and listen to all my downloaded music!" — JRH Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in six colors). 27. A bedazzled license plate frame because your car deserves princess treatment with a little ✨razzle-dazzle✨ on the top. That's all! Promising review : "Super easy to put on and looks so cute. It's been six months and none of the little diamonds have fallen off yet, even in the snow, wind, and rainy conditions. Looks so cute." — Isabella Valdez Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 11 colors). 28. A pack of cable clips since the ends of your cords seem to be anywhere but near you in the car. Instead of bending over backward to grab them, just install these to easily charge your phone or plug in the aux! Promising review: "If you have devices that need to be charged and you want to keep your cables neat, tidy, and in place, you need this product. You could also use your imagination to find other uses! I have purchased two packs of these and used them all! I simply could not imagine life without these cable clips!" — Mike Tickle Get a pack of six from Amazon for $6.97 . 29. A PumpCup portable hand sanitizer holder because do you know how many germs were on that gas pump? Exactly. This can go right in your cup holder for some convenient sanitation. Plus, your hand sanitizer will stay effective for longer because this filters out 100% of UV light. PumpCup is a small business that specializes in portable hand sanitizer dispensers. Promising review: "This fits perfectly in my cup holders, even the side ones on the car door. It's easy to use and is also aesthetically pleasing. I highly recommend this product for an easy squeeze of hand sanitizer in the car." — Rose Anne Guitierez Get it from Amazon for $12.59+ (available in 11 styles). 30. An expandable hanger bar if you want to keep your dresses, collared shirts, and blazers in pristine condition when you have an outfit change — because who likes the look of wrinkly clothing? Promising review: “We got this bar for a move to a new apartment 15 miles away from our old one. It was so easy just loading our already hung clothes onto this and driving it over in loads than taking everything off hangers, storing, and then having to rehang items. Since the move, we have used the bar numerous times for vacations, events, and even just to pick up dry cleaning !” — Alan Blankstein Get it from Amazon for $24.99 . If it's Twilight -themed... yes. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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In the early evening of November 11, after four days at sea, the passengers of two boats carrying 75 Somali migrants spotted distant lights and a hill. They could hear the muezzin calling for the Maghreb, Muslim evening prayers. Their destination, Mayotte, a French island in the Indian Ocean, was finally in sight. The lead skipper confirmed what they saw and heard — they were close to shore. However, he expressed a concern. He said he feared that gangsters on the beach might attack them. He decided to stop the boats and informed the passengers they would spend the night at sea and go ashore in the morning, according to a Swahili-speaking migrant who served as the interpreter. Little did the migrants know their journey, so close to a successful ending, was about to descend into unspeakable horror. The skippers, who were also human traffickers, had been with the passengers since November 7, when they set off in the two boats from a mothership anchored off Kenya’s southern coast, near Mombasa. The skippers’ role was to take Somalis on the final leg of their journey to Mayotte, the French island off the northwest coast of Madagascar that has recently become a magnet for asylum seekers hoping to reach Europe. However, the skippers were not happy with their compensation. The smuggler told the interpreter that he had been contracted to transport 40 people, but now there were 75. “The money I was given is not enough,” he complained, according to boat passenger Luul Osman Mohamed, who overheard the conversation. The smuggler wanted the passengers to hand over more. Soon after, the smuggler briefly turned the boat’s engine on, revved it in the water, and then shut it off again, perhaps as a tease or a warning to the passengers. The other boat did the same. “Sometimes they moved farther out to sea, and other times they came closer to shore,” Luul told VOA’s Horn of Africa Service. But after two rounds of this, she said, “the engine on the other second boat broke down. Then, our engine failed too.” That night, the migrants and the two smugglers spent the night adrift on the two boats, just off the coast. One boat carried 37 people, mostly women and two children — a 2-year-old boy and an 8-year-old girl — while the second boat carried 38 passengers. November 12 Early the next morning, two men rendezvoused with the ships in a boat, seemingly responding to phone calls made by the smugglers. The first smuggler announced that he would leave with the men to repair his boat's engine. He never returned. The passengers and the second smuggler remained stranded. The two boats drifted aimlessly in the open sea under the scorching sun, with no shelter to protect them. Desperate to cool off, the passengers resorted to splashing seawater on themselves. November 13 The waves rocked the boats back and forth, but the passengers managed to sleep peacefully. One challenge, however, was that they couldn’t communicate with the second smuggler, as he spoke a language they didn’t understand. This became a minor issue compared to what lay ahead. The next morning, fishermen arrived and communicated with the second smuggler. Together, they managed to repair the engine on the second boat. They agreed the boat with the working engine would tow the other one, and it seemed to work at first. As the engine roared to life, they began moving — only in the wrong direction, further out to sea. For some reason, the skipper steered toward Comoros instead of Mayotte. They continued for three to five hours, Luul recalls, until the only working engine failed once again. “After taking us deep into the sea, he took the navigation system with him and left on the fishing boat,” Luul said. The second skipper disappeared and never returned. “When the smugglers were with us, we felt calm. They were with us, and whatever happened to them, we knew would happen to us,” said Anas Ibrahim Abdi, 21. Now, with both smugglers gone, the migrants were at the mercy of the sea and the elements. November 14 The 75 migrants drifted in the ocean. They had run out of the dates, fried chicken and bread they had received from the mothership a week earlier. The boats and the migrants were stranded in no-man’s sea, not knowing where to go — or how. Passengers tied the two boats together, to stay connected, says Luul. But when strong waves battered the vessels, they untied the ropes, fearing that if one boat were to sink, the other would go down, too. About six men who knew how to swim came over to the women’s boat, just in case there was an accident. Anas, who was in the first boat, moved the other way. “My energy was low, I was sick. Because lots of people come on board, it was not balanced, so I moved to the other boat,” he says. For three days, the passengers tried to make the boats move, without success. During these days the first death occurred — a young man who was a diabetic. “We read Fatiha for him. He died in an evening,” Anas said. Sometimes, the waves would bring the passengers close to land, only to drag them back to sea. After 10 days adrift, another passenger, a woman named Fatima, passed away. “It was hot, she was hungry. She was sitting at the front. Her brother was with her. She was shocked for about two days before she died,” Luul said. The following day, another passenger died — the 2-year-old boy. “We had milk for him. When we mix milk with sea water he refuses. When he sucks milk from his mother she faints, she finds it hard to breathe because she has not eaten. Later we started to mix milk with her urine... That kept him alive for two days,” says Luul. Days later the boy’s mother died, too. As one passenger after another died from hunger and thirst, others suffered hallucinations. Luul says her friend Fathi was one of them. “She was saying this is Lido beach, let us get off the boat, let us take Bajaj [rickshaw],” she says. “She was ripping off her clothes.” At times, a swarm of fish hit the boats. Inventive passengers used their sarongs to catch a few, giving them some welcome nutrition. “We were also eating green grass, salty, that was brought by the waves from the beach,” Luul said. The only other protein came from a bird that came hovering over a body on the boat. It was caught and eaten too. November 23 On the first boat, 17 people died, 14 of them women. Ten others died on the second boat. One boy, realizing the boat was going nowhere, jumped into the water, confident in his ability to swim. He was seen swimming away, but moments later, the waves carried him in the opposite direction. He was never seen again. The last three days, as everyone lost energy, the boats moved swiftly, carried by strong winds. Rain gave the drifting migrants some desperately needed water, but most were losing hope of survival. Then, after a dark night with no moon, Anas recalls, “At dawn, there was light, we saw the mountain and then a coastline.” Madagascar. After 16 days at sea, the migrants had finally reached land. The migrants were able to guide the boats close to shore and staggered onto the beach. Nearby fisherman shied away at first, Anas said. Then they saw the bodies in the boats. “They were moved. They gave us water, rice and fruits,” Luul said. The fishermen made a phone call. Another boat came. They tied their boat to the migrants’ and pulled them onto the beach. “They were good people, they helped us, they changed our clothes, they gave us warm water to get our energy,” Luul said. The migrants were transferred to authorities in Madagascar. Luul, the 31-year-old mother of five, was the only person from her family on the boat. She says she survived because “everyone has their time to die” — and this wasn’t hers, although she felt it was close. “I was thirsty, I was hungry; my voice has changed, the last day my throat was not opening, it was swollen. I had lots of spots, and from sitting on the boat. I was weak,” she said. Out of the 75 passengers, 47 survived the grim journey. The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on the social media platform X that it chartered a plane for the survivors, including Luul and Anas, and brought them back to Mogadishu on Saturday. This story originated in VOA’s Horn of Africa Service.

