By David French (Reuters) -Upbound Group said on Thursday it reached agreement on a $460 million cash-and-stock deal for Brigit, a financial technology company that has been backed by investors including the venture capital firms of actor Ashton Kutcher and basketball star Kevin Durant. The move, confirming a Reuters story from earlier on Thursday, will help Upbound expand its product offerings to credit-poor consumers and give it access to Brigit’s data modeling and technology platform, allowing it to create more accurate customer financial profiles. Brigit provides financial services including cash advances and credit-profile building through its subscription-based digital app. It currently has nearly 2 million monthly active customers, according to a statement announcing the agreement. Under terms of the deal, Upbound is paying $325 million at a closing date forecast for the first quarter of 2025, of which 75% is in cash and the rest in stock. There are further cash payments due over two years, some of which are dependent on Brigit achieving performance targets. Upbound Chief Executive Mitch Fadel told Reuters the Brigit acquisition would immediately contribute to its business because the app is already profitable, but also in the ways it can interact with its customers. With only 10% overlap between the two companies’ customer bases, he said, there was significant opportunity for cross-selling. “When you have more products, you can create more lifetime customers, especially when you are helping to build their credit and access a greater array of financial products,” Fadel said. Plano, Texas-based Upbound, whose brands include Rent-A-Center and Acima, offers consumers with low credit scores help to buy products, including furniture, electronics, and other home goods, through so-called lease-to-own agreements. Brigit’s founders, Zuben Mathews and Hamel Kothari, will continue to run Brigit as a segment within Upbound, and Brigit will retain its existing branding, the statement said. “By combining forces with Upbound, we can accelerate our impact and better serve the millions of Americans who have been historically underserved by traditional financial institutions,” Mathews said. (Reporting by David French in New York; Editing by Shri Navaratnam and Bill Berkrot) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. var ytflag = 0;var myListener = function() {document.removeEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);lazyloadmyframes();};document.addEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);window.addEventListener('scroll', function() {if (ytflag == 0) {lazyloadmyframes();ytflag = 1;}});function lazyloadmyframes() {var ytv = document.getElementsByClassName("klazyiframe");for (var i = 0; i < ytv.length; i++) {ytv[i].src = ytv[i].getAttribute('data-src');}} Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );
Ireland's 22 help Nicholls State take down New Orleans 73-70PC enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the release date for AMD's Ryzen 9 9900X3D and 9950X3D - its 16 and 12-core 3D V-Cache models that could be the ultimate processors that everyone wants to own for the next year or so, which have more cores than it's highly successful Ryzen 7 9800X3D released recently to rave reviews. It seems we may finally have a timeline for the actual release date for the rest of the Zen 5 range, but also some potentially bad news about the processors too. AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Release Date Thankfully, that doesn't come in the form of price tags, which at the moment we have no idea about yet. But first, let's talk release dates. AMD is planning to have the two processors available by the end of January, meaning that within the next eight weeks the Ryzen 9000 X3D line-up could be complete. The news comes from well-regarded hardware news leaker Hoang Anh Phu who posted the below on X (formerly Twitter) that the 12C (9900X) and 16C (9950X) will launch in late January (via Videocardz ). This would make sense as AMD could also tie the launch in with a Consumer Electronic Show announcement in Las Vegas in early January. The really big news, though, comes from the next comment in the thread where Hoang apparently confirms the new CPUs will have the same 3D V-Cache configuration as the Ryzen 7000 Zen 4 models. This Viral Smart Bassinet Is 30% Off With The Snoo Black Friday Sale The 50 Best Black Friday Deals So Far, According To Our Deals Editors AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D cache layout There have been many rumors about how the extra cache on these processors might configured, with AMD having made major change already with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and it locating the 64MB 3D V-Cache underneath the Core Complex Die (CCD) instead of on top of it. Doing the latter, which it has done with all previous iterations of its 3D V-Cache processors, means there's a thermal bottleneck and frequencies have to be reduced as a result. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, though, located the 3D V-Cache underneath the CCD and AMD was able to drastically increase frequencies as a result. However, with the 12 and 16-core parts, another issue has posed performance problems in the past. The 3D V-Cache has only been assigned to one CCD, but the Ryzen 9 3D V-Cache parts have two CCDs. This meant that the processor was reliant on software and drivers to direct game software threads to the cores with access to 3D V-Cache, effectively known as core parking, but this didn't always work, leading to a loss of performance in games. This issue has mostly been resolved, but rumors were that AMD was adding 3D V-Cache to both CCDs. solving that problem. Whether it would add another 64MB chunk to the other CCD wasn't known, and splitting the cache could potentially reduce the amount available to specific cores too. However, Hoang also claims that there will be no difference in the cache layout and that only one CCD will have access to 3D V-Cache. From a performance point of view this does make sense, seeing as few if any games utilize more than eight cores, so other than solving core parking issues, it's unlikely adding extra cache would improve performance and would likely increase costs. Still, this is still a rumor, but it does seem the most likely course for AMD, which looks set to dominate the desktop CPU market with its Zen 5 3D V-Cache processors for most of 2025 with Intel's Core Ultra 200 processors proving disappointing plus we may know the release date for its Ryzen 9 9950X3D. I'll be reviewing the processors when they arrive so follow me here on Forbes using the blue button below, Facebook or YouTube to get the latest news and reviews.(Azacitidine + cedazuridine) is under clinical development by Taiho Oncology and currently in Phase III for Refractory Anemia With Ringed Sideroblasts. According to GlobalData, Phase III drugs for Refractory Anemia With Ringed Sideroblasts have a 100% phase transition success rate (PTSR) indication benchmark for progressing into Pre-Registration. GlobalData tracks drug-specific phase transition and likelihood of approval scores, in addition to indication benchmarks based off 18 years of historical drug development data. Attributes of the drug, company and its clinical trials play a fundamental role in drug-specific PTSR and likelihood of approval. (Azacitidine + cedazuridine) overview ASTX-030, a fixed dose combination of azacitidine and cedazuridine is under development for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML), refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts, refractory anemia with excess blasts, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It is administered by oral route. It acts by targeting DNA (cytosine 5) methyltransferase 1 and cytosine deaminase (CDA). The drug candidate is being developed based on Pyramid technology. Taiho Oncology overview Taiho Oncology, a subsidiary of Taiho Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, is a provider of cancer treatments and solutions. The company manufactures and markets cancer anti-metabolites as well as targeted small molecule inhibitors. Its products portfolio includes oral drugs for the treatment of gastric cancer, colorectal cancer and a variety of solid tumours. Taiho Oncology’s pipeline products includes anti metabolic agents and selectively targeted agents. The company’s LONSURF is an anti-cancer drug for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Taiho Oncology is headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, the US. For a complete picture of (Azacitidine + cedazuridine)’s drug-specific PTSR and LoA scores, This content was updated on 12 April 2024 From Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors. , the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article. GlobalData’s Likelihood of Approval analytics tool dynamically assesses and predicts how likely a drug will move to the next stage in clinical development (PTSR), as well as how likely the drug will be approved (LoA). This is based on a combination of machine learning and a proprietary algorithm to process data points from various databases found on GlobalData’s .
A group of artists who had been testing OpenAI ’s powerful video tool have made it available online. OpenAI revealed Sora earlier this year, saying that it would allow people to create realistic and detailed videos, and shared a number of examples. But it said then that it was not ready to release to the public, in part because it did not believe that it was fully safe. Since then, OpenAI has given access to the tool to some early experts so that they can test it with a view to improving it. That included some experts in misinformation and similar problems who are able to examine how it might be used to trick people, and also to creative professionals such as those working in video, with the hope of making it more useful to artists. Now some of those artists appear to have leaked access to the tool, breaking through that close control. They said that they had been signed up to test the system as "creative partners" but that they had become frustrated with the process. Through their use of Sora, they became convinced they had been "lured into ‘art washing’ to tell the world that Sora is a useful tool for artists", they said in an announcement posted on the Hugging Face platform that was attributed to "PR Puppets" and addressed to "corporate AI overlords". “We are not against the use of AI technology as a tool for the arts," the artists wrote. "What we don’t agree with is how this artist programme has been rolled out and how the tool is shaping up ahead of a possible public release.” Some hours later, OpenAI shut off access to the API that can be used to generate videos with Sora. It has also temporarily paused the early access programme that had made the system available to artists. The artists only leaked access to Sora, rather than the model itself. That means that, even during the period it was available, the public was only able to generate videos with the system, not copy the technology within it. Sora brought plaudits when it was first released, in part through marketing by OpenAI's chief executive Sam Altman, who shared a number of videos in response to prompts from followers. But since then it has shared only limited demo videos, and chief product officer Kevin Weil recently said that it had not yet been released more widely in part because of safety as well as the intense amount of computer power used to make its videos. OpenAI has faced criticism in recent years over the