Fuse Technical Group, Glookast, Leader Electronics Corporation, and NETGEAR Renew Corporate SponsorshipsPolice chiefs warn of cuts to officer numbers to meet funding shortfall
How Much Did Trump, Biden and Harris Raise? A Stunning $4.7 Billion.
Fuse Technical Group, Glookast, Leader Electronics Corporation, and NETGEAR Renew Corporate SponsorshipsPolice chiefs warn of cuts to officer numbers to meet funding shortfall
How Much Did Trump, Biden and Harris Raise? A Stunning $4.7 Billion.
As the global economy continues to navigate through uncertain times, the price of gold has been on a steady rise, both domestically and internationally. Investors and consumers alike are closely monitoring the fluctuations in gold prices, seeking to understand the underlying factors driving this upward trend. In recent news, the latest data reveals that the price of gold has surged across markets, with gold jewelry witnessing a notable increase of 7 Yuan per gram.The NFL suspended Tennessee Titans safety Julius Wood six games on Tuesday for violating the policy on performing-enhancing substances. There are five games remaining this season for the Titans (3-9), so Wood's suspension will bleed into Week 1 of 2025. Wood, 23, went undrafted this spring and signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent. They waived him in August, and he caught on with the Titans, who claimed him off waivers. Wood appeared in nine games, almost exclusively on special teams, and has recorded two tackles. --Field Level Media
Two announce bids to run for Santa Fe mayor in November 2025
Tafara Gapare throws down 19 points and a highlight dunk, and Maryland beats Bucknell 91-67
HONG KONG , Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited ("iClick" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: ICLK), a renowned online marketing and enterprise solutions provider in Asia that empowers worldwide brands with full-stack consumer lifecycle solutions, today announced unaudited financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2024 . Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 Percentage change (US$ in thousands) (Unaudited) Financial Metrics: Revenue from continuing operations Marketing Solutions 9,324 12,663 (26) % Enterprise Solutions 4,896 4,330 13 % Total revenue from continuing operations 14,220 16,993 (16) % Gross profit from continuing operations 8,096 9,276 (13) % Net loss from continuing operations (1,269) (10,275) N/M Net loss from discontinued operations (5,104) (18,294) N/M Diluted net loss from continuing operations per American Depositary Shares ("ADS") (0.12) (1.01) N/M Operating Metrics: Gross billing 23,060 29,983 (23) % "I am pleased to report that our continuing operations recorded an improvement in gross margin to 56.9% in the first half of 2024 from 54.6% in the first half of 2023, and we saw the increase in enterprise solutions revenue by 13% year-over-year. The Company will continue to focus on improving the financial performance and cash flows, while exploring strategic opportunities for broader business growth.", said Mr. Jian Tang , Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of iClick. "We continue monitoring and evaluating operations and market trends proactively in order to optimize our business and enhance profitability. We have recently completed the disposal of our mainland China Enterprise Solutions business and demand side Marketing Solutions business. The results of these businesses are presented under discontinued operations." First Half Year of 2024 Results on Continuing Operations: Revenue for the first half of 2024 was US$14.2 million , compared with US$17.0 million for the first half of 2023. Revenue from Marketing Solutions declined to US$9.3 million for the first half of 2024, compared with US$12.7 million for the first half of 2023. It was resulted from our strategic contraction of lower margin and higher risk businesses, with weaker demand from clients on advertising spending due to uncertainty in the macro-economic environment. Revenue from Enterprise Solutions was US$4.9 million for the first half of 2024, improved from US$4.3 million in the first half of 2023 due to the increasing demand for digital transformation and services. Gross profit for the first half of 2024 was US$8.1 million , compared with US$9.3 million for the first half of 2023. With the effort of reducing lower margin and higher risk businesses, and a rising revenue contribution from the higher-margin Enterprise Solutions business, gross profit margin increased to 56.9% for the first half of 2024 from 54.6% for the first half of 2023. Total operating expenses were US$12.4 million for the first half of 2024, decreased from US$14.1 million for the first half of 2023. The change was primarily due to our cost optimization execution, which resulted in reduction of staff cost and savings on promotional expenses. The expected credit losses provision of trade receivables was also reduced because of our close monitoring of cash collection. Net loss from continuing operations was US$1 .3 million for the first half of 2024, significantly improved from the net loss of US$10.3 million for the first half of 2023, mainly due to no impairment of equity investments in the first half of 2024, which we recorded US$5.6 million in the first half of 2023. Operating loss was reduced by US$0.6 million . Net loss from continuing operations attributable to the Company's shareholders per basic and diluted ADS for the first half of 2024 was US$0.12, compared with a net loss attributable to the Company's shareholders per basic and diluted ADS of US$1.01 for the first half of 2023. Gross billing 1 from continuing operations was US$23.1 million for the first half of 2024, compared with US$30.0 million for the first half of 2023, mainly as a result of our continued strategy of reducing lower margin and higher risk businesses, as well as clients' reduced advertising spending. Net loss from discontinued operations was US$5 .1 million for the first half of 2024, compared with the net loss of US$18.3 million for the first half of 2023, mainly due to cost optimization, and gain on disposal of discontinued operations amounting to US$2 .6 million in the first half of 2024. As of June 30, 2024 , the continuing operations of the Company had cash and cash equivalents, time deposits and restricted cash of US$70.2 million , compared with US$41.3 million as of December 31, 2023 . About iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited Founded in 2009, iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited (NASDAQ: ICLK) is a renowned online marketing and enterprise solutions provider in Asia . With its leading proprietary technologies, iClick's full suite of data-driven solutions helps brands drive significant business growth and profitability throughout the full consumer lifecycle. For more information, please visit https://ir.i-click.com . 1 Gross billing is defined as the aggregate dollar amount that clients pay the Company after deducting rebates paid and discounts given to. Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements, including those related to the Company's business strategies, operations and financial performance. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: In the United States: iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited Core IR Catherine Chau Tom Caden Phone: +852 3700 9100 Tel: +1-516-222-2560 E-mail: ir@i-click.com E-mail: tomc@coreir.com (financial tables follow) ICLICK INTERACTIVE ASIA GROUP LIMITED Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (US$'000, except share data and per share data, or otherwise noted, unaudited) Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 Continuing operations Revenue 14,220 16,993 Cost of revenue (6,124) (7,717) Gross profit 8,096 9,276 Operating expenses Research and development expenses (311) (265) Sales and marketing expenses (4,381) (8,826) General and administrative expenses (7,704) (5,052) Total operating expenses (12,396) (14,143) Interest expense (32) (117) Interest income 598 591 Other gains/(losses), net 2,560 (5,756) Loss before income tax expense and share of losses from an equity investee (1,174) (10,149) Share of losses from an equity investee (37) (19) Loss before income tax expense (1,211) (10,168) Income tax expense (58) (107) Net loss from continuing operations (1,269) (10,275) Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests 111 9 Net loss from continuing operations attributable to iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited's ordinary shareholders (1,158) (10,266) Discontinued operations Loss from operations of discontinued operations (7,666) (18,305) Income tax (expense)/credit (23) 11 Gain on disposal of discontinued operations 2,585 - Net loss from discontinued operations (5,104) (18,294) Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests 32 49 Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited's ordinary shareholders (5,072) (18,245) Net loss (6,373) (28,569) Net loss attributable to iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited's ordinary shareholders (6,230) (28,511) Net loss from continuing operations (1,269) (10,275) Other comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of US$nil tax (13) (131) Comprehensive loss from continuing operations (1,282) (10,406) Comprehensive loss from continuing operations attributable to non-controlling interests 111 49 Comprehensive loss from continuing operations attributable to iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited's ordinary shareholders (1,171) (10,357) Net loss from discontinued operations (5,104) (18,294) Other comprehensive income: Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of US$nil tax - 301 Comprehensive loss from discontinued operations (5,104) (17,993) Comprehensive loss from discontinued operations attributable to non -controlling interests 32 20 Comprehensive loss from discontinued operations attributable to iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited's ordinary shareholders (5,072) (17,973) Comprehensive loss attributable to iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited's ordinary shareholders (6,243) (28,330) Net loss from continuing operations per ADS attributable to iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited's ordinary shareholders — Basic (0.12) (1.01) — Diluted (0.12) (1.01) Net loss from discontinued operations per ADS attributable to iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited's ordinary shareholders — Basic (0.51) (1.79) — Diluted (0.51) (1.79) Net loss per ADS attributable to iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited's ordinary shareholders — Basic (0.63) (2.80) — Diluted (0.63) (2.80) Weighted average number of ADS used in per share calculation: — Basic 9,955,943 10,178,966 — Diluted 9,955,943 10,178,966 ICLICK INTERACTIVE ASIA GROUP LIMITED Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (US$'000, except share data and per share data, or otherwise noted, unaudited) As of June 30, 2024 As of December 31, 2023 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents, time deposits and restricted cash 70,239 41,264 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of US$1,558 and US$1,571 as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 respectively 11,210 13,535 Other current assets 15,813 11,516 Discontinued operations 54,454 93,488 Total current assets 151,716 159,803 Non-current assets Other assets 3,727 3,596 Discontinued operations 112 305 Total non-current assets 3,839 3,901 Total assets 155,555 163,704 Liabilities and equity Current liabilities Accounts payable 3,310 4,462 Bank borrowings 36,932 1,965 Other current liabilities 23,830 20,200 Discontinued operations 56,607 93,445 Total current liabilities 120,679 120,072 Non-current liabilities Other liabilities 221 551 Discontinued operations 1,463 1,829 Total non-current liabilities 1,684 2,380 Total liabilities 122,363 122,452 Equity Ordinary shares – Class A (US$0.001 par value; 80,000,000 shares authorized as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively; 38,752,446 shares and 44,477,356 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively) 39 45 Ordinary shares – Class B (US$0.001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively; 5,034,427 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively) 5 5 Treasury shares (218,396 shares and 6,398,616 shares as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively)In that moment, I witnessed the power of a daughter's love, the selflessness and courage that knows no bounds when it comes to protecting and caring for a parent in need. The girl's actions spoke louder than any words ever could, a testament to the timeless adage, "A daughter's love knows no bounds."Nichols’ campaign was based on rehabilitating Tulsa’s education system and addressing affordable housing issues in order to combat homelessness. Black Tulsa residents have long suffered from a dearth of economic opportunity, Nichols said. he commission has not seen much progress regarding reparations. It was tasked with reviewing two reports, one from 2023 and one from 2001, that both called for reparations for descendants and survivors of the massacre. Bynum has said people in Tulsa “view reparations as not just cash payments,” and that there is also interest in economic, educational and housing opportunities ― issues that Nichols named as his priorities during his campaign. In August, Nichols said education was something the city should be laser-focused on. “We’ve got to take this talk of reparations out of the political sense and focus on other areas,” he . “Education is an area where we should really sink our teeth into quite a bit.” It’s not clear whether any potential reparations would actually take the form of cash payments. Joyce Williams, a longtime Tulsa resident who voted for Nichols, said she expects him to be “open to the community” and make a real effort to provide “some means of compensation” to descendants and survivors. “I expect that he will attempt to impact our ability to get in the position to have a hearing on the loss of a strong financial system brought on by [the massacre], and I expect we are going to have to push him just like anyone else,” Williams told HuffPost. “I’m not naive to think that this man is not going to be able to do a whole lot without some push and support.” In June, the Oklahoma Supreme Court a request to reconsider a dismissed lawsuit filed by Fletcher and Randle. The aim of was to force the city of Tulsa to pay reparations to Fletcher and Randle for their sufferings after the massacre. After the rejection, Solomon-Simmons, who represents the two survivors, requested a federal review from the Department of Justice, and met with Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general for civil rights, in Washington, D.C. The announcement of the review came months later. Solomon-Simmons told HuffPost that addressing the city’s racial issues and history was one of the main driving factors for voters this year. Now, the community waits for results. Related...
A Dec. 4 Facebook post ( , ) includes an aerial image that shows a mass of demonstrators in a city. "Today on the streets of South Korea as they marched the streets toward the presidential palace to demand the resignation of President Yoon Suk-yeol," the post's caption reads in part. The post was shared more than 100 times in a day. A similar was reposted more than 7,000 times before it was deleted. | | The image in the posts is from December 2016. It shows protesters rallying in Seoul against then-President Park Geun-hye. It does not show a protest against President Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2024. Protesters triggered by Yoon's surprise move to on Dec. 3 tried to march to the presidential palace in Seoul to demand his resignation but were stopped by South Korean police, according to on Dec. 4. Yoon, facing political backlash and widespread protests, reversed course on the martial law declaration and has since faced to resign or face impeachment. However, the image in the Facebook post does not show protesters rallying against Yoon in December 2024. eight years prior, on Dec. 3, 2016. It shows demonstrators occupying Seoul's city center to rally against Park, the president at the time, over a government-influence scandal involving her friend, according to the photo's caption on Getty Images. : The same photo was included in describing ongoing protests against Park. She was later convicted on corruption charges and served nearly five years in prison before returning home with a pardon in March 2022, . USA TODAY reached out to the Facebook user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response. debunked the claim. Getty Images, Dec. 3, 2016, Voice of America, Dec. 3, 2016, ABC News (Australia), Dec. 3, 2016,
As the global economy continues to face uncertainty and challenges, all eyes are on central banks around the world for policy decisions that could provide much-needed support. In the context of China, recent reports and statements from key policymakers suggest that there might be further interest rate cuts and reserve requirement reductions in the first half of next year.
In reshaping the classic gangster film experience with a linear narrative, "Four Seas Brothers" seeks to honor the legacy of its predecessors while offering a fresh and modern take on the genre. The decision to reinvent the storytelling style of the film is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the filmmakers, as they strive to push the boundaries of traditional filmmaking and deliver a cinematic experience that is both timeless and contemporary.Defensively, Real Madrid will look to keep things tight at the back, with Thibaut Courtois expected to start in goal and a backline featuring the likes of Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Nacho Fernandez, and Ferland Mendy. The defense will be tasked with keeping Atalanta's attacking threats at bay and providing a solid foundation for the team to build on.Meanwhile, Chelsea made an audacious move to secure Havertz's signature, with reports suggesting that they had tabled a massive €115 million bid to beat off competition from their rivals. The Blues' willingness to splash the cash paid off, as Havertz ultimately opted to join the London club in a record-breaking deal that sent shockwaves through the footballing world.
Distribution Dates and Amounts Announced for Certain BlackRock Closed-End Funds
Exciting news for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy world - a new trailer has been released for the highly anticipated animated film "The Lord of the Rings: Battle of Rohan." Set to premiere in mainland China on December 14th, the film promises to immerse audiences in the rich lore and grandeur of Middle-earth once again.Why Donald Trump is imposing tariff on US' close ally Canada; Elon Musk's 'Fentanyl reaction' and more ...
