‘Wicked” proved there’s still life in big-budget studio films. But the bulk of 2024’s best still came from independent studios, streaming services and foreign filmmakers. Does that say the business is expanding? Or has the capital of moviemaking shifted? Take a look at the list, and you’ll realize the idea of actors milling about a Hollywood studio didn’t happen this year. Citing high costs, producers used locations to cut the bottom line and produce the year’s best. The year’s best films, in order of preference, go like this: Shot around the world in VistaVision (a process used decades ago to lend importance to a film), this was one of the longest films of the year, clocking in at 3 hours and 35 minutes and featuring an intermission. It accomplished what Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” couldn’t — it told an engrossing story about an architect who had to rebuild his life after World War II. Coming to America, Laszlo Toth (a brilliant Adrien Brody) survives on menial jobs, then gets a commission to design a towering facility that reflects his own growth. Co-written and directed by Brady Corbet, “The Brutalist” zips by as turmoil threatens to hammer Toth at every turn. Luckily, determination helps him see the project through, brick by brick. Considering it was produced for less than $10 million, Corbet’s achievement is remarkable. Choosing a pope may seem simple, but Edward Berger’s account makes it every bit as exciting as a John Grisham thriller. Led by Ralph Fiennes as the cardinal running the election, it slyly introduced its candidates, then let the very formal voting process comprise the story. One by one, frontrunners emerged, then fell only to lead to a conclusion that few could see coming. Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini were standouts in a cast filled with scene stealers. The best foreign-language film of the year, “Emilia Pérez” combined several hot-button issues in one elaborate musical. Directed by Jacques Audiard, the film let Zoe Saldaña fire on all cylinders as the attorney for a drug-cartel leader who has a dream — to live life as a woman. While making her moves, Saldaña encounters countless “players” in the leader’s life, including his wife (nicely played by Selena Gomez). Karla Sofia Gascon, as the title character, crossed countless barriers while showing how important the quest was. Covering the Olympics is difficult. Covering a terrorist attack during the Olympics is almost impossible. Yet the men and women at ABC Sports gave viewers a window onto a world they hadn’t seen before. As terrorists claimed hostages at the 1972 Munich Games, reporters scrambled to get the story right. In a day when hearsay is often enough for broadcasters to break into regular programming, this is the real deal — the way journalism should be done. Peter Sarsgaard was outstanding as leader Roone Arledge; Leonie Benesch was unforgettable as a translator trying to help Americans disseminate the truth. Director Tim Fehlbaum got the look just right and made us long for a time when ingenuity and integrity were key. Popular. What can we say? Jon M. Chu did the Broadway fans proud with an adaptation that expanded the story (there are two parts — the second comes next year), introduced new characters and leaned into the O.G., “The Wizard of Oz.” While Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were overexposed in the lead-up to its release, they didn’t let “Wicked” down. Their performances were ideal and won over a tough crowd. Even original stars Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel got to be part of the fun. Don’t be surprised if this wins the Best Picture Oscar. Mikey Madison made a huge splash as a sex worker who amused the son of a Russian oligarch and quickly found herself in a pot full of trouble. The way director Sean Baker twisted the story made it impossible to ignore. As the Russians in Anora’s life, Mark Eydelshteyn and Yura Borisov were welcome additions to the American acting scene. Both brought new colors to the medium and let Madison shine in ways even she wouldn’t think possible. Three stellar performances in a well-written thrill comedy were more than we could ask. After making a name for himself in documentary films, RaMell Ross turned Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize winner into a cinematic original. Using some of those documentary techniques, he found a way to pull audiences into the story of two boys sent to an abusive reform school. The film’s cinematography was key; its editing connected the story’s dots. On the 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live,” director Jason Reitman came up with the perfect present — a look at the first days of the revolutionary television series. Getting actors to more than suggest the personalities it created justified Reitman’s belief there was something worth preserving. Cory Michael Smith was almost too good as Chevy Chase, the show’s first big star. Actor Jesse Eisenberg wrote and directed this look at cousins who go to Poland to pay homage to their late grandmother. While she may have been the only tie that bound them, she served as a catalyst for change in both. Eisenberg played the uptight cousin; Kieran Culkin (in an Oscar-winning turn) played the rebel. Both were exceptional. Luca Guadagnino had a flashier film this year (“Queer” with Daniel Craig), but this was the more accessible entry. Zendaya starred as a tennis pro who turned to coaching after her playing days were over. Her friendships, however, made it difficult to choose one over the other. Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor played her potential life doubles partners, and they kept the rally going throughout the film. Guadagnino tried a few tricks of his own and came away with a film that was both glossy and telling.None