secrecy of its research. As its name suggests, it was originally founded as a public research organisation, but has since moved to a for-profit model that has brought public conflict, including with one of its co-founders Elon Musk.Our Experts With 5+ years of mattress testing experience, we use our different sleeping position and body type perspectives to offer well-rounded, honest reviews. Score Breakdown Pros and Cons Editor's Note Purple has discontinued the Purple Hybrid and Premier mattresses. They are no longer available for purchase. To read more on the mattresses Purple does have available check out our review on the new Purple line and the Purple mattress. You can view our sleep expert’s full list of the Best Hybrid Mattresses here . Though Purple has discontinued the Purple Hybrid and Premier mattresses, you may still spot them for sale from other retailers. If you’ve got your eye on one, this review covers the differences between the hybrid options and will show who might like which hybrid beds better. The Purple Hybrid is the thinnest of the hybrid options and it's 11 inches thick. It's also firmer than the other two models and is ideal for back or stomach sleepers . With that said, it's the most affordable mattress from the Purple Hybrid series. The Purple Hybrid Premier 3 is 12 inches thick with a thicker Hyper-Elastic Polymer comfort layer. This makes it feel a bit softer and lands around a medium to medium-firm on the scale. This bed is suitable for all types of sleeping positions, including side sleepers. The Purple Hybrid Premier 4 is the most expensive of the Purple hybrid beds, but it's a whopping 13 inches thick and is extra supportive. Like the Purple Hybrid Premier 3, it has a medium to medium-firm profile, and we think it would suit all body types. First impressions The Purple Hybrid incorporates purple detailing throughout the bed, a great touch for an avid lover of the color. The details in the cover give it a premium look, and you can tell it's a bit more heavy-duty than the flagship Purple mattress. The main thing people want to know about this mattress is what does the Purple feel like? Well, it's completely different from the innerspring mattress in the guest room at Grandma's, I'll tell you that much. It's a new concept for a bed that I think ended up working in the company's favor. Video: Purple Hybrid Mattress Review Watch CNET video producer Owen Poole review the Purple Hybrid mattress. Purple Hybrid mattress firmness and feel Regardless of the model you get, the Purple Hybrid mattresses are soft and airy without feeling like foam. When you run your hand down the center of the mattress, you can feel the squishy squares bend and morph underneath. It's not super noticeable when you're laying down, it just feels buoyant like you're floating on your back or laying on a hammock. Though, it's also really supportive because of the thick layer of individually wrapped coils, which I'll explain more below. If you're curious about the Purple Hybrid but you aren't willing to explore unconventional ways of bedding, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you're open to a mattress that takes pressure off your hips, shoulders and back while simultaneously making you feel weightless, you might be pleased with its benefits. The Purple Hybrid 2 simultaneously feels pressure-relieving and supportive, while maintaining a slightly firmer profile; I think it's around a medium-firm, or 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale . The soft squares don't push into your hips and shoulders when you're on your side like your typical firm bed, but my back and spine feel very reinforced above the bed's Hyper-Elastic Polymer layer. I think it's a tad bit firmer than the Original Purple mattress . The brand's two upper-level hybrid beds have the same signature Purple feel, but they have a slightly softer profile because of their thicker layers of Hyper-Elastic Polymer. I think they both land in between a medium to medium-firm, or around a 6 on the firmness scale . Purple Hybrid mattress construction The Purple Hybrid comes in three different models, each with a different thickness of the Purple Grid gel layer. The Purple Hybrid is four layers thick and around 11 inches tall . Here's a simple breakdown of the bed's layers so you get an idea of what makes Purple, Purple: On top is the Purple's "StretchMax" cover, and just like the name implies, it's extra-stretchy. I think it feels more breathable than your typical mattress cover and compare the feel more to an athletic antisweat undergarment than a soft cotton top. The two Purple Hybrid Premier beds are the top-tier mattress options from the brand. Really, the only major differences in construction are the top layers. The Purple 3 has a 3-inch layer of Hyper-Elastic Polymer at the top, while Purple 4 has 4 inches. It doesn't make a huge difference in feel, but they are softer than the Purple Hybrid. Purple Hybrid mattress performance Motion isolation isn't usually an innerspring bed's forte, but with the wrapped coils and special material you find in the Purple Hybrid mattress, it's a different story. I think it's pretty good at isolating motion, even if it is a super-bouncy bed. It virtually makes no noise, and you'll hardly be able to notice your partner moving around on the other side. The Purple Hybrid mattresses are constructed with firm foam around the edges to hold your body up more firmly if you tend to creep towards the side of the bed during the night. As a result, I give edge support capabilities on this mattress two enthusiastic thumbs up. The other benefit of the Purple Grid besides bouncy comfort would have to be its temperature-regulating abilities. It's not designed with any fancy cooling material, but instead, the Purple Grid's natural breathable