The government is considering incorporating the "three zero" theory of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus into Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Policymakers of the government have said it would be easy for the country to achieve the SDG targets by effectively applying the "three zero" theory at the public and private levels. Yunus has made a compelling call to world leaders to build a "World of Three Zeros" -- zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions. The Three Zero theory is an elective and popular model to ensure economic emancipation, create a workforce, and protect the environment in the present world, analysts said. The three-zero theory is a progressive social and economic outlook which engages the endeavour of youth, the use of technology, good governance and social business, they said. The Nobel laureate has been appreciated around the world for his three-zero theory. About the three zero theory, Principal Coordinator on SDG affairs Lamiya Morshed told BSS that the government is trying to integrate the theory with SDG targets. In this connection, a workshop with public and private officials has already been held. "We want to create awareness on the 'three zero' at all levels in the interest of sustainable development," she added. Mentioning that the theory is being considered in all activities of SDG implementation, Lamiya said Yunus did not want to impose the theory on the activities but the government aims to encourage people to apply it. So, she said, the government did not take any mega initiative on the theory except SDG implementation. While addressing the climate summit (COP-29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, the chief adviser stressed the need for creating a new life-style based on zero waste and zero carbon aiming to protect the planet from climate catastrophes. "In order to survive, we need to create another culture. A counter-culture, which is based on a different lifestyle. It is based on zero waste. It will limit consumption to essential needs, leaving no residual waste," Yunus told the summit. Prof Yunus said this lifestyle will also be based on zero carbon -- no fossil fuel but only renewable energy -- and this will be an economy based primarily on zero personal profit, for example on social business. According to Yunus if poverty, unemployment and carbon emissions can be reduced to zero, a new livable and free of worries world will be created.
Washington Capitals (13-6-1, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Florida Panthers (12-8-1, in the Atlantic Division) Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * Washington Capitals (13-6-1, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Florida Panthers (12-8-1, in the Atlantic Division) Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Washington Capitals (13-6-1, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Florida Panthers (12-8-1, in the Atlantic Division) Sunrise, Florida; Monday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Florida Panthers take on the Washington Capitals as losers of three straight games. Florida is 12-8-1 overall and 6-4-1 at home. The Panthers are fourth in league play serving 10.2 penalty minutes per game. Washington has a 13-6-1 record overall and a 6-2-0 record on the road. The Capitals have a +26 scoring differential, with 81 total goals scored and 55 allowed. Monday’s game is the first meeting between these teams this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Aleksander Barkov Jr. has four goals and 15 assists for the Panthers. Uvis Balinskis has over the last 10 games. Connor McMichael has 13 goals and seven assists for the Capitals. Ivan Miroshnichenko has over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Panthers: 5-5-0, averaging 3.5 goals, 6.7 assists, 4.7 penalties and 12.2 penalty minutes while giving up 3.1 goals per game. Capitals: 5-4-1, averaging 3.7 goals, 6.1 assists, 3.4 penalties and 7.4 penalty minutes while giving up 2.4 goals per game. INJURIES: Panthers: None listed. Capitals: None listed. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. AdvertisementChristopher Nolan on ‘Interstellar’s’ cosmic success 10 years later
Mutual of America Capital Management LLC lowered its stake in Western Digital Co. ( NASDAQ:WDC – Free Report ) by 2.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 40,204 shares of the data storage provider’s stock after selling 972 shares during the period. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC’s holdings in Western Digital were worth $2,746,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in WDC. Fairfield Financial Advisors LTD bought a new position in shares of Western Digital in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Eastern Bank bought a new position in Western Digital in the third quarter worth $27,000. 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new position in Western Digital in the second quarter worth $34,000. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC purchased a new position in Western Digital during the second quarter valued at $34,000. Finally, OFI Invest Asset Management bought a new stake in shares of Western Digital during the 2nd quarter valued at $34,000. 92.51% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Susquehanna increased their price target on shares of Western Digital from $75.00 to $83.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Friday, October 25th. TD Cowen decreased their target price on shares of Western Digital from $95.00 to $80.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, September 13th. Cantor Fitzgerald boosted their price target on Western Digital from $80.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Friday, October 25th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Western Digital from $94.00 to $100.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Friday, October 25th. Finally, Citigroup dropped their target price on Western Digital from $95.00 to $85.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 24th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $87.71. Insider Activity In other news, SVP Gene M. Zamiska sold 2,169 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.96, for a total transaction of $134,391.24. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 32,601 shares in the company, valued at $2,019,957.96. This trade represents a 6.24 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink . Also, CEO David Goeckeler sold 75,000 shares of Western Digital stock in a transaction on Friday, October 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $72.58, for a total transaction of $5,443,500.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 821,630 shares in the company, valued at approximately $59,633,905.40. This trade represents a 8.36 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold a total of 188,520 shares of company stock valued at $13,306,224 in the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.30% of the company’s stock. Western Digital Stock Up 0.8 % Shares of WDC stock opened at $66.43 on Friday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $66.48 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $69.10. The stock has a market cap of $22.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.08 and a beta of 1.40. Western Digital Co. has a 12 month low of $46.05 and a 12 month high of $81.55. The company has a current ratio of 1.47, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. Western Digital ( NASDAQ:WDC – Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 24th. The data storage provider reported $1.78 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.55 by $0.23. Western Digital had a return on equity of 8.57% and a net margin of 4.81%. The company had revenue of $4.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $4.12 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned ($1.97) EPS. Western Digital’s revenue for the quarter was up 48.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that Western Digital Co. will post 6.56 earnings per share for the current year. Western Digital Profile ( Free Report ) Western Digital Corporation develops, manufactures, and sells data storage devices and solutions in the United States, China, Hong Kong, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, rest of Asia, and internationally. It offers client devices, including hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs) for desktop and notebook personal computers (PCs), gaming consoles, and set top boxes; and flash-based embedded storage products for mobile phones, tablets, notebook PCs, and other portable and wearable devices, as well as automotive, Internet of Things, industrial, and connected home applications. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WDC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Western Digital Co. ( NASDAQ:WDC – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Western Digital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Western Digital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Rory McIlroy is a national treasure but it is time Irish sports fans learned to appreciate himIn return for China’s support during its war on Ukraine, Russia will likely assist Beijing to advance its submarine fleet, the head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said on Nov. 23. Paparo added that China “has rebuilt, helped to rebuild Russia’s war machine, with 90 percent of its semiconductors and 70 percent of the machine tools that have rebuilt that war machine.” “Large nuclear submarines are much more capable than diesel-electric submarines, operating with far greater range, stealth, and offensive power,” the report says. Paparo also expressed concern about the growing cooperation between China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. “There is a certain transactional symbiosis among them where each fulfills the needs of the others—where one is resource-poor, the others fulfill those resources—where one has operational needs, the others are fulfilling those needs,” Paparo said. Paparo said he expected Russia to also provide North Korea with submarine and missile technologies. “This is a dangerous environment, and this is adding complexity to the environment itself,” he said. “It imposes costs on the readiness of America to respond in the Indo-Pacific region, which is the most stressing theater for the quantity and quality of munitions, because the PRC is the most capable potential adversary in the world,” Paparo said. Asked about the possibility of China attacking Taiwan by 2027, Paparo dismissed it as a definitive date. “It was never a ‘sell-by’ date. It was never a date where the PRC had declared, ‘We’re going on this date,’” Paparo said, before adding that the date should be a “worthy benchmark” that the United States “had better pay close attention” to China’s military activities. “The closer we get to it, the less relevant that date is, and the more we must be ready today, tomorrow, next month, next year, and onward,” he said. China considers Taiwan to be part of its territory even though the communist regime has never ruled the self-governing democratic island. Paparo also commented on the possible scenario that China would carry out an amphibious assault on Taiwan across the Taiwan Strait. “I think the cross-strait invasion would be exceedingly difficult, given some of our advantages,” he said. Should China decide to impose a sea blockade on Taiwan, Paparo said he “would be confident” of the United States’ ability to break through it.