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The expanded Big Ten is poised to be a major player in this season's College Football Playoff. The 18-team conference had three of the top-four teams in the AP poll this week — No. 1 Oregon, No. 2 Ohio State and No. 4 Penn State. A one-loss Indiana team is ranked 10th but is still very much a contender to make the playoff, given how many Southeastern Conference teams have three defeats or more. Indiana's rise has been perhaps the Big Ten's biggest story this season. Much of the spotlight was on newcomers Oregon, Southern California, UCLA and Washington, but aside from the top-ranked Ducks, that foursome has struggled to impress. Meanwhile, the Hoosiers won their first 10 games under new coach Curt Cignetti before losing at Ohio State last weekend. Oregon beat Ohio State 32-31 back in October, and if the Buckeyes beat rival Michigan this weekend, they'll earn a rematch with the Ducks for the Big Ten title. People are also reading... And it's entirely possible another matchup between those two teams awaits in the CFP. Star power Dillon Gabriel has quarterbacked Oregon to an unbeaten record, throwing for 3,066 yards and 22 touchdowns in 11 games. But don't overlook Iowa's Kaleb Johnson and his 21 rushing TDs, and quarterback Kurtis Rourke has been a big part of Indiana's improvement. Penn State's Abdul Carter has eight sacks and two forced fumbles and could be one of the top edge rushers drafted this year. Going bowling Oregon (11-0, 8-0), Ohio State (10-1, 7-1), Penn State (10-1, 7-1), Indiana (10-1, 7-1), Illinois (8-3, 5-3), Iowa (7-4, 5-3), Michigan (6-5, 4-4), Minnesota (6-5, 4-4), Washington (6-5, 4-4), Southern California (6-5, 4-5), Nebraska (6-5, 3-5) and Rutgers (6-5, 3-5) have already reached the six-win mark for bowl eligibility. Michigan State (5-6, 3-5) and Wisconsin (5-6, 3-5) can join them. Hot seats There may not be many firings in general at the top level of college football. The prospect of sharing revenue with athletes in the future might lead schools to be more judicious about shedding one coach and hiring a new one. Who should be most worried in the Big Ten? Well, Lincoln Riley is struggling to stay above .500 in his third season at USC. Purdue is 1-10, but coach Ryan Walters is only in his second season. Maryland's Mike Locksley has been there six years and his Terrapins are 4-7, but this was his first real step backward after guiding the team to three straight bowl wins. Cignetti has shown it is possible for a coaching change to push a previously moribund program to some impressive heights in a short amount of time — but the improvement has been more incremental at Michigan State following Jonathan Smith's arrival. Sherrone Moore wasn't a completely unknown commodity at Michigan after he won some massive games in place of a suspended Jim Harbaugh last year. But in his first season completely at the helm, the Wolverines have declined significantly following their national title a season ago. Youth movement The Big Ten is home to one of the most dynamic freshmen in the country in Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith. He has 52 catches for 899 yards and nine touchdowns. Highly touted quarterback Dylan Raiola has teamed up with fellow freshman Jacory Barney (49 catches) to lead Nebraska to bowl eligibility. Recruiting watch Ohio State is on track to land the Big Ten's top class, according to 247 Sports, but the big news recently was quarterback Bryce Underwood flipping from LSU to Michigan. If the Wolverines do in fact keep Underwood in his home state, that would be a big development for Moore. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
A publisher as big as Ubisoft always has a lot on the go at once, much of which is known, so it's always interesting to hear about something we weren't expecting. In a new report from Insider Gaming , it seems the company is hard at work on a game called Alterra. Citing anonymous sources, the site claims the game shares much in common with Nintendo's Animal Crossing — each player has a home island inhabited by critters called Matterlings. You'll be able to visit other islands; each will be in a different biome and feature different Matterlings, resources, enemies, and so on. In a Minecraft -like twist, you'll also be able to mould your island to your liking using the materials you gather from various islands. "For example, if a player would like to create something out of snow and ice, they’d have to travel (by means unknown) to an ice world inhabited by snow-ice Matterlings," the report states. The Matterlings are described as similarly proportioned to Funko figures, and take the form of various real and mythical animals. Sources also tell that the game has been in production for about 18 months, led by creative director Patrick Redding at Ubisoft Montreal. By the sound of it, and if we presume this is all accurate, Alterra could still be several years away, depending on the scope of the game. In principle, though, it seems like a neat idea, but obviously much will depend on how it plays and how it looks. Are you interested in this project from Ubisoft? Hammer out your thoughts in the comments section below.AP News Summary at 4:36 p.m. EST
