U.S. Transfers $20 Billion Loan to Ukraine Backed by Russian Assets
(CNN) — After recent burglaries at homes of professional athletes – including Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce – the NFL and NBA have issued security memos to teams and players warning that “organized and skilled groups” are increasingly targeting players’ residences for such crimes. An NFL security bulletin issued Wednesday and obtained by CNN, warns that players across multiple sports leagues are being targeted. Perpetrators “appear to exploit team schedules to target athletes’ homes on game days,” and appear to be using public records, social media, media reports and surveillance to gather information on their targets, it says. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
MAKURDI – Arc Asema Achado, member, representing Gwer West/Gwer East, Federal Constituency, Benue State, at the House of Representatives (HoR), has called on the people of the state to advise the state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, to desist from actions that were detrimental to the socio-economic progress of the state. The lawmaker who also called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) not allow the Police in Benue to be used as tools of oppression and intimidation, appealed to the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to caution Governor Alia, against the governor’s “onslaught” on APC leaders in Benue, unless he was counting on leaving the APC for another political party. Achado disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Makurdi on Thursday, over what he termed the “Unlawful closure of the (his) business premises and sustained harassment by the Benue State Government” on his person and other APC leaders in the state by the Governor. Other business premises that experience a boom in sales during this season that were shut down, include Balcony, situated at George Akume way, Precious Events center located opposite Benue hotels, Makurdi among others. He lamented that the closure of one of his business concerns, City Bay among other ventures on 23rd December, 2024, has rendered the businesses owned by tenants at the facility, comatose and without a means to erk a living during this yuletide season, adding that most of the tenants in the place had already made purchases of perishable items that have gone back over the closure of the facility. The lawmaker who noted that he and others were a target of witch-hunt by the governor explained that the long holiday granted civil servants was to ensure that the facility, including his Microfinance Bank, Benysta, remain under lock and key in order to frustrate his businesses. He stressed that worse still is that before the closure of the recreational center, the management was asked to pay a sum of N20,000, for registration of the premises and another N219,000 as default fees, which it did promptly, adding that the facility was later reopened but on the 23rd some government agencies in other security agencies came back in gestapo style and locked up city bay. According to him, “I address you on critical developments that affect the socio-economic well-being of our dear Benue State. This briefing has become imperative to clarify misinformation and provide factual account of recent events concerning the actions of the Benue State Government under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia. “Before my election to the House of Representatives, I established the Archtik Group, a conglomerate comprising subsidiaries with interest in hotels, recreational parks, banking and educational institutions. These enterprises were designed to contribute to the socio-economic growth of Benue State and Nigeria by providing employment opportunities, enhancing economic development and aesthetics of their locations. “Upon assuming public office as a member of the House of Representatives in 2023, I relinquished all executive roles within the organizations, delegating leadership to my son, Dr. Edward Achado. “Two key subsidiaries of Archtik Group, namely —City Bay Park, a recreational facility, and Benysta Microfinance Bank, both situated in Makurdi—have been the focal points of this controversy. These businesses employ numerous Benue citizens and contribute significantly to the local economy. “From its commencement, Benysta Microfinance Bank has given out loans to over 1,000 small scale enterprises in Benue State, worth more than N5 billion. In City Bay Park, many indigenous people hold and operate businesses at the park. Many of the businesses are owned by people whom the Governor fondly calls the ‘masses’. Some of them purchased frozen fish and chicken and other perishable food items, preparatory for the Christmas, with most of the items sadly now rotten as a result of the forceful sealing of the park by the government.” Therefore, Achado, who spoke at the press briefing said, “The people of Benue State should advise Governor Alia to cease actions detrimental to the socio-economic progress of the state. “The