John Milligan-Whyte How can China achieve a breakthrough deal with the next US administration after Donald Trump assumes office on Jan 20 despite the wide expectation he would implement highly disruptive domestic and foreign policies? The best-case scenario would be the two countries holding discussions to negotiate and sign a concise but comprehensive “package deal” that better aligns with their economic needs and goals and is conducive to the peaceful coexistence of China and the United States. Such a breakthrough deal will be necessary to end the worldwide financial crisis that will be triggered by an escalating trade war, destabilizing the two largest economies which account for 41 percent of the global GDP. Unlike any other US president, Trump is an excellent business deal-maker who could happily sign a two-page agreement creating a new, mutually beneficial framework for Sino-US relations, if the agreement dramatically stimulates the US economy and creates millions of jobs in the US. The worst-case scenario is the US intensifying the tariff and trade wars, and triggering confrontation in the high-tech sector, in a bid to prevent the “Made in China 2025” plan from achieving success. The worst-case scenario was summarized by former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger: “Unless there is some basis for cooperative action the world will slide into a catastrophe comparable to World War I. Military technologies available today make such a crisis even more difficult to control.” In one of his last interviews, Kissinger sadly said a war between the US and China was “probable”. Trump’s reelection as US president has now made a catastrophic breakdown in US-China relations “probable”. But it has also made a constructive breakthrough possible either through an early agreement between the two countries or later through a sudden breakthrough deal essential for the benefit of the US economy and people. US trade wars can trigger a financial crisis and stop the functioning of the global credit and capital market. In such a situation, only a breakthrough agreement between the two countries will be able to restore business confidence and reinvigorate the capital and credit markets quickly enough to stop the collapse of the global financial, economic and trading systems. Trump’s reelection has created a unique opportunity for achieving a breakthrough in US-China relations, because only Trump can ignore the entrenched hostile views of China in the US’ traditional policy-making establishment, think tanks and bureaucracy. Trump realizes that traditional Sino-US economic relations can no longer meet the US’ growth and national security needs. That is why he is likely to make major changes in the US’ domestic and foreign policy. The Republican Party’s control of both the House of Representatives and Senate can make many of Trump’s radical policies clear and present dangers. However, Trump is a presidential deal maker who can overcome the key problems economist Larry Summers warned of in US policymaking. “Can the United States imagine a viable global economic system in 2050 in which its economy is half the size of the world’s largest? Could a political leader acknowledge that reality in a way that permits negotiation over what such a world would look like? While it might be unacceptable to the United States to be so greatly surpassed in economic scale, does it have the means to stop it? Can China be held down without inviting conflict?” Trump won a clear mandate because many American voters liked the economic policies he claimed he would implement as US president. The voters elected him to force change. Since his tariff war and trade policies that demanded unrealizable concessions from China failed during his first term, he has indicated to impose 60-100 percent tariffs on Chinese goods, which he unrealistically believes will force China to accept his demands. The failure of his first term’s tariff policies foreshadows the failure of his second term’s even more extreme trade war. The reality that will eventually prevent Trump from achieving his unrealizable demands is that neither the US nor China can win relentless zero-sum game competitions. Given that leaving behind a widely appreciated, successful breakthrough economic deal with China is better than causing a catastrophic economic confrontation, Trump’s legacy could be either achieving a breakthrough deal with China or causing the global financial system’s collapse.BELVIDERE, N.J., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Edible Garden AG Incorporated (“Edible Garden” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: EDBL, EDBLW), a leader in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), locally grown, organic, and sustainable produce and products, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with a single institutional investor that is an existing holder of its warrants wherein the investor agreed to exercise 8,330,000 outstanding Class B Warrants (the “Existing Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of 8,330,000 shares of common stock for cash at the exercise price of $0.36 per share. These warrants were previously issued in a public offering which closed in September 2024. The net proceeds of the exercise of the Existing Warrants to the Company, after deducting estimated expenses and fees, are expected to be approximately $2.8 million. Maxim Group LLC acted as warrant inducement agent and financial advisor in connection with the transaction. In consideration for the immediate exercise of the Existing Warrants for cash, the exercising holder will receive new Class A Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 8,330,000 shares of common stock and new Class B Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 8,330,000 shares of common stock in a private placement pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The new Class A and B Warrants will be immediately exercisable for one share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.36 per share. The new Class A Warrants will expire five years from the issuance date and the new Class B Warrants will expire eighteen months from the issuance date. The New Warrants described above were offered in a private placement pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and, along with the shares of common stock issuable upon their exercise, have not been registered under the Securities Act, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the SEC or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. The securities were offered only to accredited investors. The Company has agreed to file a registration statement with the SEC covering the resale of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the New Warrants. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Edible Garden® Edible Garden AG Incorporated is a leader in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), locally grown, organic and sustainable produce and products backed by Zero-Waste Inspired® next generation farming. Offered at over 5,000 stores in the US, Edible Garden is disrupting the CEA and sustainability technology movement with its safety-in-farming protocols, use of sustainable packaging, patented GreenThumb software and self-watering in-store displays. The Company currently operates its own state-of-the-art greenhouses and processing facilities in Belvidere, New Jersey and Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has a network of contract growers, all strategically located near major markets in the U.S. Its proprietary GreenThumb 2.0 patented (US Nos.: US 11,158,006 B1, US 11,410,249 B2 and US 11,830, 088 B2) software optimizes growing in vertical and traditional greenhouses while seeking to reduce pollution-generating food miles. Its proprietary patented (U.S. Patent No. D1,010,365) Self-watering display is designed to increase plant shelf life and provide an enhanced in-store plant display experience. Edible Garden is also a developer of ingredients and proteins, providing an accessible line of plant and whey protein powders under the Vitamin Way® and Vitamin Whey® brands. In addition, the Company offers a line of sustainable food flavoring products such as Pulp gourmet sauces and chili-based products. For more information on Edible Garden go to https://ediblegardenag.com/. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict including the timing of closing the offering. The words “expect,” “may,” “seeking,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including market and other conditions, the Company’s ability to achieve its growth objectives, and other factors set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Act Commission, including the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and subsequent quarterly reports. Actual results might differ materially from those explicit or implicit in the forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements after the date hereof to conform to actual results or changes in expectations, except as required by law. Investor Relations Contact: Crescendo Communications, LLC 212-671-1020 EDBL@crescendo-ir.com
Meta Platforms, Inc META , the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, aims to advance wearable technology by integrating displays into its Ray-Ban smart glasses by 2025, the Financial Times reports. The $300 sunglasses, developed with eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica ESLOF ESLOY , could feature small screens to display notifications and responses from Meta’s virtual assistant, the Financial Times cites familiar sources. This development aims to position Meta as a frontrunner in augmented reality (AR) and wearable computing, which has the potential to replace smartphones as key computing devices. Also Read: Meta Cuts Jobs in WhatsApp, Instagram, and Reality Labs In Latest Reorganization According to the report, the next iteration of Ray-Ban Meta glasses, expected in late 2025, will introduce display technology, marking a step toward CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s vision of lightweight AR headsets. The move aligns with Meta’s broader strategy to integrate advanced technologies into everyday wearables, competing with companies like Apple Inc AAPL . Meta is also fast-tracking the development of its prototype AR glasses, Orion, after receiving positive feedback from early testers. The glasses feature advanced silicon carbide lenses for brighter and larger imagery. Last week, Meta launched three new features for its Ray-Ban smart glasses, including live AI, live translations, and Shazam . Meta’s smart glasses have emerged as a blockbuster product in 60% of Ray-Ban stores in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa . Despite lacking AI features in Europe, the glasses outperformed conventional Ray-Ban models. In mid-December, Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth flagged 2025 as the most significant year in the history of the Reality Labs unit behind the company’s glasses and headsets. According to reports, the current model features sensitive in-ear speakers, cameras, and microphones. Wall Street firms, including JMP Securities, Wedbush, Oppenheimer, and Guggenheim, hailed Meta’s launch of a VR headset and AI updates after the Connect event in September. They expect Meta’s AI and VR innovations to be pivotal in helping it reach valuations like Apple’s. Meta stock surged 71% year-to-date. Investors can gain exposure to the stock through Vanguard Large-Cap ETF VV and Vanguard Communication Services ETF VOX . Price Action: META stock is up 2.28% at $598.53 at last check Monday. Also Read: Meta’s Reels Monetization and AI Innovations Drive Top AI Pick: Analyst Photo via Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.NFL NOTESInside Justin Trudeau's surprise dinner with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida
2024 Lupus Research Alliance Gala Raises Millions to Improve Lives of People with Lupus