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A probate commissioner has ruled against Rupert Murdoch’s effort to change his family’s trust to give one of his sons control of his media empire and ensure Fox News maintains its conservative editorial slant, according to a sealed document obtained by The New York Times. In a decision filed on Saturday, a probate commissioner in Nevada concluded that Murdoch, 93, and his son, Lachlan Murdoch, had acted in “bad faith” in their endeavor to amend the irrevocable trust, The New York Times reported on Monday. The trust divides control of the company equally among four of Rupert Murdoch’s children — Prudence, Elisabeth, Lachlan and James — after he dies. Lachlan Murdoch has been the head of Fox News and News Corp since late last year, when his father stepped down. The elder Murdoch has argued that to preserve his businesses’ commercial value for all his heirs, the trust must be changed to allow Lachlan Murdoch to maintain Fox News' conservative bent. James and Elisabeth Murdoch are both known to have less-conservative political views than their father or brother, potentially complicating efforts to ensure that Fox News remains conservative. In his 96-page opinion, Nevada Probate Commissioner Edmund J. Gorman Jr. of the Second Judicial District Court characterized the plan to change the trust as a “carefully crafted charade” to “permanently cement Lachlan Murdoch’s executive roles” inside the empire “regardless of the impacts such control would have over the companies or the beneficiaries” of the family trust. Adam Streisand, a lawyer for Rupert Murdoch, told the newspaper that his client and his client's son were disappointed with the ruling and intended to appeal. A spokesperson for Prudence, Elisabeth and James Murdoch said in an emailed statement to The Associated Press that they welcome the ruling and hope that their family can “move beyond this litigation to focus on strengthening and rebuilding relationships among all family members.” Gorman in his conclusion said: “The effort was an attempt to stack the deck in Lachlan Murdoch’s favor after Rupert Murdoch’s passing so that his succession would be immutable. The play might have worked; but an evidentiary hearing, like a showdown in a game of poker, is where gamesmanship collides with the facts and at its conclusion, all the bluffs are called and the cards lie face up.” He added: “The court, after considering the facts of this case in the light of the law, sees the cards for what they are and concludes this raw deal will not, over the signature of this probate commissioner, prevail.”Renuka Rayasam | (TNS) KFF Health News In April, just 12 weeks into her pregnancy, Kathleen Clark was standing at the receptionist window of her OB-GYN’s office when she was asked to pay $960, the total the office estimated she would owe after she delivered. Clark, 39, was shocked that she was asked to pay that amount during this second prenatal visit. Normally, patients receive the bill after insurance has paid its part, and for pregnant women that’s usually only when the pregnancy ends. It would be months before the office filed the claim with her health insurer. Clark said she felt stuck. The Cleveland, Tennessee, obstetrics practice was affiliated with a birthing center where she wanted to deliver. Plus, she and her husband had been wanting to have a baby for a long time. And Clark was emotional, because just weeks earlier her mother had died. “You’re standing there at the window, and there’s people all around, and you’re trying to be really nice,” recalled Clark, through tears. “So, I paid it.” On online baby message boards and other social media forums , pregnant women say they are being asked by their providers to pay out-of-pocket fees earlier than expected. The practice is legal, but patient advocacy groups call it unethical. Medical providers argue that asking for payment up front ensures they get compensated for their services. How frequently this happens is hard to track because it is considered a private transaction between the provider and the patient. Therefore, the payments are not recorded in insurance claims data and are not studied by researchers. Patients, medical billing experts, and patient advocates say the billing practice causes unexpected anxiety at a time of already heightened stress and financial pressure. Estimates can sometimes be higher than what a patient might ultimately owe and force people to fight for refunds if they miscarry or the amount paid was higher than the final bill. Up-front payments also create hurdles for women who may want to switch providers if they are unhappy with their care. In some cases, they may cause women to forgo prenatal care altogether, especially in places where few other maternity care options exist. It’s “holding their treatment hostage,” said Caitlin Donovan, a senior director at the Patient Advocate Foundation . Medical billing and women’s health experts believe OB-GYN offices adopted the practice to manage the high cost of maternity care and the way it is billed for in the U.S. When a pregnancy ends, OB-GYNs typically file a single insurance claim for routine prenatal care, labor, delivery, and, often, postpartum care. That practice of bundling all maternity care into one billing code began three decades ago, said Lisa Satterfield, senior director of health and payment policy at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . But such bundled billing has become outdated, she said. Previously, pregnant patients had been subject to copayments for each prenatal visit, which might lead them to skip crucial appointments to save money. But the Affordable Care Act now requires all commercial insurers to fully cover certain prenatal services. Plus, it’s become more common for pregnant women to switch providers, or have different providers handle prenatal care, labor, and delivery — especially in rural areas where patient transfers are common. Some providers say prepayments allow them to spread out one-time payments over the course of the pregnancy to ensure that they are compensated for the care they do provide, even if they don’t ultimately deliver the baby. “You have people who, unfortunately, are not getting paid for the work that they do,” said Pamela Boatner, who works as a midwife in a Georgia hospital. While she believes women should receive pregnancy care regardless of their ability to pay, she also understands that some providers want to make sure their bill isn’t ignored after the baby is delivered. New parents might be overloaded with hospital bills and the costs of caring for a new child, and they may lack income if a parent isn’t working, Boatner said. In the U.S., having a baby can be expensive. People who obtain health insurance through large employers pay an average of nearly $3,000 out-of-pocket for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker . In addition, many people are opting for high-deductible health insurance plans, leaving them to shoulder a larger share of the costs. Of the 100 million U.S. people with health care debt, 12% attribute at least some of it to maternity care, according to a 2022 KFF poll . Families need time to save money for the high costs of pregnancy, childbirth, and child care, especially if they lack paid maternity leave, said Joy Burkhard , CEO of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, a Los Angeles-based policy think tank. Asking them to prepay “is another gut punch,” she said. “What if you don’t have the money? Do you put it on credit cards and hope your credit card goes through?” Calculating the final costs of childbirth depends on multiple factors, such as the timing of the pregnancy , plan benefits, and health complications, said Erin Duffy , a health policy researcher at the University of Southern California’s Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics. The final bill for the patient is unclear until a health plan decides how much of the claim it will cover, she said. But sometimes the option to wait for the insurer is taken away. During Jamie Daw’s first pregnancy in 2020, her OB-GYN accepted her refusal to pay in advance because Daw wanted to see the final bill. But in 2023, during her second pregnancy, a private midwifery practice in New York told her that since she had a high-deductible plan, it was mandatory to pay $2,000 spread out with monthly payments. Daw, a health policy researcher at Columbia University, delivered in September 2023 and got a refund check that November for $640 to cover the difference between the estimate and the final bill. “I study health insurance,” she said. “But, as most of us know, it’s so complicated when you’re really living it.” While the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover some prenatal services, it doesn’t prohibit providers from sending their final bill to patients early. It would be a challenge politically and practically for state and federal governments to attempt to regulate the timing of the payment request, said Sabrina Corlette , a co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University. Medical lobbying groups are powerful and contracts between insurers and medical providers are proprietary. Because of the legal gray area, Lacy Marshall , an insurance broker at Rapha Health and Life in Texas, advises clients to ask their insurer if they can refuse to prepay their deductible. Some insurance plans prohibit providers in their network from requiring payment up front. If the insurer says they can refuse to pay up front, Marshall said, she tells clients to get established with a practice before declining to pay, so that the provider can’t refuse treatment. Related Articles Health | TriCounty Active Adult Center offers monthly ‘Sex & Dating after 50’ series Health | Berks food safety inspections found apparent rodent droppings near cooler Health | Your cool black kitchenware could be slowly poisoning you, study says. Here’s what to do Health | Does fluoride cause cancer, IQ loss, and more? Fact-checking Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s claims Health | US towns plunge into debates about fluoride in water Clark said she met her insurance deductible after paying for genetic testing, extra ultrasounds, and other services out of her health care flexible spending account. Then she called her OB-GYN’s office and asked for a refund. “I got my spine back,” said Clark, who had previously worked at a health insurer and a medical office. She got an initial check for about half the $960 she originally paid. In August, Clark was sent to the hospital after her blood pressure spiked. A high-risk pregnancy specialist — not her original OB-GYN practice — delivered her son, Peter, prematurely via emergency cesarean section at 30 weeks. It was only after she resolved most of the bills from the delivery that she received the rest of her refund from the other OB-GYN practice. This final check came in October, just days after Clark brought Peter home from the hospital, and after multiple calls to the office. She said it all added stress to an already stressful period. “Why am I having to pay the price as a patient?” she said. “I’m just trying to have a baby.” ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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SANTA CLARA, Calif. , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Marvell Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRVL), a leader in data infrastructure semiconductor solutions, today reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025. Net revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 was $1.516 billion , $66 .0 million above the mid-point of the Company's guidance provided on August 29, 2024 . GAAP net loss for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 was $(676.3) million, or $(0.78) per diluted share. Non-GAAP net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 was $373 .0 million, or $0.43 per diluted share. Cash flow from operations for the third quarter was $536.3 million . "Marvell's fiscal third quarter 2025 revenue grew 19% sequentially, well above the mid-point of our guidance, driven by strong demand from AI. For the fourth quarter, we are forecasting another 19% sequential revenue growth at the midpoint of guidance, while year-over-year, we expect revenue growth to accelerate significantly to 26%, marking the beginning of a new era of growth for Marvell," said Matt Murphy , Marvell's Chairman and CEO. "The exceptional performance in the third quarter, and our strong forecast for the fourth quarter, are primarily driven by our custom AI silicon programs, which are now in volume production, further augmented by robust ongoing demand from cloud customers for our market-leading interconnect products. We look forward to a strong finish to this fiscal year and expect substantial momentum to continue in fiscal 2026." Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2025 Financial Outlook GAAP diluted EPS is calculated using basic weighted-average shares outstanding when there is a GAAP net loss, and calculated using diluted weighted-average shares outstanding when there is a GAAP net income. Non-GAAP diluted EPS is calculated using diluted weighted-average shares outstanding. Conference Call Marvell will conduct a conference call on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 1:45 p.m. Pacific Time to discuss results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025. Interested parties may join the conference call without operator assistance by registering and entering their phone number at https://emportal.ink/4fngg8m to receive an instant automated call back. To join the call with operator assistance, please dial 1-800-836-8184 or 1-646-357-8785. The call will be webcast and can be accessed at the Marvell Investor Relations website at http://investor.marvell.com/ . A replay of the call can be accessed by dialing 1-888-660-6345 or 1-646-517-4150, passcode 47973# until Tuesday, December 10, 2024 . Discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Non-GAAP financial measures exclude the effect of stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquired intangible assets, acquisition and divestiture-related costs, restructuring and other related charges (including, but not limited to, asset impairment charges, recognition of future contractual obligations, employee severance costs, and facilities related charges), resolution of legal matters, and certain expenses and benefits that are driven primarily by discrete events that management does not consider to be directly related to Marvell's core business. Although Marvell excludes the amortization of all acquired intangible assets from these non-GAAP financial measures, management believes that it is important for investors to understand that such intangible assets were recorded as part of purchase price accounting arising from acquisitions, and that such amortization of intangible assets that relate to past acquisitions will recur in future periods until such intangible assets have been fully amortized. Investors should note that the use of intangible assets contributed to Marvell's revenues earned during the periods presented and are expected to contribute to Marvell's future period revenues as well. Marvell uses a non-GAAP tax rate to compute the non-GAAP tax provision. This non-GAAP tax rate is based on Marvell's estimated annual GAAP income tax forecast, adjusted to account for items excluded from Marvell's non-GAAP income, as well as the effects of significant non-recurring and period specific tax items which vary in size and frequency, and excludes tax deductions and benefits from acquired tax loss and credit carryforwards and changes in valuation allowance on acquired deferred tax assets. Marvell's non-GAAP tax rate is determined on an annual basis and may be adjusted during the year to take into account events that may materially affect the non-GAAP tax rate such as tax law changes; acquisitions; significant changes in Marvell's geographic mix of revenue and expenses; or changes to Marvell's corporate structure. For the third quarter of fiscal 2025, a non-GAAP tax rate of 7.0% has been applied to the non-GAAP financial results. Marvell believes that the presentation of non-GAAP financial measures provides important supplemental information to management and investors regarding financial and business trends relating to Marvell's financial condition and results of operations. While Marvell uses non-GAAP financial measures as a tool to enhance its understanding of certain aspects of its financial performance, Marvell does not consider these measures to be a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Consistent with this approach, Marvell believes that disclosing non-GAAP financial measures to the readers of its financial statements provides such readers with useful supplemental data that, while not a substitute for GAAP financial measures, allows for greater transparency in the review of its financial and operational performance. Externally, management believes that investors may find Marvell's non-GAAP financial measures useful in their assessment of Marvell's operating performance and the valuation of Marvell. Internally, Marvell's non-GAAP financial measures are used in the following areas: Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the costs associated with the operations of Marvell's business as determined in accordance with GAAP. As a result, you should not consider these measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of Marvell's results as reported under GAAP. The exclusion of the above items from our GAAP financial metrics does not necessarily mean that these costs are unusual or infrequent. Forward-Looking Statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), which are subject to the "safe harbor" created by those sections. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause our actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "forecasts," "targets," "may," "can," "will," "would" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, the statements describing our financial outlook and future period revenues. These statements are not guarantees of results and should not be considered as an indication of future activity or future performance. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from those described in this press release due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: risks related to changes in general macroeconomic conditions, or expectations of such conditions, such as high or rising interest rates, macroeconomic slowdowns, recessions, inflation, and stagflation; risks related to our ability to estimate customer demand and future sales accurately; our ability to define, design, develop and market products for the Cloud, 5G markets, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) markets; risks related to our dependence on a few customers for a significant portion of our revenue, particularly as our major customers comprise an increasing percentage of our revenue, as well as risks related to a significant portion of our sales being concentrated in the data center end market; risks related to higher inventory levels; risks related to cancellations, rescheduling or deferrals of significant customer orders or shipments, as well as the ability of our customers to manage inventory; our ability to realize the expected benefits from restructuring activities; the risk of downturns in the semiconductor industry or our customer end markets; the impact of international conflict (such as the current armed conflicts in the Ukraine and in Israel and the Gaza Strip ) and economic volatility in either domestic or foreign markets including risks related to trade conflicts or tensions, regulations, and tariffs, including but not limited to, trade restrictions imposed on our Chinese customers; our ability to retain and hire key personnel; our ability to limit costs related to defective products; risks related to our debt obligations; risks related to the rapid growth of the Company; delays or increased costs related to completing the design, development, production and introduction of our new products due to a variety of issues, including supply chain cross-dependencies, dependencies on EDA and similar tools, dependencies on the use of third-party, business partner or customer intellectual property, collaboration and synchronization requirements with business partners and customers, requirements to establish new manufacturing, testing, assembly and packing processes, and other issues; our reliance on our manufacturing partners for the manufacture, assembly, testing and packaging of our products; risks related to the ASIC business model which requires us to use third-party IP including the risk that we may lose business or experience reputational harm if third parties, including customers, lose confidence in our ability to protect their IP rights; the risks associated with manufacturing and selling products and customers' products outside of the United States ; our ability to secure design wins from our customers and prospective customers; our ability to complete and realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisitions, divestitures and investments; decreases in gross margin and results of operations in the future due to a number of factors, including high or increasing interest rates and volatility in foreign exchange rates; severe financial hardship or bankruptcy of one or more of our major customers; the effects of transitioning to smaller geometry process technologies; risks related to use of a hybrid work model; the impact of any change in the income tax laws in jurisdictions where we operate and the loss of any beneficial tax treatment that we currently enjoy; the outcome of pending or future litigation and legal and regulatory proceedings; risk related to our Sustainability program; the impact and costs associated with changes in international financial and regulatory conditions; our ability and the ability of our customers to successfully compete in the markets in which we serve; our ability and our customers' ability to develop new and enhanced products and the adoption of those products in the market; supply chain disruptions or component shortages that may impact the production of our products including our kitting process or may impact the price of components which in turn may impact our margins on any impacted products and any constrained availability from other electronic suppliers impacting our customers' ability to ship their products, which in turn may adversely impact our sales to those customers; our ability to scale our operations in response to changes in demand for existing or new products and services; risks associated with acquisition and consolidation activity in the semiconductor industry, including any consolidation of our manufacturing partners; our ability to protect our intellectual property; risks related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (or future pandemics) which have impacted, and for which lingering effects may continue to impact our business, employees and operations, the transportation and manufacturing of our products, and the operations of our customers, distributors, vendors, suppliers, and partners; our maintenance of an effective system of internal controls; financial institution instability; and other risks detailed in our SEC filings from time to time. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that affect our business described in the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed by us from time to time with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and we assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About Marvell To deliver the data infrastructure technology that connects the world, we're building solutions on the most powerful foundation: our partnerships with our customers. Trusted by the world's leading technology companies for over 25 years, we move, store, process and secure the world's data with semiconductor solutions designed for our customers' current needs and future ambitions. Through a process of deep collaboration and transparency, we're ultimately changing the way tomorrow's enterprise, cloud, automotive, and carrier architectures transform—for the better. Marvell ® and the Marvell logo are registered trademarks of Marvell and/or its affiliates. Marvell Technology, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended November 2, 2024 August 3, 2024 October 28, 2023 November 2, 2024 October 28, 2023 Net revenue $ 1,516.1 $ 1,272.9 $ 1,418.6 $ 3,949.9 $ 4,081.2 Cost of goods sold 1,166.7 685.3 867.4 2,485.1 2,451.7 Gross profit 349.4 587.6 551.2 1,464.8 1,629.5 Operating expenses: Research and development 488.6 486.7 481.1 1,451.4 1,436.6 Selling, general and administrative 205.3 197.3 213.0 602.5 622.0 Restructuring related charges 358.3 4.0 3.4 366.4 105.3 Total operating expenses 1,052.2 688.0 697.5 2,420.3 2,163.9 Operating loss (702.8) (100.4) (146.3) (955.5) (534.4) Interest expense (47.2) (48.4) (52.6) (144.4) (159.1) Interest income and other, net (0.5) 2.6 11.4 5.4 22.1 Interest and other loss, net (47.7) (45.8) (41.2) (139.0) (137.0) Loss before income taxes (750.5) (146.2) (187.5) (1,094.5) (671.4) Provision (benefit) for income taxes (74.2) 47.1 (23.2) (9.3) (130.7) Net loss $ (676.3) $ (193.3) $ (164.3) $ (1,085.2) $ (540.7) Net loss per share — basic $ (0.78) $ (0.22) $ (0.19) $ (1.25) $ (0.63) Net loss per share — diluted $ (0.78) $ (0.22) $ (0.19) $ (1.25) $ (0.63) Weighted-average shares: Basic 865.7 865.7 862.6 865.5 860.1 Diluted 865.7 865.7 862.6 865.5 860.1 Marvell Technology, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (In millions) November 2, 2024 February 3, 2024 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 868.1 $ 950.8 Accounts receivable, net 997.9 1,121.6 Inventories 859.4 864.4 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 91.4 125.9 Total current assets 2,816.8 3,062.7 Property and equipment, net 781.9 756.0 Goodwill 11,586.9 11,586.9 Acquired intangible assets, net 2,957.7 4,004.1 Deferred tax assets 406.5 311.9 Other non-current assets 1,165.8 1,506.9 Total assets $ 19,715.6 $ 21,228.5 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 538.1 $ 411.3 Accrued liabilities 825.2 1,032.9 Accrued employee compensation 270.9 262.7 Short-term debt 129.4 107.3 Total current liabilities 1,763.6 1,814.2 Long-term debt 3,965.5 4,058.6 Other non-current liabilities 613.6 524.3 Total liabilities 6,342.7 6,397.1 Stockholders' equity: Common stock 1.7 1.7 Additional paid-in capital 14,629.0 14,845.3 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (0.3) 1.1 Accumulated deficit (1,257.5) (16.7) Total stockholders' equity 13,372.9 14,831.4 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 19,715.6 $ 21,228.5 Marvell Technology, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (In millions) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended November 2, 2024FBI Director Christopher Wray announced he will resign at the end of President Joe Biden's term, paving the way for President-elect Donald Trump's nominee, Kash Patel, to potentially take over . "This is the best way to avoid dragging the Bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important in how we do our work," Wray said during a town hall on Wednesday . Trump responded on social media, calling Wray's resignation a "great day for America." Trump appointed Wray during his first term but criticized him and the FBI's search for classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago home. Although Wray still had years left in his term, Trump nominated Kash Patel to lead the agency. Trump's cabinet picks continue their fight to secure confirmation on Capitol Hill. "It's about earning support in this process in ongoing conversations," said Pete Hegseth, Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary . Controversial Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth met with Senator Susan Collins for more than an hour on Wednesday. Collins said she pressed him on various claims of misconduct, which he denies, but fell short of saying she would support him. "We had a good discussion, I'm not going to go into every question I asked," said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. Momentum appears to be shifting in Hegseth's favor. "I had a good exchange, and we'll see what the process bears," said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. "He's much better off this week than he was last week," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina. Analysts say Hegseth is not the only one under pressure. "There have been some challenges to some senators. There's been some real arm twisting in terms of the threat of mounting primary challenges against them," said Todd Belt of George Washington University. Also on the Hill, Secretary of Homeland Security nominee and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem pushed back on allegations that she neglected her state during major flooding this year.