KBC Group NV Has $57,000 Holdings in Certara, Inc. (NASDAQ:CERT)
Vegas Golden Knights (13-6-2, in the Pacific Division) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (9-10-2, in the Metropolitan Division) Philadelphia; Monday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Philadelphia Flyers host the Vegas Golden Knights after the Flyers took down the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in overtime. Philadelphia has a 5-6-0 record in home games and a 9-10-2 record overall. The Flyers are fourth in NHL play with 92 total penalties (averaging 4.4 per game). Vegas has a 5-4-2 record in road games and a 13-6-2 record overall. The Golden Knights have a 13-2-2 record in games they score at least three goals. Monday's game is the first time these teams meet this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Travis Konecny has 11 goals and 14 assists for the Flyers. Matvei Michkov has scored goals over the last 10 games. Pavel Dorofeyev has 10 goals and three assists for the Golden Knights. Alexander Holtz has scored goals over the past 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Flyers: 5-4-1, averaging 2.7 goals, five assists, 3.7 penalties and eight penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game. Golden Knights: 6-3-1, averaging 3.1 goals, 5.4 assists, 2.8 penalties and seven penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game. INJURIES: Flyers: None listed. Golden Knights: None listed. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar . The Associated Press
LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Austin Seibert choked back tears taking responsibility for missing the extra point that would have tied the score in the final minute. Jeremy Reaves choked back tears blaming himself for a missed assignment that led to a kickoff return touchdown. And John Bates choked back tears talking about moving forward from his costly fumble. All of those late mistakes contributed to the Washington Commanders' third consecutive loss , 34-26 to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday in a game that was wholly unremarkable until fourth quarter chaos. The teams combined to score 31 points in the final four minutes, the most in an NFL game in more than a decade, and the Commanders (7-5) came out on the wrong end of it in a defeat that further endangers their playoff chances. “Any time you lose a game or you lose a game in that type of fashion, it’s very difficult and it’s tough, but it never comes down to one play,” rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels said. “There’s plays throughout the game where little things add up to big things.” There were a lot of little things. After Bates fumbled, the Cowboys (4-7) took an 11-point lead and the Commanders made a 2-point conversion to cut the deficit to three, Dallas' KaVonte Turpin returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. “I didn’t make the play when it was there to make, and it cost us,” said Reaves, one of the league’s top special teams players and the All-Pro pick for that two seasons ago. “No excuse, man. I’ve made that play 100 times, and I didn’t make it today and it cost us the game. It’s unacceptable. It’s solely on me. It’s going to sting for a while. It’s going to hurt.” After Seibert made a 51-yard field goal, Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin on an 86-yard TD that made it 27-26 with 21 seconds left. Coach Dan Quinn said no thought was given to going for 2 in that situation. Seibert, who missed the past two games with a right hip injury, was wide left on the point-after attempt. “I just wasn’t striking it well,” said Seibert, who added he felt fine and did not blame a low snap for his miss. "It didn’t make a difference at all. It was on me.” Juanyeh Thomas returned the onside kick immediately after 43 yards for a touchdown to put Dallas up eight with 14 seconds left. The 31 combined points are the second most in a game since at least 2000, behind only Minnesota and Baltimore's 36 in their game Dec. 8, 2013. Cowboys-Commanders was the first game in the Super Bowl era to have two missed extra points, two kickoff return touchdowns and a blocked punt. “We got down to the end there and it was a game-situational extravaganza,” Dallas coach Mike McCarthy said. “It was like Yahtzee. Everything was in there." While Washington's skid continued, the Cowboys ended their losing streak at five thanks to strong play from QB Cooper Rush, a defense that forced two turnovers and, of course, special teams success. Rush was 24 of 32 for 247 yards and TD passes to Jalen Tolbert and Luke Schoonmaker. “Lot of games left,” Rush said. “We’re sitting at 4-7. This is why you play them.” The Commanders have some soul-searching to do after losing as a 10 1/2-point favorite in the meeting of NFC East rivals and doing so in a way that left players so emotional. “The crazy games, I know they feel a little bit better whenever you win them,” punter and holder Tress Way said. “But that’s a tough pill to swallow.” Cowboys: LG Tyler Smith was inactive with ankle and knee injuries. ... RG Zack Martin (ankle), CB Trevon Diggs (groin/knee) and TE Jake Ferguson (concussion) were ruled out prior to game day and did not travel for the game. Commanders: RB Austin Ekeler was concussed on a kickoff return in the final seconds and taken to a hospital for further evaluation. ... RB Brian Robinson Jr. left with an ankle injury in the first half, returned and then left again. ... RT Andrew Wylie was concussed in the third quarter and did not return. ... C Tyler Biadasz was evaluated for a concussion in the fourth. ... CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) missed a third consecutive game since being acquired at the trade deadline from New Orleans. Cowboys: Host the New York Giants on Thursday in the traditional Thanksgiving Day game in Dallas. Commanders: Host the Tennessee Titans next Sunday in Washington’s final game before its late bye week. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflIn another at-times ugly, grind-it-out game, the Minnesota Vikings once again found a way to come out on top, beating the Chicago Bears 30-27 in overtime on Sunday at Soldier Field. Justin Jefferson had just two catches for 27 yards, drawing double-teams all day, although he also coaxed two pass interference calls totaling 45 yards. However, the offense still was fine moving the ball. Jordan Addison had what is easily his best game of the season so far, tallying a career-high eight catches and 161 yards and a touchdown, and T.J. Hockenson added 115 yards on seven catches. Aaron Jones contributed 106 yards and a score on the ground plus three catches for 23 yards, and Sam Darnold finished 22-of-34 for 330 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Follow Inside the Vikings on Facebook Still, the Vikings had more missed opportunities on Sunday. The team had six trips to the red zone but fumbled one away and had to settle for field goals on two others. Minnesota also had three three-and-outs and a turnover on downs, in which the Vikings went for it on 4th-and-1 at Chicago's 36-yard line but went five wide receivers out wide and threw incomplete, failing to turn their lead into a three-score margin. On the ensuing drive, the Bears went 64 yards in 10 plays to cut the lead to eight. Defensively, it was a mixed bag for the Vikings. The unit forced four three-and-outs, a turnover on downs and blocked a field goal, but Chicago's offense also moved the ball well. Caleb Williams finished 30-of-44 for 330 yards and two touchdowns, ran for 32 more yards and diced the secondary up at times. Williams and the Bears had six passing plays of at least 15 yards against the Vikings. Then the Bears scored 11 points in 22 seconds. First, it was a last-minute touchdown and two-point conversion, and then a Vikings gaffe gave Chicago another chance. An onside kick went off tight end Johnny Mundt's foot as he blocked, allowing the Bears to recover. They then picked up 27 yards on one play to set up a game-tying 48-yard field goal, which Cairo Santos nailed to send the game to overtime. In the extra frame, Williams took a 12-yard sack and a delay of game, forcing Chicago to punt. The Vikings' drive started poorly, too, with Darnold taking a sack. However, from there, the team marched 75 yards over nine plays, capped off by a John Parker Romo game-winning field goal from 29 yards out. It wasn't pretty but the Vikings are 9-2 and remain just a game back of Detroit. Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
Seibert misses an extra point late as the Commanders lose their 3rd in a row, 34-26 to the CowboysCowboys win wild one vs. Commanders to halt five-game slideA graffiti attack has been condemned as the latest hate crime designed to strike fear into Jewish communities, as leaders worry about how the attacks could escalate. Login or signup to continue reading The overnight incident in Sydney's eastern suburbs is an "abhorrent anti-Semitic hate crime" following similar incidents across the country, the prime minister says. Graffiti including 'Kill Israiel' (sic) was sprayed on buildings and footpaths in Woollahra, a suburb known for its Jewish community, in the early hours of Wednesday. A car, believed to be stolen, which the perpetrators drove to the scene was set on fire on Magney Street, NSW police said. Resources have been increased as officers follow all leads, Commissioner Karen Webb told reporters. "What happened last night is disgusting, and there's no place for hate of this nature in Sydney or anywhere in Australia," she said. Premier Chris Minns said it was a hate crime. "A violent act of destruction, clearly anti-Semitic, designed to strike fear into the community that lives in this part of Sydney," he told reporters. The perpetrators, believed to be two males of slim build, aged between 15 and 20, wore face coverings and dark clothing. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was an "anti-Semitic attack". "This isn't an attack on a government, this is an attack on people because they happen to be Jewish," he told ABC radio. "This is a hate crime, it's as simple as that." Mr Albanese said the perpetrators committed "abhorrent criminal behaviour". "This does not change anything that is occurring on the ground in the Middle East," he said. "This is an attack against their fellow Australians." Foreign Minister Penny Wong said acts of hate had no place in Australia and anti-Semitism was condemned wherever it occurred. "Australian Jewish communities have a right to be and feel safe," she said on social media. The attack comes after the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea in Melbourne's southeast was set alight in a pre-dawn attack on Friday while a number of people were inside. Australian Federal Police have set up a special operation in response to the "likely" act of terrorism, which will investigate threats, violence and hatred towards the Jewish community and parliamentarians. It will also investigate Wednesday's attack, the second recent incident in Woollahra after buildings and vehicles were targeted in November. A ute was set on fire, and multiple cars, a restaurant and other buildings were graffitied with anti-Israel messages. Two men are in custody, charged over that attack. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said it was designed to terrorise Jewish Australians. "The Jewish community again wakes to scenes of terror and devastation," he said. "How long will this continue and with what horrors will it end?" Australian Associated Press DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. WEEKLY Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!
