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NEWARK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 24, 2024-- Fabuwood is proud to announce the launch of its newest cabinet stain, Mocha , an inviting color that perfectly balances warmth and sophistication. As one of the most highly anticipated and requested stains, Mocha joins Fabuwood’s popular natural stains like Timber, giving homeowners another option to bring modern, on-trend style into the heart of the home. Mocha is a versatile stain that enhances the natural beauty of wood, offering a soft, earthy tone that complements a wide range of kitchen designs, from contemporary to traditional. Its subtle finish effortlessly combines durability with timeless elegance, making it a favorite among homeowners looking to elevate their living spaces. Fabuwood takes great pride in listening to customers and providing products that reflect their needs and preferences. Mocha’s debut directly responds to the growing demand for warm, sophisticated stains that stand the test of time while keeping up with the latest design trends. Adding Mocha underscores Fabuwood’s dedication to delivering trendy, high-quality cabinetry solutions that cater to every style and vision. With the rest of Fabuwood’s color, door style, and accessory collections, Fabuwood continues leading the industry with top-of-the-line products that reflect the latest designs while honoring timeless appeal. About Fabuwood Fabuwood is a top-of-the-line, semi-custom cabinetry company that is committed to redefining quality. With industry-leading certifications and standards, commercial-grade quality, its Q12 guarantee, and a limited lifetime warranty, Fabuwood is recognized for its dedication to excellence. The brand has been honored with the Kitchen & Bath Business Readers’ Choice Award in the cabinetry category four times in six years—2019, 2021, 2023, and 2024. Fabuwood demonstrates innovation not just in designing and producing its products but also in its technology. With fast lead times on semi-custom cabinets, constant upgrades, and frequent new releases, Fabuwood is a leader in quality, style, and speed. Fabuwood is headquartered in a 1 million-square-foot facility in Newark, NJ, and employs over 1,200 associates nationwide. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241224476982/en/ CONTACT: For press information, please contact: Lauren Aust & Frankie Wortmann Sharp Think fabuwood@sharpthink.com 212.829.0002 x105 KEYWORD: NEW JERSEY UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HOME GOODS CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALTY INTERIOR DESIGN RETAIL FOREST PRODUCTS RESIDENTIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE SOURCE: Fabuwood Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/24/2024 12:00 PM/DISC: 12/24/2024 12:00 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241224476982/enXpeng, a decade-old electric vehicle manufacturer from Guangzhou, China, is planning a major entry into the UK market in early 2025. Known for its competitive pricing and innovative tech, Xpeng is already available in countries like Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and several European nations including Norway and The Netherlands. The company is set to introduce its G6 model in the UK in March 2025, with four more models expected to follow over the next three years. A Tesla Challenger The Xpeng G6, a mid-size electric crossover, is designed to rival Tesla’s popular Model Y. With advanced technology and sleek design, the G6 has already created a buzz in other European markets. Despite Xpeng’s absence of a definitive UK release date on its website, the G6 is expected to line up with the new UK license plate releases. Competitive Pricing and Features Xpeng’s pricing strategy is clear: the G6 is positioned to be more affordable than the Tesla Model Y. In the Netherlands, the G6 is priced at approximately £35,700, around £2,500 cheaper than its Tesla counterpart. The Independent reports that both standard and long-range versions of the G6 will be available through 20 UK retail locations in collaboration with International Motors (IM Group). The G6 Specs The G6 will come in three versions: RWD Standard Range, RWD Long Range, and AWD Performance. With power outputs ranging from 258 to 476 PS, the G6 promises impressive speed and range. It features an 800-volt electrical system, enabling swift charging capabilities. Stay tuned for more updates as Xpeng revs up for its UK debut, potentially shaking up the electric vehicle market with its cost-effective yet high-tech offerings. Why Xpeng’s UK Debut Could Shake Up the Electric Vehicle Market As Xpeng gears up for its UK launch in 2025, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer is poised to make a significant impact in the industry. With their competitive pricing strategy and advanced