Inspector General of Police to ensure that the Police in Benue State are not used as tools of oppression and intimidation but for the maintenance of law and order. “Also, the National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to caution Governor Alia on his onslaught against APC Leaders in Benue State, unless he has concluded plans to move to another political party.” He further explained that some of the side effects of what the closure of the recreational facility has done is that there were “Significant financial losses by the sub-tenants within City Bay Park, particularly those dealing in perishable goods; psychological trauma: weddings and other events which were scheduled to be held at the park were altered, grossly affecting the people involved leading to psychological trauma and loss of huge resources; the disruption of the livelihoods of employees and sub-tenants have been severely impacted. Efforts by the company’s management to resolve the matter with relevant authorities have been futile, as both premises remain sealed. “These actions are not only a gross abuse of power but also politically motivated. Governor Alia’s administration has consistently threatened key APC stakeholders, including myself, who were instrumental in his election victory. We finances his elections and made sure he won the election. This pattern of oppression raises serious concerns about his commitment to good governance. “The actions of the governor suggest a calculated attempt to silence dissent and undermine our contributions to the state’s development”, he stressed. Narrating on the incidences which led to the closure, Achado explained that “On December 23, 2024, officials from the Benue State Internal Revenue Service, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, alongside law enforcement agencies, forcibly entered and sealed the premises of City Bay Park and Benysta Microfinance Bank. They presented demand notices dated December 12 and 13, 2024, regarding business premises registration fees. “Despite City Bay Park’s status as a government property, which arguably exempts it from such fees, the management of the park swiftly paid ₦20,000 for registration and ₦219,000 as default charges to avoid conflict. These payments were made on the 23rd December, 2024 and receipts of these payments duly issued by Benue State Internal Revenue Service, which copies are available for reference. “Shockingly, after an additional ₦20,000 was demanded and paid to unseal City Bay Park, a more aggressive enforcement team arrived and resealed both premises. This second operation was marked by excessive force, harassment, including the use of tear gas, which caused injuries and distress among customers, including children and the elderly. Some individuals fainted, while others sustained serious injuries in the process. “The arbitrary and heavy-handed sealing of these business premises by the state government is executed without authorization from any competent court of law empowered to issue such an order. This action constitutes a blatant violation of the principles of democracy, the fundamental rights of the people operating therein, reflecting the highest degree of abuse of power, suppression, and persecution by the state. “The sealing of City Bay Park and Benysta Microfinance Bank and other business centres owned by members of APC is emblematic of a broader issue threatening democratic principles, economic stability, and the rights of citizens in Benue state. I urge all patriotic Nigerians to join in advocating for justice and fairness to preserve the socio-political harmony of our state”, the lawmaker appealed. End.Breaking News Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Anthony Albanese has been accused of responding “too slow” to a surge in anti-Semitism after yet another incident in Sydney. A crime scene was established in the east Sydney suburb of Woollahra after “Kill Israiel” was scrawled onto a wall behind a torched car in the early hours of Wednesday. Another car and two buildings were also vandalised, authorities said. CAnthony Albanese has been accused of responding “too slow” to a surge in anti-Semitism after yet another incident in Sydney. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman ‘Kill Israiel’ was scrawled onto a wall behind a torched car in Sydney’s east. Picture: onScene Bondi A crime scene has been established. Picture: Supplied The second high profile anti-Semitic incident in a major Australian city in less than a week, senior Coalition MP Sussan Ley said she wanted “to see strong leadership from the Prime Minister”. “This is not a peaceful protest. This is thugs and hooligans going to where Jewish people live, to their homes, and conducting these sort of awful, awful acts of intimidation, harassment, and who knows what next,” she told Sky News. “I want to see arrests, I want to see action, I want to see strong leadership from the Prime Minister, and I’m not sure that we’re seeing that now.” Mr Albanese and several senior ministers