CÎROC Champions Creative Ease with the 'Blue Dot Creative Residency': An Innovative Program Empowering Emerging Storytellers
NoneCharlotte, N.C., Appoints Markell Storay as City CIO
Inside the Lucrative World of Corporate Concerts: From Morality Clauses to Multi-Million-Dollar PaydaysMitch Marner to wear red and white Maple Leaf as Canada rounds out 4 Nations roster TORONTO — Mitch Marner will be sporting a different Maple Leaf in February. The Toronto Maple Leafs star was one of 15 players named Wednesday to round out Canada's 23-man roster for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press Dec 4, 2024 4:26 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitch Marner (16) keeps his eye on the puck as Tampa Bay Lightning centre Brayden Point (21) looks on during first period NHL hockey action in Toronto, Monday, Oct. 21, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn TORONTO — Mitch Marner will be sporting a different Maple Leaf in February. The Toronto Maple Leafs star was one of 15 players named Wednesday to round out Canada's 23-man roster for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Joining the winger as part of an attack that already featured Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Brad Marchand and Brayden Point — all announced back in June — are Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers along with Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Also making the team up front are Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone, Travis Konecny of the Philadelphia Flyers and Seth Jarvis of the Carolina Hurricanes. The defence corps led by Cale Makar, who was also tabbed in June, will see Colorado Avalanche teammate Devon Toews suit up in red and white, and also include the Vegas duo of Shea Theodore and Alex Pietrangelo, Josh Morrissey of the Winnipeg Jets, Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia's Travis Sanheim. The biggest question mark for Canadian general manager Don Sweeney of the Boston Bruins and the rest of the country's hockey brain trust since the selection process began has been in the crease — especially with stud netminders like Carey Price and Roberto Luongo a distant memory. Canada doesn't have the same goaltending pedigree as at past international events, but head coach Jon Cooper of Tampa will likely lean on Stanley Cup winners Jordan Binnington of the Blues and Adin Hill of the Golden Knights. Sam Montembeault of the Montreal Canadiens rounds out the puck-stopping trio. "We are thrilled to unveil the group of players who have earned the opportunity to represent Canada," Sweeney said in a statement. "We believe we have assembled a roster that features world-class talent, as well as success at the NHL and international levels. "We are confident this group will give us the best chance to accomplish our goal on the international stage." The 4 Nations tournament, which also includes the United States, Sweden and Finland, runs Feb. 12-20 in Montreal and Boston, and will serve as an appetizer for the NHL's Olympic return in 2026. It's also the closest hockey has got to a best-on-best men's tournament since the 2016 World Cup. This showcase won't technically meet that threshold with Russia — because of its ongoing war in Ukraine — and reigning world champions Czechia not in the mix. But there should still be plenty of interest with McDavid, Crosby, U.S. star Auston Matthews and a host of other big names finally sharing the ice on the world stage. The NHL, which went to five straight Olympics between 1998 and 2014, announced at last season's all-star game players would participate at the next two Games after it skipped 2018 for business reasons and missed out in 2022 due to COVID-19. The goal of the league and NHL Players' Association is hold a World Cup in both 2028 and 2032 to get international events on a schedule of every two years. Canada opens the 4 Nations on Feb. 12 against Sweden at the Bell Centre in Montreal before facing the U.S. in the same building three nights later. The tournament then moves to Boston, where the Canadians will meet Finland on Feb 17. The teams with the two best records after the round-robin will battle in the final Feb. 20 at TD Garden. "This is an exciting time for the NHL and international hockey," Cooper said. "This event is an important part of the process as we continue to build teams that can be successful on the international stage." ___ Follow @JClipperton_CP on X. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 4, 2024. Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? 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Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and advocated for diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts during his participation in the Rome Mediterranean Dialogues forum on 25 November. He also met with his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. At a panel discussion titled “Dialogue for Peace,” Abdelatty outlined Egypt’s mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. He highlighted the dire humanitarian situation caused by the Israeli aggression, including the obstruction of aid and what he termed “starvation policies.” He emphatically rejected the displacement of Palestinians and stressed the need to empower the Palestinian Authority to resume its role in Gaza, warning against any attempts to separate Gaza from the rest of the Palestinian territories. Abdelatty also addressed the situation in Lebanon, reiterating Egypt’s political and humanitarian support. He expressed Egypt’s complete rejection of any infringement on Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, asserting the Lebanese people’s right to choose their president without foreign interference. He also highlighted Egypt’s efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon. He further discussed the evolving situation in the Red Sea, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach linked to ending the war in Gaza and de-escalation efforts, noting the impact of the tensions on the Egyptian economy. He stressed the failure of military options in achieving peace and stability, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of instability, including the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. Later that day, Abdelatty met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. According to a statement by Ambassador Tamim