technology, Xpeng’s entry could challenge established players and offer UK consumers exciting new choices. Advanced Technology Behind Xpeng’s G6 Xpeng’s G6 stands out due to its cutting-edge technology. Equipped with an 800-volt electrical system, the G6 enables high-speed charging that is both efficient and convenient for consumers. This system significantly reduces charging times compared to lower-voltage alternatives, which could appeal to UK consumers who value time-efficiency in their EV ownership experience. Moreover, Xpeng’s models are integrated with advanced autonomous driving features and connectivity options that set them apart from other EVs in the market, providing a futuristic and smooth driving experience. The Sustainability Edge Sustainability is a core focus for Xpeng, a factor that aligns with the growing eco-conscious mindset of many UK buyers. The company’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting green technology could enhance its appeal, particularly among environmentally conscious consumers. With ongoing innovations aimed at improving battery efficiency and vehicle recyclability, Xpeng is setting itself apart as a forward-thinking player in the market. Predictions and Market Impact Industry experts predict that Xpeng’s entry into the UK market could initiate competitive price adjustments from incumbents like Tesla and other EV manufacturers. Their aggressive pricing and technological edge could force broader changes in how electric vehicles are marketed and sold. Analysts will closely watch how these factors influence consumer adoption rates and market shares. Points of Controversy and Consideration Xpeng’s pricing strategy, while advantageous to consumers, might spark debates about market competition and pricing ethics within the industry. Additionally, questions about data privacy and security concerning advanced autonomous features may arise, necessitating transparency and robust measures from Xpeng to address consumer concerns. With Xpeng’s technology-driven approach and cost-effective offerings, its UK debut in 2025 promises to be a pivotal moment in the electric vehicle landscape. Shifts in market dynamics, driven by Xpeng’s innovations, could redefine what consumers expect from their EVs. For more about Xpeng and their international pursuits, visit the official link name . Stay updated as the company unveils more details about its plans for reshaping the UK’s EV market.
Seattle doctor rushing to do trans surgeries before Trump inauguration slammed in scathing ad campaignS&P/TSX composite up almost 150 at closing, U.S. markets also higher TORONTO — Canada's main stock index pushed higher to end Monday up almost 150 points on light trading action, while U.S. stock markets also gained ahead of the Christmas break. Ritika Dubey, The Canadian Press Dec 23, 2024 2:27 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message The TMX Market Centre is shown in Toronto, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paige Taylor White TORONTO — Canada's main stock index pushed higher to end Monday up almost 150 points on light trading action, while U.S. stock markets also gained ahead of the Christmas break. "Today is a quiet pre-Christmas Day of trading," said Kevin Burkett, a portfolio manager at Victoria, B.C.-based Burkett Asset Management. While markets in both Canada and the U.S. were mild, Burkett suggests watching the markets closely during the holiday season, a contrast to what's typically a sleepy period for markets. "We're continuing to watch markets very closely here because you've got some tectonic plate shifting in terms of the macroeconomic backdrop," he said. "It's all the political conversations both in Canada and in the U.S." Burkett added fiscal policy seems to be disconnected from monetary policy in the post-pandemic period. "The fiscal policy may shift and that shift absolutely has market implications both in the short and long term," he said. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 149.50 points at 24,748.98. Statistics Canada released its latest numbers on Canada's economic growth, up 0.3 per cent in October — driven by the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector. The loonie continued its slide, trading for 69.47 cents US compared with 69.61 cents US on Friday. The telecom sector was the biggest loser at the closing on TSX, which Burkett attributed to "tax loss selling happening at the end of the year." Competition Bureau Canada announced on Monday it was suing Rogers Communications Inc. for allegedly making misleading claims about its infinite wireless plans. The stock price for Rogers, which is hovering near 52-week lows, fell 0.7 per cent on Monday. Meanwhile, BCE was down almost 1.4 per cent and Telus dropped 0.9 per cent. Burkett suggested the day's poor performance among telecom companies was likely tax loss selling since it's almost the end of the year. "It's been a tough year for the communication services sector," he said. South of the border, communications services was the top-performing sector, led by large-cap tech companies. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 66.69 points at 42,906.95. The S&P 500 index was up 43.22 points at 5,974.07, while the Nasdaq composite was up 192.29 points at 19,764.89. The February crude oil contract was down 22 cents at US$69.24 per barrel and the February natural gas contract was down six cents at US$3.35 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was down US$16.90 at US$2,628.20 an ounce and the March copper contract was down one cent at US$4.09 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX: GSPTSE, TSX: CADUSD, TSE: BCE, TSE: RCI. B) Ritika Dubey, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More The Mix Revised airline compensation rules will do little to change status quo: experts Dec 23, 2024 2:25 PM Burt, the huge Australian crocodile who had a cameo in ‘Crocodile Dundee,’ dies at 90 Dec 23, 2024 2:00 PM Scheifele notches hat trick as Jets top Maple Leafs 5-2 ahead of NHL's holiday break Dec 23, 2024 1:58 PM Featured Flyer
Following recent changes in the Ministry of Culture’s leadership, notably the appointment of Jamal Eissa as the new head of censorship of artistic works, replacing Dr. Khaled Abdel-Jalil, I will not delve into the reactions or reasons behind this decision or other internal ministry discussions. Instead, I aim to explore what censorship should look like in an open world shaped by rapid technological advancements. In recent decades, the world has witnessed tremendous technological growth, transforming how we express ourselves artistically. We now live in an interconnected world that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, where ideas and artistic works travel at the speed of light. Artistic creation is no longer confined to cinemas or traditional theatre stages but has become accessible on the small screens we carry in our pockets. This new reality poses significant challenges to traditional censorship. Censorship of artistic works has historically aimed to protect societal values and guide creativity within the boundaries of ethics and cultural standards. However, in this age of technological explosion, traditional censorship methods have become inadequate, sometimes unable to keep pace with the rapid rate of change. The landscape has changed dramatically; artistic content is now digital, cross-border, and multidimensional, placing censorship before difficult questions about its role and methods in a technology-dominated era. In the past, censorship exerted significant control over public content by deleting specific scenes or banning entire works. Media channels were limited, and imposing rules and regulations was straightforward. Today, this paradigm has shifted. Anyone can create and publish content on platforms like YouTube or TikTok, reaching millions worldwide. The traditional intermediary between creators and audiences has been eliminated, making it difficult—if not impossible—to monitor the vast volume of content. The openness enabled by the internet is neither an unmitigated blessing nor an unqualified curse. It offers immense opportunities for creativity and innovation but also facilitates the spread of harmful or offensive content. Here lies censorship’s dilemma: how can it protect societal values without constraining freedom of expression? How can it keep pace with technological advancements without appearing to fight a losing battle? Censorship undoubtedly needs to redefine its role in this digital age. It is no longer merely a tool for prevention or suppression but must evolve into a means of guidance and education. Censorship in the technological era should act as a partner in creativity rather than an adversary. Instead of resisting the technological tide, it should leverage these advancements to develop new tools that enable it to function effectively. One critical area for development is a deeper understanding of technology. Advances in artificial intelligence and data analysis can offer innovative solutions for censorship. For instance, intelligent algorithms could analyze artistic content and assess its suitability for target audiences without requiring direct human intervention. However, this does not mean eliminating the human element entirely. Instead, it involves providing tools that help make more accurate and objective decisions. In addition to technological tools, censorship requires flexible legislation that can adapt to rapid changes. Laws must evolve to accommodate the cultural and social diversity of today’s world. No single society can impose its standards on the entire globe, but laws can respect cultural specificities while preserving shared human values. Perhaps the most significant future