have condemned the latest incident in Sydney. “Overwhelmingly, Australians are respectful people,” he told the ABC. “Australians want to live peacefully, side by side, and Australians reject this abhorrent criminal behaviour.” Mr Albanese said the incident was “not a political act”, in that it would “not change anything that is occurring in the Middle East”. “This is an attack against their fellow Australians,” he said. This latest attack is an abhorrent attempt to intimidate our Jewish community, but it will not be successful. Officers from Operation Avalite will brief the Government this morning. Home Affairs officials are engaging with NSW Police. — Tony Burke (@Tony_Burke) December 10, 2024 Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has pledged that those behind the incident in Woollahra “will face the full force of the law”. “This latest attack is an abhorrent attempt to intimidate our Jewish community, but it will not be successful,” Mr Burke said in a statement. “Officers from Operation Avalite will brief the government this morning. Home Affairs officials are engaging with NSW police. “We will continue to stand with the Jewish community against hatred and violence which has no place in our country. Those responsible for this will face the full force of the law and the condemnation of our community.” The Albanese government on Monday announced Operation Avalite, a special taskforce to tackle anti-Semitic attacks after a synagogue in Melbourne was firebombed last week. But many in the Jewish community have questioned why it took so long for any concrete action. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited a synagogue in Melbourne that was firebombed last week. Picture: NewsWire / David Geraghty On Tuesday, security rushed Mr Albanese into his car after he was heckled while visiting the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. The incident overnight in Woollahra, which has a high Jewish population, is the second such incident in the suburb in less than a month. In late November, several buildings were vandalised with anti-Semitic graffiti and a car set alight. Two men have been charged in relation to that incident. Originally published as ‘Too slow’: PM under fire after latest anti-Semitic incident in Sydney Read related topics: Anthony Albanese Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Breaking News ‘Appalling’: TV star’s attack on woman A lifeguard who stars in the iconic reality TV series Bondi Rescue has been slammed for assaulting a woman “in a fit of alcoholic rage”. Read more Breaking News Machete wielding teens at carols event Police have arrested three teenage boys armed with machetes after clashing with authorities at a family Christmas event on Tuesday evening. Read more
Trump invited China's Xi to his inauguration even as he threatened massive tariffs on Beijing
WASHINGTON (AP) — The grinding war between Ukraine and its Russian invaders has escalated ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration, with President Joe Biden rushing out billions of dollars more in military aid before U.S. support for Kyiv’s defenses is thrown into question under the new administration. Russia, Ukraine and their global allies are scrambling to put their side in the best possible position for any changes that Trump may bring to American policy in the nearly 3-year-old war . The president-elect insisted in recent days that Russia and Ukraine immediately reach a ceasefire and said Ukraine should likely prepare to receive less U.S. military aid. On the war's front lines, Ukraine's forces are mindful of Trump's fast-approaching presidency and the risk of losing their biggest backer . If that happens, “those people who are with me, my unit, we are not going to retreat," a Ukrainian strike-drone company commander, fighting in Russia's Kursk region with the 47th Brigade, told The Associated Press by phone. “As long as we have ammunition, as long as we have weapons, as long as we have some means to defeat the enemy, we will fight,” said the commander, who goes by his military call sign, Hummer. He spoke on condition he not be identified by name, citing Ukrainian military rules and security concerns. “But, when all means run out, you must understand, we will be destroyed very quickly,” he said. The Biden administration is pushing every available dollar out the door to shore up Ukraine's defenses before leaving office in six weeks, announcing more than $2 billion in additional support since Trump won the presidential election last month. The U.S. has sent a total of $62 billion in military aid since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. And more help is on the way. The Treasury Department said Tuesday it would disburse $20 billion — the U.S. portion of a $50 billion multinational loan to Ukraine , backed by Russia's frozen central bank assets — before Biden leaves the White House. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the funds “will provide Ukraine a critical infusion of support.” And the State Department said Tuesday it had approved the sale of a $266 million package to help Ukraine with the long-term operation and maintenance of F-16 fighter aircraft from the U.S. and other allies. Biden also has eased limits on Ukraine using American longer-range missiles against military targets deeper inside Russia, following months of refusing those appeals over fears of provoking Russia into nuclear war or attacks on the West. He's also newly allowed Ukraine to employ antipersonnel mines , which are banned by many countries. Biden and his senior advisers, however, are skeptical that allowing freer use of longer-range missiles will change the broader trajectory of the war, according to two senior administration officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. But the administration has at least a measure of confidence that its scramble, combined with continued strong European support , means it will leave office having given Ukraine the tools it needs to sustain its fight for some time, the officials said. Enough to hold on, but not enough to defeat Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces, according to Ukraine and some of its allies. Even now, “the Biden administration has been very careful not to run up against the possibility of a defeated Putin or a defeated Russia” for fear of the tumult that could bring, said retired Gen. Philip Breedlove, a former supreme allied commander of NATO. He is critical of Biden’s cautious pace of military support for Ukraine. Events far from the front lines this past weekend demonstrated the war's impact on Russia’s military . In Syria, rebels seized the capital and toppled Russia-allied President Bashar Assad . Russian forces in Syria had propped up Assad for years, but they moved out of the way of the rebels’ assault , unwilling to take losses to defend their ally. Biden said it was further evidence that U.S. support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was wearing down Russia’s military. Trump, who has long spoken favorably of Putin and described Zelenskyy as a “showman" wheedling money from the U.S., used that moment to call for an immediate ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. And asked in a TV interview — taped before he met with Zelenskyy over the weekend in Paris — if Ukraine should prepare for the possibility of reduced aid, Trump said, “Yeah. Probably. Sure.” Trump's supporters call that pre-negotiation maneuvering by an avowed deal-maker. His critics say they fear it shows he is in Putin's sway. Zelenskyy said Monday that Russian forces’ retrenchment from outposts worldwide demonstrates that “the entire army of this great pseudo-empire is fighting against the Ukrainian people today.” “Forcing Putin to end the war requires Ukraine to be strong on the battlefield before it can be strong diplomatically,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media, repeating near-daily appeals for more longer-range missiles from the U.S. and Europe. In Kursk, Hummer, the Ukrainian commander, said he notices Russian artillery strikes and shelling easing up since the U.S. and its European allies loosened limits on the use of longer-range missiles. But Moscow has been escalating its offensives in other ways in the past six months, burning through men and materiel in infantry assaults and other attacks far faster than it can replace them, according to the Institute for the Study of War. In Kursk, that includes Russia sending waves of soldiers on motorcycles and golf carts to storm Ukrainian positions, Hummer said. The Ukrainian drone commander and his comrades defend the ground they have seized from Russia with firearms, tanks and armored vehicles provided by the U.S. and other allies. Ukraine’s supporters fear that the kind of immediate ceasefire Trump is urging would be mostly on Putin’s terms and allow the Russian leader to resume the war when his military has recovered. “Putin is sacrificing his own soldiers at a grotesque rate to take whatever territory he can on the assumption that the U.S. will tell Ukraine that U.S. aid is over unless Russia gets to keep what it has taken,” Phillips O’Brien, a professor of strategic studies at Scotland’s University of St. Andrews, wrote on his Substack channel. Putin's need for troops led him to bring in North Korean forces . Biden's decision to allow Ukraine to use longer-range missiles more broadly in Russia was partly in response, intended to discourage North Korea from deeper involvement in the war, one of the senior administration officials said. Since 2022, Russia already had been pulling forces and other military assets from Syria, Central Asia and elsewhere to throw into the Ukraine fight, said George Burros, an expert on the Russia-Ukraine conflict at the Institute for the Study of War. Any combat power that Russia has left in Syria that it could deploy to Ukraine is unlikely to change battlefield momentum, Burros said. “The Kremlin has prioritized Ukraine as much as it can,” he said. Novikov reported from Kyiv, Ukraine.