Khalaf, spokesperson for the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdelatty praised the strategic relationship between Egypt and France, expressing hope for increased French investment in Egypt. He commended the cooperation with French companies working on various projects in the country and expressed hope for continued French support for Egypt within the European Union, in connection with the implementation of the comprehensive strategic partnership. During their discussions on Middle East developments, Abdelatty stressed the need for continued efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid. He also highlighted the importance of pursuing the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in accordance with international law. Regarding Lebanon, Abdelatty emphasised the priority of an immediate ceasefire, the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, supporting UNIFIL, strengthening Lebanese state institutions, and enabling the Lebanese army’s return to southern Lebanon. He also mentioned Egypt’s efforts to end the presidential vacuum in Lebanon through national consensus.In the last three months, 18 analysts have published ratings on Darden Restaurants DRI , offering a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish. In the table below, you'll find a summary of their recent ratings, revealing the shifting sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the previous months. Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish Total Ratings 5 5 8 0 0 Last 30D 0 1 0 0 0 1M Ago 5 4 7 0 0 2M Ago 0 0 0 0 0 3M Ago 0 0 1 0 0 The 12-month price targets, analyzed by analysts, offer insights with an average target of $191.72, a high estimate of $220.00, and a low estimate of $164.00. This upward trend is apparent, with the current average reflecting a 4.43% increase from the previous average price target of $183.59. Investigating Analyst Ratings: An Elaborate Study A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Darden Restaurants is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets. Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target Brian Harbour Morgan Stanley Raises Overweight $209.00 $193.00 Sara Senatore B of A Securities Raises Buy $211.00 $195.00 Andrew Strelzik BMO Capital Raises Market Perform $175.00 $165.00 Brian Bittner Oppenheimer Raises Outperform $200.00 $182.00 Chris O'Cull Stifel Raises Buy $205.00 $190.00 Jake Bartlett Truist Securities Raises Buy $200.00 $195.00 Dennis Geiger UBS Raises Buy $210.00 $195.00 Jeffrey Bernstein Barclays Raises Overweight $206.00 $192.00 Eric Gonzalez Keybanc Raises Overweight $200.00 $194.00 David Tarantino Baird Raises Neutral $194.00 $180.00 Nick Setyan Wedbush Raises Outperform $220.00 $200.00 Jim Salera Stephens & Co. Raises Equal-Weight $175.00 $164.00 Jim Salera Stephens & Co. Maintains Equal-Weight $164.00 $164.00 Andrew Strelzik BMO Capital Lowers Market Perform $165.00 $175.00 Jim Salera Stephens & Co. Maintains Equal-Weight $164.00 $164.00 Christine Cho Goldman Sachs Announces Neutral $183.00 - Jon Tower Citigroup Lowers Buy $206.00 $209.00 Jim Salera Stephens & Co. Maintains Equal-Weight $164.00 $164.00 Key Insights: Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Darden Restaurants. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company. Rating: Offering a comprehensive view, analysts assess stocks qualitatively, spanning from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Darden Restaurants compared to the broader market. Price Targets: Gaining insights, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Darden Restaurants's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time. To gain a panoramic view of Darden Restaurants's market performance, explore these analyst evaluations alongside essential financial indicators. Stay informed and make judicious decisions using our Ratings Table. Stay up to date on Darden Restaurants analyst ratings. Unveiling the Story Behind Darden Restaurants Darden Restaurants is the largest restaurant operator in the us full-service space, with consolidated revenue of $11.4 billion in fiscal 2024 resulting in 3%-4% full-service market share (per NRA data and our calculations). The company maintains a portfolio of 10 restaurant brands: Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Ruth's Chris, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger. Darden generates revenue almost exclusively from company-owned restaurants, though a small network of franchised restaurants and consumer-packaged goods sales through the traditional grocery channel contribute modestly. As of the end of its fiscal 2024, the company operated 2,031 restaurants in the us. Financial Milestones: Darden Restaurants's Journey Market Capitalization: Exceeding industry standards, the company's market capitalization places it above industry average in size relative to peers. This emphasizes its significant scale and robust market position. Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Darden Restaurants's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 4.82% as of 30 November, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company encountered difficulties, with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Consumer Discretionary sector. Net Margin: Darden Restaurants's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 7.44%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management. Return on Equity (ROE): Darden Restaurants's ROE lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns on equity capital. With an ROE of 10.21%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance. Return on Assets (ROA): Darden Restaurants's ROA stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 1.8% , the company demonstrates effective utilization of assets and strong financial performance. Debt Management: Darden Restaurants's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 3.06 , the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors. What Are Analyst Ratings? Ratings come from analysts, or specialists within banking and financial systems that report for specific stocks or defined sectors (typically once per quarter for each stock). Analysts usually derive their information from company conference calls and meetings, financial statements, and conversations with important insiders to reach their decisions. In addition to their assessments, some analysts extend their insights by offering predictions for key metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates. This supplementary information provides further guidance for traders. It is crucial to recognize that, despite their specialization, analysts are human and can only provide forecasts based on their beliefs. Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now? Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. Click here to stay ahead of the market . This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Twitch CEO addresses streamers’ ad revenue concerns amid policy changes