design makes it one of the best mattresses for allowing airflow. It also doesn't retain heat like memory foam or poly foam might, making it an appealing mattress for hot sleepers like me who need the additional cooling relief. It's not cold to the touch, but I really don't feel hot while sleeping on the Purple. The Purple Hybrid is made with Purple's GelFlex Grid and strong, steel individually wrapped coil layers. The GelFlex Grid can be stretched up to 15 times its size, while its steel coils make a strong and supportive base layer. All of this is to say the Purple Hybrid is a durable mattress that should last around eight to 12 years. Just make sure you rotate it every six months (rotate the head of the mattress to the foot) to ensure your weight is distributed evenly throughout the bed over the years. One downside of bed-in-a-box beds is their off-gassing smell. I compare it to the smell of a new car. It comes with the territory since these mattress foams are compressed and wrapped in plastic after manufacturing. If you notice an unpleasant, plastic-y smell coming from your bed after opening, don't worry. It should dissipate in a day or two after it airs out. Purple Hybrid's ideal sleeping positions and body types You wouldn't expect to fit in every shirt size at your favorite clothing store, and you shouldn't assume every mattress is accommodating for you. Especially since there are so many different options to pick from. Generally, your perfect mattress comes down to your body type and your favorite position to sleep in. The Purple Hybrid mattress is ideal for stomach and back sleepers because it properly supports the back, shoulders and hips. The primary sleeping positions are side, stomach, back or a combination of them all. I think the Purple Hybrid will work best for back and stomach sleepers because of its firmer, more supportive profile. Although, heavier side sleepers over 230 pounds will find the bed more accommodating and pressure relieving. If you're a side sleeper under 230 pounds and really want the Purple Hybrid mattress, I'd opt for one of the Purple Premier mattresses or the flagship Purple mattress . They are a bit softer and more pressure-relieving than the standard hybrid model, which will be more of a benefit to your sides and shoulders. Regardless of your body type, whether you weigh 105 pounds or 250 pounds, I think the Purple Hybrid beds will be perfectly suitable for you. The Purple Hybrid mattresses are great for all body types because they are more supportive than typical foam beds like the Nectar mattress or the Casper mattress . They have that layer of steel wrapped coils on the bottom, and if you think about it, steel is much more durable than foam. The difference in how this mattress will hold up over time compared to an all-foam bed will be especially noticeable over the course of 10 years. Purple Hybrid mattress price The Purple Hybrid mattress is more expensive than the original Purple, of course, and isn't the best for people who are trying to spend as little as they can on a new bed. If you're looking to invest in your night's sleep, though, it's very possible you see it as a reasonable price. Purple Hybrid mattress pricing The standard Purple Hybrid mattress is available in sizes from twin XL to California king . Prices start at $1,299 and go all the way up to $1,899. Like other mattress brands, Purple often runs promotions so you can regularly cash in on hundreds off the ticket price. The Purple Hybrid mattress has metal coils encased in foam to offer support and softness. Purple's shipping, trial and warranty Every online mattress company tries to sweeten the deal with a few extra perks to make buying more worth your while, including shipping and a sleep trial. You'll get free shipping right to your front door, but the type of shipping depends on the bed you get. If you get a Purple Hybrid, you'll get standard free shipping. For the Purple Hybrid Premier beds, you'll actually get free white-glove delivery, and they'll set up your mattress in-home for you. You'll have a solid 100 nights to test out your bed. If by night 99 you find you hate it, you can get a full refund. In case of a manufacturer defect, Purple backs its mattresses with a 10-year limited warranty. Who will and who won't like the Purple Hybrid You came to this Purple Hybrid review for answers and we're here to give them to you. Here are the types of people we would and wouldn't recommend the Purple Hybrid to. Who might like the Purple Hybrid: Who might not like Purple Hybrid: Other mattresses from Purple Purple : The Purple mattress is the brand's original bed. It's made with three layers, including the brand's bread and butter, the GelFlex Grid. It's rated around a medium on the firmness scale, making it accommodating for all sleeping positions. This bed is best for people who weigh under 230 pounds. Purple Plus : Purple expanded its catalog to offer a bed similar to the original Purple with one more added layer of cushioning for an even plusher, softer feel. It also neutralizes the bounce of the Purple, making the bed feel a little more like a traditional foam bed. The GelFlex Grid typically adds a responsive, springy feel thanks to its gel-like consistency. How does the Purple Hybrid compare to other beds? Purple Hybrid vs. Casper Wave : The Casper Wave mattress has a traditional mattress feel that's more like neutral-foam instead of memory foam. It's quite responsive, and is a generally comfortable bed that most people will enjoy. It's a thick, premium mattress designed with strong individually wrapped coils and multiple zoned layers to provide targeted support to your lumbar region and pressure relief to your shoulders. It's a little softer than the Purple Hybrid beds, rated around a 5 out of 10 on the scale. Purple Hybrid