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Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own. As our daily lives move increasingly into the cybersphere, so have malicious digital actors proliferated, seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in cybersecurity systems to extract sensitive commercial and personal data. According to the ID Theft Center’s Annual Data Breach Report , incidences of cyber security breaches in the US increased 72% from the previous all-time high in 2021, affecting a staggering 350 million customers. It’s a trend repeated in the UK, where half of businesses have reported breaches and attacks in the last 12 months, according to a UK government report from April 2024. Unsurprisingly, larger organisations, who often hold the most commercially valuable information, are most at risk. According to the same report, 74% of large and 70% of medium businesses have reported incidents. But while the business need to protect sensitive data from malicious actors is clear, there is a second side to the story that is often overlooked: customer trust. Customers are now more exposed to the impact of cybersecurity breaches than ever before. According to Bitdefender’s 2024 Consumer Cybersecurity Assessment Report , 24% of customers experienced a cybersecurity incident in the year 2023. And in one of the report’s most surprising findings, young people were much more likely to experience a cybersecurity breach: 37.5% of 16-24 year olds reported a security incident in 2023, compared to just 11.9% of people aged 55% or over. It’s more important now than ever for companies to establish robust cybersecurity systems not only for regulatory compliance, but also to reassure the more digitally conscious — and vulnerable — generation that their sensitive personal information is in safe hands. As the number of high-profile cyber-attacks increases, it’s no surprise that bolstering corporate cyber-defences is at the top of the legislative agenda for European governments. Announced during the King’s speech in July of this year, Sir Keir Starmer’s new Labour government has pledged to deliver a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, expected to be put before Parliament in 2025. The Bill would address the ‘urgent update’ needed to British cyber legislation that has reportedly fallen behind those of the EU, from whom the UK’s current set of regulations are inherited. The regulation the Government is referencing is the EU’s NIS2 Directive, an update to the previous NIS Directive passed by the EU Parliament in 2022 which will require companies in critical sectors to implement cybersecurity policies and training, in addition to stringent reporting requirements in the case of a cyber breach. But while the imperative for businesses to align with new governmental cybersecurity regulations is clear, there are a number of benefits to going beyond the legal minimum. According to PwCs 2025 Global Digital Trust Insights survey of over 4,000 businesses and technology leaders, 57% of executives believed cybersecurity gave their companies a competitive advantage. And their beliefs are well justified: according to a report published by McKinsey , 85% of consumers believe that knowing a company’s data privacy policies are important before making a purchase. In fact, the World Economic Forum has gone as far as to argue companies should treat cyber security as a ‘strategic tool’ to build trust with customers. Take Dahua Technology, for example, which has implemented a suite of measures including vulnerability management and incident reporting policies, cryptography and encryption measures, product security management and risk assessments policies to ensure the company is fully compliant with NIS2. Dahua has since announced it has been awarded the Common Criteria EAL 3+ certificate, along with certificates for Information Security Management System, Privacy Information Management System and CSA STAR certifications, demonstrating to its customers a commitment to meeting the highest standards of information security and privacy protection. As cybersecurity incidents proliferate, it’s no surprise that customers are increasingly concerned that the companies they entrust their personal data with are well placed to protect it. Going beyond the minimum requirements for cybersecurity compliance by achieving internationally recognised certifications, as Dahua Technology has done, is an effective means of building consumer trust by demonstrating commitment to the highest standards of cyber-protection. Jordan Finkle is a veteran media contributor from Utilize Core. Jordan specializes in market trends, growth startups, and the venture capital industry.Ibobi AI: The World’S First Chatgpt Video Device