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) closed a historic chapter in his political career this week, chairing his final hearing of the Senate Special Committee on Aging. Known as a tireless advocate for people with disabilities, Casey used his platform to push groundbreaking reforms during his 18 years in the Senate. This final hearing, titled “ Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive ,” was a fitting testament to the senator’s enduring legacy in disability rights and a stark reminder of the void his departure will leave. Throughout his Senate tenure, Casey fought with an unwavering resolve to dismantle the systemic barriers that suppress opportunities for millions of Americans with disabilities. Reflecting on his work, he spoke about the voices that motivated him to act. “From the beginning of my time in the Senate, I heard a constant refrain from disability advocates...they faced barriers to save for their future, they were being paid well below a living wage, and they could not afford or access the care they needed,” Casey said. It was this consistent call to action that shaped his legislative mission. Perhaps his most notable achievement was the creation of the ABLE program, which revolutionized the way people with disabilities could save for their future. Before ABLE, many people with disabilities could not accrue savings without risking the loss of crucial benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. Casey changed that reality. To date, the program has helped hundreds of thousands of people save for essential costs, from healthcare and housing to educational expenses. His legislative fingerprints don’t end there. Casey played a central role in making federal websites more accessible, a major step in ensuring equal access to government services. He also championed the fight to prioritize home-care access and relentlessly pressured Congress to phase out exploitative subminimum wage practices, an archaic policy that enables employers to pay disabled workers less than the federal minimum wage. Witnesses at the hearing underscored Casey’s unparalleled impact on the disability community. Lydia Brown, Director of Policy at the National Disability Institute, praised his leadership in passing the ABLE Act. “Ten years ago, Senator Casey’s leadership...changed the game. For many disabled people on Medicaid, an ABLE account is also their only available means to save for retirement,” Brown said. Ai-Jen Poo, President of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, highlighted the stakes of Casey’s absence. “It is daunting to think about facing the challenges ahead...without you at the helm,” she said, emphasizing the ripple effects of his advocacy. For Neil McDevitt, Mayor of North Wales, Pennsylvania, Casey’s work resonated deeply at both local and national levels. “You have been a steadfast ally... We owe you a debt that can never be repaid,” he said. Despite these milestones, Casey’s departure comes at a critical time. The path to achieving full disability equity remains riddled with challenges. Advocates are bracing for a fight to safeguard Medicaid and continue expanding access to housing, education, and economic opportunity. Bob Casey’s exit from the Senate signifies the end of an era—not just for Pennsylvania, but for the national disability rights movement. His legacy will be remembered as one driven by compassion, intellect, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Yet for those following in his footsteps, the message is clear: the work must—and will—continue. Though this chapter closes with Casey stepping away, the blueprint for progress he leaves behind is an indelible reminder of what leadership can achieve when it is fueled by purpose and driven by the voices of those who need it most. For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN .Book 3-8 2-2 8, Garcia 3-5 0-0 6, Gregory 5-13 1-2 11, Harris 6-12 0-0 12, Johnson 1-3 0-0 2, Adkins 2-4 3-4 7, Dean 1-8 0-0 2, Skinner 0-4 2-2 2, McConnell 0-3 0-0 0, Helterhoff 0-3 1-2 1, Rich 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 21-63 9-12 51. Hines 1-7 0-0 2, Amenhauser 5-7 2-3 12, Battle 6-10 0-0 13, R.Jones 3-7 0-0 7, Meo 4-7 3-6 13, Abraham 1-3 0-0 3, Mulibea 3-6 0-0 9, Brown 2-2 1-1 5, Granger 2-4 0-0 4, Majak 0-0 0-0 0, Dunlap 1-1 0-0 2, Martin 1-1 0-0 3. Totals 29-55 6-10 73. Halftime_Coastal Carolina 29-26. 3-Point Goals_SC-Upstate 0-16 (Book 0-1, Gregory 0-2, Harris 0-2, Skinner 0-2, Dean 0-3, Helterhoff 0-3, McConnell 0-3), Coastal Carolina 9-21 (Mulibea 3-5, Meo 2-3, Martin 1-1, Abraham 1-3, Battle 1-3, R.Jones 1-4, Hines 0-2). Rebounds_SC-Upstate 27 (Garcia, Harris, Adkins, Skinner 4), Coastal Carolina 41 (Amenhauser, Mulibea 8). Assists_SC-Upstate 4 (Harris 2), Coastal Carolina 14 (R.Jones 3). Total Fouls_SC-Upstate 9, Coastal Carolina 12. A_1,242 (3,600).
NoneIs he serious? Trump stirs unease with Panama, Greenland ploys
Major retailers across the UK and Ireland are to stop selling alcoholic drinks associated with Irish fighter Conor McGregor. The decision by Tesco, Musgrave and the BWG Group came after a woman who said Mr McGregor raped her won a civil claim for damages against him. Nikita Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a case at the High Court in the Irish capital. In a statement, a spokesman for Musgrave said: “Musgrave can confirm these products are no longer available to our store network.” The network includes SuperValu, Centra, Daybreak and Mace. A Tesco spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we are removing Proper No Twelve Whiskey from sale in Tesco stores and online.” A spokesperson for BWG Group said: “The products are no longer listed for distribution across our network of Spar, Eurospar, Mace, Londis and XL stores, including Appleby Westward which operates over 300 Spar stores in the south west of England.” It is understood that other retail outlets including Costcutter and Carry Out will also stop stocking products linked to Mr McGregor. He and some of his business partners sold their majority stake in the Proper Number Twelve Irish whiskey brand. He was reported to have been paid more than £103 million from the sale to Proximo Spirits in 2021. On Monday, a popular video game developer decided to pull content featuring the MMA fighter. The Irish athlete has featured in multiple video games, including voice-acting a character bearing his likeness in additional downloadable content in the Hitman series. Mr McGregor’s character featured as a target for the player-controlled assassin in the game. IO Interactive, the Danish developer and publisher of Hitman, said in a statement: “In light of the recent court ruling regarding Conor McGregor, IO Interactive has made the decision to cease its collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately. “We take this matter very seriously and cannot ignore its implications. “Consequently, we will begin removing all content featuring Mr McGregor from our storefronts starting today.” Last Friday, the High Court jury awarded damages amounting to 248,603.60 euros (around £206,000) to Ms Hand. Mr McGregor made no comment as he left court but later posted on social media that he intended to appeal against the decision.