Freiburg survives late onslaught to beat Wolfsburg in Bundesliga thriller
The year in money: inflation eased, optimism ticked upwardBy RONALD BLUM NEW YORK (AP) — Having waited 63 years for an Ivy League football title, Columbia had to stand by for another 40 minutes. The Lions had beaten Cornell 17-9 but needed a Harvard loss against Yale to secure a share of first place on the season’s final day. So Columbia players retreated to their locker room on a hill a few hundred feet from Wien Stadium to watch the game in Boston on TV as a few hundred fans remained and gazed at the gold-and-orange foliage of Inwood Hill Park glowing in Saturday’s afternoon sun. When Yale recovered onside kick with seconds left to ensure a 34-29 Harvard defeat, players let out a scream and streamed back onto the field to celebrate, smoke cigars, lift a trophy and sing “Roar, Lion, Roar” with family and friends. Who would have thunk it? “You had the realization of, oh, I’m a champion, which is something that hasn’t been said here in a while,” co-captain CJ Brown said. Harvard dropped into a tie with Columbia and Dartmouth at 5-2, the first time three teams shared the title since 1982 — the conference doesn’t use tiebreakers. “It was nerve-wracking, for sure, but definitely exciting because that’s something that not a lot of people have experienced, especially here,” running back Joey Giorgi said. There have been several top players at Columbia — Sid Luckman, Marty Domres, Marcellus Wiley among them — but the school is perhaps better known for owners such as the New England Patriots’ Robert Kraft and former Cleveland Browns head Al Lerner. Columbia’s only previous championship in 1961 also was shared with Harvard. That Lions team was coached by Buff Donelli, a former Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Rams coach who scored for the Americans in soccer’s 1934 World Cup. Columbia set a then Division I-AA record with 44 consecutive losses from 1983-88, a mark broken by Prairie View’s 80 in a row from 1989-98. Since 1971, the Lions’ only seasons with winning records until now were 1994, 1996, 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2022. Al Bagnoli, who won nine Ivy titles in 23 years at Penn, couldn’t manage one at Columbia from 2015-22. He quit six weeks before the 2023 opener, citing health, and was replaced on an interim basis by Mark Fabish, his offensive coordinator. Jon Poppe, now 39, was hired last December after working as a Bagnoli assistant at Columbia from 2015-17 between stints at Harvard from 2011-14 and 2017-22, plus one season as a head coach at Division III Union College. He led the Lions to a 7-3 record overall, their most wins in a coach’s first season since George F. Sanford’s team went 9-3 in 1899. Poppe had wife Anna and 7-year-old daughter with him in the locker room watching the countdown to the title. “Sixty-three years of whatever into now,” he said. “Just seeing a lot of that history myself, personally. This is a hugely — a feeling of elation, seeing my dad on the field, a lot of emotional things with that.” Before a crowd of 4,224, quarterback Caleb Sanchez’s 1-yard touchdown run put Columbia ahead in the second quarter. Giorgi’s 1-yard TD run opened a 14-3 lead in the third and Hugo Merry added a 25-yard field goal in the fourth, overcoming three field goals by Alan Zhao. Giorgi rushed for 165 yards and finished his career with 2,112, second in school history. He and Brown missed what would have been their freshman season in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Given Columbia’s athletic history — the most successful sport is fencing — it is not an obvious football destination. “I saw the dedication, whether it resulted in wins or losses,” Brown said. “I saw their dedication to the product that they put out on the field and also the athletic department, the facilities that we had here, the busses on schedule and stuff, I was like, OK, they care about their athletes. People here want to win and it doesn’t matter what’s happened in the past, it matters what we’re going to do now.” Poppe cited a mindset. “You get 10 opportunities, unlike other sports, it is a grind to play this sport and prepare the way we do just for 10,” he said. As the final whistle sounded in Boston, Brown noted an unusual initial reaction in the locker room. “It was like kind of awe when they recovered the kick,” he said. “It was a lot quieter than you would think it would be, but you could feel the joy and the elation.” They accomplished what more than six decades of their predecessors had failed to. As the players headed out, Poppe had a final word. “Day off tomorrow,” he said. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
Best Of 2024: The Company You Can Pay To X-Ray Unopened Pokémon Card Packs Speaks OutDatabricks is an artificial intelligence data management firm that has helped some of the world's top-performing companies get the most from their business systems. The company provides access to cutting-edge AI tools, analytics, and other developer tools to improve efficiency and enhance offerings. Today, it operates as a core component of many Fortune 500 business models and more. Demand for Databricks shares has been on the rise, as it is one of the best-known AI systems and data set providers globally. The company's notoriety and constant innovations have helped drive interest in its operations. If Databricks were to go public, its IPO would have the potential to break many records. For now, there are no public plans to host an IPO. However, you can still get your hands on some Databricks pre-IPO shares. Here's what you need to know. What is Databricks? Databricks entered the market to enhance the Apache Spark analytics engine. Apache is used by more than 80% of Fortune 500 companies to streamline their data processing and retrieval services. In 2013, Ali Ghodsi, Andy Konwinski, Arsalan Tavakoli-Shiraji, Ion Stoica, Matei Zaharia, Patrick Wendell, and Reynold Xin founded Databricks to improve AI integration and Apache Spark capabilities. Notably, all the founders are alumni of the University of California, Berkeley. In 2015, Databricks became a standalone protocol with features designed to help enterprise-level clientele build advanced AI systems that can scale to meet their needs. It also integrated advanced community governance