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Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”Upbound Group announced on Thursday its acquisition of financial technology company Brigit in a $460 million cash-and-stock agreement. This strategic move is supported by high-profile investors such as actor Ashton Kutcher and basketball star Kevin Durant, aligning with Upbound's goal to boost services for credit-poor consumers. The acquisition provides Upbound access to Brigit's data modeling and technology platform, facilitating the creation of more precise customer financial profiles. Brigit offers financial services, including cash advances and credit building, to nearly 2 million active monthly users through a digital app. The financial transaction includes a $325 million payment set for early 2025, predominantly in cash, with subsequent payments tied to performance targets. According to Upbound CEO Mitch Fadel, Brigit's profitable app promises immediate contribution to business and cross-selling opportunities, given the minimal customer overlap between the two firms. (With inputs from agencies.)The CBN has received praise from ABCON for authorising the sale of interbank FX to its members This follows the temporary granting of access to the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market to the BDC operators The development is anticipated to enable them to buy $25,000 every week from NAFEM between December 19 and January 30 CHECK OUT: Don't let unemployment hold you back. Start your digital marketing journey today. Legit.ng journalist Zainab Iwayemi has 5-year-experience covering the Economy, Technology, and Capital Market . The Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has applauded the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for approving the sale of interbank foreign exchange (FX) to its members. This is as qualifying bureau de change (BDC) operators have been granted temporary access to the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), allowing them to purchase $25,000 weekly from banks between December 19 and January 30, as announced by the CBN on Thursday. In a statement released Friday in response to the announcement, ABCON President Aminu Gwadabe said that the organisation's members are happy that the CBN has made it possible for them to access the new electronic foreign exchange matching system (EFEMS) market through the banks. Read also CBN takes another step to crash dollar, permits BDCs to buy forex from NAFEM PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! According to Gwadabe, the program will enhance adherence to monetary and security agency commitments. “As contained in the circular, the purpose is to meet the critical retail end needs of the market where the BDCs have significantly played a potent and effective transmission monetary mechanism of the central bank policies,” the president said. “The benefits to be achieved in the implementation of this circular includes and not limited to liquidity injection in the retail end and enhancing price discovery where volatility is pervasive, stable exchange rates, eliminate or reduce illegal economic behaviours like speculation and currency substitution in the economy. “Other benefits includes job creation, data generation, lower inflationary rate and improving the fragile security situation. “To our members it will revitalize our operations, making us functional and profitable.” The president asked ABCON members to follow the circular's instructions and make sure the intended outcome of the local currency's appreciation is realized. Read also Nigerians, business owners react to CBN’s limit on PoS Ttansactions Additionally, he suggested that ABCON members work from their offices, submit their returns on a regular basis, and make sure that their operations were smoothly automated. Furthermore, Gwadabe counseled the banks to guarantee openness and fairness in the way they fulfill their obligations to members across the country. BDC operators list 3 factors responsible for dollar's crash Legit.ng reported that in the last week, the value of the naira has increased dramatically in relation to the US dollar, rising by more than N200 from a peak of N1,780 to N1,500. Nigerians have expressed gratitude for the currency's recent impressive performance, which has given the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) exchange rate strategy fresh life. Aminu Gwadabe, the president of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), praised the government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for their efforts in response to the recent increase in the value of the naira in an interview with Legit.ng. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ngStock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street on Thursday as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 fell less than 0.1% after spending the day wavering between small gains and losses. The tiny loss ended the benchmark index’s three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1% and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as US markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.2%. Meta Platforms fell 0.7%, and Amazon and Netflix each fell 0.9%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, finishing 1.8% lower. Some tech companies fared better. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.4%, Micron Technology added 0.6% and Adobe gained 0.5%. Health care stocks were a bright spot. CVS Health rose 1.5% and Walgreens Boots Alliance added 5.3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 3%, Ross Stores added 2.3%, Best Buy rose 2.9% and Dollar Tree gained 3.8%. Traders are watching to see whether retailers have a strong holiday season. The day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. US-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.1% and 16.4% respectively. The Japanese car makers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. All told, the S&P 500 fell 2.45 points to 6,037.59. The Dow added 28.77 points to 43,325.80. The Nasdaq fell 10.77 points to close at 20,020.36. Wall Street also got a labour market update. US applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labour Department reported. Treasury yields mostly fell in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.58% from 4.59% late on Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar.