role of censorship will not be in prevention or suppression but in education. In an open world, access to content cannot be entirely prevented, but people can be taught how to engage with it critically. Censorship should become a partner in media literacy, helping the public understand the content they consume and fostering their ability to distinguish between constructive and harmful material. At the same time, censorship must balance freedom of expression with the protection of societal values. Achieving this balance is no small task but is essential. Freedom is neither absolute nor subject to unrestrained suppression. Creativity requires a free space to flourish, but this space must be responsible, respecting others’ rights and reflecting shared human values. Censorship in the age of technology and open worlds is a challenging task but not an impossible one. It demands a new vision, modern tools, and an approach based on partnership with creators and the public rather than confrontation. Far from being the enemy of creativity, censorship can act as its guardian if it fulfils its role wisely and judiciously. Ultimately, the question remains: are we ready to develop this role? The answer is neither simple nor optional. As the world continues to evolve and creativity soars to new heights, censorship must adapt to become part of this change—a partner in creativity’s journey toward the future.Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards was ruled out for Saturday's road game against the New England Patriots with an ankle injury. Fellow Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins is close to returning from a four-game absence because of a knee injury, as he was listed questionable to play. Offensive lineman Trey Pipkins III (hip) and linebacker Denzel Perryman (groin) also have been ruled out for Saturday. Edwards, 29, has gained 365 yards rushing this season with four touchdowns, including two in Los Angeles' 34-27 victory over the Denver Broncos on Dec. 19. Dobbins, 26, gained 766 yards with eight TDs in 11 games (nine starts) during his first season with the Chargers. Dobbins joined the Chargers in the offseason while coming off an Achilles tear with the Ravens last season. The Chargers also have running backs Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins on the depth chart. Vidal, a rookie, has 131 yards in eight games this season, while Haskins has just 26 yards on 14 carries with a touchdown. The Chargers (9-6) can clinch a playoff berth with a win or tie against the Patriots. --Field Level Media
STUART, Fla. , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Health In Tech, an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology, today announced the closing of its initial public offering of 2,300,000 shares of its Class A common stock at a public offering price of $4.00 per share, for gross proceeds of $9,200,000 , before deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and estimated offering expenses. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.The cost of a Thanksgiving dinner is 29% more expensive since 2020, according to a new survey of holiday meal costs by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The Farm Bureau’s annual Thanksgiving dinner price survey found holiday meal staples to serve 10 people total $58.08 nationally. That is down from a record high meal cost of $64.06 in 2022 when the post-pandemic inflation wave was at its highest. But holiday meal prices are still 24% higher than they were in 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic and social shutdowns. Thanksgiving meals cost $46.90 in 2020. Those prices are based on 10 Thanksgiving food items such as turkey, cranberries and pumpkin pie ingredients. But if the food list expanded to include potatoes, green beans and ham the average cost in 2024 is $77.34, according to the Farm Bureau. The same 13 items cost $60.11 in 2020, according to the agriculture group. That’s a 29% rise. Turkey prices have come down compared to 2023. Inflation was a top concern of voters in the 2024 presidential election with economically stressed voters preferring now President-elect Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris. Overall, U.S. prices are up 22% since before the pandemic in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “While inflation has slowed down, it really hasn't slowed down enough to bring costs back down to these pre-pandemic levels. So it's really important to remember that our farmers and ranchers, like our consumers, are also dealing with inflation, so the cost of supplies to grow food has gone up, while USDA predicts that net farm income is going to be down nearly 25 percent compared to just two years ago,” said Bernt Nelson, a Farm Bureau economist. Get any of our free daily email newsletters — news headlines, opinion, e-edition, obituaries and more.