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Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards will play Christmas Day games for the first time on Wednesday as the NBA delivers its 77th year of contests on the holiday. French centre Wembanyama, last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, will lead the San Antonio Spurs into New York to face the Knicks, who have the league's longest holiday history. The Knicks have played the most Christmas games of any NBA club at 56 entering this year, the first coming in 1947, the year the first NBA Christmas game was played. Wembanyama, a 20-year-old who stands 7-foot-3 (2.21m), averages 24.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 4.0 blocked shots a game for the Spurs, who return to the Christmas lineup for the first time in eight years. "Very excited just about spending Christmas in New York," Wembanyama said. "Going to be like the movies I hope, maybe get a little snow. "I'll approach it just like any other game. We've got to learn about their team, scout them and apply it for sure. I'm sure it's going to be special. I'm sure the league is going to make it something special that we're going to be able to feel." Edwards, a two-time NBA All-Star guard who helped the United States capture gold at the Paris Olympics, will try to spark the Minnesota Timberwolves on a holiday road trip to Dallas in a rematch of last season's Western Conference finals. "Ant-Man" leads the T-Wolves with 25.3 points a game and also has 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.4 steals a contest this season. The league's past three champions will also take the court on Wednesday with the defending champion Boston Celtics playing host to Philadelphia, the 2022 trophy-lifting Golden State Warriors playing host to the Los Angeles Lakers and the 2023 winner Denver Nuggets on the road at Phoenix. Lakers star LeBron James, who turns 40 next Monday, is the NBA career leader in points on Christmas with 476 in a record 18 games on December 25. He and former Miami teammate Dwyane Wade share the lead in wins by a player on Christmas with 10. The Lakers and Knicks share the NBA record for Christmas wins by a team with 24 for each. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Bernard King scoring 60 points, the highest NBA total on Christmas Day. Three other players -- Rick Barry, Wilt Chamberlain and Slovenian Luka Doncic -- have scored 50 or more in a game on the holiday. Dallas guard Doncic joined the club with a 50-point effort last year. The Lakers (16-13) and Golden State (15-13) are fighting for seventh in the Western Conference just ahead of San Antonio (15-14) and Minnesota and Phoenix, both 14-14. Dallas is fourth in the West at 19-10, just ahead of Denver 16-11. The Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference at 22-7, ahead of New York (19-10) while Philadelphia has struggled to a 10-17 start, 12th in the East. js/pb
Mechtron Leads the Trend in Men's Lifestyle Tools with the Launch of an Innovative Product LineupAfter head coach Kevin O'Connell announced the move on Monday afternoon, the Minnesota Vikings made it official and activated inside linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.'s practice window. On top of that, the Vikings have made an addition to the practice squad after losing edge rusher Andre Carter II in cornerback Ambry Thomas . The #Vikings have designated @ivan_pacejr to return to practice and signed CB Ambry Thomas to the practice squad. https://t.co/tG7MNdnyFg pic.twitter.com/MKP0c3RwG6 Minnesota Vikings activate Ivan Pace Jr. O'Connell said this about Pace on Monday. "We will open up Ivan paces window to begin practicing. Very excited about that. We'll see how he progresses, and coming off of a hamstring, you just, you never quite know. So I don't want to be absolute, but the plan is, as of right now, to open his window, get him some work, and then hopefully have him available." Having Pace back would be huge for the Vikings, especially in getting pressure on the quarterback. His ability to blitz is one that the Vikings have been sorely lacking over the last few weeks, as their pressure package isn't the same without him. Thomas the 102nd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers and spent all three of his seasons with the team. During his career, Thomas played in 42 games with 11 starts. In those games, Thomas has two interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 12 passes defended, 61 tackles and 1.0 tackles for loss. The one element to keep an eye on is the Indianapolis Colts claimed him off of waivers but he failed his physical with them, making him a free agent. There is a chance that he could fail his with the Vikings. This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.Global Times: Chinese-built hydropower station lights up homes of remote Lao village, dreams of prosperity 12-24-2024 09:12 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: SHENZHEN HMEDIUM INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD In today's world, green has become the defining color of the New Era in China, with green development emerging as a significant feature of Chinese modernization. Green development, which seeks to promote harmony between humanity and nature while maximizing economic and social benefits with minimal resource consumption, has now become a global consensus. China is actively implementing the concept of sustainable development and is playing a key role in driving the global transition toward a low-carbon future. Against this backdrop, the yearender 2024 series that casts a global gaze on the transformative power of China's green energy initiatives was launched, illuminating how they empower individuals around the world to realize their dreams and foster hope and development. In this inaugural piece, turn attention to the remarkable impact of China's clean hydropower on the marginalized and underdeveloped villages of Laos. This is a testament to the profound change that green energy can bring, lighting the path toward a brighter future for all. In the heart of Laos, nestled among the rugged mountains, lies a village that once seemed to exist in a time capsule, thus far untouched by the modern world. 