options, enabling businesses to tailor their generative AI models based on user input. Source – Databricks Today, Databricks operates as an all-in-one AI and data management system. It allows businesses to develop, tune, and deploy generative AI models in a streamlined manner and with minimal coding. Additionally, the systems can integrate real-time data to improve performance. Databrick Lakehouse Platform At the core of Databricks offerings is the Lakehouse platform. This open-source protocol empowers businesses to develop, test, and deploy AI options. These protocols can reduce engineering costs, enhance data science access, improve machine learning algorithms, and better organize analytics. Unity Catalog The unity catalog is Databricks governance protocol. This system allows businesses to gather valuable information from clients and employees. Additionally, it includes an advanced auditing system that integrates AI to enable quick and easy management of funds. Businesses can utilize chat prompts to keep tabs on their finances. Databricks SQL DatabricksSQL is a Serverless datahouse that allows businesses to run SQL queries without bogging down their internal systems. The program simplifies data management so that any business can leverage real-time analytics to make informed decisions. Data Science Another unique option that Databricks offers is the Data Science collaboration tool. This system was built to help drive collaboration and innovation in the AI market. It features developer tools that support full scaling and group building. Databricks Marketplace The Databricks marketplace is a vital component of the ecosystem. Users can create AI models and datasets and then offer them to the rest of the community to secure rewards. The market is open to the public and features a variety of datasets, machine learning models, and in-depth analytics that can be used to create customized AI systems for your business. Historical Funding Rounds Summary of Databricks Funding: Funding Rounds Breakdown: Key Investors: Databricks has strong support from key investors, including NVIDIA, Capital One, a16z, Fidelity Investments, Insight Partners and Tiger Global Management Baillie Gifford T. Rowe Price, Morgan Stanley, Fidelity Investments, Franklin Templeton Investments, Capital One Ventures, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, , Baillie Gifford, ClearBridge, GIC, Octahedron Capital, Tiger Global Management, CapitalG, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, AT&T, Qatar Investment Authority, Sanabil, Gaingels, Ghisallo Capital Management Morgan Stanley, Baillie Gifford, University of California, ClearBridge, a16z, Coatue, CPP Investments, Alta Park Capital, Discovery Capital, Gaingels, Dragoneer Investment Group, Green Bay Ventures, Flucas Ventures, New Enterprise Associates, Geodesic Capital, Insight Partners, The House Fund, Greenoaks, Fidelity Investments, CapitalG, Microsoft, a16z, Alkeon Capital Management, BlackRock, Coatue, Discovery Capital, Dragoneer Investment Group, Founders Circle Capital, GIC, and more. Funding Data Sourced from Tracxn Why Invest in Databricks? There are lots of reasons why Databricks could be a great addition to your portfolio. For one, the company has shown a commitment to innovation. It continues to introduce new and more effective products to the enterprise AI market. These tools have helped some of the largest companies in the world simplify complex systems and improve efficiency. Strong Investor Support Few companies have institutional backing as strong as Databricks. The firm has support from tech and financial leaders across the market. It consistently secures private funding and is among one of the most recognized names in the market. Notably, the company secured $14M during its first round of funding in 2013 and has since locked in billions to expand its operations. Databricks Partnerships When you examine the client list that Databricks has amassed over the last decade, you will notice that it currently serves more than 10,000 organizations worldwide. Of these companies, 60% are Fortune 500 enterprises, including Microsoft, Comcast, Condé Nast, Rivian, Shell, and more. Databricks Smart Acquisitions Another strong reason to consider investing in Databricks is its continuous acquisitions. The company has made some smart maneuvers in this regard acquiring multiple tech companies which enhanced its capabilities. Specifically, in 2020, Databricks acquired Redash, improving its interactive interface options. From there, the company went on to acquire 8080 labs. In 2021, Datrabricks acquired the security firm Okera, further improving the platform's capabilities. How to Buy Databricks Pre-IPO Shares Databricks remains a privately held company, meaning that you will need to utilize a specialized approach to get access to shares. Here is what you need to consider. 1. Pre-IPO Secondary Marketplace Secondary markets are purpose-built exchanges that connect pre-IPO shareholders with potential investors. These marketplaces can offer these assets because they work closely with employees, early-stage investors, and venture capitalists, which are crucial to the company's pre-IPO growth. Investing in pre-IPO shares for Databricks could open the door for additional ROIs if the company's valuation is less than when its IPO launches. It's common for company valuations to increase following an IPO. As such, it makes sense to add pre-IPO shares to your portfolio before the firm announces plans to go public. Secondary marketplaces have many requirements. Here are some concerns you should be made aware of: Eligibility : Notably, this approach requires you to be an accredited investor, meaning you will have to show at least $1M in liquid assets to qualify. Liquidity : Pre-IPO shares can't be traded like regular shares. They often include some lockup restrictions that prevent you from trading them before the IPO. Some firms have permanent “no sell” clauses that prevent any transfer of the shares following your investment. Linqto is a reputable investment platform that connects accredited investors with pre-IPO shareholders in a secure manner. The network streamlines pre-IPO investing via an easy-to-navigate interface that provides access to all relevant data at a glance. Accredited investors seeking pre-IPO shares in Databricks should consider Linqto. Visit Linqto → 2. Private Equity Firms Private equity firms gain access to pre-IPO shares during investment rounds. They then offer these shares to high-net-worth accredited investors with a commission. Notably, private equity firms are known to have extra stipulations, including blocking the sale of shares for years in some cases. 