US stocks experience mixed fortunes on quiet day of tradingNone
SACRAMENTO, Calif. , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This holiday season, help give the drivers in your life the gift of convenience and control with the Reviver RPLATE ® — the exclusive digital license plate of the Sacramento Kings. The innovative RPLATE is the world's first digital license plate, allowing drivers to monitor and customize their license plate through the ease of a mobile application. Whether it is a teenager's first ride, or the dream car your parents always wanted, the holidays are the perfect time to gift your loved ones with a new car. Reviver has the perfect companion gift for a new car — the RPLATE, a smart and sleek digital license plate. The RPLATE helps make owning and maintaining a car easier and more enjoyable by turning the license plate into a connected vehicle platform. Through the RPLATE, drivers can quickly renew and update their vehicle's registration via the secure Reviver app. The RPLATE also offers fun personalization features with its weatherproof display, such as light/dark mode and banner messages. "I created Reviver and the RPLATE because I observed that the license plate and vehicle registration ecosystem wasn't innovating to meet the needs of the modern world," said Reviver Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Neville Boston . "At Reviver, we want to reimagine the driving experience and what a license plate can do. We want to make life easier for drivers, businesses, and government." Today, more than 65,000 drivers own an RPLATE including Cedric the Entertainer, Marshall Faulk and DJ Skee. Sacramento Kings fans can learn more about Reviver and the innovative RPLATE at an upcoming home game at Golden 1 Center. ABOUT REVIVER ® Reviver ® is a technology company on a mission to modernize the driving experience. As developer of the world's first digital license plate platform, Reviver products transform the license plate into a connected vehicle platform, enabling consumers and commercial businesses to digitize vehicle registration renewals and experience a growing set of personalization, convenience, and safety features, all managed through a mobile or web app interface. Reviver's digital license plates are legal for sale in Arizona and California , along with Texas for commercial fleet vehicles. Ten additional states are in various stages of adoption. Founded in 2009, Reviver is headquartered in Northern California , and is the official patch partner of the Sacramento Kings and the official innovation partner of the Sacramento Kings and Golden 1 Center. To purchase an RPLATE click here . To learn more about the RPLATE, click here . SOURCE ReviverMercury will be in retrograde until Dec. 15, the last of four times it appears to move backward in the sky this year. For at least a portion of 2024, nearly every planet in our solar system has been in retrograde. It's when a planet appears to move in the opposite direction of other planets. According to astrology, it's time to have patience as we enter this retrograde during this holiday season. Try to be a little more understanding and adaptable during Mercury's retrograde. You should also give yourself more time to travel and avoid signing any new contracts you aren't sure about. Before you go, check in with your reservations and proofread your email responses. Before making decisions, give plans and projects some thought, according to the Almanac . What is retrograde? "Retrograde" comes from the Latin word "retrogradus," which combines the words "retro," which means "backward," and "gradus," which means "step." The word "anapodizō," which means "to step or go back," was used by the ancient Greeks. When Mercury is in retrograde, what does it mean? Because Mercury takes about 88 days to complete its orbit, we usually see three or four Mercury retrogrades a year. Astrologers say Mercury regulates travel, business, technology and communication, as well as the mind. That's why Mercury can be blamed for travel delays , technology problems and people from your past coming back into the picture, they say. What planets will experience retrograde in December All of our solar system's planets, including Pluto, the dwarf planet, have retrograded this year. Earth's not included in that, because the planets are retrograding from Earth's point of view. Planets that will retrograde into December are Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune. Retrograde calendar for 2024 and 2025 Mercury is in retrograde now through Dec. 15, the last for 2024. Facts about Mercury Mercury is the first planet in our solar system, closest to the sun, so its daytime temperatures can rise to 800 degrees Fahrenheit. It has no atmosphere, so nighttime temperatures can drop as low as minus 290 degrees, according to NASA . Ancient history of noting retrogrades Claudius Ptolemy, an ancient Greek astronomer, had one of the first written records of explaining retrograde motion in the second century A.D. The Ptolemaic model depicted planets moving around Earth in a big circle, known as a