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Seibert misses an extra point late as the Commanders lose their 3rd in a row, 34-26 to the CowboysWashington (CNN) — Former President Bill Clinton was discharged from a hospital on Tuesday one day after being admitted for the flu, his office said. “President Clinton was discharged earlier today after being treated for the flu. He and his family are deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by the team at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and are touched by the kind messages and well wishes he received. He sends his warmest wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season to all,” his office said in a statement. This story is breaking and will be updated. The-CNN-Wire TM & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
BRUSSELS , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In an upcoming EU Reporter interview , M. Shigeo Katsu , Founding President of Nazarbayev University (NU) and a key architect of Kazakhstan's education reforms, will address the escalating scandal surrounding financial mismanagement at the country's flagship higher education institution. The crisis gained public attention following the announcement of the state audit results of Nazarbayev University. The revelations have sparked widespread concerns about transparency and oversight at one of Central Asia's most prestigious universities. Adding to the controversy are allegations of financial mismanagement involving the New Generation Foundation, the Jusan Group — entities originally established to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of NU and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS). Questions have also been raised about the state of affairs at NU's Social Development Fund. Reports suggest that funds may have been misappropriated, triggering outrage from students, educators, and civil society. In response, a student initiative group from Nazarbayev University issued an open letter demanding the release of both the state audit and NU's internal audit of the Social Development Fund. The letter also calls for greater accountability, enhanced transparency, and the protection of students' rights. This appeal reflects mounting frustration with the university's leadership and a growing demand for immediate corrective action. Shigeo Katsu's interview will shed light on these unfolding developments. As a former leader of NU, Katsu is uniquely positioned to analyze the root causes of the crisis, critique the university's response, and discuss the broader implications for Kazakhstan's education sector. The full interview can be found here: https://www.eureporter.co/kazakhstan-2/2024/12/23/the-battle-for-nazarbayev-universitys-future-shigeo-katsu-on-financial-mismanagement-and-accountability/ The Battle for Nazarbayev University's Future: Shigeo Katsu on Financial Mismanagement and Accountability In light of recent controversies surrounding the financial governance of Nazarbayev University (NU) and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS), an open letter from concerned students has surfaced, addressing the troubling mismanagement of funds and alleged conflicts of interest. The letter highlights a series of financial decisions that led to the unraveling of key institutions meant to ensure the long-term stability of NU and NIS. The students are particularly concerned about the fate of the Jusan Group and the Nazarbayev Fund (NGF), which were once positioned to secure the financial future of these two leading educational institutions. Instead, they allege that significant funds were misappropriated and whole organizations lost, leading to the collapse of what was once a promising financial structure. In response, Shigeo Katsu , the Founding President of Nazarbayev University, has also written an open letter , received by EU Reporter, addressing the ongoing crisis and providing his perspective on the unfolding situation. In his letter, Katsu outlines the rationale of engagement in the financial sector and the erosion of the initial vision for NU, highlighting the role of key financial institutions like Jusan Bank and the NGF in securing a stable future for the university and NIS. He draws attention to the series of decisions that led to the loss of the former and calls for urgent remedial actions to prevent further damage to the institutions' credibility and financial stability . In this exclusive interview with EU Reporter , Shigeo Katsu , the Founding President of Nazarbayev University, sheds light on these pressing issues. He discusses the audit findings, the role of Jusan Bank , and what must be done to restore trust and secure the future of NU and NIS. Bio: Mr. Shigeo Katsu is the Founding President of Nazarbayev University. He held the position of President from December 2010 until June 2023 . He was Chair of the Board of Trustees of an affiliated secondary school system, the Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, and of the University's hospital system. Prior to the assignments in Kazakhstan , over the course of a 30-year career at the World Bank, Mr. Shigeo Katsu held various positions including leading financial sector reform support for China , Director for Cote d'Ivoire , and Vice President for Europe and Central Asia . After his retirement from the World Bank, he served for a few years on the US board of a youth-oriented international development NGO. Between 2011 and 2015 he was an Advisory Panel member of the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO). Questions: - We have exclusively published your open letter and anticipate that it will generate a significant response. What drove you to write it, particularly in light of the misuse of funds intended to ensure the long-term financial stability of Nazarbayev University (NU) and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS)? The decision to write the open letter was not made lightly. It was driven by a profound sense of responsibility to the students, faculty, and broader community of Nazarbayev University (NU) and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS). These institutions were established with a vision to create world-class educational hubs in Kazakhstan and establish a center of excellence for academic research. Ensuring their financial independence and long-term stability is a core requirement to achieve the two institutions' mission. However, recent developments revealed through state and internal audits have exposed serious breaches of trust. The misuse of funds from entities like the University's Social Development Fund, New Generation Foundation, and Jusan Group directly threatens the sustainability of NU and NIS. These funds were meant to build up and guarantee the financial security of the institutions. Instead, we now see signs of embezzlement, mismanagement, and a concerning lack of accountability. The role played by key figures like the directors and executives of NGF, of Aslan Sarinzhipov (Executive Vice President of NU, a former Minister of Education) and Kadisha Dairova (Vice President for Student Affairs and International Cooperation, Nazarbayev University) only adds to the gravity of the situation. By writing the letter, my goal was to bring transparency to the issue and to mobilize public attention and international scrutiny. NU and NIS were founded on principles of meritocracy, transparency, and academic freedom. If we allow these values to be compromised, we risk undoing more than a decade of progress. The letter serves as a call for accountability, reform, and most importantly, protection of the future of Kazakhstan's youth. - Many students and alumni of NU have expressed their concern over the lowering of admission standards and the shift away from international standards. How do you assess these changes, and do you see them as diverging from the original vision for NU? NU was conceived as a model of excellence , designed to meet international standards in research, teaching, and governance. One of its founding principles was merit-based admission , which ensured that students were selected solely based on their ability and potential. This meritocratic foundation was not only an academic principle but a reflection of NU's mission to transform Kazakhstan's education system. Students, alumni, faculty and staff have worked hard to build NU's name. Now students, alumni and parents are rightly concerned that the lowering of admission standards undermines this mission and risks eroding the university's reputation both domestically and internationally. Such changes create the perception that NU is moving away from its original vision of being a world-class institution. To restore confidence, NU must reaffirm its commitment to international standards, transparency, and academic rigor. Reverting to merit-based admissions and prioritizing excellence will send a clear message that the institution remains steadfast in its mission. In the Open Letter, I stated that in theory, a policy of opening the entry door wider, but then be resolutely strict in terms of progression and graduation based on academic integrity and merit could work. There are some cases globally. However, it can only work if there is a full commitment to integrity and merit, openness and transparency, and NU's original values are upheld. But unfortunately, what I have observed and heard about recent developments at NU does not make me optimistic. While administration is supposedly in a belt-tightening mode, new senior positions were created and filled with scant regard for a proper hiring process and qualification. Conflict of interest and restrictions on hiring family members have been discarded. These are just a few of the institutional changes that will inevitably bleed over into the academic fabric as well. Is this the example that senior management wants to present to our students? - Do you