
Robert Way Investment Thesis Following up on my earlier analysis , Alibaba Group ( NYSE: BABA ) has rallied due to China's ambitious stimulus measures to revive its economy. The stimulus provided a short term boost to Asian equities but wasn't enough in bringing meaningful Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of BABA either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.First television broadcast in Portugal with 5G Stand Alone technology
None
None
The North Carolina Teaching Fellows Commission has selected 210 individuals to receive North Carolina Teaching Fellows awards for the Class of 2025 during its early-decision window. The Teaching Fellows program is a competitive, merit-based forgivable loan program providing tuition assistance of up to $10,000 a year for qualified students committed to teaching elementary education, special education, science, technology, engineering, or math in a North Carolina public school. The purpose of the program is to recruit, prepare and support future teachers who attend institutions of higher education in North Carolina. The award winners may attend any of the program’s 10 partner institutions pending admission: Appalachian State University; East Carolina University; Elon University; Fayetteville State University; North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; NC State University; Meredith College; University of North Carolina at Charlotte; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and University of North Carolina at Pembroke. In the early-decision window, the NCTF commission received 307 completed and screened applications. The commission considered grade point average, leadership and experience, awards and honors, written essays, educator recommendations, and video submissions to offer the 210 awards. Standardized test scores from SAT/ACT were optional to align with admission standards from participating colleges and universities. Students who did not receive an early-decision award were deferred to the regular application period, which runs until Feb. 28, 2025. Any potential teachers in the areas of elementary, STEM, or special education are encouraged to apply at www.ncteachingfellows.org during the regular application window. The comprehensive list of the Class of 2025 Teaching Fellows awardees will be finalized in March 2025. “Congratulations to these deserving winners chosen during our early-decision process,” Bennett Jones, director of the North Carolina Teaching Fellows program, said. “We look forward to their future careers in classrooms around the state. We are heartened by the continued growth of the program, and we are grateful for the support of lawmakers and education leaders as we continue to promote the teaching profession.” The 210 awards in the early-decision window represent a 61% increase in early-action awards from last year’s window. The early-decision awardees feature 134 high school seniors, 60 college transfer students and 16 licensure-only students. The early-award recipients hail from 126 different cities and towns representing 63 counties across the state. The early class of 2025 includes 30% minority recipients. Finally, 136 of the early-decision award winners intend to study elementary education, 45 are pursuing licensure in the areas of STEM education, and 29 are planning to be licensed in special education. The North Carolina Teaching Fellows Commission is comprised of four deans from educator preparation programs, a community college president, a beginning teacher, a principal, a member from business and industry, and a local school board member. The NC Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, Superintendent of the Year, Chair of the State Education Assistance Authority Board of Directors, and Director of the Teaching Fellows program all serve as ex-officio members of the commission. Concord — Julia-Madison Pacetti, Sydney Warren, Sydney Williams, and Sarah Wilson Granite Falls — Ava Aldrich and Emily Haas Hamptonville — Allie Reynolds and Mattie Tavano Hickory — Miriam Wood Lenoir — Emma Brown, Natalie Crump Lincolnton — Mary Franklin and Jadyn White Maiden — Madison Dellinger Mooresville — Sophie Baum, Isabel Gamble and Jovi Griffin Morganton — Laney Hodge Mount Pleasant — Ellie Shoe Olin — Stephanie Elkins Rutherfordton — Maytlin Bailey Statesville — Carter Kincaid, Taylorsville — Rebekah Winkler Troutman — Megan Macartney Valdese — Peter Skelton Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.First television broadcast in Portugal with 5G Stand Alone technologySaturday, November 30, 2024 TravelDealoftheDay.com, a groundbreaking travel deal blog, has officially launched to provide consumers with curated travel deals worldwide. Founded by Jonathan Sutter, a 25-year veteran in the travel industry and grandson of Aviation Hall of Fame inductees, the platform aims to revolutionize the way travelers access savings on flights, accommodations, and experiences. Backed by Sutter’s extensive expertise in travel strategy, aviation law, and technological innovation, this new venture promises to deliver unique value to global travelers. Jonathan Sutter’s illustrious career began in the mid-to-late 1990s with roles at Delta Airlines and