vs. Saatva : The Saatva mattress is among the handful of beds that contain multiple layers of coils. This makes it incredibly durable and supportive. It's also designed with a Lumbar Zone Active Spinal Wire to promote a properly aligned spine. Unlike Purple Hybrid, the Saatva Classic is available in two different height profiles and three firmness levels. The Purple 2 Hybrid is 11 inches thick, the Purple Hybrid Premier 3 mattress is 12 inches thick, and the Purple Hybrid Premier 4 mattress is 13 inches thick. If you're interested in trying a new mattress technology, something unique that's never been done before, the Purple Hybrids will be worth it. They truly make you feel like you're floating. It's a weightless and pressure-relieving experience that also keeps you supported at the same time. They're suitable for all body types, and can appeal to a wide range of sleeping positions. Side sleepers may want to check out the Purple Hybrid Premier 3 or 4 because these beds have a softer, more pressure-relieving profile than the base Purple Hybrid mattress. Side sleepers typically want soft to medium-firm mattresses that give underneath the shoulders and hips.
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Dutertes’ desperate movesbioAffinity Technologies stock hits 52-week low at $1.21THIBODAUX, La. (AP) — Byron Ireland's 22 points helped Nicholls State defeat New Orleans 73-70 on Saturday. Ireland had seven rebounds for the Colonels (6-4, 2-0 Southland Conference). Trae English scored 18 points while shooting 7 for 13 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line. Robert Brown III shot 3 for 6 (1 for 3 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line to finish with 10 points. The Privateers (2-6, 0-1) were led by Michael Thomas, who recorded 16 points and nine rebounds. James White added 15 points for New Orleans. NEXT UP Nicholls State next plays Tuesday against Southern University at New Orleans at home, and New Orleans will visit Iowa on Sunday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Lenexa, KS, Nov. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digital Ally, Inc. (Nasdaq: DGLY) (the “Company”) today announced it received a delinquency notification letter from Nasdaq on November 25, 2024, which indicated that the Company was not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) as a result of the delayed filing of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2024 (the “Quarterly Report”). The Nasdaq Listing Rule requires listed companies to timely file all required periodic financial reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). This notification has no immediate effect on the listing of the Company’s securities on Nasdaq. Nasdaq has informed the Company that it must submit a plan to regain compliance with respect to the filing requirement by January 24, 2025. If the plan is accepted, Nasdaq can grant an exception of up to 180 calendar dates from the due date of the initial delinquent filing for the period ended September 30, 2024, or until May 19, 2025, to regain compliance. The Company is working diligently to file the Quarterly Report as promptly as practical, and expects to return to a normal filing cadence in 2025. About Digital Ally Digital Ally Companies (NASDAQ: DGLY) through its subsidiaries, is engaged in video solution technology, human & animal health protection products, healthcare revenue cycle management, ticket brokering and marketing, event production and jet chartering. Digital Ally continues to add organizations that demonstrate the common traits of positive earnings, growth potential, innovation and organizational synergies. For additional news and information please visit www.digitalally.com Forward-Looking Statements Statements made in this press release that are not descriptions of historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, our business, operating results, financial condition, and stock price could be materially negatively affected. You should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are based on the information currently available to us and speak only as of today’s date. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company’s performance or achievements to be materially different from any expected future results, performance, or achievements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company assumes no duty to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Actual future results, performance or achievements may differ materially from historical results or those anticipated depending on a variety of factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, the risks described from time to time in the Company’s periodic filings with the SEC, including, without limitation, the risks described in the Company’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024 under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (as applicable). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. All information is current as of the date this press release is issued, and the Company undertakes no duty to update this information. Contact Information Stanton Ross, CEO Tom Heckman, CFO Digital Ally, Inc. 913-814-7774 info@digitalallyinc.comIt didn't take Syracuse first-year coach Fran Brown long to figure out the key matchup for Saturday afternoon's Atlantic Coast Conference game visiting Miami. "Syracuse has a really good quarterback," Brown said of Kyle McCord, "and Miami has a really good quarterback (Cam Ward)." With a win on Saturday, the No. 6 Hurricanes (10-1, 6-1 ACC) can clinch a berth in the league championship game against SMU. Miami is a 10 1/2-point favorite for Saturday's game. Syracuse (8-3, 4-3) has reached eight wins for just the fourth time since 2002, going 8-5 in 2010 and 2012 and 10-3 