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'Topping out' launches next stage in new State Archives constructionThe 25-year-old Sweden international took his goal tally for the season to 12 in the 3-0 Boxing Day win over Aston Villa at St James’ Park, 10 of them in his last 10 Premier League games, after a challenging start to the new campaign. Isak managed 25 goals in a black and white shirt last season to further justify the club record £63million the club paid to bring him to Tyneside from Real Sociedad during the summer of 2022, but as delighted as he is with his big-money signing, head coach Howe is confident there is even more to come. Murph 🔗 Alex Isak Different game. Same link up. 💪 pic.twitter.com/OMhZf7dtKZ — Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 27, 2024 Asked where the former AIK Solna frontman currently ranks in world football, he said: “My biggest thing with Alex is I am evaluating his game on a daily and weekly basis and I just want to try to push him for more. “Everyone else can say where he is in the pecking order of world football. His game is in a good place at the moment. “My job is to not sit back and appreciate that, my job is to try and find areas he can improve, push him towards that and never stop pushing him. He has all the ingredients in there. Football never stops evolving and changing and he has to evolve with it. “There is a lot more to come from him. Our job is to help him deliver that. “Of course the main responsibility is for Alex to keep his focus, ignore the plaudits and keep helping the team, not be selfish. It is about Newcastle and he plays his part.” It is no coincidence that Newcastle have prospered as Isak has rediscovered his best form, and they will head for Manchester United – where they have won only once in the top flight since 1972 – on Monday evening looking for a fifth successive win in all competitions. He has scored in each of the last five league games having grown into the mantle of the Magpies’ main man, a role performed with such distinction in the past by the likes of Jackie Milburn, Malcolm Macdonald and Alan Shearer, and he has done so with the minimum of fuss. Asked about his character, Howe said: “He is calm, cool – he is what you see on the pitch. “He doesn’t get overly emotional, which for a striker is a great quality because that coolness you see and calmness in front of goal is part of his personality, part of what he is. He seems to have an extra half a second when other players don’t. “With Alex, the beauty of his attitude is that he wants to improve. We give him information and he is responsive. He is not a closed shop. “He is in no way thinking he has arrived at a certain place. He knows he has to keep adding to his game. The challenge is great for him to keep scoring freely as he is now.”

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Eddie Howe says ‘a lot more to come’ from Newcastle striker Alexander Isak‘Forcible evacuation’ of fasting farmer leader will lead to ‘collateral damage’: Punjab to SCROSEN, TRUSTED NATIONAL TRIAL COUNSEL, Encourages Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action First Filed by the Firm – KSPI

California's law enforcement wrapped up their seasonal crackdown on retail theft and road safety, demonstrating a concerted effort to safeguard businesses and travelers during the holiday rush. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and multiple local agencies executed a statewide operation last Friday, leading to the arrest of 117 individuals for involvement in organized retail theft, according to a release from CHP obtained from KCRA . Charges ranged from petty to grand theft, with police recovery of stolen assets amounting to approximately $38,000 in goods, inclusive of clothing, shoes, and fragrances. Enforcement didn't stop at commercial protection, throughout the Christmas Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), the CHP reported significant enforcement actions that spanned from Tuesday, December 24 to Wednesday, December 25. In efforts to keep the roads safe for holiday travelers, they made 308 DUI arrests statewide and issued a total of 3,835 citations for various traffic violations. According to a social media post by the CHP, the enforcement also included an impressive 7,622 actions taken to emphasize traffic safety. The combined proactive steps from law enforcement come in response to a holiday season, which historically sees an uptick in both retail crime and road accidents. CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee addressed the effectiveness of the operations, heralding the partnership between state agencies and businesses, "Through proactive enforcement operations and strong partnerships with local law enforcement and retailers, we were able to protect the state’s businesses and consumers during one of the busiest times of the year," Duryee stated in the release. "Our efforts send a clear message that retail theft in California will not be tolerated." Departments, including those from Hemet, Los Angeles, Glendale, Bakersfield, and Woodland, among others participated in the operation, with the support of 56 different retail organizations that enhanced in-store security and reporting procedures. The holiday safety initiatives underline a practical approach to law enforcement's role in community caretaking. While they make headlines for large-scale operations, such as these, it's the everyday diligence that goes into creating a safe environment for commerce and travel. From the shoppers looking for the perfect gift to the families gathering across the state, these operations brought peace of mind to those celebrating the season. In addition, the MEP's focus on driving under the influence helped ensure that celebrations did not turn to tragedy on California roads. "The holidays should be a time of celebration, not tragedy. Let’s continue to prioritize safety and responsibility on the road," mentioned the CHP in a Facebook post .Sanwo-Olu, Prelate Abah, Orelope-Adefulire, others call for patience, unityThe growth story at Celsius ( CELH 1.48% ) has taken a back seat recently, but a value play may be emerging. With a great balance sheet and inventory headwinds in the rearview mirror, Celsius stock may be too cheap to pass up. *Stock prices used were end-of-day prices of Nov. 20, 2024. The video was published on Nov. 21, 2024.

VALENCIA, Calif., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AVITA Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCEL, ASX: AVH), a commercial-stage regenerative medicine company focused on first-in-class devices for wound care management and skin restoration, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its premarket approval (PMA) supplement for RECELL GO® mini. As a line extension of the RECELL GO system, the RECELL GO mini disposable cartridge is designed specifically to treat smaller wounds up to 480 square centimeters, compared to the standard RECELL GO disposable cartridge, which treats an area of 1,920 square centimeters. RECELL GO mini addresses a critical need in the full-thickness skin defect market, which includes a high volume of smaller wounds. As part of the RECELL GO platform, RECELL GO mini uses the same multi-use processing device as the standard disposable cartridge but features a modified cartridge optimized for smaller skin samples that reduces resource use and minimizes waste. This design provides an entry point for clinicians who may not have previously used the RECELL GO platform for smaller wounds, enabling broader accessibility and use in trauma and burn centers. “The FDA approval of RECELL GO mini strengthens our ability to provide clinicians with fit-for-purpose solutions that meet the diverse needs of patients with full-thickness wounds,” said Jim Corbett, Chief Executive Officer of AVITA Medical. “By introducing a treatment option specifically for smaller wounds, we are expanding the accessibility of RECELL to a wider range of patients. We believe this addition will drive greater adoption across trauma centers, where smaller wounds are common, and support our broader growth strategy.” The company expects RECELL GO mini to serve as a growth driver within the broader RECELL GO platform, further advancing AVITA Medical’s strategy to expand its impact on patient care. Rollout will begin with trauma and burn centers that currently treat smaller wounds during the first quarter of 2025. The PMA supplement follows the original PMA of RECELL Autologous Cell Harvesting Device and subsequent PMA supplements. About AVITA Medical, Inc. AVITA Medical is a commercial-stage regenerative medicine company transforming the standard of care in wound care management and skin restoration with innovative devices. At the forefront of our platform is the RECELL System, approved by the FDA for the treatment of thermal burn wounds and full-thickness skin defects, and for repigmentation of stable depigmented vitiligo lesions. RECELL harnesses the regenerative properties of a patient’s own skin to create Spray-On SkinTM Cells, delivering a transformative solution at the point-of-care. This breakthrough technology serves as the catalyst for a new treatment paradigm enabling improved clinical outcomes. In the United States, AVITA Medical also holds the exclusive rights to market, sell, and distribute PermeaDerm®, a biosynthetic wound matrix, and Cohealyx, an AVITA Medical-branded collagen-based dermal matrix. In international markets, the RECELL System is approved to promote skin healing in a wide range of applications including burns, full-thickness skin defects, and vitiligo. The RECELL System, excluding RECELL GOTM, is TGA-registered in Australia, has received CE mark approval in Europe, and has PMDA approval in Japan. To learn more, visit www.avitamedical.com . Forward-Looking Statements Th is press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements generally may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “look forward,” “forecast,” “goal,” “target,” “project,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “future,” and similar words or expressions, and the use of future dates. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the timing and realization of regulatory approvals of our products; physician acceptance, endorsement, and use of our products; anticipated market share growth and revenue generation from certain products; failure to achieve the anticipated benefits from approval of our products; the effect of regulatory actions; product liability claims; risks associated with international operations and expansion; and other business effects, including the effects of industry, as well as other economic or political conditions outside of the Company’s control. These statements are made as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these statements, except as required by law. For additional information and other important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements, please see the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and other publicly available filings for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. Authorized for release by the Chief Financial Officer of AVITA Medical, Inc. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b6b7df71-e67c-4a6e-847c-bdcca54fad27 Investor & Media Contact: Jessica Ekeberg Phone +1-661-904-9269 investor@avitamedical.com media@avitamedical.comUs Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more! Designer brands like Lowe to even department stores like Target have all deemed the fair isle sweater style a top trend for fall/winter 2024-25. Causing me to do a deep dive, I realized that the style has long been a favorite of royals. It was originally popularized by King Edward VIII in the 1920s and most recently worn by one of our favorite style icons, Kate Middleton . Proving that this is a timeless style, Middleton was last seen wearing a fair isle sweater last winter — that we know of! That was her latest public appearance wearing one but because they’re a cozy style, we’re willing to bet she’s worn them time and time over behind closed doors — such as to their cozy getaways to Balmoral castle! Her sweater pick from English brand Holland Cooper is still in stock and available to buy — just at a steeper price point of $299. If you love her fair isle sweater pick but don’t want to spend that much on just one style, we hear you! That’s why we found a lookalike version of her pick — and it’s just $34 on Amazon. Get the ​​ Amazon Essentials Crewneck Sweater for just $34 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, December 23, 2024, but are subject to change. Recreate cozy cabin getaway style the royal way with the Amazon Essentials Crewneck Sweater . Like the Princess of Wales’s pick, this style features the classic fair isle pattern and a mainly white coloring. It does have a few different tweaks however that we think make it even more wearable! These are having a crewneck design, a slim fit and a soft and stretchy fabric blend made of cotton, polyester, acrylic and elastane. Aside from the white and burgundy color pick that most-closely matches Middleton’s pick, this sweater comes in several eye-catching colors as well. You can also find it in brown, blues, black, multi-color styles and a few more! The sweater also comes in a larger size selection for more body types, that ranges from XS to XXL. To confirm our beliefs that this sweater makes a great wardrobe pick is its section of five-star ratings , which is now sitting at over 1,400 entries! One shopper said the sweater is “literally everything” they “dreamed of,” saying that it has a “great pattern,” is “very soft,” “fits right,” and is “not itchy in the least.” If you want to copy Middleton’s full look, pair the sweater with some Chelsea boots, skinny jeans and a shearling jacket! However, if you’re wanting to put your own spin on it you can wear it with leggings and some booties for traveling or with a skirt and heels for a winter party — it goes with so much! Considering this style has stuck around for hundreds of years, we’re confident it’ll be around for hundreds more. This Kate Middleton-approved style for $34 on Amazon — 89% less than her original pick! See it: ​​ Amazon Essentials Crewneck Sweater for just $34 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, December 23, 2024, but are subject to change. Check our latest news in Google News Check our latest news in Apple News Looking for something else? Explore more from Amazon Essentials here and more fair isle sweaters here ! Don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Pope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened the great Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony kicks off the 2025 Holy Year. It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. And it will test the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. This begins the Christmas Eve Mass. The ceremony inaugurates the once-every-25-year tradition of a Jubilee. Francis has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope. Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about one hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by an issue with a vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Middle East latest: Israel expels patients from a hospital in Gaza TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Palestinian Health Ministry says Israeli soldiers raided a hospital in isolated northern Gaza after forcing all the patients and most of the doctors to leave. The Israeli military confirmed its troops had entered the Indonesian Hospital in the town of Jabaliya on Tuesday, as part of an operation searching for Hamas fighters. Winter is hitting the Gaza Strip and many of the nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced by the devastating 15-month war are struggling to protect themselves from the wind, cold and rain. In the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian city of Bethlehem was marking a somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza, with most festivities cancelled and crowds of tourists absent. Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Major storm pounds California's central coast, blamed for man's death and partially collapsing pier SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — A major storm has pounded California’s central coast bringing flooding and high surf that was blamed for fatally trapping a man beneath debris on a beach and later partially collapsing a pier, tossing three people into the Pacific Ocean. The storm was expected to bring hurricane-force winds and waves up to 60 feet Monday as it gained strength from California to the Pacific Northwest. Some California cities have ordered beachfront homes and hotels to evacuate early Monday afternoon. Forecasters have warned that storm swells would continue to increase throughout the day. Medellin Cartel victims demand truth and justice as cartel boss Fabio Ochoa walks free in Colombia BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — The return of the notorious drug trafficker Fabio Ochoa to Colombia, following his deportation from the United States, has reopened old wounds among the victims of the Medellin cartel, with some expressing their dismay at the decision of Colombian authorities to let the former mafia boss walk free.Some of the cartel victims said on Tuesday that they are hoping the former drug lord will at least cooperate with ongoing efforts by human rights groups to investigate one of the most violent periods of Colombia’s history, and demanded that Colombian prosecutors also take Ochoa in for questioning. Man arraigned on murder charges in NYC subway death fanned flames with a shirt, prosecutors say NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors say a man accused of burning a woman to death inside a New York City subway train used a shirt to fan the flames, causing her to become engulfed. The suspect, identified by police as Sebastian Zapeta, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court on Tuesday. He faces murder charges that could put him in prison for life. Federal immigration officials say 33-year-old Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally after being deported in 2018. The apparently random attack occurred Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Amsterdam court sentences 5 men over violence linked to Ajax-Maccabi soccer game THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An Amsterdam District Court has issued sentences of up to six months in jail against 5 men who were involved in violent disorder after a soccer match between the Dutch club Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv in November. The riots caused an international outcry and accusations of deliberate anti-Semitic attacks. The violence following a UEFA Europa League match left 5 people in hospital. More than 60 suspects were detained. The court on Tuesday sentenced one man to 6 months in prison, another to 2 1/2 months, two to 1 month and one to 100 hours of community service.Victor Wembanyama plays 1-on-1 chess with fans in New York