believe the current situation, where the financial foundations like the Social Development Fund and New Generation Foundation were mismanaged, reflects a broader crisis within Kazakhstan's governance and democracy? Absolutely, but to be fair, this corporate governance crisis is not just limited to Kazakhstan . The findings of the internal audit conducted by NU on the Social Development Fund (SDF) reveal a systemic absence of check and balances and accountability that extends beyond these institutions. Mismanagement and theft, such as those involving Aslan Sarinzhipov , have not only undermined NU and NIS but also shaken public trust in Kazakhstan's leadership. The financial institutions linked to NU and NIS—Nazarbayev Fund, New Generation Foundation, and Jusan Group — were designed to guarantee long-term financial stability for education in Kazakhstan , securing the futures of NU and NIS for decades. However, NGF and Jusan Group's systematic depletion and dismantling highlight the country's struggle with accountability and the need for deep structural reform. This mismanagement reflects broader governance failings—particularly a lack of oversight, transparency, and mechanisms to prevent conflicts of interest. I cannot pronounce myself on the current status of the NF, but I would not be surprised if one discovers similar shortcomings there as well. I had called for an audit for some time until my departure but was not successful. The impact extends beyond education, affecting the economic and social fabric of Kazakhstan . Addressing these issues requires not just reforms within these organizations but also a renewed commitment to governance, accountability, and emphasis on establishing the rule of law. - With the financial stability once promised by entities like the NGF now in jeopardy, how do you envision NU's future without those foundational guarantees? The original intent of the Nazarbayev Fund, New Generation Foundation, and Jusan Group was to provide NU and NIS with long-term financial stability. These entities were carefully designed to ensure that Kazakhstan's leading educational institutions could eventually operate in a manner less affected by state budget fluctuations. However, as the audits reveal, these institutions have been systematically mismanaged and looted, jeopardizing the financial future of NU and NIS. NU's survival and success now depend on a bold and transparent strategy. The first step is to rebuild trust with the public, students, and alumni by publishing the findings of both the state audit of NU and the internal audit of SDF. Then, those responsible are held accountable. Financially, NU must re-establish a diversified funding model. This includes rebuilding its endowments and enhancing additional revenue streams, such as a logical and sound tuition policy, executive education and collaboration with industry and business in the form of contract research. Transparency and governance reform will be key to attract donors and investors who believe in NU's mission and potential. - The Supreme Audit Chamber of Kazakhstan , in its state audit, reported the mismanagement of 73.5 billion tenge at Nazarbayev University , as well as allegations of half a billion tenge being used illegally. What is your opinion on this, and how should the university address governance and corruption issues? I have not had the opportunity to access the state audit report, thus it is difficult to comment. If the cited amount in mismanagement of 73.5 billion tenge over six years is true, it is scandalous. However, we do not know what the auditors' definition and criteria of mismanagement is. So, let's first find out what the report actually says. What is clear, however, is the outcome of a 2023 internal audit of NU's Social Development Fund (SDF) , and it is sobering. This SDF audit reveals a blatant disregard of corporate governance principles, where individuals entrusted with university resources prioritized personal gain over the mission of NU. The audit revealed that SDF management led by current NU Executive Vice President Aslan Sarinzhipov constructed an intricate web of subsidiary entities, including abroad, to systematically evade the oversight and control of the University. Funds ( over 14 billion tenge ) meant to assist students and faculty were used for personal gains of Aslan Sarinzhipov and questionable deals. Unfortunately, NU senior officials such as Vice President Kadisha Dairova participated in such schemes. When I voiced my concern earlier over the developments at NU, it is largely because of the track record of senior officials there. For NU to move forward, it must adopt zero-tolerance policies for corruption, demand accountability from those responsible, and reform its governance structures to ensure transparency. - Why do some claim there is a lack of funds for NU and NIS, despite the promises of financial stability from their endowment funds? The claim of a lack of funds is a direct consequence of the systematic looting of resources from the New Generation Foundation and Jusan Group. These entities were explicitly designed to contribute to NU and NIS' long-term financial sustainability against the backdrop of reduced state funding. However, as I described in my Open Letter, these innovative financial structures have been undermined by mismanagement, and outright theft. For instance: Rebuilding financial stability will require recovering stolen assets, reforming governance structures, and restoring public trust through full transparency and accountability. - Given the scale of financial mismanagement, what steps are necessary to ensure accountability for those involved, including senior officials? Accountability must begin with transparency. First, all findings from the audits should be made public, and independent investigations should be conducted to identify those responsible. No individual, regardless of rank or influence, should be above scrutiny. Second, legal consequences must follow where wrongdoing is found. Kazakhstan's legal system must demonstrate its independence and commitment to justice by prosecuting those who exploited these funds. Finally, governance reforms are essential. NU and its associated entities must implement stricter checks and balances, including external audits, whistleblower protections, and oversight committees with independent members. These steps are not just about rectifying past mistakes—they're about ensuring a future where such mismanagement cannot happen again. - The audit findings were just the beginning of uncovering deeper issues. Is there more information you can share about how these financial foundations were exploited and what this means for the future of NU and NIS? The patterns that have emerged—opaque transactions, conflicts of interest, and questionable settlements—are deeply troubling. For instance, the transfer of assets to private hands under unclear terms raises red flags about the intentions behind such decisions. This exploitation puts the futures of NU and NIS at risk. These institutions were designed to be financially independent, insulated from political and economic volatility. The weakening of their financial foundations erodes their ability to deliver on their missions and betrays the trust of the Kazakhstani people, who have invested in these institutions through their taxes. The way forward requires not just recovering lost assets but rebuilding the governance systems that allowed this exploitation to occur. - Nazarbayev University was founded with a mission to serve as a model for higher education in Kazakhstan , supported by funds like those from the Nazarbayev Fund and New Generation Foundation. What was your original vision for the university, and how did these funds play a critical role in realizing that vision? The vision for NU was bold: to create an institution that could compete with the best universities in the world while serving as a model for higher education reform in Kazakhstan . From day one, we envisioned NU as a hub for innovation, research, and leadership development—a place where the brightest minds could come together to solve the challenges of tomorrow. However, one should not forget that universities, in particular research universities, are a long-term endeavor. They are meant to educate and develop generations upon generations of leaders and professionals in a broad range of sectors, and thus contribute to the scientific, economic, and societal wealth of countries. Building a strong institution that can meet the test of time requires long-term and unwavering commitments to foundational values such as integrity, meritocracy, excellence, openness and transparency. But of course, strong financial support from government and other stakeholders is needed, especially in the first decades. Thus, it was understood that NU would be dependent on state funding (through education grants and capital investments) for the initial decades of its existence, while in the meantime it would develop other sources of financing such as through endowment funds, tuition, and contract research. The Nazarbayev Fund, NGF and the Jusan Group were integral parts of this vision. This overall construct allowed us to recruit world-class faculty, develop state-of-the-art facilities, and provide scholarships to talented students, many from underprivileged backgrounds. These resources weren't just financial—they were a vote of confidence in NU's mission and a recognition of the transformative power of education. The loss of these resources is a significant setback, but I do hope that NU can recover. The university must focus on rebuilding trust with its stakeholders—students, faculty, alumni, and the public. This starts with transparency in financial management and governance. Diversifying funding sources will be crucial. This includes rebuilding its endowments, engaging with the philanthropic community, and developing