28-year-old To Vongphachan, a resident living in the newly established resettlement village near the Nam Phay hydropower plant in Laos, recalls the stark realities of his former life with vivid clarity. "Before the dam was built, our village was hidden deep in the mountains. People had no electricity and no mobile signal. Lives revolved around farming and foraging for wild vegetables. If people needed salt or oil, they had to walk miles to the nearest village. Before high school, they couldn't even imagine what lay beyond those mountains." Vongphachan's dreams of a better life were ignited during his high school years. "I promised myself that I would leave the mountains, find work, and ensure my children wouldn't have to walk such long distances for an education," he shared with the Global Times, with a sense of accomplishment radiating from his eyes. Today, that dream has become a reality, thanks to the transformative power of the Nam Phay hydropower plant, a project funded and built through Chinese investment. The Nam Phay hydropower plant, located in Xaysomboun, home to the highest mountain in Laos, represents a significant shift for a region that has long been characterized for its isolation and underdevelopment. Before the establishment of the province in late 2013, Xaysomboun was a typical mountainous area, home to various ethnic minorities who lived in relative obscurity. The local economy was stagnant, with many residents relying on subsistence farming and traditional hunting methods, and their homes were often little more than makeshift structures woven from vines. The hydropower project, initiated almost simultaneously with the province's establishment, has brought about developments. "For many in our community, the idea of modern infrastructure was a distant dream," Vongphachan told the Global Times. "But now, we see the changes unfolding before our eyes." The dam, which began operations in May 2017, has not only provided a reliable source of electricity - accounting for about 10 percent of the region's total power consumption - but has also opened doors to economic opportunities previously thought unattainable. As the sun rises over the mountains, casting a golden hue on the landscape, the once-silent village is now alive with the hum of activity. Children, no longer burdened by the long trek to school, can be seen playing in the streets, with laughter echoing through the air, Vongphachan described the daily scenes in the village to the Global Times. Families are beginning to invest in small businesses, and the local market is bustling with vendors selling fresh produce and goods, a stark contrast to the days when the villagers had to rely solely on their own harvests. The dam has not only illuminated homes but has also sparked a sense of hope among the villagers. "We are no longer just surviving; we are thriving," Vongphachan noted. "This project has changed our lives in ways we never thought possible." As Laos continues to harness its abundant water resources, the vision of becoming Southeast Asia's "battery" is slowly materializing. The Nam Phay hydropower plant stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and investment in infrastructure, bridging the gap between the past and a brighter future. Liberation from labor: Green energy symbolizes hope The newly established village, born from the necessity of relocation due to the reservoir constructed by the Nam Phay Power Company - a joint venture co-founded by China's Norinco International and its Lao partner, has built a modern settlement complete with water, electricity, and roads for three affected villages. Schools, administrative offices, and cultural spaces have been thoughtfully integrated, creating a vibrant hub for the displaced. For 21-year-old Vangkeobouddavong, the changes have been nothing short of miraculous. "The roads are open now, allowing our children to venture beyond the mountains, and bringing in new faces and opportunities." She reflects on her past, recalling the days when her family relied on candles and oil lamps for light. "When I was in high school, we had to walk 40 kilometers to school, returning home only every three months. Now, we have high schools in our village, and the quality of education has improved significantly. I can go home every day." The transformation extends beyond education. "We now have hospitals in the village, allowing us to receive timely medical care instead of traveling long distances to find a doctor," she added. The arrival of electricity has ushered in a new era of convenience. "We can now use household appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, making life much easier. We watch the news, enjoy TV shows, and stay connected to the world," she told the Global Times. The impact of stable electricity on agricultural practices has been profound. "We can now use rice milling machines and water pumps, which has drastically reduced the time and effort required for farming. It's no longer just manual labor; we have electric tools that make our work faster and less exhausting," she said. For Vangkeobouddavong, the dam represents more than just infrastructure; it embodies a green dream. "This is part of China's global initiative to promote clean energy, helping countries move away from traditional coal power. For us, green energy symbolizes hope," she said when sharing some of the concepts learned from TV programs. "Now, we can sell the rice we grow and the livestock we raise. Many villagers have found work nearby, and our community is noticeably more prosperous. Most families own appliances, and many have motorcycles or even tractors," she noted. "This not only makes travel easier but also boosts the sale of our agricultural products, increasing our income," she explained. From dam to dollar: Hydropower plant fuels economic growth The Nam Phay hydropower plant not only heralds a new era for local residents but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth, empowering businesses to convert natural resource advantages into tangible economic benefits. Ma Yulong, the general manager of Nam Phay Power Company in Laos, told the Global Times that the dam has significantly boosted employment opportunities