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WALGREENS is shuttering another store, forcing local customers to transfer prescriptions and head elsewhere for necessities. The location is now added to a list of over 1,200 planned closures throughout the next year. Shoppers who frequent the Walgreens at 4014 Plaza Goldorado Circle in Cameron Park, California , about 32 miles east of Sacramento, will be affected. It permanently closes its doors on January 27, 2025, per the Sacramento Business Journal . Two other Walgreens locations on 1401 Broadway and 7155 24th Street nearby will also close in the New Year , making it a total of three in the area axed for customers. The Broadway location shuts down on January 23, and the 24th Street spot on January 29. Read More on Walgreens Walgreens said there were "increased regulatory and reimbursement pressures" as far as the reasoning behind the closures in an email to the Sacramento Business Journal. It deemed the locations as underperforming and considered costs like rent , supplies, and staff salaries in its decision. Employees will have opportunities to transfer to other Walgreens stores. Customers at the Cameron Park store will also have their prescriptions transferred to a CVS pharmacy nearby, according to Walgreens. Most read in Money CLOSING TIME Walgreens locations have been slowly closing this year, and confirmation that there would be at least 1,200 axed from the chain's retail footprint was confirmed by Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Tim Wentworth in October. Wentworth noted that the closures would take place over three years as part of a $1 billion cost-cutting program, which also sees the firing of several mid-level executives. At least 500 closures are planned for 2025 alone. The CEO seeks to bring back Walgreens' market value, as it was once worth $100 billion in 2015. As of 2024, the company is valued at $7.5 billion, a significant decrease. Market shares were also down about 70% this year, per data from The Wall Street Journal . We recognize where we are is a turnaround. "This turnaround will take time, but we are confident it will yield significant financial and consumer benefits over the long term," Wentworth noted in a press release earlier this year. POTENTIAL BUYER That turnaround could be sooner than expected if Walgreens Boots Alliance is bought out by private equity firm Sycamore Partners. If it goes through, Walgreens customers could see changes to the pharmacy chain's operations, as it would be taken off the public market. The deal hasn't been finalized but could be confirmed early next year. Sycamore recently bought other giants like Staples for $6.9 billion in 2017. Walgreens has also been catching attention for other reasons recently. Read More on The US Sun A $10 bathroom item went viral recently at Walgreens for performing better and being three times cheaper than a name-brand option. Walgreens also rolled out about 150 new items this summer despite shopper backlash.By Curt Rallo The Associated Press SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame’s defense set a dominating tone early in its College Football Playoff opener against Indiana . The Fighting Irish stuffed the highest-scoring team in the CFP field for a 14-3 halftime lead, but then Notre Dame suffered a gut punch. Defensive lineman Rylie Mills sacked Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke on the first play of the second half, and had to be helped off the field with a knee injury. Heading into its CFP quarterfinal game against second-seeded Georgia, the Fighting Irish are determined to make sure the setback doesn’t turn into a letdown. The Fighting Irish (12-1) finished with a 27-17 victory against Indiana, giving up two touchdowns in the final two minutes after building a 27-3 lead. Now Notre Dame has to replace Mills, its sack leader this season, for the game against Georgia (11-2). Kickoff for the Sugar Bowl is scheduled for Wednesday at the Superdome in New Orleans. “So we feel badly for (Mills), but at the same time ... we just don’t flinch,” Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden said. “We move forward. It’s time for somebody else to have an opportunity, and I know they’ll be ready.” After a shocking 16-14 loss to Northern Illinois in the second game of the season, Notre Dame’s defense led the charge for an 11-game winning streak that lifted the Fighting Irish when the offense struggled to find its footing. And the defense has done it while being forced to replace a series of key players. Mills was a force on Notre Dame’s defense, which is ranked first in the nation in team passing efficiency defense (96.94), first in turnovers gained (29), first in defensive touchdowns (6) and third in scoring defense (13.8). Notre Dame’s defense punished opponents this season despite losing four starters to season-ending injuries — linemen Mills, Jordan Botelho and Boubacar Traore (all knee injuries), and cornerback Benjamin Morrison (hip). Freshman linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (knee injury) hasn’t played since he was hurt in the Army game. Jason Onye, a defensive tackle, hasn’t played since the fifth game because of a personal issue. Seventh-seeded Notre Dame needs the defense to come up big once more against powerful Georgia and a quarterback it knows little about. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is counting on Gabe Rubio and Donovan Hinish to step up and take turns filling in for Mills. “You don’t prepare them in a week,” Freeman said of players stepping up to replace starters. “They’ve been preparing every single day all season long. “That’s why every rep you do in a practice matters and is evaluated,” Freeman said. “You don’t know when that rep is going to be thrust against Georgia. You have to prepare in a way in practice that you’re improving, but you’re ready if your number is called.” Howard Cross III, a defensive lineman who has teamed up with Mills to be the leaders of an imposing defensive front, had just returned to the Fighting Irish lineup for the playoffs after missing three games with an ankle injury. “It was heartbreaking,” Cross said of seeing Mills go down. Cross said it’s been an unusual season with the injuries, but facing a 14th game, everybody is dealing with pain. “The whole thing is no one’s healthy, no matter what position you are, no matter what you’re doing,” Cross said. “Your hamstring could be sore, like somebody’s hurt in some way, shape or form. Some worse than others. “It is kind of a testament to the mental toughness of this team,” Cross said of the defense always being ready. “The whole thing for us is like, God forbid you go down, the next guy up has to know exactly what they’re doing. We are expecting the next guy up to have the same or better production than the guy that’s starting right now.” Notre Dame’s defense faces the challenge of replacing Mills and getting ready for a Georgia offense led by Gunner Stockton, who replaces injured starter Carson Beck. “You evaluate, obviously, schematically, what they’ve done all season,” Freeman said of preparing a different look from the Bulldogs. “Then you have a separate tape of what Stockton, the new quarterback, has done. I think we have 80-something plays of him playing quarterback. He can run their offense. He does some things a little bit differently. He can extend plays with his legs. He’s a good athlete. “The thing I probably notice more than anything, in watching those 80 plays, is he’s an ultra-competitive individual,” Freeman said of Stockton. “You can just tell by the way he celebrates, by the way he goes and finishes plays. He’s a competitor. I don’t see it being tremendously different than what they’ve done all season, but we’ll prepare for anything.” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart doesn’t anticipate a diminished Notre Dame defense despite the personnel issues. “They play great defense and great pass rush,” Smart said. “They’re physical up front. They affect the pass rush with how hard they play, and they got really good defensive backs. They play man-to-man. They get up on you, put their hands on you.”Trump’s wish to control Greenland and Panama Canal: not a joke this time

Article content It’s a new year, a fresh start, and with that many of us vow to improve something about ourselves. Perhaps this is the year you finally lose the spare tire, kick the smoking habit, or cut down on alcohol consumption. Or maybe it’s time to better manage your finances, stress, or work-life balance? Regardless of what your New Year’s resolution is, as the expression goes, there’s an app for that. A healthier lifestyle could mean a clearer head at home and work, more energy, and increased happiness. And so, the following are a few recommended – and free – health-related downloads for your smartphone or tablet (iOS and Android). Some of these include an optional “pro” (paid) option for more advanced features or extra content. LOSE WEIGHT Log your food intake and exercise, wherever life takes you, so you can keep track of your fitness goals. This is the idea behind the free MyFitnessPal . More than 14 million foods and restaurant dishes are in the database – and you can scan the barcode of millions of packages to automatically log the info – therefore you can expect an accurate look at your caloric intake for each meal. The company says your info is securely synchronized with the web version, too, should you want to log in on a computer. A similar free app is Lose It! . Use your fingertip to set a goal – such as a modest goal of losing five pounds in one month – and then the program will calculate what should be your caloric intake each day. Tap in what you’ve been eating (by food, such as “one medium apple,” or even by brand, like one bowl of “Kraft Macaroni and Cheese”) and it will calculate the calories for you (and even fat, sodium, and so on, if you like). Exercise is also factored into your daily routine. Your info can be also synched to the LoseIt.com website . GET FIT MapMyFitness lets you easily calculate the impact of your physical activity – whether it’s a walk, jog, runs, hike, bike rides or rock-climbing excursion. Heck, even vacuuming can be tracked. Your workout is analyzed – including your time, pace, and estimated calories burned – so you can see you progress and stay motivated. The app can also connect you with other users in your area to join a group. If you like, you can even share your fitness goals and results with your social network. Devices, like activity trackers, smart watches and heart rate monitors, are also supported. For some fun fused with your fitness, the free Zombies, Run! lets you hear a terrifying tale in your headphones about a zombie-infested future, and you’ll need to run faster to get away from the flesh-eating undead as they get closer. You’ll automatically collect supplies to build up your base, such as ammo and medicine for other human survivors. Part of the larger ZRX app, Zombies, Run! features include more than 100 missions, a “Zombie Chase” interval training mode, the ability to run with your own music and optional synchronization with a password-protected website to track your progress on a map. QUIT SMOKING Overcoming an addiction, like nicotine, can be extremely difficult. But tech may be able to help. The free Smoke Free app might be able to help motivate you to reach your goal in 2025. The app creates a personalized plan to help you quit smoking, and you can choose whether you want to go cold turkey or wean off the nicotine. It’s up to you to keep track of the cigarettes you smoke, but you’ll see progress rings that keep track of your smoke-free streaks, money saved, unlock goal-based achievements as extra motivation, and access to a robust community for additional support, filled with likeminded people. Over 40 different techniques will help you become (and stay) smoke free. Get tips on dealing with cravings, add notes to see what patterns can be identified, and use the graph to see how temptations are diminishing. DRINK LESS Ideal for quitting drinking – but also smoking, vaping, eating junk food or gambling – Quitzilla: Quit Tracker lets you track actions you want to curb and help work towards you beating them. If you quit “cold turkey,” add the exact day of the occasion and read daily facts and stats about it, along with a running tally of the money saved, which you can put towards a healthy reward for yourself. Quitzilla also features a motivation tab in which you can add your own reasons to quit – and let them serve as motivation for when you feel a temptation. The app also displays a “Quote of the Day” from various famous authors. For Android, there’s also Sobriety Counter, which lets you view the number of days you’ve spent without a drink. This could serve as a powerful motivating tool, along with how much money you’re saving through sobriety. The app also includes a journal to help you record your progress and experiences, plus there’s a distracting memory game, nearly 30 themes to personalize the look of the app (along with optional home screen widgets), and 64 badges that virtually reward you for not drinking. – Marc Saltzman is the host of the Tech It Out podcast and the author of the book, Apple Vision Pro For Dummies (Wiley)NEW YORK, Nov 23 — Donald Trump made his name in the world of reality TV, and is now looking to stars of the small screen to handpick ultra-loyal celebrity newscasters and hosts to staff his incoming administration. Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick to run the Pentagon, plies his trade on Fox News during the weekend, while the billionaire’s choice to oversee the sprawling public insurance system is none other than TV medic “Dr. Oz.” Trump’s education secretary will be Linda McMahon, a long-time star and executive of the staged and scripted WWE wrestling brand, whereas Sean Duffy, an MTV reality star turned Fox Business host, will run the transportation department. All four are better known for their media profiles than their track records in public service, which could prove a liability when the Senate considers the cabinet secretary appointments. Trump “is a creature of media — he’s existed in tabloid media since the 1980s. His claim to fame was his reality show on network TV ‘The Apprentice.’ He was successful at constructing himself in TV as a successful businessman and leader,” said Reece Peck, City University of New York associate professor and author of “Fox Populism.” “The lesson Trump takes from that is media power is political power. I don’t think there’s ever been a politician in American history that follows that philosophy more than Trump. “People are mocking him but I think for the most part, his theory of political power has been proven correct.” Left-leaning industry monitor MediaMatters criticised the “revolving door” between Fox News, part of mogul Rupert Murdoch’s sprawling empire, and the White House. Alongside Hegseth and Duffy at the cabinet table will be Tom Homan, Trump’s “border czar” tasked with overseeing the promised mass-expulsion of undocumented migrants, who became a vocal defender of Trump’s immigration policies on Fox after his stint leading the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency during Trump’s first term. “It says that Fox News has a great deal of influence — it is a network that supports him to the fullest. It functioned during his administration as a kind of state TV outlet that was constantly praising him and attacking his enemies,” said Matthew Gertz, a MediaMatters senior fellow. Fox News declined to comment. ‘Central position’ The well-worn, two-way street between the media and the White House is just as potent during Democratic presidencies, with a number of former staffers finding berths at Trump-critical outlets CNN and MSNBC. But Trump’s intimate involvement with Fox News, many of whose commentators share his zeal for anti-elite rhetoric and populist ideals, is without precedent. Sometimes fawning in his praise, sometimes witheringly critical of the broadcaster, Trump is consistently an insatiable viewer of the channel which he quotes at length on social media. During his first White House term, he would invite himself onto the flagship show “Fox and Friends.” When he pardoned military officers accused of war crimes, he credited Hegseth, who campaigned on their behalf on the network. Another towering figure at the channel is Sean Hannity, who is sometimes compared to a shadow White House chief of staff because of his direct access to the President-elect. During the 2020 presidential election, Rupert Murdoch’s network infuriated the Trump camp by correctly calling the key state of Arizona for President Joe Biden before all of its media competitors. In the weeks that followed, Fox News faithfully echoed Trump’s conspiracy theories that the election had been rigged for the Democrat, which led the company to pay an eye-watering US$787.5 million settlement to voting machine manufacturer Dominion, the target of the false claims. Fox News, which denies claims it preys on viewers’ fears around national security and immigration, saw its ratings rise in the wake of the presidential election — widening its lead on rivals CNN and MSNBC. This campaign saw an expanded role for social media influencers and podcasters at the expense of the big cable channels. Media analyst Peck said “Fox News still occupies the central position in the conservative media landscape” — and continues to set the agenda. — AFP

These coins could be hiding in your coin jar at home (Image: Getty) Sign up to our free email newsletter to receive the latest breaking news and daily roundups More Newsletters Subscribe Please enter a valid email Something went wrong, please try again later. More Newsletters We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show me See Our Privacy Notice See Our Privacy Notice × Group 28 Sign up to our free email newsletter to receive the latest breaking news and daily roundups Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign Up No thanks, close We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info × Group 28 Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show Me No thanks, close See our Privacy Notice Brits are being encouraged to rummage through their spare change for three rare Christmas coins that could be worth a small fortune. An expert, known as the Coin Collecting Wizard on TikTok, has shared with his over 200,000 followers the specific coins to keep an eye out for, potentially fetching upwards of £8,000 if sold to collectors. He highlighted: "Christmas coins that will make you rich." Firstly, he pointed out a 50p coin from Gibraltar with a unique error – a 1990 dated coin featuring an image from the previous year. Despite Gibraltar coins not being legal tender in the UK, they often find their way into British pockets and this particular coin could command a price of up to £4,000, reports the Mirror . The expert elaborated: "This is a 50p from Gibraltar and is known as a mule error. The obverse of this coin features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, dated 1990." "This is paired with the incorrect 1989 Gibraltar Christmas design featuring a singing choir boy and a puppy wearing a Santa hat and a bow. Errors like this where a mismatched obverse and reverse die are used are extremely uncommon today due to advancements in modern minting technology. "This coin can sell for up to £4,000 so make sure to check if you have this one." He then advised viewers to look out for a 2003 50 pence piece depicting a scene from The Snowman. "This sought-after collectible coin is a new addition of a rare Christmas themed design first issued in 2003 inspired by Raymond Briggs' the Snowman first published in 1978," he elaborated. The coin features an image of the eponymous snowman dancing with the young boy, James. He explained: "The 2003 Snowman and James coin was the first in a popular series, produced in partnership with Popjoy Mint to mark the 25th anniversary of the original storybook. And if you have this 50 pence, then you are looking at around £300." He further detailed about some older coins known as wreath crowns, named after their "distinctive reverse design". He added: "These highly collectible silver coins were produced in limited numbers, between 1927 and 1936, as holiday gifts to important clients of the Bank of England leading to their other common name, 'Christmas crowns'. If you have this crown from 1934 then it is worth £4,000." Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Follow CambridgeLive Facebook X (Twitter) More On Christmas The Queen

One thing nearly all former presidents have in common is a love of sports. For Donald Trump, the game was golf. For Barack Obama, the sport was basketball. President George W. Bush owned Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers. For Jimmy Carter, the sport was tennis. At the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park is a clay tennis court. The tennis court was installed during Carter’s childhood on the family farm. The farm and his childhood home later became the location for the park in Plains, Georgia. In his 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Carter described how he would play against his father as a teenager. “My father ... was an excellent tennis player,” Carter wrote. “I could never beat my father. He had a wicked sliced ball which barely bounded at all on the relatively soft dirt court.” RELATED STORY | Former President Jimmy Carter dies at age 100 Carter was able to upgrade his court when he entered the White House in 1977. The complex had a court installed during President Theodore Roosevelt’s tenure. But during his time in the White House, the use of the tennis courts became political fodder. Staffer James Fallows wrote in The Atlantic that Carter would personally sign off on when the White House tennis court could be used, and by which staffers. “The in-house tennis enthusiasts, of whom I was perhaps the most shameless, dispatched brief notes through his secretary asking to use the court on Tuesday afternoons while he was at a congressional briefing, or a Saturday morning, while he was away,” Fallows wrote. “I always provided spaces where he could check Yes or No; Carter would make his decision and send the note back, initialed J.” Carter was asked by Bill Moyers about whether he personally signed off on the tennis court’s use. Carter told Moyers he delegated the task to a secretary. Carter’s love of tennis came home to Plains in 1977 during his first year in the White House. World Team Tennis staged a match in the small Georgia town, which was attended by Carter’s mother Lillian. The competition was between a team of Soviet Union stars against top Americans playing on the Phoenix Racquets.Sunday's showdown between the Philadelphia 76ers and visiting Los Angeles Clippers is not going to materialize in the way Paul George had hoped. After five seasons with the Clippers, George signed a four-year, $212 million deal with the Sixers in the offseason. However, the team has won only three times in its first 15 games with stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and George all missing significant time due to injuries. Embiid continues to nurse a knee injury and will miss this matchup, while George (hyperextended knee) will not be available to face his former team. Meanwhile, the Clippers have been up-and-down this season while playing the entire campaign without two-way standout Kawhi Leonard (knee). Los Angeles opened the season 2-1 before losing three in a row. The team then won four straight, then lost three consecutive games and now has won four straight entering Sunday's opener of a four-game road trip. The Clippers announced over the weekend that Leonard would miss the entire trip, which puts more pressure on former Sixers guard James Harden, who is averaging 20.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and a team-high 8.8 assists. Norman Powell is the Clippers' leading scorer at 23.3 points per game. He will miss his third consecutive game with a hamstring issue. The Clippers won twice at home without Powell, including Friday's 104-88 triumph over the Sacramento Kings. Harden had 22 points to lead the way in that contest, while Ivica Zubac notched 10 points and 15 rebounds. "All games are meaningful for us," Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said after the win in NBA Cup play. "Playing for the Cup and having a chance to go to Vegas to play for the big money is always intriguing as well. But we got to play the same way every night, whether it's the Cup, whatever we are doing, being short-handed." After committing 22 turnovers in the victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, the Clippers committed just 12 turnovers against the Kings. "We've just got to take care of the basketball," Lue said. That will be particularly important Sunday against a Philadelphia squad that forced 19 turnovers in Friday's 113-98 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. On the offensive end, rookie Jared McCain and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey combined for 56 points as the Sixers snapped a five-game slide. "I ain't gonna lie, it felt good to win," Maxey said after shooting 11-of-17 for 26 points. "I'm not going to sit here and talk about making shots. We played so hard, offensively and defensively, (and) played together. Guys stuck together." McCain was caught on camera in the fourth quarter saying, "I'm Rookie of the Year." The guard finished with 30 points -- his seventh straight game with at least 20 points. "It's one of my goals for the season, obviously," McCain said, "but it was just that competitiveness coming out of me. I respect every other rookie in this league, but obviously I'm a believer in myself and so, yeah, some words definitely came out at that point." The teams met Nov. 6 in Los Angeles, where the Clippers posted a comfortable 110-98 victory behind 26 points from Powell. This article first appeared on Field Level Media and was syndicated with permission.