PM looks to ‘brighter future’ at Christmas and ‘wishes for peace in Middle East’
EDITORIAL: In a political climate ridden with strife and conflict, the PPP’s decision on December 2 to engage in talks with all political parties, whether in government or in opposition, marks a much-needed, welcome attempt at bridging ostensibly insurmountable divides and addressing the pressing challenges facing the nation, ranging from security issues to those afflicting the digital economy and agriculture. The party’s Rabta committee, originally formed to address the PPP’s grievances with the ruling PML-N, has now also been tasked to engage with other parties to identify areas where political consensus can be achieved. This follows on the heels of PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari striking a note of conciliation last week, calling for a dialogue to restore political stability in the wake of the PTI’s recent protest, which has further escalated tensions and caused much turbulence on the political landscape. Notably, he also reaffirmed the PPP’s stance against the banning of political parties and the imposition of governor’s rule in provinces. Similarly, on the same day, the PTI’s incarcerated vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi also called for national reconciliation and consensus to achieve political stability, and urged the authorities to allow him a meeting with party founder Imran Khan so that he could share his perspective on the matter. These developments demonstrate that despite the persistent hostilities between the rulers and the opposition, there are those among the political class who possess a shared recognition of the need for negotiations and cooperation to foster national cohesion, and to tackle the complex issues confronting the country. It goes without saying that regardless of the deep differences between those in power and those that are part of the opposition, it is essential to keep the door open for dialogue. The political class must remember that progress is made and goals can be achieved when politicians remain ready to engage with all stakeholders. That is the fundamental distinction between democracies and non-democratic dispensations. Given the array of crises we face - ranging from terrorism and a fragile economy to threats to the digital ecosystem, the volatile situation in Balochistan and Kurram, the environmental disasters wrought by climate change, and the extreme polarisation dividing the polity - it is imperative that all stakeholders acknowledge the necessity of engaging with those in the opposing camp. In fact, it is incumbent upon every political party, whether in power or not, to initiate dialogue and bridge differences, with the understanding that no preconditions should be attached to any negotiating exercise. In the past, the coarsening of the political climate fuelled a culture where a zero-sum approach to politics was prioritised despite such a mindset rarely helping parties achieve their goals. In fact, it only bolstered the influence of non-democratic forces intent on undermining democratic processes. This has resulted in a stunted political culture, fostered intolerance, undermined democratic principles, weakened the economy and caused significant setbacks to the cause of constitutionalism, hindering the nation’s ability to achieve lasting political and economic stability and growth. In light of this history, the ruling PML-N has the responsibility to lead by example and prioritise the restoration of trust in the government machinery by engaging with all stakeholders, including the PTI. Resorting to belligerent rhetoric, and threatening to ban the PTI or impose governor’s rule in KP will only deepen divisions. Similarly, the PTI must also realise that its refusal to talk with political parties that are part of the ruling coalition and its tendency to elevate leaders who engage in inflammatory rhetoric while relegating more moderate voices to the background has hindered its ability to achieve its objectives. The truth is that political gridlock benefits no one, and political issues are best resolved through engagement, i.e., through dialogue and seeking common ground. Copyright Business Recorder, 2024
BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the gates of the capital and that government forces had abandoned the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The capture of Homs is a major victory for insurgents, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama , as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said Homs falling into rebel hands would be a game-changer. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. For the first time in the country’s long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. The rapid rebel gains, coupled with the lack of support from Assad's erstwhile allies, posed the most serious threat to his rule since the start of the war. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. In a statement issued late Saturday, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis “that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians.” They also agreed on the importance of strengthening international efforts to increase aid to the Syrian people. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria; Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad; and Josef Federman and Victoria Eastwood in Doha, Qatar, contributed to this report.