and improved income levels for the community. Historically, this region has been rich in mineral resources including copper, gold, and iron, but it has suffered from inadequate and unreliable electricity supply. During the dry season, power outages and voltage fluctuations were commonplace, hampering productivity and stifling growth. The electricity was sourced from distant power stations, leading to substantial energy losses during transmission, which in turn inflated operational costs for local mining enterprises. The Nam Phay hydropower plant, with its impressive annual regulation capacity, has changed the game. It provides a steady and reliable energy supply, attracting foreign investment and facilitating the exploration and development of Laos' mineral wealth. This transformation is not just about energy; it is about harnessing resources to drive economic development and create jobs, thereby lifting local residents out of poverty. Moreover, the construction and operation of the hydropower station have spurred the growth of related industries, including construction, transportation, and maintenance services. These sectors have diversified the local economy and created job opportunities for residents. The ripple effects of the station's energy supply extend beyond Laos, fostering regional economic integration and laying a solid foundation for sustainable development, according to Ma. After helping them move to the new home, the company has taken significant steps to help villagers restore their livelihoods. Initiatives include providing food during the transition period, offering living subsidies, and hiring experts to train locals in essential skills. The company has actively encouraged villagers to engage in livelihood reconstruction, assisting each household in cultivating 0.6 hectares of rice paddies and establishing demonstration gardens for sustainable farming practices. Regular releases of fish fry into local reservoirs have also provided villagers with additional income through fishing, the manager said. The ethos of green and sustainable development has taken root in the hearts of the villagers, blossoming like a seed planted in fertile soil. This vision of a greener future has permeated the community, enriching not just the land but the lives of countless families. According to statistics provided by Ma, the average annual income of local households has surged from $1,029 in 2014 to $4,907 in 2018, a testament to the transformative power of the hydropower project. The bridge built by this green dream embodies principles of equality, respect, and dialogue. Since the project's inception, the Nam Phay Power Company in Laos has employed staff fluent in local languages and familiar with the culture to gather community feedback, ensuring open lines of communication. Regular visits to nearby villages foster engagement, allowing residents to voice their concerns and participate in discussions about the dam's operations. In this vibrant community by the Nam Phay dam, the echoes of the past are fading, replaced by the sounds of laughter, learning, and a shared vision for a prosperous tomorrow. For the local villagers, the arrival of clean energy has brought them closer to their dreams, illuminating a path toward a brighter, more sustainable future. View original content: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202412/1325272.shtml Media Contact Company Name: Global Times Contact Person: Xie Wenting Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=global-times-chinesebuilt-hydropower-station-lights-up-homes-of-remote-lao-village-dreams-of-prosperity ] Phone: 18605648116 City: Beijing Country: China Website: https://www.globaltimes.cn/ This release was published on openPR.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Deaths from starvation will likely pass famine levels in northern Gaza as soon as next month owing to Israel’s “near-total blockade” of food and other aid, the U.S.-created global food-crisis monitor said on Tuesday. The finding by the Famine Early Warning System Network appeared to expose a rift within the Biden administration over the extent of starvation in northern Gaza, with the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Jacob Lew, disputing part of the data used in reaching the conclusion and calling the stepped-up famine warning “irresponsible.” Northern Gaza has been one of the areas hardest-hit by fighting and Israel’s restrictions on aid throughout its 14-month war with Hamas militants. Israel at one point increased the number of aid deliveries it permitted into northern Gaza under pressure from President Joe Biden. But the U.N. and aid groups say Israel recently has blocked almost all aid again. Only nine U.N. trucks have been able to bring in food and water over the past 2 1/2 months, Oxfam says. Israel says it has been operating in recent months against Hamas militants still active in northern Gaza. It says the vast majority of the area’s residents have fled and relocated to Gaza City, where most aid destined for the north is delivered. But some critics, including a former defense minister, have accused Israel of carrying out ethnic cleansing in Gaza’s far north, near the Israeli border. FEWS Net said unless Israel changes its policy, it expects the number of people dying of starvation and related ailments in northern Gaza to reach between two and 15 per day sometime between next month and March. The internationally recognized mortality threshold for famine is Cindy McCain, the American head of the U.N. World Food Program, in a Dec. 15 appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation” called for political pressure to get food flowing to Palestinians trapped in north Gaza. “We need unfettered access. We need a ceasefire and we need it now,” she said. “We can’t ... sit by and just allow these people to starve to death.” FEWS Net was created