If oil prices climb in 2025, this stock’s set to gush passive income

Palantir Technologies ( PLTR -3.72% ) was one of the best-performing stocks of 2024. A strong start to the year for the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered enterprise software company went into overdrive in September. A strong earnings report and its addition to the S&P 500 that month stoked a ton of buying for the stock. The market has continued to push the stock higher, bringing the company's market cap above $187 billion, as of this writing. Palantir's financial results have been spectacular. But many analysts think the stock has gotten ahead of itself. Just three out of 22 Wall Street analysts covering the stock give it an overweight or buy rating. Moreover, none of them have a 12-month price target higher than its current stock price. Indeed, Palantir's stock valuation makes it tough to buy now . But investors looking to add some AI stocks to their portfolio have plenty of other options. And two other companies look far more attractive than the richly valued Palantir. In fact, I predict both will be worth more than Palantir by the end of 2025, as a result of strong relative price performance to 2024's big winner. There are two big shifts going on that increase the demand for Palo Alto Networks ' ( PANW -1.23% ) cybersecurity services. More and more enterprises are shifting from on-premise storage and compute for their data and software needs to cloud computing . As they migrate to the cloud or adopt a hybrid approach, they increase the number of potential attack points for cyber criminals. Additionally, most workplaces have adopted a hybrid approach to working in the office versus working from home. Again, this opens more potential security vulnerabilities. Palo Alto offers security solutions across clients' networks (firewalls) in both hardware and software formats. It also offers solutions for the cloud and endpoint security, ensuring only authorized devices gain access to sensitive network data. Many cybersecurity providers rely on machine learning artificial intelligence to help detect cybersecurity threats early and close vulnerabilities. One of the biggest challenges for building an effective system based on machine learning is accessing valuable data. As a leader in the space, Palo Alto has a considerable data advantage over the competition. As such, its AI efforts pay off handsomely, as they work better than competitors. What's more, Palo Alto's capabilities make it more attractive to new customers, creating a virtuous cycle, whereby it gains access to more valuable data than its competitors. On top of that, it's important to consider the switching costs for existing customers. Few security analysts are going to risk their job to save a few bucks for their company on a competing product. Just the opposite, they're more likely to go back to Palo Alto Networks when their needs expand. Palo Alto has been expanding its offerings through bolt-on acquisitions over time, and it's seen considerable success cross-selling customers on new products. As the company shifts to more software-based solutions and increases its cross-selling to customers, its gross margin should continue to move higher over time. As such, investors should see profits climb considerably faster than revenue for the foreseeable future. Palo Alto's shares currently trade for an enterprise-value -to-revenue ratio of 14.6. That's a fair price to pay. And if it can maintain that multiple through fiscal 2025, the stock should climb around 14% based on analysts' estimates. With a market capitalization of $124 billion, as of this writing, that would put its value at about $142 billion at the end of 2025. That would require Palantir stock to drop about 24% from today's price to fall below Palo Alto's potential market cap. 2. Micron Technology When it comes to semiconductors , just a few companies get most of the attention. Most people know the big GPU makers like Nvidia . But one company making critical components of AI chips like Nvidia's is Micron Technology ( MU -1.32% ) . Micron supplies memory chips, including standard DRAM and NAND chips found in PCs and smartphones. It also makes chips called high-bandwidth memory (HBM), which manufacturers like Nvidia incorporate into their high-end GPUs. As a result, Micron has been a big beneficiary of the growing spending and development in artificial intelligence. Micron's data center revenue grew more than 400% year over year in its first quarter, which ended in November. The segment, led by its HBM chips, now accounts for more than 50% of Micron's total sales. Management is extremely optimistic about the potential for AI to transform its business. It sees the HBM market growing from $16 billion in 2024 to $100 billion by 2030. Considering just three companies, including Micron, make HBM chips, Micron is sure to see its fair share of that growth. The strength of the data center business can offset short-term weakness in the consumer segment. Management lowered its forecast for the second quarter due to customer inventory reductions from PC and smartphone suppliers. The consumer segment slowdown points to the biggest risk of investing in Micron: cyclicality . Micron manufactures its own chips in-house. That requires significant capital expenditures up front, but results in relatively stable growth in cost of goods as it expands production capacity. Micron's chips are practically interchangeable with its competitors', which makes its pricing commodity-like. In other words, when there's strong demand for Micron's chips, it sees more orders and better pricing while its cost of production remains relatively flat. When demand falls, it receives less revenue, but it's still paying the same amount, potentially resulting in negative returns on invested capital . It seems likely Micron will continue to see very high demand for its HBM chips in 2025, as several big tech companies have laid out plans to substantially grow their data center spending. That should more than offset weakness in the consumer segment, and analysts expect 39.6% revenue growth for the year. At an enterprise-value-to-revenue ratio of 3.7 as of this writing, shares look undervalued, despite the cyclicality risk. If shares expand their multiple to 4 over the next year, and analysts' estimates pan out, Micron would see its stock climb about 50% next year. That would put its market cap around $150 billion. A 20% drop in Palantir shares over the next year would put it below that number. Regardless of whether Micron or Palo Alto Networks end up being worth more than Palantir by the end of 2025, both look far more attractive than the highflier at today's prices.

One person died in Ecuador and ports closed across Peru as massive waves up to four meters (13 feet) high pummeled the region, officials said Saturday. Many beaches along the central and northern stretches of the Peruvian coastline were closed to prevent risk to human life, local authorities said. Waves there submerged jetties and public squares, sending residents fleeing to higher ground, according to images on local media. In neighboring Ecuador, the National Secretariat for Risk Management said a body was recovered in the coastal city of Manta. "The Manta Fire Department reported that, at 6:00 am, the body of a missing person was found lifeless in the Barbasquillo sector," the agency announced on social media. Peru closed 91 of its 121 ports until January 1, the National Emergency Operations Center said on its X social media account. More from this section The municipality of Callao, close to the capital Lima and the location of the country's main port, closed several beaches and barred tourist and fishing boats from venturing out. "These waves are being generated thousands of kilometers away from Peru, off the coast of the United States," navy Captain Enrique Varea told Channel N television. "They are waves generated by a persistent wind on the surface of the ocean that is approaching our coasts," he said. Dozens of small fishing boats and businesses near the sea were affected, according to images broadcast on television and social networks. axl/rmb/nro/acb

Northwestern hopes hot streak continues vs. NortheasternTop 10 Best Zero-Waste Startups in India 2025 | Pioneers in Sustainability

jili7 jili slot Altice USA, Inc. ( NYSE:ATUS – Get Free Report ) Director Alt S.A.R.L. Next sold 805,227 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $24.50, for a total transaction of $19,728,061.50. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 25,172,139 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $616,717,405.50. This represents a 3.10 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website . Alt S.A.R.L. Next also recently made the following trade(s): Altice USA Price Performance Shares of Altice USA stock opened at $2.59 on Friday. Altice USA, Inc. has a 1-year low of $1.52 and a 1-year high of $3.66. The company’s fifty day simple moving average is $2.45 and its 200-day simple moving average is $2.17. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.20 billion, a PE ratio of -7.00, a P/E/G ratio of 47.38 and a beta of 1.52. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts recently commented on ATUS shares. TD Cowen reduced their price objective on Altice USA from $6.00 to $3.50 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 5th. UBS Group cut shares of Altice USA from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $4.00 to $2.00 in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $2.22. Get Our Latest Report on ATUS Hedge Funds Weigh In On Altice USA Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC bought a new stake in Altice USA during the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Quadrature Capital Ltd bought a new stake in Altice USA during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. D.A. Davidson & CO. purchased a new position in Altice USA in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Wolverine Trading LLC bought a new position in Altice USA in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $39,000. Finally, US Bancorp DE grew its holdings in Altice USA by 30.2% during the 3rd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 21,530 shares of the company’s stock valued at $53,000 after buying an additional 5,000 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 54.85% of the company’s stock. About Altice USA ( Get Free Report ) Altice USA, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides broadband communications and video services in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. It offers broadband, video, telephony, and mobile services to residential and business customers. The company's video services include delivery of broadcast stations and cable networks; over the top services; video-on-demand, high-definition channels, digital video recorder, and pay-per-view services; and platforms for video programming through mobile applications. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Altice USA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altice USA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Kabambe calls for unity ahead of Monday’s peaceful demonstrationHundreds of people showed up outside Queens Park Saturday afternoon to push back against the Ford government's controversial bike lane bill that would remove certain Toronto bike lanes to help address congestion. The Progressive Conservative government has been fast-tracking legislation that would require Ontario municipalities to ask the province for permission to install bike lanes when they would remove a lane of vehicle traffic. The bill also goes a step further and would remove three major bike lanes in Toronto on Bloor Street, Yonge Street and University Avenue. Fight for Bikes co-founder Eva Stanger Ross, which organized Saturday's rally, said she uses the Bloor Street bike lanes almost every day. "They are always packed, so it's targeting the most important bike lanes in the city. It makes absolutely no sense." Zev Godfrey (left) and Eva Stanger-Ross are co-founders of Fight for Bikes, a group that is fighting against the Ontario government's proposed Bill 212. (CBC) Without those protected bike lanes, Stanger-Ross said drivers often don't think about the cyclists around them. "They don't think of them as a hazard that they have to watch out for, and it's way more likely that you'll be hit." The rally comes days after new amendments were introduced to the bill, one of which would protect the province from potential lawsuits if cyclists are hurt or killed after lanes are removed. Stanger-Ross said it suggests the government knows removing the lanes will make roads less safe for cyclists. "To me, it shows that the government knows that they're going to be putting civilians in harm's way and they know that people will be killed or injured," she said. "And instead of doing something about it, instead of keeping the bike lanes, instead of addressing it, they're just covering themselves up." Cyclists listen to a speech during a rally Saturday at Queens Park in Toronto against the Ontario government's proposed Bill 212. (CBC ) Those safety concerns have kept Leah Jaunzem from cycling around the city for nearly a year — and motivated her to show up to Saturday's rally. "It's so straightforward and it's so simple: we need to protect cyclists. We have such a problem in this city with pedestrians and cyclists getting injured," she said. "Like, stop with the politicking. This is actual people's lives. There's some things that are beyond politics, and this is one of them." Some cyclists at Saturday's rally also rejected the government's stance that bike lanes should instead be on secondary roads. "Toronto is not a perfect grid and most of the time there aren't streets that run alongside the primary streets for very long," said Zev Godfrey, another co-founder of Fight for Bikes. Godfrey said he thinks cyclists will continue to use the same major routes but be unprotected from vehicle traffic. "Cyclists likes primary streets for the exact same reason that car drivers like primary streets," he said. "They go for a long time, they are less interrupted and also the destinations that you're going to are often on those primary streets." Hundreds of cyclists attended Saturday's rally at Queen's Park in Toronto. (CBC) Asked about the protest, a spokesperson for Ontario's transportation minister repeated government talking points that bike lanes contribute to gridlock in Canada's largest city. "We are doing everything we can to fight congestion and keep major arterial roads moving," said Dakota Brasier. "We support a common-sense approach to bike lanes, and encourage the city to listen to the thousands of drivers to help clear our major roads and get people out of traffic." Last week, Toronto city council passed a motion to formally oppose Premier Doug Ford's plans, following a report showing it would cost at least $48 million to remove bike lanes. Mayor Olivia Chow said Friday she knows first-hand how dangerous cycling without a bike lane can be. "I've been doored on Bloor Street without a bike lane. Now I ride on Bloor Street with a bike lane, I feel very secure. That is because of the bike lane there," she said at a news conference. Chow said she hopes the city and province can "find the middle ground" when it comes addressing traffic congestion.