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Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards BigBear.ai Hldgs BBAI , and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in BBAI usually suggests something big is about to happen. We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 32 extraordinary options activities for BigBear.ai Hldgs. This level of activity is out of the ordinary. The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 46% leaning bullish and 46% bearish. Among these notable options, 3 are puts, totaling $75,075, and 29 are calls, amounting to $2,330,271. Predicted Price Range Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $1.0 to $7.0 for BigBear.ai Hldgs over the last 3 months. Insights into Volume & Open Interest Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for BigBear.ai Hldgs's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of BigBear.ai Hldgs's whale activity within a strike price range from $1.0 to $7.0 in the last 30 days. BigBear.ai Hldgs Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days Biggest Options Spotted: Symbol PUT/CALL Trade Type Sentiment Exp. Date Ask Bid Price Strike Price Total Trade Price Open Interest Volume BBAI CALL SWEEP BEARISH 01/15/27 $2.4 $2.3 $2.3 $3.50 $219.6K 9.6K 6.6K BBAI CALL TRADE BULLISH 01/15/27 $2.9 $2.6 $2.9 $2.00 $209.6K 1.6K 2.7K BBAI CALL SWEEP BEARISH 01/15/27 $2.8 $2.5 $2.5 $3.50 $141.0K 9.6K 8.3K BBAI CALL SWEEP BEARISH 01/15/27 $2.85 $2.8 $2.8 $2.00 $140.0K 1.6K 836 BBAI CALL SWEEP BEARISH 01/15/27 $2.55 $2.4 $2.4 $3.50 $131.0K 9.6K 633 About BigBear.ai Hldgs BigBear.ai Holdings Inc is a technology-led solutions organization, that provides both software and services to its customers. Its AI-powered decision intelligence solutions are leveraged in three markets; supply chains & logistics, autonomous systems, and cybersecurity. It operates in two segments; Cyber & Engineering segment and Analytics segment. Following our analysis of the options activities associated with BigBear.ai Hldgs, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance. Current Position of BigBear.ai Hldgs Trading volume stands at 93,999,331, with BBAI's price up by 21.59%, positioned at $4.54. RSI indicators show the stock to be may be overbought. Earnings announcement expected in 70 days. Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. Click here for access . Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest BigBear.ai Hldgs options trades with real-time alerts from Benzinga Pro . © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Top Crypto to Buy in January 2025: Analysts Pick Dogecoin, BlockDAG, Shiba Inu & Polkadot as Leading PicksManitoba Premier Wab Kinew's popularity shows little sign of waning more than a year after he led the provincial New Democrats to power. But there are some tough choices ahead as he tries to fulfil promises to improve health care, address poverty and get the government's finances in order. Kinew has carried through on election promises to hire more health-care workers, expand school nutrition programs and temporarily suspend the provincial fuel tax for a one-year period that is to end Jan. 1. The NDP government has also announced extra funding for the arts, policing and other items. Opinion polls continue to rank highly the NDP as a party and Kinew as a premier. What Kinew has yet to show is a plan to control spending in order to balance the budget by 2027 -- another campaign promise -- and end a long series of deficits in Manitoba, said political analyst Paul Thomas. "At some point, you have to make hard choices," said Thomas, professor emeritus of political studies at the University of Manitoba. "You don't get to continue to say yes to most requests that come along." In a year-end interview with The Canadian Press, Kinew said he's working on ways to add front-line staff to health care while finding cost savings elsewhere. The Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care ministry -- by far the biggest-spending government department -- was allocated hundreds of millions of more dollars in this year's budget to boost staffing levels and add hospital beds. A mid-year fiscal update earlier this month said the department was on track to spend even more and run $438 million over budget. "I think it's important for us to keep that flexibility with health spending right now because we are trying to match the needs of the health-care system to the population," Kinew said. "A lot of what we're doing right now is trying to get through this transitional period of scaling up health care to the appropriate size." When pressed for specifics on where the government is cutting costs, Kinew hinted there was guidance being given to some departments. "We are looking at making sure that the belt tightening that we do is more like, 'Do you really need that software subscription? Does the lobby really need a new coat of paint in someone's office?"' Kinew said. "Things like