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Creighton point guard Steven Ashworth likely won't play Tuesday in the No. 21 Bluejays' game against San Diego State in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. Ashworth sprained his right ankle late in a loss to Nebraska on Friday, and coach Greg McDermott said he didn't know how long he would be out. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The search for a woman who is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole in western Pennsylvania shifted to a recovery effort after two treacherous days of digging through mud and rock produced no signs of life, authorities said Wednesday. Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said during a news conference that authorities no longer believe they will find 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard alive, but the search for her remains continues. “We’ve had no signs of any form of life or anything” to make rescuers think they should “continue to try and push and rush and push the envelope, to be aggressive with the potential of risking harm to other people,” Limani said. He noted oxygen levels below ground were insufficient. Emergency crews and others have tried to locate Pollard for two days. Her relatives reported her missing early Tuesday and her vehicle with her unharmed 5-year-old granddaughter inside was found about two hours later, near the sinkhole above a long closed, crumbling mine. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press “We feel like we failed,” Limani said of the decision to change the status of the effort from a rescue to a recovery. “It’s tough.” Limani praised the crews who went into the abandoned mine to help remove material in the search for Pollard in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh.. “They would come out of there head to toe covered in mud, exhausted. And while they were getting pulled up, the next group’s getting dropped in. And there was one after the next after the next,” Limani said. Authorities said earlier that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and was not stable. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer, said earlier Wednesday. “What happened at that point, I don’t know, maybe the slurry of mud pushed her one direction. There were several different seams of that mine, shafts that all came together where this happened at.” Searchers used electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. In coming days, they plan to greatly widen the surface hole, with winter weather forecast in the region. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers used water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s. Crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said Tuesday. Searchers also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment to no avail. Pollard's family called police about 1 a.m. Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out at about 5 p.m. Monday to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. Limani said the searchers met with her family before announcing the shift from rescue to recovery. Pollard's son, Axel Hayes, described her as a happy woman who liked going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. She used to work at Walmart but recently was not employed. Hayes called Pollard “a great person overall, a great mother” who “never really did anybody wrong.” He said at one point Pollard had about 10 cats. “Every cat that she’s ever come in contact with, she has a close bond with them,” Hayes said. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. Pennsylvania State Police Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they had not noticed the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate the sinkhole was new. Pollard lived in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were found by state police. It's unclear what happened to the cat. In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The Changing Face of American Farms The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, the number of farms in the U.S. has fallen from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A landmark study published in Science , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. Technology Revolution on the Farm The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than 22% of rural communities lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. The Economic Tightrope: Challenges Facing Modern Farmers While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The USDA's 2024 farm income forecast projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 25% over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. Diversification: A Lifeline for American Farms In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging gross revenue of $44,000 from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. From Farm to Table: The Consumer Connection The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The USDA's Economic Research Service projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. The Future of Farming: Opportunities and Innovations Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: Sustainable farming practices : Cover cropping, no-till farming, and precision agriculture are gaining traction. These practices can reduce soil erosion by up to 90% compared to conventional tillage. Genetic engineering : CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies offer the potential to develop crops with enhanced nutritional profiles and resistance to pests and diseases. Alternative protein sources : The market for plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives is projected to reach $30 billion by 2030. Conclusion: A Call to Action The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. LandTrust