UT wine contractors urge tax parity with Punjab in excise policy

Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) Rating Lowered to “Buy” at StockNews.comNoneLOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani is keeping elite company. The Japanese superstar caps 2024 by winning The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the third time, tying him with basketball great Michael Jordan. He trails only four-time winners Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and LeBron James. “I’m very honored,” Ohtani said through translator Matt Hidaka in an exclusive interview with the AP. ”Obviously all the hard work has paid off. Maybe next year, I’ll get the award again.” In balloting by 74 sports journalists from the AP and its members, Ohtani received 48 votes. He previously won the award in 2023 and 2021 , when he was with the Angels. “Growing up in Japan, I did follow Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods,” he said. “I would see their accolades and how they were successful in the United States.” The AP honor has been given out since 1931. Golfer Babe Didrikson won six times, the most by a man or woman. Swimmer Léon Marchand of France, who won four gold medals at the Paris Olympics, was second with 10 votes in balloting announced Monday. Golfer Scottie Scheffler, whose victories this year included the Masters and an Olympic gold medal, was third with nine. The AP Female Athlete of the Year will be announced Tuesday. Moving from the beleaguered Los Angeles Angels to the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player award and first in the National League, led his new team to its eighth World Series championship and created Major League Baseball’s 50/50 club by hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases. Ohtani signed a then-record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in December 2023. Already a two-way superstar, he embellished his reputation even further despite not pitching all season while he rehabilitated from a second major right elbow surgery he had in September 2023. Ohtani went wild on offense, making every at-bat a must-see moment. The 6-foot-4 designated hitter batted a career-high .310 while easily surpassing his previous career highs in home runs and stolen bases. In September, he reached the previously unheard of 50/50 mark in a performance for the ages . Against the Miami Marlins in Florida, Ohtani went 6 for 6 with three homers, 10 RBIs, two stolen bases and 17 total bases. "It wouldn’t shock me if he went 60/60 and 20 wins a year from now,” Brad Ausmus, who managed the Angels in 2019 during Ohtani’s second season in Anaheim, said recently. “This guy is the greatest athlete to ever play the sport of baseball and there’s not a close second.” Ohtani said he knew the Dodgers' franchise record for most homers in a season was 49. His previous best was 46, set in 2021. "I kind of wanted to get over that bar,” he said. “I was pleasantly surprised I was able to pass that record.” Ohtani carried the Dodgers offensively during the regular season, and he stayed healthy until Game 2 of the World Series. He injured his left shoulder trying to steal second base against the New York Yankees and finished the Series playing hurt. He underwent surgery a few days after the Dodgers celebrated their championship in early November. "I don’t have full range of motion yet, but it feels a lot better,” he told the AP. “There’s no pain. There’s obviously still a little bit of tightness, but slowly but surely it’s getting better.” Ohtani recently received an updated rehab schedule, and he’s focused on the near-term. “It’s the small steps that I think are very important to get me to the ultimate goal, which is to just get back healthy,” he said. Ohtani is also throwing in the 70 mph range, which is typical for pitchers early in the offseason. "I’m going to continue to ramp up slowly,” he said. The Dodgers’ rotation for next season is in flux, and Ohtani is waiting to see how it shakes out. Story continues below video "We may go with a five-man rotation with a bullpen (game), which is what we did a lot during this season or we may have a six-man rotation,” he said. “But it’s all about balancing out when we can get rest and recuperate. We’ll see where that takes us along the playoff chase. I’ve got to obviously pace myself, but again that situation will guide us to how we get there.” The Dodgers open the 2025 season in Japan, where Ohtani is even more closely watched . "My personal goal is to be fully healthy by the time the opening games do start,” he said. “To be able to pitch and hit would be great, but the situation will kind of guide itself.” Each time Ohtani comes to the plate or steps on the mound, there’s great pressure and expectation for him to perform spectacular feats. "I just go out there and try to stay within myself,” he said. “I can only control what I can control and that’s where you trust your teammates. The guys behind me, you trust they’re going to make the plays for you. I don’t really try to overthink it.” Ohtani generated big bucks for the Dodgers off the field, too. Fans traveled from Japan in droves to see him play around the U.S. At Dodger Stadium, they paid extra for tours of baseball’s third-oldest venue narrated by Japanese-speaking guides and to be on the field during pre-game batting practice. A majority of the fans bought Ohtani-branded merchandise, especially his No. 17 jersey. Ohtani’s presence also helped the Dodgers land a bevy of new Japanese sponsors. Because Ohtani prefers to speak Japanese and use an interpreter with the media, he is shrouded in a bit of mystique. Asked before his first postgame series if he was nervous, he dropped a one-word answer in English: “Nope,” which drew laughter. Japanese-born Dodgers manager Dave Roberts observed Ohtani’s behind-the-scenes interactions with his teammates, coaches and staff, and came away impressed. "I really do believe that as good of a ballplayer as he is, he’s a much better person. He’s very kind, considerate, he cares,” Roberts told the AP. “I’m just proud of any fame or glory or award that he receives because he just does it in such a respectful and humble way.” Ohtani relishes his privacy and rarely shares details about himself off the field. That’s why his February announcement via Instagram that he had wed Mamiko Tanaka , a former basketball player, stunned his new teammates and the rest of the world. The following month, after the Dodgers arrived in South Korea to open the season, he was enveloped in scandal when his longtime interpreter and friend , Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Dodgers after being accused of using millions of dollars of Ohtani’s money to place bets with an illegal bookmaker. His new teammates rallied around Ohtani, who was found to have no part in the wrongdoing, and publicly it didn’t seem to affect him even if he was privately distressed by it. By June, the uproar had subsided. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to federal bank and tax fraud charges and admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani. The public got a glimpse of Ohtani’s softer side in August, when his dog Decoy delivered a first pitch to his owner on their shared bobblehead night. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje exchanged an endearing high-five with Ohtani at the plate. As a result, Decoy became a celebrity in his own right, with his breed (pronounced COY-ker-HUND-che) making the list of the most mispronounced words of 2024. He and Ohtani were mentioned during the telecast of last month’s National Dog Show, where the small Spaniel-type breed was among the competitors. "The number of the breed has kind of dwindled, so by him gaining a little bit of popularity hopefully that brings up the number of his breed,” Ohtani said. “I do feel like we were able to, in a small way, contribute to the popularity of the dog and I’m sure Decoy himself would be happy about that.” Ohtani will be looking to top himself next year while eyeing a repeat World Series title. "It’s almost like right now you can lock in the Most Valuable Player in the National League award because no one has that ability or talent,” Roberts said. "I’m just excited to see what ’25 has for Shohei Ohtani.” AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — When the San Francisco 49ers used a third-round pick to draft Jake Moody last year, the hope was it would settle their kicking position for years to come. A shaky second half to Moody's second season with San Francisco has put that into question headed to the offseason. Moody missed his sixth field goal in the past seven games last week, leading to questions about whether the 49ers will need to replace him or at least bring in competition for next season. Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed confidence in Moody on Thursday, attributing some of the struggles to a high ankle sprain he suffered in his kicking leg earlier in the season. “I still feel the same about him, that I believe he is going to be our guy," Shanahan said. “Everyone has got to perform and do things like that and I think he has had a tough year. ... I thought he was doing really well and then had a high ankle sprain to his kicking foot. Since he’s come back, he hasn’t been as consistent, obviously. But I think a lot of that probably has to do with that, just common-sense wise.” Moody got off to a strong start this season, making all six field goals he attempted in the season opener and going 13 for 14 before injuring his ankle while attempting to make a tackle on a kickoff return in Week 5. He missed three games and has struggled since he returned. He missed three field goals in first first game back at Tampa Bay, two more in the snow at Buffalo in Week 13 and then a 41-yarder last week against the Dolphins. “That’s the great thing about kicking is, you can be as talented as whoever and you can struggle,” Moody said. “I feel like this year, I’ve struggled. It doesn’t really waver my confidence or anything. I feel like, throughout my entire life, I’ve gone through struggles, I’ve gone through high points. The biggest thing is to just stay consistent, not change anything.” Moody had an up-and-down rookie season, making 21 of 25 field goals in the regular season and missing only one extra point. But he missed a potential game-winning kick in a loss at Cleveland and missed field goals in playoff wins against Green Bay and Detroit. Moody then made three field goals in the Super Bowl with two coming from more than 50 yards, including a go-ahead 53-yard kick late in the fourth quarter against Kansas City. But Moody also had an extra point blocked in that game. “I believe we’ve got the right guy and I think that eventually, I think he has shown that at times,” Shanahan said. "I thought he showed that at times his rookie year. I thought he showed that big time being 12 out of 13 to start this year. And I think he’ll show us all that in the future.” NOTES: The Niners placed LT Trent Williams on IR after his ankle injury hasn't healed as quickly as hoped. Shanahan didn't think there were any long-term issues. ... LB Dre Greenlaw (calf) will be shut down for the rest of the season after playing parts of two games in his return from a torn left Achilles tendon. ... OL Spencer Burford (calf) didn't practice but might be able to play this week. ... San Francisco has signed two OL this week, adding Matt Hennessy and Charlie Heck. ... RB Isaac Guerendo (hamstring, foot) was limited but appears on track to play this week. AP NFL:

King Charles switched Christmas speech to hospital chapel after becoming ‘enchanted’ with venueThe House Ethics Committee found evidence former Rep. Matt Gaetz paid multiple women, including a 17-year-old girl, for sex, according to a final draft of the panel’s report on the Florida Republican released on Monday. The committee concluded that Gaetz violated multiple state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office, including the state’s statutory rape law. “The Committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” panel investigators wrote. Gaetz has repeatedly denied all wrongdoing and on Monday filed a lawsuit seeking to block the report’s release, saying it contains “untruthful and defamatory information” that would “significantly damage” his “standing and reputation in the community.” The panel investigated transactions Gaetz personally made, often using PayPal or Venmo, to more than a dozen women during his time in Congress, according to the report. "From 2017 to 2020, Representative Gaetz made tens of thousands of dollars in payments to women that the Committee determined were likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use," the report said. According to the report, in 2018 Gaetz arranged for his Chief of Staff to assist a woman with whom he engaged in sexual activity in obtaining a passport, falsely indicating to the U.S. Department of State that she was a constituent. The committee said it also received testimony that at a 2017 party, Gaetz twice had sex with "Victim A," who was just 17 years old at the time and had just completed her junior year in high school. "Victim A recalled receiving $400 in cash from Representative Gaetz that evening, which she understood to be payment for sex," the committee wrote. "Victim A said that she did not inform Representative Gaetz that she was under 18 at the time, nor did he ask her age." The committee said it did not find sufficient evidence to conclude that Gaetz violated the federal sex trafficking statute. "Although Representative Gaetz did cause the transportation of women across state lines for purposes of commercial sex, the Committee did not find evidence that any of those women were under 18 at the time of travel, nor did the Committee find sufficient evidence to conclude that the commercial sex acts were induced by force, fraud, or coercion." The release of the report comes after at least one Republican joined all five Democrats on the panel earlier this month in a secret vote to release the report about their former colleague despite initial opposition from GOP lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, to publishing findings about a former member of Congress, the Associated Press reported. While ethics reports have previously been released after a member’s resignation, it is extremely rare. Ahead of the report’s release Gaetz denied any wrongdoing and criticized the committee's process. “Giving funds to someone you are dating — that they didn’t ask for — and that isn’t ‘charged’ for sex is now prostitution?!?” he wrote in one post. “There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses.” Back in November, after resigning from the House, Gaetz announced on X that he is withdrawing from consideration for the role of attorney general under President-elect Donald Trump . "I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback — and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition," he began the post. "There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I'll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump's DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1," he continued. "I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I'm certain he will Save America."By MICHAEL R. SISAK NEW YORK (AP) — Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs tried for a third time Friday to persuade a judge to let him leave jail while he awaits his sex trafficking trial, but a decision won’t come until next week. Judge Arun Subramanian said at a hearing that he will release his decision on Combs’ latest request for bail after Combs’ lawyers and federal prosecutors file letters addressing outstanding issues. Those letters are due at noon on Monday, Subramanian said. Combs’ lawyers pitched having him await trial under around-the-clock surveillance either his mansion on an island near Miami Beach or — after the judge scoffed at that location — an apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Their plan essentially amounts to putting Combs on house arrest, with strict limits on who he has contact with. But prosecutors argue that Combs has routinely flouted jail rules and can’t be trusted not to interfere with witnesses or the judicial process. “The argument that he’s a lawless person who doesn’t follow instructions isn’t factually accurate,” Combs lawyer Anthony Ricco argued. “The idea that he’s an out-of-control individual who has to be detained isn’t factually accurate.” Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years with help from a network of associates and employees while silencing victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. His trial is slated to begin May 5. The Bad Boy Records founder remains locked up at a Brooklyn federal jail, where he spent his Nov. 4 birthday. Two other judges previously concluded that Combs would be a danger to the community if he is released and an appeals court judge last month denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals weighs his bail request. Friday’s hearing was the second time Combs was in court this week. On Tuesday, a judge blocked prosecutors from using as evidence papers that were seized from his cell during jail-wide sweep for contraband and weapons at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Related Articles As he entered through a side door, Combs waved to relatives including his mother and several of his children in the courtroom gallery, tapping his hand to his heart and blowing kisses at them. He then hugged his lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, before taking a seat at the defense table. He was not handcuffed or shackled and wore a beige jail uniform, occasionally pulling a pair of reading glasses from his pocket as he peered at papers in front of him. Prosecutors maintain that no bail conditions will mitigate the “risk of obstruction and dangerousness to others” of releasing Combs from jail. Prosecutors contend that while locked up the “I’ll Be Missing You” artist has orchestrated social media campaigns aimed at tainting the jury pool. They allege that he has also attempted to publicly leak materials he thinks would be helpful to his case and is contacting potential witnesses via third parties. “Simply put, the defendant cannot be trusted,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik argued. Combs’ lawyer Teny Geragos countered that, given the strict release conditions proposed, “it would be impossible for him not to follow rules.”All the A-listers standing with Blake Lively amid her lawsuit against It Ends With Us costar Justin Baldoni

Palo Alto Networks ( NASDAQ:PANW – Get Free Report ) had its target price increased by stock analysts at Robert W. Baird from $425.00 to $435.00 in a note issued to investors on Thursday. The firm presently has an “outperform” rating on the network technology company’s stock. Robert W. Baird’s price objective points to a potential upside of 13.47% from the stock’s previous close. Other equities analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. Truist Financial raised their price target on Palo Alto Networks from $400.00 to $425.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, November 18th. Needham & Company LLC lifted their price target on shares of Palo Alto Networks from $385.00 to $450.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday. Sanford C. Bernstein boosted their price target on shares of Palo Alto Networks from $364.00 to $399.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 20th. Bank of America raised their price objective on shares of Palo Alto Networks from $400.00 to $430.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Scotiabank upped their target price on shares of Palo Alto Networks from $385.00 to $400.00 and gave the company a “sector outperform” rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 20th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating, thirty-one have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $402.03. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on PANW Palo Alto Networks Stock Down 3.6 % Palo Alto Networks shares are scheduled to split before the market opens on Monday, December 16th. The 2-1 split was announced on Wednesday, November 20th. The newly issued shares will be payable to shareholders after the market closes on Friday, December 13th. Palo Alto Networks ( NASDAQ:PANW – Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 20th. The network technology company reported $1.56 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.48 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $2.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $2.12 billion. Palo Alto Networks had a net margin of 32.11% and a return on equity of 26.83%. Palo Alto Networks’s revenue was up 13.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.63 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Palo Alto Networks will post 3.56 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Palo Alto Networks In other Palo Alto Networks news, CEO Nikesh Arora sold 81,586 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $367.99, for a total value of $30,022,832.14. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 618,715 shares in the company, valued at $227,680,932.85. This trade represents a 11.65 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link . Also, EVP Nir Zuk sold 36,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $332.50, for a total transaction of $11,970,000.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 1,115,567 shares in the company, valued at $370,926,027.50. This represents a 3.13 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 254,252 shares of company stock valued at $89,041,637. 2.50% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of Palo Alto Networks Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of PANW. Mainstream Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Palo Alto Networks in the 3rd quarter valued at about $1,156,000. Alpha Cubed Investments LLC grew its position in shares of Palo Alto Networks by 16.4% in the third quarter. Alpha Cubed Investments LLC now owns 231,566 shares of the network technology company’s stock valued at $79,149,000 after purchasing an additional 32,626 shares during the last quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB increased its stake in shares of Palo Alto Networks by 3.8% during the third quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB now owns 196,700 shares of the network technology company’s stock worth $67,232,000 after purchasing an additional 7,291 shares during the period. Harvest Portfolios Group Inc. acquired a new stake in Palo Alto Networks during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $24,414,000. Finally, Parsons Capital Management Inc. RI lifted its holdings in Palo Alto Networks by 4.5% during the 2nd quarter. Parsons Capital Management Inc. RI now owns 2,695 shares of the network technology company’s stock worth $914,000 after purchasing an additional 116 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 79.82% of the company’s stock. About Palo Alto Networks ( Get Free Report ) Palo Alto Networks, Inc provides cybersecurity solutions worldwide. The company offers firewall appliances and software; and Panorama, a security management solution for the global control of network security platform as a virtual or a physical appliance. It also provides subscription services covering the areas of threat prevention, malware and persistent threat, URL filtering, laptop and mobile device protection, DNS security, Internet of Things security, SaaS security API, and SaaS security inline, as well as threat intelligence, and data loss prevention. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Palo Alto Networks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Palo Alto Networks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .What 14 Analyst Ratings Have To Say About Apple