by the U.S. Agency for International Development in the mid-1980s to warn of global food crises. The United States, Israel’s main backer, provided a record amount of military support in the first year of the war. At the same time, the Biden administration repeatedly urged Israel to allow more access to aid deliveries in Gaza overall, and warned that failing to do so could trigger U.S. restrictions on military support. The administration recently said Israel was making improvements and declined to carry out its threat of restrictions. Military support for Israel’s war in Gaza is politically charged in the United States. Republicans and some Democrats have staunchly opposed any effort to limit U.S. support over the suffering of Palestinian civilians trapped in the conflict. The Biden administration’s reluctance to do more to press Israel for improved treatment of civilians undercut support for Democrats in last month’s elections. Lew, the U.S. ambassador, challenged the famine warning in a posting on social media, saying it was based on “outdated and inaccurate” data. He pointed to uncertainty over how many of the 65,000 people remaining in northern Gaza had fled in recent weeks, saying that skewed the findings. FEWS said its famine assessment holds even if as few as 10,000 remain there. “We work day and night with the U.N. and our Israeli partners to meet humanitarian needs — which are great — and relying on inaccurate data is irresponsible.,” Lew wrote. ___ AP writers Matthew Lee in Washington and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report. Ellen Knickmeyer, The Associated PressNoneLenovo Chromebook Duet 11 review: a step backward
ADDISON, Texas, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECO) (together with its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates, “CECO”), a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company whose solutions protect people, the environment and industrial equipment, announced today that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (“HSR”), applicable to CECO’s tender offer for Profire Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: PFIE) (“PFIE”) expired at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on November 15, 2024. The expiration of the HSR waiting period satisfies one of the conditions to consummate the tender offer. Other conditions remain to be satisfied, including, among others, a minimum tender of shares of common stock of PFIE representing a majority of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock of PFIE. Unless the tender offer is extended, the offer and withdrawal rights will expire at one minute after 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on December 31, 2024. ABOUT CECO ENVIRONMENTAL CECO Environmental is a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company, serving a broad landscape of industrial air, industrial water, and energy transition markets across the globe through its key business segments: Engineered Systems and Industrial Process Solutions. Providing innovative technology and application expertise, CECO helps companies grow their business with safe, clean, and more efficient solutions that help protect people, the environment and industrial equipment. In regions around the world, CECO works to improve air quality, optimize the energy value chain, and provide custom solutions for applications including power generation, petrochemical processing, general industrial, refining, midstream oil and gas, electric vehicle production, polysilicon fabrication, battery recycling, beverage can, and water/wastewater treatment along with a wide range of other applications. CECO is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “CECO.” Incorporated in 1966, CECO’s global headquarters is in Addison, Texas. For more information, please visit www.cecoenviro.com . SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT Certain statements in this communication are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, both as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for “forward-looking statements” provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements contained in this communication, other than statements of historical fact, including statements about management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements and should be evaluated as such. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance. We use words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intends,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “will,” “plan,” “should” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties, among others, that could cause actual results to differ materially are discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of CECO’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in CECO’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and include, but are not limited to: the parties’ ability to complete the proposed transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement in the anticipated timeframe or at all; the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed transaction on business relationships, operating results, and business generally; risks that the proposed transactions disrupt current plans and operations and potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the proposed transactions; risks related to diverting management’s attention from ongoing business operations; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted related to the proposed transactions; the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and other charges related to the proposed transactions; the risk that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made; the sensitivity of CECO’s business to economic and financial market conditions generally and economic conditions in CECO’s service areas; dependence on fixed