innovative revenue streams. But most importantly, NU must stay true to its mission and values. Financial stability is important, but it must never come at the cost of compromising the university's integrity or academic excellence. Restoring NU's credibility begins with transparency. For instance, the university must share the audit report with stakeholders, and openly address any major shortcomings highlighted in the audit, including financial mismanagement and governance failures. An independent investigation, followed by public disclosure of findings, will demonstrate a commitment to accountability. Next, an affirmation of NU's commitment to its foundational values and principles is needed. Next, institutional reforms are essential. This includes introducing stronger oversight mechanisms for financial and administrative processes, ensuring that governance boards are staffed with individuals of the highest integrity and independence, and that management, faculty and staff are recruited on the basis of transparency and merit. Fourth, NU must recommit itself to its founding mission of academic excellence. This means maintaining rigorous admission standards, prioritizing high-quality faculty recruitment, and fostering research that addresses national and global challenges. And finally, engaging the NU community—students, faculty, alumni, and parents—in shaping the university's path forward is critical. A transparent, inclusive process will rebuild trust and reaffirm NU's position as a leader in higher education. Educational reform is not just critical—it is foundational to Kazakhstan's economic recovery and long-term stability. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in education systems worldwide, but it also underscored the importance of adaptability, innovation, and resilience. For Kazakhstan , investing in education means investing in the future. A well-educated population is essential for diversifying the economy, attracting foreign investment, and fostering innovation. Institutions like NU and NIS must lead the way by setting benchmarks for quality and demonstrating the value of education in driving economic progress. Moreover, reform must focus on equity. Expanding access to high-quality education for students from socially vulnerable backgrounds will ensure that economic recovery benefits all segments of society, not just the privileged few. - How do you see the role of institutions like NU and NIS in not only providing quality education but also contributing to economic growth in Kazakhstan , especially when financial stability is threatened? NU and NIS are more than educational institutions—they are catalysts for economic growth and social development. By equipping students with critical thinking skills, technical expertise, and a global perspective, they prepare the workforce needed to diversify Kazakhstan's economy. Their impact extends beyond classrooms. NU's research contributes to solving national challenges in areas like energy, healthcare, and technology. Meanwhile, NIS fosters innovation and leadership at the secondary education level, creating a pipeline of talent that benefits universities and industries alike. To sustain this role, NU and NIS must secure their financial stability. This includes strengthening governance, diversifying funding sources, and forging partnerships with the private sector and international organizations. These institutions are vital to Kazakhstan's future, and their success is intertwined with the country's broader economic ambitions. - Could the model used by NU and supported by the Nazarbayev Fund be applied in other countries, or does it require a uniquely Kazakh approach to work effectively? The NU model is innovative, but its core principles—integrity, meritocracy, autonomy, and a focus on global best practices—are universally applicable. Many countries could benefit from establishing institutions that prioritize excellence and align with international standards. That said, successful implementation depends on adapting the model to local contexts. Kazakhstan's approach benefited from strong initial financial and political backing, and a vision that emphasized independence from political and state bureaucratic interference. Replicating this requires careful consideration of governance structures, funding mechanisms, autonomy and other values, and cultural factors. In countries where philanthropic traditions or financial resources are limited, the model may need to rely more on public-private partnerships or international collaborations. Ultimately, the NU experience demonstrates that ambitious goals in education are achievable with the right vision, leadership, and long-term commitment support. - What lessons do you hope others will learn from the experience of the NGF, Jusan Bank , and the financial turmoil at NU? The story of NU and its financial affiliates offers a critical lesson: no institution, no matter how noble its mission, is immune to mismanagement and corruption without strong governance. NU and NIS' financial pillars, namely the Nazarbayev Fund, NGF, Jusan Group, but also the SDF and NIS' Corporate Development Fund were designed to guarantee long-term financial sustainability, yet their exploitation demonstrates how quickly trust can be eroded when transparency and accountability are neglected. For any endowment fund or financial institution, the following lessons are clear: NU's experience is a cautionary tale but also an opportunity. By addressing these failures head-on, NU can emerge as a model for how institutions can learn from adversity and rebuild stronger than before. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nazarbayev-university-crisis-shigeo-katsu-demands-audit-transparency-302338886.html SOURCE EU Reporter
Seibert misses an extra point late as the Commanders lose their 3rd in a row, 34-26 to the Cowboys LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game with 21 seconds left after Washington’s Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin connected on an 86-yard touchdown, Dallas’ Juanyeh Thomas returned the ensuing onside kick attempt for a touchdown, and the Cowboys pulled out a 34-26 victory Sunday that extended the Commanders’ skid to three games. Seibert was wide left on the point-after attempt following a bad snap. On the ensuing onside kick attempt, Juanyeh Thomas returned it 43 yards for a touchdown as the Cowboys ended their losing streak at five in improbable fashion. Earlier in the fourth quarter, KaVonte Turpin returned a kickoff 99 yards for a TD. Sam Darnold leads game-winning drive in OT and Vikings beat Bears 30-27 after blowing late lead CHICAGO (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for 90 of his 330 yards in overtime to set up Parker Romo’s game-ending 29-yard field goal, and the Minnesota Vikings outlasted the Chicago Bears 30-27 after giving up 11 points in the final 22 seconds of regulation. Darnold threw two touchdown passes, Jordan Addison caught eight passes for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown, and T.J. Hockenson had 114 yards receiving for the Vikings, who remained one game behind Detroit in the rugged NFC North. Caleb Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns for the Bears, who lost their fifth straight. Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs win at the buzzer again, topping Panthers 30-27 on Shrader's field goal CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 269 yards and three touchdowns, Spencer Shrader kicked a 31-yard field goal as time expired and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Carolina Panthers 30-27 to reach double-digit wins for the 10th straight season. The Chiefs bounced back from last week’s 30-21 loss at Buffalo and won at the buzzer yet again in a season of narrow escapes. Noah Brown caught two TD passes and DeAndre Hopkins also had a touchdown catch. Bryce Young finished 21 of 35 for 262 yards and a touchdown for the Panthers, who had their two-game winning streak snapped. No. 1 South Carolina women stunned by fifth-ranked UCLA 77-62, ending Gamecocks' 43-game win streak LOS ANGELES (AP) — Londynn Jones scored 15 points and fifth-ranked UCLA stunned No. 1 South Carolina 77-62. The Gamecocks' overall 43-game winning streak and their run of 33 consecutive road victories were snapped. The Gamecocks, who fell to 5-1, lost for the first time since April 2023. Te-Hina Paopao scored 18 points for South Carolina. The Bruins knocked off a No. 1 team for the first time in school history. The Bruins dominated from start to finish and their defense prevented the Gamecocks from making any sustained scoring runs. AP Top 25: Alabama, Mississippi out of top 10 and Miami, SMU are in; Oregon remains unanimous No. 1 Alabama and Mississippi tumbled out of the top 10 of The Associated Press college football poll and Miami and SMU moved in following a chaotic weekend in the SEC. Oregon is No. 1 for the sixth straight week and Ohio State, Texas and Penn State held their places behind the Ducks. The shuffling begins at No. 5, where Notre Dame returned for the first time since Week 2 after beating Army for its ninth straight win. No. 6 Georgia moved up two spots, No. 7 Tennessee and No. 8 Miami rose three and No. 9 SMU jumped four places. Indiana dropped from No. 5 to No. 10 following its first loss. Thitikul finishes eagle-birdie to win CME Group Tour Championship and claim record $4M prize NAPLES, Fla. (AP) — Down by two shots with two holes to play, Jeeno Thitikul knew exactly what was needed to capture the biggest prize in women’s golf history. And a eagle-birdie finish for the second straight day made it happen. Thitikul claimed the record-setting $4 million first-place check by winning the CME Group Tour Championship on Sunday. It was the biggest money prize in women’s golf history. Thitikul shot a 7-under 65 on Sunday and finished the week at 22 under, one