US lawmakers concluded a two-year investigation Monday into the Covid-19 outbreak that killed 1.1 million Americans -- backing the theory that the virus likely leaked from a Chinese laboratory. A 520-page report from the Republican-controlled House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic looked at the federal and state-level response, as well as the pandemic's origins and vaccination efforts. "This work will help the United States, and the world, predict the next pandemic, prepare for the next pandemic, protect ourselves from the next pandemic, and hopefully prevent the next pandemic," panel chairman Brad Wenstrup said in a letter to Congress. US federal agencies, the World Health Organization and scientists across the planet have arrived at different conclusions about the most likely origin of Covid-19, and no consensus has emerged. Most believe it to have spread from animals in China, but a US intelligence analysis said last year that the virus may have been genetically engineered and escaped from a virology lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where human cases first emerged. The congressional panel was persuaded by the lab leak theory after meeting 25 times, conducting more than 30 transcribed interviews and reviewing more than one million pages of documents. The investigation included two days of interviews behind closed doors with Anthony Fauci, the government scientist who became the nation's most trusted expert in the chaotic early days of the 2020 outbreak. Fauci's clashes with former and incoming president Donald Trump over the response sparked fury on the right, and he now lives with security protection following death threats against his family. Republicans accuse the 83-year-old immunologist of helping to set off the worst pandemic in a century by approving funding passed on to Chinese scientists they accuse of manufacturing the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes Covid-19. Among its headline conclusions, the report said the National Institutes of Health had indeed funded contentious "gain-of-function" research -- which seeks to enhance viruses as a way of finding ways to combat them -- at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Fauci angrily denied covering up the origins of Covid-19 before the panel in June, arguing that it would be "molecularly impossible" for the bat viruses studied at the lab to be turned into the virus that caused the pandemic. But the panel's report said SARS-CoV-2 "likely emerged because of a laboratory or research related accident." The probe found that lockdowns "did more harm than good" and that mask mandates were "ineffective at controlling the spread of Covid-19," contradicting other research showing that masking in public does reduce transmission rates. Social distancing guidelines also came under criticism, although travel restrictions were deemed to have saved lives. Investigators found that Trump's Operation Warp Speed -- the publicly-funded project to develop Covid vaccines -- was a "tremendous success" but that school closures would have an "enduring impact" on US children. ft/jgc

Mind the Gap: Six Tips to Assess Your Healthcare Coverage Before the New YearPresident-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peakAmazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) Launches AWS Amplify AI Kit for Bedrock, Enabling Developers to Build AI-Powered Web AppsProspera Financial Services Inc lowered its holdings in CMS Energy Co. ( NYSE:CMS – Free Report ) by 13.0% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 12,330 shares of the utilities provider’s stock after selling 1,843 shares during the period. Prospera Financial Services Inc’s holdings in CMS Energy were worth $871,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. TruNorth Capital Management LLC increased its stake in CMS Energy by 431.3% in the second quarter. TruNorth Capital Management LLC now owns 712 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 578 shares during the last quarter. Innealta Capital LLC acquired a new stake in CMS Energy during the 2nd quarter worth $43,000. Covestor Ltd raised its stake in CMS Energy by 206.1% during the 3rd quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 701 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 472 shares in the last quarter. Values First Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in CMS Energy during the 3rd quarter worth $56,000. Finally, Voisard Asset Management Group Inc. raised its stake in CMS Energy by 25.7% during the 3rd quarter. Voisard Asset Management Group Inc. now owns 798 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $56,000 after acquiring an additional 163 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.57% of the company’s stock. Insider Buying and Selling In other CMS Energy news, SVP Brandon J. Hofmeister sold 2,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $68.17, for a total value of $136,340.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 64,771 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $4,415,439.07. This represents a 3.00 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . 0.40% of the stock is owned by insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Get Our Latest Report on CMS CMS Energy Trading Up 0.4 % Shares of CMS Energy stock opened at $69.52 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $20.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.41. CMS Energy Co. has a 52-week low of $55.10 and a 52-week high of $72.40. The company’s 50-day simple moving average is $69.72 and its 200-day simple moving average is $65.48. The company has a quick ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. CMS Energy ( NYSE:CMS – Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 31st. The utilities provider reported $0.84 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.78 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $1.74 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.88 billion. CMS Energy had a net margin of 14.01% and a return on equity of 12.81%. The firm’s revenue was up 4.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.61 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that CMS Energy Co. will post 3.33 earnings per share for the current year. CMS Energy Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 27th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.515 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 13th. This represents a $2.06 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.96%. This is an increase from CMS Energy’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.51. CMS Energy’s payout ratio is currently 58.86%. CMS Energy Company Profile ( Free Report ) CMS Energy Corporation operates as an energy company primarily in Michigan. The company operates through three segments: Electric Utility; Gas Utility; and Enterprises. The Electric Utility segment is involved in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity. This segment generates electricity through coal, wind, gas, renewable energy, oil, and nuclear sources. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CMS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for CMS Energy Co. ( NYSE:CMS – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for CMS Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CMS Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has urged political office holders to use the yuletide to extend love and kindness to the less privileged around them. In his Christmas message to the people, Nwifuru said the season should characterise love, kindness and generosity. “This is a season of joy, reflection, and gratitude; a time to come together as families, friends, and communities to celebrate the hope and love that this special time of the year represents “By doing this, we can embody the true spirit of the season by lifting one another up and spreading goodwill throughout our dear state. “Commemorating the birth of our lord and saviour, Jesus Christ, reminds us of the power of giving, compassion, and unity,” he said. He commended the citizens of the state for their steadfastness in joining him to execute the social contract with them. “As we look back on the year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the resilience and strength of our people. “Despite the challenges we may face, your dedication, hard work, and unwavering spirit make our state a better place for everyone. The Governor assured that his administration would continue to initiate policies and projects that will enhance the well-being of the people. “It is my fervent wish and prayers that this Christmas will bring peace, happiness, and hope to you and your loved ones.”

Stock market today: Rising tech stocks pull Wall Street to another recordBEIRUT —Tensions in northeast Syria between Kurdish-led authorities and Turkish-backed groups should be resolved politically or risk "dramatic consequences" for all of Syria, the United Nations envoy for the country Geir Pedersen told Reuters on Monday. Hostilities have escalated between Syrian rebels backed by Ankara and the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces in the northeast since Bashar al-Assad was toppled on Dec. 8. Syrian armed groups seized the city of Manbij from the SDF on Dec. 9 and could be preparing to attack the key city of Kobani, or Ayn al-Arab, on the northern border with Turkey. "If the situation in the northeast is not handled correctly, it could be a very bad omen for the whole of Syria," Pedersen said by phone, adding that "if we fail here, it would have dramatic consequences when it comes to new displacement." The SDF - which is spearheaded by the Kurdish YPG - has proposed to withdraw its forces from the area in exchange for a complete truce. But Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, speaking alongside Syria's de facto new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Sunday in Damascus, said the YPG should disband totally. Turkey regards the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants who have fought an insurgency against the Turkish state and are deemed terrorists by Ankara, Washington and the European Union. Pedersen said a political solution "would require serious, serious compromises" and should be part of the "transitional phase" led by Syria's new authorities in Damascus. Fidan said he had discussed the YPG presence with the new Syrian administration and believed Damascus would take steps to ensure Syria's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday the country will remain in close dialogue with Sharaa. Kurdish groups have had autonomy across much of the northeast since Syria's war began in 2011, but now fear it could be wiped out by the country's new Islamist rule. Thousands of women rallied on Monday in a northeast city to condemn Turkey and demand their rights be respected. Pedersen said Sharaa had told him in meetings in Damascus last week that they were committed to "transitional arrangements that will be inclusive of all". But he said resolving tensions in the northeast would be a test for a new Syria after more than a half-century of Assad family rule. "The whole question of creating a new, free Syria would be off to a very, extremely ... to put it diplomatically, difficult start," he said. —Reuters

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Kevin Shattenkirk , a veteran of the NHL for 14 seasons, announced his retirement from the NHL on Tuesday (Dec. 10) on his social media platforms. The right-shot defenseman was a free agent after a 61-game stint with the Boston Bruins in 2023-24. Thank you to the game I love. Deuces pic.twitter.com/QYvpHlOOhk Shattenkirk’s NHL Career Shattenkirk started his NHL career in the 2010-11 season after being selected 14th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2007 draft class. His time with the Avalanche was short-lived, however, as he was involved in a blockbuster trade in his rookie campaign. On Feb. 19, 2011, he was dealt to the St. Louis Blues along with forward Chris Stewart and a conditional second-round pick for 2006 first-overall selection Erik Johnson , forward Jay McClemment, and a conditional first-round pick. Despite trading someone of Johnson’s caliber, the Blues did quite alright with this deal. Quickly, Shattenkirk became one of the more notable offensive defensemen in the NHL, although he showed signs of this with 26 points in 46 games as a member of the Avalanche. Shattenkirk finished 18th in Norris Trophy voting—albeit with one fifth-place nomination—in his sophomore campaign. He spent a total of seven seasons in St. Louis, helping them form one of the premier defensive units in the league at the time. His tenure as a Blue came to an end in 2016-17 when he was sent to the Washington Capitals at the trade deadline. From there, a long-term home was hard to find. He was bought out by the New York Rangers before the 2019-20 season and scooped up by the Tampa Bay Lightning. But that’s where he experienced some big-time playoff success. In the COVID-19 postseason bubble format, he and the Lightning went the distance to capture the first Stanley Cup of his career. Shattenkirk had 13 points in 25 games, seventh among all defensemen. Shattenkirk signed his last notable payday with the Anaheim Ducks a few months later, a three-year deal worth $11.7 million in total value. He rode off into the sunset after his aforementioned brief stint in Boston during 2023-24. Overall, Shattenkirk had 103 goals and 381 assists for 484 points in 952 games. He received at least one Norris Trophy vote three times in his career (2011-12, 2014-15, and 2016-17), all of which were seasons he either partially or fully spent in St. Louis. Speaking of the Blues, his 258 points are seventh all-time among their defensemen. This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.PM defends synagogue response after 'late' heckles

Quebec premier wants to put a stop to prayer in parks and public placesGreen technologies and sustainability-focused project strategies are helping the industry address risks earlier and build longer-lasting community ties, a London industry event heard this week. Better technologies, integrating artisanal miners and out-of-the-box mine closure strategies are key to improving mining’s social and environmental impact, a panel heard at The Northern Miner’s International Metals Symposium on Dec. 1-2. Panelists agreed that mining companies ignoring sustainability risk losing social and political support. The panelists shared how their diverse approaches could bolster projects’ sustainability credentials. Brent Johnson, vice-president of environment at Dundee Sustainable Technologies (CSE: DST), called his company’s non-cyanide gold extraction process, CLEVR, a breakthrough for safety. “If cyanide were banned overnight, 80% to 90% of mines would face immediate disruption,” Johnson told the panel. Johnson stressed that new alternatives, like his company’s tech, mitigate risks. They also reduce long-term liabilities, especially in tailings management. “Our approach eliminates the need for massive tailings dams, transforming how mines manage waste,” he said. Technological push Process innovation is one answer. But, Thomas Mumford, vice-president for exploration at Scottie Resources (TSXV: SCOT), noted that electrification and automation entail another. They are more sustainable and efficient. But new technologies face hurdles due to high capital costs and slow industry uptake. “New technologies require rigorous testing, often by large companies with the resources to run pilot projects,” he said. “This slows adoption.” Mumford cited the Borden mine in Ontario, operated by Newmont (NYSE: NEM, TSX: NGT, ASX: NEM), as Canada’s first all-electric underground mine. He noted that, while it shows electrification is viable, such mines are rare. The industry is slow to adopt new technologies due to high costs and risks. Informal integration The discussion also explored challenges from artisanal mining. It accounts for 85% of gold production in places like Colombia. In 2012 and 2013, Aris Mining (TSX: ARIS; NYSE-A: ARMN) began to formalize artisanal miners at its Segovia operations in the country as a way to seal local buy-in for the project, senior vice-president for corporate affairs and sustainability Giovanna Romero said. The company integrated them as contract mining partners. This collaboration has led to 44% of the company’s gold production today coming from these partnerships. Romero described them as an important step in reducing environmental harm and fostering community trust. “By integrating artisanal miners into our supply chain and sharing geological and technical knowledge, we’ve transformed them into legal, productive partners,” she said. Innovative mine closure strategies also took centre stage. Romero described Aris’s reclamation project at Segovia that converted a tailings site into a community park featuring football fields and recreational domes. A second stage includes a photovoltaic plant, further extending the site’s utility. “This project, managed by the local municipality, illustrates how closures can benefit communities long after mining operations end,” she said. Technically savvy The panel stressed that sustainability is a must, not just a goal. It’s vital for both ethics and business. Mumford called for early planning to ensure mine sites can be reused productively after closure. “Reclaimed mines shouldn’t sit as wastelands. They need to contribute to the community in a meaningful way,” he said. Johnson emphasized that companies need to factor sustainability into financial risk management. He cited the 2015 Vale (NYSE: VALE) dam collapse in Brazil, which killed 19 people, polluted the Doce River all the way to the Atlantic and saddled the company with $29.9 billion in damages. “Spending extra money upfront on sustainable technologies isn’t just ethical — it’s a no-brainer when you consider the long-term savings on liabilities and the avoidance of catastrophic failures,” he said. Meanwhile, mining communities are becoming more “technically savvy” and demanding better practices. “A mine could win awards one year and face ruin the next over ESG failures,” Johnson said.Gerry Dulac: Steelers defense failed to close out a win — again