price contracts and the risks associated therewith, including actual costs exceeding estimates and method of accounting for revenue; the effect of growth on CECO’s infrastructure, resources and existing sales; the ability to expand operations in both new and existing markets; the potential for contract delay or cancellation as a result of on-going or worsening supply chain challenges; liabilities arising from faulty services or products that could result in significant professional or product liability, warranty or other claims; changes in or developments with respect to any litigation or investigation; failure to meet timely completion or performance standards that could result in higher cost and reduced profits or, in some cases, losses on projects; the potential for fluctuations in prices for manufactured components and raw materials, including as a result of tariffs and surcharges, and rising energy costs; inflationary pressures relating to rising raw material costs and the cost of labor; the substantial amount of debt incurred in connection with CECO’s strategic transactions and its ability to repay or refinance it or incur additional debt in the future; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations; CECO’s ability to repurchase shares of its common stock and the amounts and timing of repurchases; CECO’s ability to successfully realize the expected benefits of its restructuring program; economic and political conditions generally; CECO’s ability to optimize its business portfolio by identifying acquisition targets, executing upon any strategic acquisitions or divestitures, integrating acquired businesses and realizing the synergies from strategic transactions; and unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including cybersecurity threats, acts of terrorism or outbreak of war or hostilities or public health crises, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors. Many of these risks are beyond management’s ability to control or predict. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any related assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material aspects from those currently anticipated. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements as they speak only to CECO’s views as of the date the statement is made. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), CECO undertakes no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Important Additional Information Will be Filed with the SEC This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell common stock of PFIE or any other securities. This communication is for informational purposes only. The tender offer transaction commenced by a subsidiary of CECO is being made pursuant to a tender offer statement on Schedule TO (including the Offer to Purchase, a related Letter of Transmittal and other offer materials) filed by such affiliates of CECO with the SEC. In addition, PFIE will file a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC related to the tender offer. The offer to purchase shares of PFIE’ common stock is only being made pursuant to the Offer to Purchase, the Letter of Transmittal and related offer materials filed as a part of the tender offer statement on Schedule TO, in each case as amended from time to time. THE TENDER OFFER MATERIALS (INCLUDING THE OFFER TO PURCHASE, THE RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND OTHER MATERIALS) AND THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14D-9 CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. PRIOR TO MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING THE TENDER OFFER, PFIE STOCKHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO CAREFULLY READ THESE DOCUMENTS, AS FILED AND AS THEY MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE. PFIE stockholders will be able to obtain the tender offer statement on Schedule TO (including the Offer to Purchase, a related Letter of Transmittal and other offer materials) and the related solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 at no charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . In addition, the tender offer statement on Schedule TO (including the Offer to Purchase, a related Letter of Transmittal and other offer materials) and the related solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 may be obtained free of charge from D.F. King & Co., Inc. 48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor New York, New York 10005, Telephone Number (866) 342-4881. Company Contact: Peter Johansson Chief Financial and Strategy Officer 888-990-6670 Investor Relations Contact: Steven Hooser and Jean Marie Young Three Part Advisors 214-872-2710 Investor.Relations@OneCECO.com
Six men linked to Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba go on trial Tuesday, accused of blackmail, attempted extortion of millions of euros and holding the player at gunpoint. The case at the Paris criminal court has shocked the French football world — all the more so because the alleged perpetrators include three childhood friends and Pogba’s own brother Mathias. Tuesday’s trial comes on top of professional woes for Pogba, whose career has struggled since France’s spectacular 2018 World Cup win when he scored against Croatia in the Moscow final. He suffered through repeated injuries that led to his 2022 departure from Manchester United, returning to Juventus where he remained in and out of treatment. The Turin club this month cancelled his contract following his suspension until March 2025 for doping. The six defendants in Paris are accused of attempting to squeeze 13 million euros ($13.5 million) out of Pogba. Mathias was the one to go public in the case, publishing a video on social media in August 2022 promising revelations about his younger brother that were “likely to be explosive”.
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