deferent, then going around a smaller circle while retrograding, called an epicycle. Though ancient astronomers didn't fully understand the solar system's movements, astrologers assigned meaning to the planets and how they moved through the skies, including their speed and direction. In about the same era as Ptolemy, Hellenistic astrologer Vettius Valens wrote "The Anthology," the longest, most detailed treatise on astrology from that time period. Valens wrote, "If the star is setting or proceeding with a retrograde motion, it will be harmful and hazardous." Abraham ben Meir Ibn Ezra, a medieval astrologer, wrote "The Beginning of Wisdom" in 1148 A.D. as a basic introduction to astrology. In it he wrote, "A planet about to turn retrograde is like a frightened person, fearing adversities that are coming to him." Modern astrologers have a more benign approach to describing planetary retrogrades, calling them "an internalization of that planetary function." Because Mercury rules the mind and communication, Mercury's retrograde can be a time for reflection. SOURCE The Planetary Society, Sacramento State University, Astrology.com, astro-see.com and USA TODAY research
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London, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pixalate , the market-leading fraud protection, privacy, and compliance analytics platform for Connected TV (CTV) and mobile advertising, today released the November 2024 United Kingdom Publisher Trust Index (PTI) for apps across the web, Apple App Store and the Google Play Store , and CTV apps across the Roku , Amazon Fire TV , Samsung Smart TV , and Apple TV app stores, bringing unprecedented transparency to the open programmatic advertising ecosystem. Pixalate uses its proprietary algorithms to measure quality metrics, including invalid traffic (IVT or ad fraud), Made For Advertising (MFA) risk, brand safety, ad density, viewability, reach, and more. The Publisher Trust Indexes spans rankings for 235+ countries across all four global regions: North America, EMEA, APAC, and LATAM, and provides breakdowns by 20+ different IAB taxonomy website categories. Pixalate’s methodology can be found at Publisher Trust Index: Methodology UK Website PTI Rankings (November 2024) spotify.com telegraph.co.uk sky.com Download the full rankings here . UK Mobile PTI Rankings (November 2024) Apple App Store OneFootball Words With Friends Wordscapes Download the full rankings here . Google Play Store Daily Mail: Breaking News Pixel Art - Color By Numbers Met Office Weather Forecast Download the full rankings here . UK Connected TV PTI Rankings (November 2024) Amazon Fire TV Pluto TV GB News TalkTV Download the full rankings here . Apple TV NBC Sports Pluto TV NFL Download the full rankings here . Samsung Smart TV SAMSUNG TV tvplus Sling TV Download the full rankings here . Pixalate’s data science team analyzed over 30 billion global open programmatic ad impressions across 12.5 million websites, Google Play Store and Apple App Store mobile apps, and connected TV (CTV) apps across Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, and Apple TV app stores in November 2024 to compile the global Publisher Trust Indexes. Download the Report UK Publisher Trust Index About Pixalate Pixalate is a global platform specializing in privacy compliance, ad fraud prevention, and digital ad supply chain data intelligence. Founded in 2012, Pixalate is trusted by regulators, data researchers, advertisers, publishers, ad tech platforms, and financial analysts across the Connected TV (CTV), mobile app, and website ecosystems. Pixalate is accredited by the MRC for the detection and filtration of Sophisticated Invalid Traffic (SIVT). pixalate.com Disclaimer The Publisher Trust Index (PTI) reflects Pixalate’s opinions with respect to factors that Pixalate believes November be useful to the digital media industry. Our reports and indexes examine programmatic advertising activity on mobile apps and Connected TV (CTV) apps. Any insights shared are grounded in Pixalate’s proprietary technology and analytics, which Pixalate is continuously evaluating and updating. Any references to outside sources in the Indexes and herein should not be construed as endorsements. Pixalate’s opinions are just that, opinions, which means that they are neither facts nor guarantees. This report is not intended to impugn the standing or reputation of any person, entity or app. Per the MRC , “'Fraud' is not intended to represent fraud as defined in various laws, statutes and ordinances or as conventionally used in UK Court or other legal proceedings, but rather a custom definition strictly for advertising measurement purposes. Also per the MRC , “‘Invalid Traffic’ is defined generally as traffic that does not meet certain ad serving quality or completeness criteria, or otherwise does not represent legitimate ad traffic that should be included in measurement counts. Among the reasons why ad traffic November be deemed invalid is it is a result of non-human traffic (spiders, bots, etc.), or activity designed to produce fraudulent traffic.” .