that, which individually are smaller-scale decisions, but over an apparatus the size of the provincial government ... it does total tens of millions of dollars." The latest deficit projection for the current fiscal year is $1.3 billion -- $513 million higher than the original budget projection. The government will face new spending requirements as it ramps up, among other initiatives, new programs to tackle homelessness. Kinew is a gifted public speaker and communicator who connects with the public as empathetic and caring, Thomas said. The premier also uses social media well and his New Democrats often set up news conferences in community settings where supporters and funding recipients are in attendance and applauding. The New Democrats are also helped by the state of the Opposition Progressive Conservatives, who are still working to rebuild after losing the last election and are under an interim leader until their convention slated for April, Thomas added. Kinew's public missteps have been few so far, and Thomas said the premier has moved quickly to address them before controversy can grow. Kinew came under fire in September after Mark Wasyliw was removed from the NDP caucus. Kinew said it was because Wasyliw's former law partner was representing convicted sex offender Peter Nygard. The legal community said the premier was attacking the role defence lawyers play in the justice system. Kinew apologized and the New Democrats cited other reasons for Wasyliw's dismissal. The NDP also backtracked quickly in the spring after initially cutting funding for "green team" youth summer jobs. Many community groups denounced the move, and funding was partially restored. "Issues have come and gone, but it hasn't dented (the NDP's) image and reputation," Thomas said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 24, 2024.
TORONTO — Canada's main stock index pushed higher to end Monday up almost 150 points on light trading action, while U.S. stock markets also gained ahead of the Christmas break. "Today is a quiet pre-Christmas Day of trading," said Kevin Burkett, a portfolio manager at Victoria, B.C.-based Burkett Asset Management. While markets in both Canada and the U.S. were mild, Burkett suggests watching the markets closely during the holiday season, a contrast to what's typically a sleepy period for markets. "We're continuing to watch markets very closely here because you've got some tectonic plate shifting in terms of the macroeconomic backdrop," he said. "It's all the political conversations both in Canada and in the U.S." Burkett added fiscal policy seems to be disconnected from monetary policy in the post-pandemic period. "The fiscal policy may shift and that shift absolutely has market implications both in the short and long term," he said. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 149.50 points at 24,748.98. Statistics Canada released its latest numbers on Canada's economic growth, up 0.3 per cent in October — driven by the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector. The loonie continued its slide, trading for 69.47 cents US compared with 69.61 cents US on Friday. The telecom sector was the biggest loser at the closing on TSX, which Burkett attributed to "tax loss selling happening at the end of the year." Competition Bureau Canada announced on Monday it was suing Rogers Communications Inc. for allegedly making misleading claims about its infinite wireless plans. The stock price for Rogers, which is hovering near 52-week lows, fell 0.7 per cent on Monday. Meanwhile, BCE was down almost 1.4 per cent and Telus dropped 0.9 per cent. Burkett suggested the day's poor performance among telecom companies was likely tax loss selling since it's almost the end of the year. "It's been a tough year for the communication services sector," he said. South of the border, communications services was the top-performing sector, led by large-cap tech companies. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 66.69 points at 42,906.95. The S&P 500 index was up 43.22 points at 5,974.07, while the Nasdaq composite was up 192.29 points at 19,764.89. The February crude oil contract was down 22 cents at US$69.24 per barrel and the February natural gas contract was down six cents at US$3.35 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was down US$16.90 at US$2,628.20 an ounce and the March copper contract was down one cent at US$4.09 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX: GSPTSE, TSX: CADUSD, TSE: BCE, TSE: RCI. B) Ritika Dubey, The Canadian PressResonance Security Unveils Pulsecheck: A Free and Secure Cybersecurity Assessment Tool 12-24-2024 12:36 AM CET | IT, New Media & Software Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: NewswireJet Resonance Security is redefining cybersecurity accessibility with the launch of Pulsecheck, a free and secure tool designed to deliver comprehensive cybersecurity assessments in just minutes. Tailored for institutions, small businesses, web3 organizations, and individuals, Pulsecheck empowers users to evaluate their full-spectrum cybersecurity status quickly, securely, and without cost. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/75155ae1ccab6b5774c7a2ccbf13873d.jpg This holiday season, Resonance Security is redefining cybersecurity accessibility with the launch of Pulsecheck, a free and secure tool designed to deliver comprehensive cybersecurity assessments in just minutes. 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World News | Taiwan's Constitutional Court in Crisis, Justice Nominees Rejected by LawmakersWASHINGTON — Ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz allegedly paid for sex with a 17-year-old girl and bought and used illegal drugs during more than 20 parties with female escorts, a congressional report said Monday. A final report from the House Ethics Committee accuses the former Florida lawmaker, who was briefly nominated to be President-elect Trump’s attorney general, of illegally paying thousands of dollars for sex with paid escorts, including the underage girl. He also bought and used illegal drugs including ecstasy and cocaine at parties with the women in Florida and on vacation jaunts, the report said. “There is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” the 37-page report said. The final report, which says Gaetz likely broke numerous state laws, was released after the House Ethics Committee voted to publicly release it in a reversal of its usual policy. Gaetz sued the committee in federal court on Monday, in a failed effort to block release of the report. “There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses,” Gaetz tweeted. Gaetz, 42, an outspoken conservative Republican, has denied breaking any laws and says he is being smeared by political enemies, although he admits partying too hard in his younger years. Federal prosecutors investigated Gaetz for violating sex trafficking laws in relation to much of the same conduct but declined to charge him. The report details nearly $100,000 in payments from Gaetz to a dozen women for either sex or drugs during about 20 encounters, all of which took place after he was elected to represent a deep-red congressional district in the Florida Panhandle in 2016. “From 2017 to 2020, Representative Gaetz made tens of thousands of dollars in payments to women that the Committee determined were likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use,” noted the report, which lists payments totaling more than $90,000 to 12 different women. All of the encounters were consensual, although one of the women told the committee the escorts were too impaired to consent to sex at times. “When I look back on certain moments, I feel violated,” one woman told the panel, the report said. A Florida woman told the committee she was just 17 and had recently finished her junior year in high school when Gaetz had sex with her twice at a 2017 house party. He paid her $400 cash after the encounters, the report said. The woman said she didn’t tell Gaetz she was underage and he didn’t ask. He has emphatically denied ever having sex with any underage girl. One the report’s most lurid findings surrounded allegations of a drug-fueled 2018 jaunt to the Bahamas, bankrolled by marijuana lobbyists, during which witnesses said Gaetz took ecstasy and had sex with at least four paid escorts. The trip skirted rules limiting gifts to lawmakers, the report said. Gaetz won reelection in November to what would have been a fourth term in Congress. But he resigned on the day Trump nominated him for attorney general in an apparent ploy to prevent release of the damning report. His bid to become the nation’s top law enforcement officer imploded within a matter of days. Not long after that, Gaetz inked a deal with One America News. He plans to join the right-ring network’s primetime lineup in January. The Republican-led panel initially voted against releasing the report because Gaetz was no longer in Congress. But it made a surprising U-turn at a closed-door meeting and voted to release the final version.
NoneANN ARBOR, Michigan (AP) — Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant is skipping his final college season to enter the NFL draft. Grant, a key part of the Wolverines’ 2023 national championship team, announced his decision Thursday on X, formerly known as Twitter. Fellow Michigan interior lineman Mason Graham had already declared for the draft. Both are projected as likely first-round picks. The 6-foot-3, 339-pound Grant was a third-team Associated Press All-American. He had 32 tackles, 6 1/2 tackles for loss and a pair of fumble recoveries. Grant helped Michigan upset Ohio State in the Big Ten regular-season finale, making four tackles. Cornerback Will Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland have also declared for the draft leading up to Michigan’s game against No. 11 Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football