3. Employee Equity Sales Many consider employee equity sales as the best way to acquire pre-IPO shares in Databricks. This method of acquiring pre-IPO shares requires you to connect with former employees. It's common for companies to issue shares as part of an incentive package. Notably, this profit-sharing method has become more popular, leading to more pre-IPO share opportunities for investors. Private Transactions : there are a lot of hoops you will need to jump through to complete a private pre-IPO transaction, including creating specific legal agreements, conducting valuations, and setting in place any limitations on the transfer of the asset. Brokerage : Brokers will take a lot of the confusion out of the pre-IPO process. These professionals can guide you through each step, ensuring full compliance and avoiding common errors untrained professionals make. There are several risks that you should consider before jumping into the pre-IPO shares investment arena. Here are the top concerns: Liquidity Risk If you are looking for an asset that you can sell right away, pre-IPO shares are not the best option. These investments can include sales and transfer clauses that prevent the transfer of the asset until certain criteria, such as the IPO's completion. It's even common for pre-IPO shares to require you to wait years before gaining the ability to sell your assets. Regulatory Risk The blockchain market has seen considerable scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers. While the technology is far better understood than in its early days, there are still many lawmakers who see it as a threat to the traditional financial system. As such, you need to consider how new regulations could affect the value of your pre-IPO shares. Market Risk Purchasing pre-IPO shares in Databricks means that you stand behind the project and its team. The company has secured a reputation for excellence and has previously expressed a desire to go public. However, no concrete data has been provided yet. As such, it's vital to understand that the blockchain market is an active space that experiences strong fluctuations that could result in a different share value between now and any future IPO launch. Valuation of Databricks and Future IPO Databricks has a valuation of $55B as of Nov 28, 2024. The company is one of the most successful AI enterprise firms in the market. It continues to see growing success, with reports showing the company reached $2.4B in annualized revenue in Q3 2024. This revenue growth represented a 60% increase over the previous year. Notably, this positive market activity has helped to drive interest in a Databricks IPO. Databricks is an industry leader in the AI market, a fast-paced industry that already excites investors. As such, any mention of a Databricks IPO could send pre-IPO share values upward. Although no date has been mentioned, many analysts believe the company may go this route as its notoriety increases. Databricks Pre-IPO Conclusion Those who can access pre-IPO shares of Databricks could potentially see upside momentum. The company offers customized AI systems that can scale to meet global demand. As such, it's quickly becoming a go-to option for large-scale businesses that want to utilize AI systems to cut costs. There are several considerations you should think about before making any pre-IPO investment. Pre-IPO shares don’t have the same liquidity as normal IPO options, and in some instances, they can include no sale or lock-up stipulations. Additionally, there's no guarantee that the company's value will remain the same or increase between an IPO announcement and the actual event. As such, you need to do your research to ensure the option meets your risk appetite. It's also recommended that you consult a financial professional. Those who complete these tasks and can qualify for Databricks pre-IPO shares may find that the maneuver unlocks future upside potential. Learn about Other Pre-IPO Opportunities Now Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Pre-IPO shares are typically available only to accredited investors and carry significant risk. Always perform thorough due diligence and consult a financial advisor or legal expert before making investment decisions.
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NEW YORK, Nov. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of PACS Group Inc. (NYSE: PACS): (i) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the “Registration Statement”) in connection with the Company’s April 11, 2024 initial public offering ("IPO"); (ii) securities between April 11, 2024 and November 5, 2024, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”); and/or (iii) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus issued in connection with the Company’s September 2024 secondary public offering (“SPO”). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 13, 2025 . SO WHAT: If you purchased PACS common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the IPO and/or securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the PACS class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=30617 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 13, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, in the Registration Statement and throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) PACS engaged in a “scheme” to submit false Medicare claims which “drove more than 100% of PACS’ operating and net income from 2020 – 2023”; (2) PACS engaged in a “scheme” to “bill thousands of unnecessary respiratory and sensory integration therapies to Medicare”; (3) PACS engaged in a scheme to falsify documentation related to licensure and staffing; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants’ positive statements about PACS’ business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the PACS class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=30617 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com