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US added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s job market rebounded in November, adding 227,000 workers in a solid recovery from the previous month, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. Last month’s hiring growth was up considerably from a meager gain of 36,000 jobs in October. The government also revised up its estimate of job growth in September and October by a combined 56,000. Friday’s report also showed that the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1% in October to a still-low 4.2%. The November data provided the latest evidence that the U.S. job market remains durable even though it has lost significant momentum from the 2021-2023 hiring boom, when the economy was rebounding from the pandemic recession. Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the US A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in a few short months, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the law - which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January — is constitutional, rebuffing TikTok’s challenge that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and unfairly targeted the platform. TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. Stock market today: Wall Street hits more records following a just-right jobs report NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records after data suggested the job market remains solid enough to keep the economy going, but not so strong that it raises immediate worries about inflation. The S&P 500 climbed 0.2%, just enough top the all-time high set on Wednesday, as it closed a third straight winning week in what looks to be one of its best years since the 2000 dot-com bust. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.8% to set its own record. Treasury yields eased after the jobs report showed stronger hiring than expected but also an uptick in the unemployment rate. Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass NEW YORK (AP) — In an era when online anger and social tensions are increasingly directed at the businesses consumers count on, Meta last year spent $24.4 million to surround CEO Mark Zuckerberg with security. But the fatal shooting this week of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. And experts say the task of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them is getting more difficult. One of the primary worries are loners whose rantings online are fed by others who are like-minded. It’s up to corporate security analysts to decide what represents a real threat. Police believe the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO left NYC on a bus after the shooting NEW YORK (AP) — Police officials say the gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer three days ago may have quickly left New York City on a bus after escaping on a bicycle and hopping in a cab. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN on Friday that video of the gunman fleeing Wednesday’s shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson showed him riding through Central Park and later taking a taxi to a bus terminal, directly across from New Jersey. Kenny said police have video of the man entering the bus station but no video of him exiting, leading them to believe he left the city. Investigators also believe the shooter left his backpack in Central Park and are trying to find it. USDA orders nationwide testing of milk for bird flu to halt the virus The U.S. government has ordered testing of the nation’s milk supply for bird flu to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows. The Agriculture Department on Friday said raw or unpasteurized milk from dairy farms and processors nationwide must be tested on request starting Dec. 16. Testing will begin in six states — California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania. The move is aimed at eliminating the virus, which has infected more than 700 dairy herds in 15 states. Words on ammo in CEO shooting echo common phrase on insurer tactics: Delay, deny, defend A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims. The words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were written on the ammunition used to kill UnitedHealthcare's CEO. That's according to two officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday. The words are similar to the phrase “delay, deny, defend.” That's how attorneys describe insurers denying services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book critical of the industry. Police haven’t officially commented on the words. But Thompson’s shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care. Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of House LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Democrats in Michigan are pressing to pass reproductive health care legislation before the party loses its majority with the new legislative session next year. A bill to protect digital reproductive health data including data logged on menstrual cycle tracking apps is a Democratic priority as lawmakers meet this month. Democratic women and supporters of the legislation say they are acting with new urgency before President-elect Donald Trump takes office because they don't believe his campaign promise to leave abortion to the states. The rush is also a reaction to Republicans taking control of the state House in January. Democrats kept control of the state Senate in the November election. Japan's Nippon Steel sets sights on a growing overseas market in its bid to acquire US Steel KASHIMA, Japan (AP) — The signs at Nippon Steel read: “The world through steel,” underlining why Japan’s top steelmaker is pursuing its $15 billion bid to acquire U.S. Steel. Japan's domestic market isn't growing, so Nippon Steel has its eyes on India, Southeast Asia and the United States, where populations are still growing. Nippon Steel gave reporters a tour of one of its plants in Japan on Friday. The bid for U.S. Steet is opposed by President-elect Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and American steelworkers. If the deal goes through, U.S. Steel will keep its name and its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but become subsidiary of Nippon Steel. China's ban on key high-tech materials could have broad impact on industries, economy BANGKOK (AP) — China has banned exports of key materials used for a wide range of products, including smartphones, electric vehicles, radar systems and CT scanners, swiping back at Washington after it expanded export controls to include dozens of Chinese companies that make equipment used to produce computer chips. Both sides say the controls are justified by national security concerns. Analysts say they could have a much wider impact on manufacturing in many industries and supply chains, depending on the ability of each side to compensate for loss of access to strategically important materials, equipment and components. Here's why this could be a tipping point in trade conflict between the two biggest economies.

Panama City: Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino on Thursday ruled out negotiations with US President-elect Donald Trump over control of the Panama Canal, denying that China was interfering in its operation. Mulino also rejected the possibility of reducing tolls for US vessels in response to Trump's threat to demand control of the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans be returned to Washington. "There's nothing to talk about," Mulino told a press conference. "The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians. There's no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality, which has cost the country blood, sweat and tears," he added. The canal, inaugurated in 1914, was built by the United States but handed to Panama on December 31, 1999, under treaties signed some two decades earlier by then-US president Jimmy Carter and Panamanian nationalist leader Omar Torrijos. Trump on Saturday slammed what he called "ridiculous" fees for US ships passing through the canal and hinted at China's growing influence. "It was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. "We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands!" If Panama could not ensure "the secure, efficient and reliable operation" of the channel, "then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question," he said.PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kaskela Law LLC announces that a shareholder lawsuit has been filed against Zuora, Inc. (NYSE: ZUO) (“Zuora”) in connection with the sale of the company to Silver Lake at $10.00 per share. Click here to submit your information: https://kaskelalaw.com/case/zuora/ Under the terms of the buyout offer, Zuora stockholders are only expected to receive $10.00 per share in cash in exchange for their ZUO shares. Notably, at the time the proposed buyout at $10.00 per share was announced, numerous stock analysts were maintaining price targets for ZUO shares in excess of $12.00 per share . Following the closing of the proposed transaction, Zuora’s stockholders will be cashed out of their investment position and the company’s shares will no longer be publicly traded. Zuora shareholders are encouraged to contact Kaskela Law LLC (D. Seamus Kaskela, Esq. or Adrienne Bell, Esq.) at (484) 229 – 0750 to receive additional information about this matter and their legal rights and options with respect to the proposed buyout. Alternatively, investors may submit their information to the firm by clicking on the following link (or by copying and pasting the link into your browser): https://kaskelalaw.com/case/zuora/ Kaskela Law LLC exclusively represents investors in securities fraud, corporate governance, and merger & acquisition litigation on a contingent basis. For additional information about Kaskela Law LLC please visit www.kaskelalaw.com . CONTACT: KASKELA LAW LLC D. Seamus Kaskela, Esq. ( skaskela@kaskelalaw.com ) Adrienne Bell, Esq. ( abell@kaskelalaw.com ) 18 Campus Blvd., Suite 100 Newtown Square, PA 19073 (888) 715 – 1740 (484) 229 – 0750 www.kaskelalaw.com This notice may constitute attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions.Omnicom Declares Dividend

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RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 22, 2024-- Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, has been notified that TRC Capital Investment Corporation (TRC Capital) has commenced an unsolicited “mini-tender” offer, dated November 12, 2024, to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of Merck common stock at $96.38 per share. The offer price is approximately 4.32% below the closing price of the Merck common stock on November 11, 2024 ($100.73), the last trading day before the date of the offer, and approximately 3.48% below the closing price of the Merck common stock on November 21, 2024 ($99.86), the day prior to this release. Merck does not endorse TRC Capital’s offer and recommends that Merck shareholders reject the offer and not tender their shares in response to TRC Capital’s unsolicited mini-tender offer. This mini-tender offer is at a price below the closing price for Merck’s shares (as of the day prior to this release) and is subject to numerous conditions, including TRC Capital’s ability to obtain financing. Merck is not associated in any way with TRC Capital, its mini-tender offer or the offer documentation. TRC Capital has made similar unsolicited mini-tender offers for shares of other publicly traded companies. Mini-tender offers seek to acquire less than 5% of a company's outstanding shares. This lets the offering company avoid many of the disclosure and procedural requirements the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires for tender offers. As a result, mini-tender offers do not provide investors the same level of protections as provided by larger tender offers under U.S. federal securities laws. On its website , the SEC advises that the people behind mini tender-offers “frequently use mini-tender offers to catch shareholders off guard” and that investors “may end up selling at below-market prices.” The SEC's website also contains important tips for investors regarding mini-tender offers. Like TRC Capital’s other offers, this one puts individual investors at risk because they may not realize they are selling their shares at a discount. Merck urges shareholders to obtain current stock quotes for their shares of Merck common stock, to review the terms and conditions of the offer, to consult with their brokers or financial advisers, and to exercise caution with respect to TRC Capital’s mini-tender offer. Merck shareholders who have already tendered are advised they may withdraw their shares by following the procedures for withdrawal described in the TRC Capital offer documents prior to the expiration of the offer, which is currently scheduled for 11:59 a.m. EST on December 11, 2024. Merck encourages brokers, dealers, and other investors to review the SEC’s letter regarding broker-dealer mini-tender offer dissemination and disclosure. Merck requests that a copy of this news release be included with all distribution of materials related to TRC Capital’s offer for shares of Merck common stock. About Merck At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) , Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and LinkedIn . Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site ( www.sec.gov ). View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122275388/en/ CONTACT: Media Contacts:Robert Josephson (203) 914-2372 robert.josephson@merck.comMichael Levey (215) 872-1462 michael.levey@merck.comInvestor Contacts:Peter Dannenbaum (732) 594-1579 peter.dannenbaum@merck.comSteven Graziano (732) 594-1583 steven.graziano@merck.com KEYWORD: NEW JERSEY UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES HEALTH FINANCE GENERAL HEALTH PHARMACEUTICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY SOURCE: Merck & Co., Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/22/2024 04:17 PM/DISC: 11/22/2024 04:17 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122275388/en

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If you're finding it tough to come up with ideas for your little ones, you may feel overwhelmed and disheartened - particularly if you're on a tight budget . However, one mum shared the items she managed to find from budget stores to help other parents feel more supported with their stocking filler present buying and people commended her in the comments for sharing. "LOVE watching videos like this... so here's my own little Christmas haul," TikTok creator @meganrichardson963 penned. "Most bits here are stocking fillers and stuff for the kiddie's Christmas Eve boxes! But in our house, we LOVE Christmas, so shopping starts early." READ MORE: Woman's £1.50 'miracle' cleaning hack transforms grim hob to completely brand new Megan detailed in the video she bought gifts for her children, who are aged four and two, from B&M and Home Bargains, which are renowned for their budget items. She mentioned she bought four rolls of wrapping paper, for £1.29 each, from Home Bargains - and managed to buy them in two different colours so her kids knew who it belongs to. The parent picked up some charming cream-coloured Christmas crackers adorned with the most adorable Rudolph faces, which cost her just £2.99 - despite the fact each cracker came with a party hat, joke, and sticker inside. At that price, each cracker will cost you just 50p. Megan purchased some 'Letters to Santa' kits, which are just £1 each, and encouraged little ones to share what they would like for Christmas. One mum in the comments reminisced about the days when her kids were small and would write letters to Santa. She penned: "Oh, I miss my five kids being small. The excitement of writing Santa's letter and posting them. I remember one of mine wouldn't tell me what they wanted as it was a surprise hahaha I was in a right panic." The parent also got some Snowman Bath Fizzers too for 99p to make bath time more exciting, and said they were going to go into the Christmas Eve boxes. Megan then showed off some glass cups she purchased for her kids, one which had Santa on it, and the other boasting an adorable elf on for just £1.29. It even featured some cute gingerbread baubles from B&M with their initials on for £2.50, and name tags from Dobbies Garden Centre for £1.99. Cadbury's selection boxes were a steal from B&M, for £1.19, and so were the £1 each Christmas cookies that Megan picked up. She got a Minecraft glass tumbler for £6, a Minecraft squishie for £3, a Mario bath trio set for £3.50, and a Peppa Pig Christmas book for £1.50, all from B&M. In the comments, one mum wrote: "Was in B&M today getting my girls' presents I could have bought the whole shop if I had the cash." Another added: "Loving these hauls!! Seen so many home bargains ones with so many good bits - I need to go!!" Someone shared a "pro tip", writing: "Pro tip for y'all when it comes to Christmas wrapping paper, wait until late December/early January and go to places like Tesco . They will be reduced to clear at like 19p a roll."

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Northern California was under a rare and brief tsunami warning alert Thursday that tested local emergency notification systems after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook part of the state. The National Weather Service canceled its alert after roughly an hour and before the tsunami was expected to arrive. In that hour, some cities and counties ordered evacuations while others relied on social media and text messages to inform people of the warning. Some people headed for higher ground, while others drove to the beach to get a better view.Back in timePolice in Georgia on Saturday fired water cannons to disperse pro-EU protesters rallying for a ninth consecutive day against the prime minister's decision to shelve talks on joining the European Union. The Caucasus nation has been engulfed in turmoil since the governing Georgian Dream party declared that it had won a disputed October 26 election. The party's critics have accused it of creeping authoritarianism and of steering the country back towards Russia. Thousands of defiant pro-EU protesters in Georgia began to rally Friday eve after the prime minister claimed victory in a "battle" against the opposition. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets since the election to protest against alleged electoral fraud. Fresh rallies took place across the country after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced last week that Georgia would not hold talks on European Union membership until 2028. Police have fired tear gas and water cannon against pro-EU protests in Tbilisi and hundreds of arrests have been made, triggering outrage at home and mounting international condemnation. France, Germany and Poland condemned what they called the government's "disproportionate" use of force against protesters and opposition leaders in a joint statement Friday. Shortly after midnight on Saturday, riot police in full gear moved in with water cannons to disperse the rally outside the parliament building, making arrests as the crowd retreated a few metres (yards), an AFP reporter witnessed. Earlier on Friday evening, several thousand people blocked the street outside parliament, with some blowing whistles and others setting off firecrackers. The crowd was smaller than on previous nights and the mood quieter, but protesters rejected claims the movement was dying out. "People will continue the protest," said one demonstrator, 23-year-old Giorgi, wearing a Georgian flag and a back scarf pulled over his nose. "They're patient, I will be here for the rest of my life if it is necessary to save my country." Separate protests were held outside Georgia's Public Broadcaster -- accused of being a government propaganda tool -- as well as the education ministry and the country's tourism administration offices. Shalva Alaverdashvili, founder of the Georgian hotels' federation, told AFP that the "unexpected and unacceptable" suspension of EU accession talks has severely hit the country's tourism industry, which accounts for seven percent of the country's GDP. Thousands have also staged anti-government rallies in the second city of Batumi on the Black Sea coast. On Friday evening, a court in Tbilisi put a 19-year-old youth activist in pre-trial detention. Zviad Tsetskhladze had been arrested during the protests on charges of "organising, leading, and participating in group violence". Tsetskhladze told the judge: "Democracy in Georgia is no more. The rule of law has been crushed. "Our actions are a form of resistance, aimed at preserving the rule of law, defending democracy, and protecting the rights of every individual." Earlier Friday Prime Minister Kobakhidze praised his security forces for "successfully neutralising the protesters' capacity for violence". "We have won an important battle against liberal fascism in our country," he told a news conference, using language reminiscent of how the Kremlin in Russia targets its political opponents. "But the fight is not over. Liberal fascism in Georgia must be defeated entirely," Kobakhidze said, repeating an earlier threat to "complete the process of neutralising the radical opposition". With both sides ruling out a compromise, there appeared to be no clear route out of the crisis. The leader of the opposition Lelo party, Mamuka Khazaradze, said the ruling party "no longer has the strength or resources to stand against the people." The government "has resorted to arresting young activists and political opponents out of fear of relentless public protests and growing civil disobedience by public servants," he told AFP. The interior ministry said police had detained three more individuals Friday for "participating in group violence", punishable by up to nine years' jail. Masked officers have raided several opposition party offices and arrested opposition leaders earlier this week, while around 300 people have been detained at rallies. On Friday Nika Gvaramia, leader of the opposition Akhali party, was sentenced to 12 days in prison. Alexandre Elisashvili, leader of the Strong Georgia opposition group, was remanded in custody for two months of pretrial detention. More trouble is expected after December 14, when Georgian Dream lawmakers elect a loyalist to succeed pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili. She has vowed not to step down until the parliamentary polls are re-run. Local media has also reported protests across the country, including in the cities of Batumi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Rustavi and Telavi. Critics of Georgian Dream are enraged by what they call its betrayal of Tbilisi's bid for EU membership, enshrined in the constitution and supported by around 80 percent of the population. Several ambassadors, a deputy foreign minister, and other officials have resigned over the suspension of EU talks. Georgian Dream, in power for more than a decade, has advanced controversial legislation in recent years, targeting civil society and independent media and curbing LGBTQ rights. Brussels warned such policies were incompatible with EU membership, while domestic critics accuse the government of copying Russia's playbook. Georgia's own rights ombudsman has accused the police of "torture" against those arrested. ub-im/sbk