America West Airlines’ Capacity Planning division while attending college. By 2011, he had become a key player in aviation law as a Senior Associate at the global firm WilmerHale in Washington, D.C. Notably, he contributed to landmark agreements, including securing United Airlines’ new service routes to Asia. Sutter’s subsequent career spanned high-profile roles in travel technology and strategy. These included managing airline negotiations for Travelport as Senior Director of the Americas, driving business development at Datalex, and overseeing airport strategy at Frontier Airlines. He also played a pivotal role at J.D. Power, where he managed the travel practice’s business development and client success. In addition to his corporate achievements, Sutter is recognized for spearheading thought leadership initiatives. He has organized global innovation summits, including events at prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Duke Universities. His contributions to the industry extend to academia, with Sutter holding J.D. and MBA degrees from Duke University and a BBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. Sutter’s dedication to innovation is also reflected in his role as founder of the TravelingWiki Foundation , a nonprofit organization documenting resources for travelers with non-visible disabilities, such as Autism, ALS, and Alzheimer’s. The foundation provides multilingual resources across U.S. airports and facilitates job placement within the Autism community, further cementing Sutter’s commitment to inclusivity in travel. With TravelDealoftheDay.com, Sutter merges his industry knowledge with a passion for consumer advocacy. The platform aggregates exclusive deals on flights, accommodations, and travel experiences, leveraging Sutter’s network and expertise. The goal is to empower travelers with accessible and cost-effective options without compromising quality. Speaking about the venture, Sutter emphasized his commitment to transparency and user satisfaction, stating, “We aim to redefine how people access travel deals by combining technology, data-driven insights, and a personal touch.” The launch of TravelDealoftheDay.com aligns with Sutter’s broader mission to make travel accessible to all. The website complements his work with the TravelingWiki Foundation, which has earned acclaim for its pioneering efforts in disability advocacy. Notably, the foundation’s resources are now available in 11 languages, serving a diverse and global audience. Sutter’s leadership has garnered recognition from industry heavyweights and institutions. He has been featured at international aviation conferences and collaborates with influential figures like CNN International’s Richard Quest and CBS Travel Editor Peter Greenberg. TravelDealoftheDay.com represents a natural progression in Sutter’s journey as a travel industry leader. The platform is poised to transform the way consumers discover and access travel deals, building on Sutter’s legacy of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.
Chairman of Transcorp Group, Tony Elumelu, has tasked the government with the urgent need to prioritise security and improved access to power. According to him, “Power is so important; development is impossible without reliable access to electricity”. The entrepreneur made the submission on Thursday at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), where he delivered the graduation lecture to participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 17. Entitled, Emerging Technologies As Catalyst For Sustainable Social Economic Growth And Partnership: Opportunities For Africa, the lecture concludes the ten-month course for participants, leading to the award of the prestigious Fellow, Security Institute (fai). “I say to our leaders: if there are two things a leader must prioritise, it should be security, and improvement in access to electricity, and the country, or continent will take off. “Power is a fundamental resource that impacts every aspect of life. From hospitals to homes, and businesses, “Nigeria cannot industrialise, and our youths cannot be educated, without ensuring that our abundant natural resources are translated into plentiful, affordable, available and robust power for all. “A power ecosystem that encourages investments and unlocks our economy and creates prosperity. Development is impossible without power”. On emerging technologies, and their positive impacts on national development, Elumelu noted: “firmly believe that emerging technologies – be they artificial intelligence, biotechnology, or renewable energy – are not merely tools of convenience, but powerful engines of growth, capable of driving unparallel social and economic development across Africa. “One thing you must take away is that your job will help you to create an orderly and secure society “Technology is democratising access to electricity. It is helping to break down barriers that have long hindered progress. “By investing in digital literacy and infrastructure, we can ensure that no African is left behind in this digital revolution. “We have missed the first, second and third industrial revolutions. This fourth revolution, we must all work to make sure we do not miss our on this”. Earlier in his remarks, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DG DSS), Mr. Adeola Ajayi, charged the participants to apply the knowledge acquired, to improve the security ecosystem in their respective countries. In his welcome address, the Commandant Mr. Joseph Obama, revealed that the strategic leadership/security institute has graduated a total 960 participants since its inception.