in 2018. However, the Orange haven't defeated a Top-10 team since knocking off Clemson in 2017. Miami leads the nation in scoring (44.7), and the Hurricanes will count on perfect passing conditions in Syracuse's dome. That could be huge for Ward, who leads the nation with 34 touchdown passes, ranking second in passing yards (3,774) and fourth in passing efficiency. Ward's top target is wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, who needs just 21 yards to reach 1,000 for the second straight season. Restrepo also ranks tied for seventh in the nation with 10 TD receptions. Ward has some other top targets, including 6-foot-4, 245-pound tight end Elijah Arroyo, who is a walking mismatch because of his size and speed. He leads Miami with 18.5 yards per reception. Hurricanes wide receivers Isaiah Horton and Jacolby George have combined for 12 TD passes, and Sam Brown has added two more. Each of them has more than 500 receiving yards this season. Miami's running game features battering ram Damien Martinez (739 yards, 5.5 average, eight TDs); versatile Mark Fletcher Jr. (499 yards, 5.7 average, six TDs); and game-breaking freshman Jordan Lyle (361 yards, 8.6 average, four TDs). Defensively, Miami's big-play man is safety Mishael Powell, who ranks second in the ACC with five interceptions. "He's all about winning," Miami coach Mario Cristobal said of Powell. "He's a smart, self-starting team player." On special teams, Miami kicker Andres Borregales ranks second in the ACC with 97 points. He is 52-for-52 on extra points and 15-for-16 on field goals. Meanwhile, McCord ranks No. 1 in the nation in passing yards (3,946) and tied for seventh in TD passes (26). McCord, a transfer from Ohio State, has also set Syracuse's single-season record for passing yards. In last week's 31-24 win over Connecticut, McCord passed for a career-high 470 yards. However, McCord is just 46th in the nation in passing efficiency, due in part to his high total of interceptions (12). Syracuse also has three of the top six pass-catchers in the ACC in terms of yards: tight end Oronde Gadsden II (810) and wide receivers Jackson Meeks (801) and Trebor Pena (743). Gadsden, who is from the greater Miami area, has had three straight 100-yard games. He is the son of former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Oronde Gadsden. Syracuse's run game is led by LeQuint Allen, who has rushed for 819 yards, a 4.3 average and 12 TDs. The issue for Syracuse could be its defense, which ranks 13th in the ACC in points allowed (27.8). Miami's defense is fourth (22.3). Even so, Syracuse coach Brown said he's excited about this matchup. "I heard Miami is going to come deep," Brown said of Miami fans. "It's going to be intense in the stands. It's going to be intense on the field. I think this is a game everyone wants to see." --Field Level Media
Drones for commercial and recreational use have grown rapidly in popularity, despite restrictions on who can operate them and where they can be flown. No-fly zones are enforced around airports, military installations, nuclear plants, certain landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, and sports stadiums during games. Not everybody follows the rules. Sightings at airports have shut down flights in a few instances. Reported sightings of what appear to be drones flying over New Jersey at night in recent weeks have created anxiety among some residents, in part because it is not clear who is operating them or why. Some state and local officials have called for stricter rules to govern drones. After receiving reports of drone activity last month near Morris County, New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary bans on drone flights over a golf course in Bedminster , New Jersey, that is owned by President-elect Donald Trump, and over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base . The FAA says the bans are in response to requests from “federal security partners.” Who regulates drones? The FAA is responsible for the regulations governing their use , and Congress has written some requirements into law. Who enforces the rules? With a 2018 law, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, Congress gave certain agencies in the Homeland Security and Justice departments authority to counter threats from unmanned aircraft to protect the safety of certain facilities. New drones must be outfitted with equipment allowing law enforcement to identify the operator, and Congress gave the agencies the power to detect and take down unmanned aircraft that they consider dangerous. The law spells out where the counter-drone measures can be used, including “national special security events” such as presidential inaugurations and other large gatherings of people. What does it take to become a drone pilot? To get a “remote pilot certificate,” you must be at least 16 years old, be proficient in English, pass an aeronautics exam, and not suffer from a ”mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system.” Are drones allowed to fly at night? Yes, but the FAA imposes restrictions on nighttime operations. Most drones are not allowed to fly at night unless they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 miles (4.8 kilometers). Are drones a hazard? Over the past decade, pilots have reported hundreds of close calls between drones and airplanes including airline jets. In some cases, airplane pilots have had to take evasive action to avoid collisions. Drones buzzing over a runway caused flights to be stopped at London’s Gatwick Airport during the Christmas travel rush in 2018 and again in May 2023 . Police dismissed the idea of shooting down the drones, fearing that stray bullets could kill someone. Advances in drone technology have made it harder for law enforcement to find rogue drone operators — bigger drones in particular have more range and power. Will drone rules get tougher? Some state and local officials in New Jersey are calling for stronger restrictions because of the recent sightings, and that has the drone industry worried. Scott Shtofman, director of government affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, said putting more limits on drones could have a “chilling effect” on “a growing economic engine for the United States.” “We would definitely oppose anything that is blindly pushing for new regulation of what are right now legal drone operations,” he said. AirSight, a company that sells software against “drone threats,” says more than 20 states have enacted laws against privacy invasion by drones, including Peeping Toms. Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College in New Jersey, and founder of its drone program, says it's up to users to reduce public concern about the machines. He said operators must explain why they are flying when confronted by people worried about privacy or safety. “It's a brand new technology that's not really understood real well, so it will raise fear and anxiety in a lot of people,” Austin said. “We want to be good professional aviators and alleviate that.” ___ Associated Press reporter Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C., contributed. David Koenig, The Associated PressGet into the holiday spirit(s) with these festive pop-ups and menus at Vancouver bars
MINNEAPOLIS — The brazen killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has captivated the nation this week, as authorities continue to search for the man who fatally shot the Maple Grove resident outside an investors’ meeting in Manhattan earlier this week. As of Friday afternoon, police were testing DNA from a water bottle and examining a fake New Jersey ID and a cellphone that may be connected to the suspect, the New York Times reported . Friday evening, investigators found a backpack in Central Park like the one that had been carried by the shooter, police said. According to the Times, it was unclear if the gun used in the shooting was found in the bag. Investigators believed the gun possibly was fitted with a suppressor, or might have been a veterinary gun used by farmers and ranchers to put down animals without making a loud sound. The FBI also announced Friday night a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Here’s what else we know about the case, the company and Thompson himself: No motive as manhunt continues Authorities continue searching for the man who shot and killed Thompson in Manhattan. They have not released a name or motive. The shooter approached Thompson from behind and fired several times before he fled into an alley nearby and then hopped on an e-bike and rode north to Central Park, police said. The day after Thompson’s death, Maple Grove police reported bomb threats against two homes the family owns in the city. Investigators on Thursday released photos that partly reveal the face of a person of interest in the case. Authorities found at least one bullet casing on the scene with the word “deny” on it, reviving criticism of a company and industry that became known for denying medical care claims. Minnesota health care companies step up security Minnetonka-based Medica temporarily closed its headquarters Friday amid a “general feeling of vulnerability and concern” as insurers faced mounting online vitriol in the wake of Thompson’s killing. UnitedHealth Group’s note of remorse about Thompson’s killing has attracted more than 83,000 laughing emoji reactions on Facebook. A spokesperson said the company’s offices will be closed through Dec. 13, citing safety concerns that sprang up following Wednesday’s shooting. Other insurers have taken similar steps to reduce the visibility of top executives. While Minneapolis-based UCare remains open, its front doors were locked Friday morning. “Of course Brian Thompson’s murder — and the ensuing vitriol on social media — sent shockwaves throughout our industry,” UCare said in a statement. “We have no reason to believe there is any danger specifically to our team. At the same time, there is a general feeling of vulnerability and concern.” Thompson’s killing has prompted companies, especially those in health care, across the country to step up security. “It’s a wake-up call for a lot of companies,” said Glen Kucera, the New York-based president of Enhanced Protection Services, an arm of security company Allied Universal. “Unfortunately, it sometimes takes an event like this to impact change in the threat landscape.” What we know about Brian Thompson Thompson lived in Maple Grove . His wife, Paulette, works as a physical therapist with HealthPartners. They have two teenage sons, 19 and 16. Thompson worked at UnitedHealthcare for 20 years and was named its CEO in 2021 . The Minnesota Star Tribune reported this year that Thompson was among the state’s top-paid executives with a total compensation of $9.1 million. Both Thompson and his wife graduated from the University of Iowa, where he got a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1997. He graduated with special honors. While Thompson wasn’t well-known to his neighbors — one said he was “very quiet” and another said “no one really knew him” on the block — his killing shook co-workers and local business leaders. He was known as a champion for UnitedHealthcare’s support of the Special Olympics and an advocate for American Sign Language access across health care. “Brian was a principled leader and a true champion in the healthcare community,” Roberta Antoine Dressen, CEO of local trade group Medical Alley, said in a statement. UnitedHealthcare is one of Minnesota’s largest employers UnitedHealthcare is the largest insurer in the U.S. It’s owned by Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group, which employs more than 400,000 people. It’s Minnesota’s 10th-largest employer — approximately 19,000 of its employees are stationed here. The company has its roots in the development of the health maintenance organization model of health care pioneered by Dr. Paul Ellwood in the 1960s and ‘70s. UnitedHealthcare has been criticized by media and elected officials because of the way the company reviews and denies requests and claims for medical care. The U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations announced in October that UnitedHealthcare and two other major Medicare insurers inflated profits by denying seniors stays in care facilities while they recovered from injuries and illnesses. The company went from denying 10.9% of cases in 2020 to 22.7% in 2022, according to a report from the subcommittee. Minnesota lawmakers barred UnitedHealthcare and other HMOs from the state’s Medicaid program earlier this year. ©2024 The Minnesota Star Tribune. Visit startribune.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Blackpool set out in search of their first League One win since September when they go head to head with Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium on Tuesday. Having lost the last three meetings between the teams, the Pirates will head into the game looking to get one over the visitors and make it five straight home games without defeat in the league since the start of October. © Imago Bristol Rovers snapped their run of three back-to-back defeats on the road on Saturday as they edged out a resilient Mansfield Town side 1-0 when the two teams squared off at the One Call Stadium. A combined 32 shots were fired in the end-to-end contest, but Luke McCormick 's 49-minute efforts made the difference as the visitors held on to their narrow lead to hand Mansfield a second consecutive defeat. Prior to that, Bristol Rovers avoided an upset in the FA Cup first round on November 2, when they picked up a 3-1 extra-time victory over National League side Weston Super Mare, before playing out back-to-back stalemates against Lincoln City and Crawley Town in the league. Matt Taylor 's men now return home, where they are unbeaten in five of their last six matches across all competitions — claiming three wins and two draws — with a 3-2 defeat against Exeter City in the EFL Trophy on October 29 being the exception. Bristol Rovers have picked up 21 points from their 16 League One matches to sit 13th in the standings but could move level with 10th-placed Mansfield with a win on Tuesday. © Imago Blackpool, on the other hand, were left spitting feathers at the weekend as they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Bolton Wanderer after conceding a 94th-minute winner at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. Kyle Joseph 's 32nd-minute strike saw Blackpool go into half time with the lead for the first time in five games but George Thomason restored parity in the 53rd minute before Aaron Collins completed the Bolton comeback in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Following Saturday's result, the Seasiders have now gone eight back-to-back league matches without a win, losing five and picking up three draws, having won each of their four games preceding this run. This drop-off in form has been owing to their struggles at the defensive end of the pitch, where Blackpool have managed just one clean sheet in the league since a 3-0 victory over Burton Albion on September 28 and have conceded the most goals in the division (30). Off the back of finishing eighth last season and missing out on the playoffs by just three points, Steve Bruce 's side currently sit 19th in the League One table, level on 17 points with Rotherham United and Wigan Athletic. While Blackpool will be looking to stop the rot on Tuesday, they have lost each of their last four league games on the road, conceding 12 goals and scoring twice since the start of October, and will need to show their mettle at the Memorial Stadium. © Imago Bristol Rovers remain without the services of 33-year-old Jack Hunt , who is set to sit out his fourth consecutive game after coming off injured against Weston Super Mare on November 2. Teenage defender Lino Sousa has missed the last two games and is a doubt for Tuesday's clash while 25-year-old Joel Senior continues his lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury in August. Blackpool will be without several key players down the spine of the team as the midfield trio of Albie Morgan , Sonny Carey and Irishman CJ Hamilton have been ruled out through injuries. English forward Jake Beesley has missed the last four games since coming off injured against Liverpool Under-21 on November 6 while the defensive duo of Elkan Baggott and Andy Lyons continue their spells on the sidelines. With his strike against Bolton, Joseph now has seven league goals under his belt this season and we expect the 23-year-old striker to spearhead the Seasiders' attack once again. Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup: Griffiths; Moore, Taylor Wilson, Mola; Lindsay, Conteh; Forde, McCormick, Hutchinson; Martin Blackpool possible starting lineup: O'Donnell; Gabriel, Offiah, Casey, Husband; Evans, Norburn; Coulson, Apter, Embleton; Joseph Buoyed by their hard-fought win over Mansfield, Bristol Rovers will head into Tuesday's clash with renewed confidence as they look to end their three-game losing streak against Blackpool. The Seasiders' form on the road is currently nothing to write home about and we see them struggling at the Memorial Stadium, where Taylor's men are unbeaten in four straight league matches. For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here .CNN wants the North Carolina lieutenant governor's defamation lawsuit against it thrown out