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday said the BJP government’s decision to deny former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s family the right to perform his last rites at a befitting site for his memorial is a direct insult to his towering legacy and the Sikh community. “Refusing the family’s request and relegating a two-term Prime Minister to Nigambodh Ghat reeks of arrogance, bias, and a deliberate attempt to erase his immense contributions from public memory,” he said in a social media post. “Dr. Manmohan Singh’s leadership transformed India’s economy and lifted millions out of poverty. To disrespect a statesman of his stature is to disrespect India’s progress itself. The stain of dishonouring great leaders never fades from history!,” Mr. Stalin said. Published - December 28, 2024 11:18 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp RedditNone
A small business owner from B.C.’s Fraser Valley is speaking out after being review-bombed by confused supporters of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump this week. Keri McKinley told CTV News she was stunned to see a series of negative ratings for her Abbotsford floral shop, Everbloom Designs, appearing on Facebook and Google over recent days. She also received some very irate private messages. “Some of it I can’t repeat, honestly,” McKinley said. “I didn’t really understand at first what was happening.” It didn’t take long to connect the dots. As it turns out, the owner of another floral shop in Tennessee – the similarly named Everbloom Design, singular – had riled up Trump supporters by announcing she would no longer welcome them in her business. “I need to create a safe place for me, my staff, and my family,” the owner reportedly said, in a social media video that has since been deleted. As a result, the online reviews for McKinley’s Everbloom Designs now range from “A lovely store making beautiful floral arrangements” to “The owner is a hateful and pathetic human being.” Particularly upsetting to McKinley are the multiple reviews that suggest she “discriminates” against her clientele. “That’s not me,” she said. “We serve everyone, happily.” A post shared by Everbloom Designs (@designsbyeverbloom) In the days since the owner of Memphis-based Everbloom Design set off Trump supporters, McKinley said she has already noticed a decline in sales – during what is a crucial time of year for many small businesses. If potential customers search for a shop and find “anything questionable, they move onto a different business that provides a similar service,” she said. The florist has been fighting back against the reviews to the best of her ability, including by contesting them through Google, but much of it is out of her hands. “I can’t afford to be losing customers,” McKinley said. “I just want everyone to know that ... I’m really happy to be doing what I’m doing, and I’d like to continue.” For anyone who would like to support her, McKinley also noted that her shop sells more than flowers, with a variety of locally made products from other small businesses in the region. With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Kraig Krause
By JILL COLVIN and STEPHEN GROVES WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working mostly behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role: Helping Donald Trump try to get his most contentious Cabinet picks to confirmation in the Senate, where Vance has served for the last two years. Vance arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday with former Rep. Matt Gaetz and spent the morning sitting in on meetings between Trump’s choice for attorney general and key Republicans, including members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The effort was for naught: Gaetz announced a day later that he was withdrawing his name amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations and the reality that he was unlikely to be confirmed. Thursday morning Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth, the “Fox & Friends Weekend” host whom Trump has tapped to be the next secretary of defense. Hegseth also has faced allegations of sexual assault that he denies. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings in coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. Vice President-elect JD Vance, still a Republican senator from Ohio, walks from a private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., center, and Vice President-elect JD Vance, left, walk out of a meeting with Republican Senate Judiciary Committee members, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, departs the chamber at the Capitol in Washington, March 15, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, center speaks during a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, right, speaks with Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, before testifying at a hearing, March 9, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, arrives for a classified briefing on China, at the Capitol in Washington, Feb. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, arrives for a vote on Capitol Hill, Sept. 12, 2023 in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance R-Ohio speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) Vice President-elect JD Vance, still a Republican senator from Ohio, walks from a private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) The role of introducing nominees around Capitol Hill is an unusual one for a vice president-elect. Usually the job goes to a former senator who has close relationships on the Hill, or a more junior aide. But this time the role fits Vance, said Marc Short, who served as Trump’s first director of legislative affairs as well as chief of staff to Trump’s first vice president, Mike Pence, who spent more than a decade in Congress and led the former president’s transition ahead of his first term. ”JD probably has a lot of current allies in the Senate and so it makes sense to have him utilized in that capacity,” Short said. Unlike the first Trump transition, which played out before cameras at Trump Tower in New York and at the president-elect’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, this one has largely happened behind closed doors in Palm Beach, Florida. There, a small group of officials and aides meet daily at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort to run through possible contenders and interview job candidates. The group includes Elon Musk, the billionaire who has spent so much time at the club that Trump has joked he can’t get rid of him. Vance has been a constant presence, even as he’s kept a lower profile. The Ohio senator has spent much of the last two weeks in Palm Beach, according to people familiar with his plans, playing an active role in the transition, on which he serves as honorary chair. Vance has been staying at a cottage on the property of the gilded club, where rooms are adorned with cherubs, oriental rugs and intricate golden inlays. It’s a world away from the famously hardscrabble upbringing that Vance documented in the memoir that made him famous, “Hillbilly Elegy.” His young children have also joined him at Mar-a-Lago, at times. Vance was photographed in shorts and a polo shirt playing with his kids on the seawall of the property with a large palm frond, a U.S. Secret Service robotic security dog in the distance. On the rare days when he is not in Palm Beach, Vance has been joining the sessions remotely via Zoom. Though he has taken a break from TV interviews after months of constant appearances, Vance has been active in the meetings, which began immediately after the election and include interviews and as well as presentations on candidates’ pluses and minuses. Among those interviewed: Contenders to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray , as Vance wrote in a since-deleted social media post. Defending himself from criticism that he’d missed a Senate vote in which one of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees was confirmed, Vance wrote that he was meeting at the time “with President Trump to interview multiple positions for our government, including for FBI Director.” “I tend to think it’s more important to get an FBI director who will dismantle the deep state than it is for Republicans to lose a vote 49-46 rather than 49-45,” Vance added on X. “But that’s just me.” While Vance did not come in to the transition with a list of people he wanted to see in specific roles, he and his friend, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who is also a member of the transition team, were eager to see former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. find roles in the administration. Trump ended up selecting Gabbard as the next director of national intelligence , a powerful position that sits atop the nation’s spy agencies and acts as the president’s top intelligence adviser. And he chose Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services , a massive agency that oversees everything from drug and food safety to Medicare and Medicaid. Vance was also a big booster of Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who will serve as Trump’s “border czar.” In another sign of Vance’s influence, James Braid, a top aide to the senator, is expected to serve as Trump’s legislative affairs director. Allies say it’s too early to discuss what portfolio Vance might take on in the White House. While he gravitates to issues like trade, immigration and tech policy, Vance sees his role as doing whatever Trump needs. Vance was spotted days after the election giving his son’s Boy Scout troop a tour of the Capitol and was there the day of leadership elections. He returned in earnest this week, first with Gaetz — arguably Trump’s most divisive pick — and then Hegseth, who has was been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, according to an investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Vance hosted Hegseth in his Senate office as GOP senators, including those who sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee, filtered in to meet with the nominee for defense secretary. While a president’s nominees usually visit individual senators’ offices, meeting them on their own turf, the freshman senator — who is accompanied everywhere by a large Secret Service detail that makes moving around more unwieldy — instead brought Gaetz to a room in the Capitol on Wednesday and Hegseth to his office on Thursday. Senators came to them. Vance made it to votes Wednesday and Thursday, but missed others on Thursday afternoon. Vance is expected to continue to leverage his relationships in the Senate after Trump takes office. But many Republicans there have longer relationships with Trump himself. Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, said that Trump was often the first person to call him back when he was trying to reach high-level White House officials during Trump’s first term. “He has the most active Rolodex of just about anybody I’ve ever known,” Cramer said, adding that Vance would make a good addition. “They’ll divide names up by who has the most persuasion here,” Cramer said, but added, “Whoever his liaison is will not work as hard at it as he will.” Cramer was complimentary of the Ohio senator, saying he was “pleasant” and ” interesting” to be around. ′′He doesn’t have the long relationships,” he said. “But we all like people that have done what we’ve done. I mean, that’s sort of a natural kinship, just probably not as personally tied.” Under the Constitution, Vance will also have a role presiding over the Senate and breaking tie votes. But he’s not likely to be needed for that as often as was Kamala Harris, who broke a record number of ties for Democrats as vice president, since Republicans will have a bigger cushion in the chamber next year. Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.David Beckham pays tribute to ‘heartbeat of Manchester United’ Kath Phipps
US coach Emma Hayes admits to anthem uncertainty ahead of England stalemateGRAHAM — Alamance Community College has promoted three instructors to leadership roles on the main Carrington-Scott Campus. All the transitions take effect Jan. 1. Chris Swinton has been promoted to department head of Business Administration and Accounting. An instructor in the department for nearly 14 years, Swinton has served on several critical college committees, including strategic planning. He has also been a leader for the Guided Pathways Program at the college. Swinton has a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in marketing, and a master’s from the Bryan School of Business and Economics at UNC Greensboro. Sara Heckler has been promoted to department head of English and Communications. An instructor at ACC since 2016, Heckler has been a lead English instructor since this past January. She has a bachelor’s degree with a major in English and a certificate in women’s studies from Duke University. She received her master’s in English from UNC Greensboro in 2016. Jamie Mongillo-Hooker has been promoted to interim department head of Medical Laboratory Technology and Histotechnology upon the retirement of longtime faculty member Dana Lunday. A 2010 graduate of ACC’s MLT program, Mongillo-Hooker worked in the industry for 13 years and earned a bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University in clinical laboratory science. She began teaching in ACC’s MLT program in 2023 and is working on a masters in clinical laboratory science at UNC Chapel Hill.
From San Francisco to Saudi Arabia How Did 2024’s Key Travel Moments Transform Global Tourism and Transportation?Chicago forward Torrey Craig crashed into a camera on the baseline while pursuing a rebound during the Bulls' loss at Milwaukee on Wednesday. "I got a little blood on my elbow, a little blood on my nose. My ankle," Craig said. "I like games like that." With injuries opening a spot for Craig in the starting lineup, the bump-and-shove looks to continue for the Bulls, who hope the frontcourt veteran's energetic influence rubs off. Chicago has lost eight of 11 entering Friday's visit from the Atlanta Hawks. Starting in place of Patrick Williams, who's expected to miss at least a week with left foot inflammation, Craig scored 15 points while snagging six rebounds in a 122-106 loss to the Bucks, matching Nikola Vucevic for the team high on the glass. "It's no secret; you've just got to want the ball," Craig said. "I'm a competitor. The ball's up, I try to compete for it." Craig missed Chicago's Nov. 9 game at Atlanta due to illness. The Bulls won 125-113 behind 19 points from Ayo Dosunmu and Vucevic's 18-point, 12-rebound double-double. Coby White and Zach LaVine also scored 18 points. Bulls coach Billy Donovan said LaVine "carried us" against the Bucks, who closed the game on an 18-4 run. LaVine scored 20 of his 27 points before halftime and shot 9 of 15 for the game, including 4 of 7 from 3-point range. "I've seen his shot-making; it's been incredible," Donovan said. "He has the ability to get on a roll." Atlanta is eyeing a split of a four-game road trip that has sandwiched losses at Portland and Golden State around a one-point victory in Sacramento. The Hawks lost 120-97 at Golden State on Wednesday, scoring just four points more than their season low. "I didn't think that we talked enough tonight," said Atlanta coach Quin Snyder, whose team shot 33.3 percent, including just 26.7 percent (12 of 45) from deep. "And sometimes that happens when you're not making shots and it's actually when you need each other, and even more. "Regardless of who's in the game, how long they play, we can run. You can run. You can see that there's a corner and it's empty and you can fill it, and you can see where the ball is and you can space, and doing that gives us a chance to get connected." Atlanta played with its full rotation against the Warriors. After missing the Sacramento game with left leg inflammation, Jalen Johnson posted a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds to lead six Hawks in double-figure scoring. Trae Young (12 points, 11 assists) and Clint Capela (11 points, 10 rebounds) also contributed double-doubles. Friday marks the resumption of NBA Cup play. Atlanta is seeking a 3-0 start in East Group C after previous victories at Boston and against Washington. The Bulls lost their lone group play contest to date, at Cleveland. Group play will continue on Tuesdays and Fridays through Dec. 3 to determine an elimination bracket later in the month. The winner of each group plus one wild card from each conference will advance to the knockout rounds. Chicago has won six of 10 against Atlanta. LaVine has shot 53.6 percent while averaging 25.4 points in his past 10 games against the Hawks. --Field Level Media
None
US coach Emma Hayes admits to anthem uncertainty ahead of England stalemateThe Best Co-Op Games to Play in 2025I'm A Celebrity viewers shocked as Maura and Oti reveal weight comments
The club confirmed Phipps’ death on Thursday, leading to a flood of tributes on social media from those that worked with her. David Beckham called Kath Phipps “the heartbeat of Manchester United” as tributes from players past and present poured in following the long-serving receptionist’s death at the age of 85. A lifelong fan, she was an immensely popular figure with players, managers and staff at a club she joined four months after Sir Matt Busby led them to European Cup glory in 1968. Phipps initially worked at Old Trafford in the stadium offices and on matchdays, before Sir Alex Ferguson brought her to their Carrington training ground in 2000. The United great presented her with the League Managers Association’s Service to Football award in 2022, when Beckham was among those to pay tribute. “Forever in our hearts...,” the former midfielder posted on Instagram with a photo holding Phipps’ hand. “The first and last face I would always see was Kath sat at reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me my tickets for the game. “She was the heartbeat of Manchester United, everyone knew who Kath was and everyone adored her. “I moved up to Manchester at 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad ‘I’ll look after your boy for you don’t you worry’ and from that first day till the last day I spent with her that’s exactly what she did. “Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors... We love you.” The club confirmed Phipps’ death on Thursday, leading to a flood of tributes on social media from those that worked with her. United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney said: “The heart and soul of Manchester United. Everything what the club is about. “A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.” Fellow United former player Patrice Evra said “losing a family member (is) never easy” alongside a photo with Phipps, who David De Gea thanked “for taking care of everyone”. Ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand said: “An absolute mainstay of Manchester United... Always welcomed me and everyone else who visited with a warm smile! Looked at life positively, incredibly selfless & would put others first! RIP.” Current squad members were also quick to pay their respects to Phipps. United skipper Bruno Fernandes reposted the club’s announcement with a heart emoji and Marcus Rashford said: “Awful news, admired by all at the club and beyond, you will be missed.” United defender Harry Maguire posted: “A legend that will never be forgotten. I will miss you. We will miss you. RIP Kath.” Right-back Diogo Dalot wrote: “We love you Kath. Thank you for showing everyday what this club is about and taking care of us.” Jadon Sancho, who is on loan at Chelsea ahead of a permanent United exit, said of Phipps: “I’m grateful that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you, such a lovely kind hearted soul. “She always made sure I was OK and always put a smile on my face whenever I felt down, I appreciate you Kath. My condolences go out to her family through this tough time.” United have yet to confirm what tribute will be paid at Saturday’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest. The club said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85. “An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title. “Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. “She said last year: ‘I can’t imagine doing anything else’. Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.”