shot ahead of Angel Yin (66). Yin had a two-shot lead walking to the 17th tee, only to wind up settling for the $1 million runner-up check. From Maui to the Caribbean, college hoops' Thanksgiving tournaments a beloved part of the sport College basketball is ready for its Thanksgiving Week closeup. The schedule is full of early season tournaments that could create buzzworthy marquee matchups. And many of those come in warm-weather locations. The Maui Invitational in Hawaii turns 40 years old this year. It opens Monday with a field that includes two-time reigning national champion and second ranked UConn. The Battle 4 Atlantis men's tournament in the Bahamas opens Wednesday. It has a field topped by No. 3 Gonzaga. There are also multiple women's events in the Bahamas featuring ranked teams, including the fourth Atlantis women's tournament. Jannik Sinner leads Italy past the Netherlands for its second consecutive Davis Cup title MALAGA, Spain (AP) — Jannik Sinner clinched Italy's second consecutive Davis Cup title and capped his breakthrough season at the top of tennis by beating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (2), 6-2 for a 2-0 win over the Netherlands in the final of the team competition in Malaga, Spain. Matteo Berrettini won Sunday's opening singles match 6-4, 6-2 against Botic van de Zandschulp. The Italians are the first country to win the Davis Cup twice in a row since the Czech Republic in 2012 and 2013. The No. 1-ranked Sinner stretched his unbeaten streak in singles to 14 matches and 26 sets. Netherlands reached the Davis Cup final for the first time. Verstappen still manages to win 4th straight F1 title in one of worst seasons of his Red Bull career LAS VEGAS (AP) — Max Verstappen won an unbelievable 19 races last season that included an incredible streak of 10 in a row in what would arguably go down as one of the greatest years in Formula 1 history. And yet it is this year’s eight-win season — his lowest victory total since 2020 — that Verstappen considers a career-defining campaign. Those eight wins were enough to win him a fourth consecutive F1 championship on Saturday night with his easy drive at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The championship made Verstappen only the sixth driver in F1 history to win four or more titles. Maverick McNealy birdies the last hole at Sea Island to finally become PGA Tour winner ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (AP) — Maverick McNealy is finally a winner on the PGA Tour, and it took a shot he won't soon forget. McNealy was part of a four-way tie for the lead when he drilled a 6-iron to 5 feet on the final hole at Sea Island for birdie and a 68. That gave him a one-shot victory over Daniel Berger, Nico Echavarria and Florida State sophomore Luke Clanton. Berger and Henrik Norlander moved into the top 125 to keep full PGA Tour cards for next year. Clanton continued to show his promise. It was his second runner-up finish and fourth top 10 this year.
Manchester City, on the other hand, could target La Liga stars such as Darwin Nunez of Benfica and Dusan Vlahovic of Fiorentina as potential striking options. Both young forwards have showcased their goal-scoring prowess and could provide the cutting edge that Manchester City have been missing in Aguero's absence. In defense, players like Pervis Estupinan of Villarreal and Robin Le Normand of Real Sociedad offer quality alternatives to shore up Manchester City's backline.
As he entered adulthood, Booker's star continued to rise. He secured a scholarship to a prestigious university, where he studied a subject he was passionate about. He started to make a name for himself in his chosen field, earning accolades and recognition for his innovative ideas and hard work. Opportunities seemed to fall into his lap effortlessly, and success appeared to be his for the taking.The conflicting narratives surrounding the case have left both the authorities and the public in a state of confusion and uncertainty. The investigation into the student's disappearance and subsequent reappearance is ongoing, with investigators working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind this baffling mystery.
Byfield scores in 200th career game as Kings hold off Kraken for 2-1 winA fugitive gains fame in New Orleans eluding dart guns and nets
Dow ends at fresh record as weak eurozone data hits euroThe significance of the ruby slippers extends far beyond their aesthetic appeal. They represent a symbol of hope, magic, and the power of believing in oneself. In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy's journey to the Emerald City and back home to Kansas is guided by the magic of the ruby slippers, which have the power to transport her wherever she wishes to go. The shoes serve as a reminder that with courage, determination, and a little bit of magic, anything is possible.With a keen eye for detail and a passion for authenticity, the creators of "Ming Dynasty Reimagined" have spared no expense in recreating the splendor of this iconic period in Chinese history. From elaborate costumes to intricately designed sets, every aspect of the production is crafted with precision and care to ensure a truly immersive experience for viewers.
The influx of nearly 350 native applications onto the HarmonyOS platform highlights the growing interest and investment from developers and businesses in Fujian. These applications cover a wide range of categories, including productivity tools, entertainment services, lifestyle apps, and more, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of users in the region.Jason Kelce's wife announces she is pregnant with the couple's fourth child Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce's wife is announcing she's pregnant with the couple's fourth child. Kylie Kelce posted a photo on Instagram on Friday of the couple's three young daughters reacting to the news. The oldest daughter, Wyatt, appears to be cupping her head in shock. The middle daughter, Ellioette, is smiling. The youngest, Bennett, is in tears. A caption attached to the photo reads: “I feel like we captured a very accurate representation of how each of the girls feel about getting another sister. At least Ellie, mom and dad are on the same page!” Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in UAE is missing. Israeli officials fear he may have been kidnapped DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in the United Arab Emirates has gone missing, with Israeli authorities raising the suspicion he may have been kidnapped as tensions remain high with Iran. The Israeli prime minister’s office said that Zvi Kogan has been missing since noon Thursday. It said that against the backdrop of information that this was a terrorist incident, an extensive investigation has been opened in the country. Emirati officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. State-run media in the UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula and home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, did not immediately report the incident. Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Officer kills pet dog mistaken for a coyote in Massachusetts town. The owner says it was unnecessary An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Police in Northbridge, Massachusetts, say the shooting happened on Tuesday after police received a call of a report of a coyote in a residential backyard. Police say the animal control officer went into the woods to look for the coyote and found what they thought was the animal in a threatening position and shot it. The incident happened as communities around Massachusetts and the country have dealt with an uptick in interactions between coyotes and people. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program.
The second meeting of the fourth session of the third Telangana Legislative Assembly is scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m. The Speaker convenes the session under the second proviso of Rule 16 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business. According to the official sources, Secretary to the State Legislature, V. Narasimha Charyulu, has formally communicated to all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), requesting their attendance for the session. It is understood that the Assembly is expected to pay homage to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26. Dr. Singh, a distinguished economist and statesman, served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and was widely respected for his contributions to the country’s economic and political landscape. Published - December 28, 2024 11:00 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit
In conclusion, Fat Dong's future plan to allow employees to work 5 hours a day in response to high customer flow is a proactive and forward-thinking strategy that prioritizes both employee well-being and customer satisfaction. By optimizing our operations, adjusting our business hours, and fostering a positive work environment, we are committed to delivering an exceptional dining experience for all our patrons. We look forward to implementing these changes and continuing to exceed expectations as a leading restaurant in the industry.We love this budget-friendly office chair's breathability — and it's over $100 off right nowNDC Pretending Not to Know About Thugs Burning Pink Sheets in Dome-KwabenyaSuspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO struggles, shouts while entering courthouse ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO struggled with deputies and shouted while arriving for a court appearance in Pennsylvania a day after he was arrested at a McDonald’s and charged with murder. Luigi Nicholas Mangione emerged from a patrol car, spun toward reporters and shouted something partly unintelligible while deputies pushed him inside Tuesday. At the brief hearing, the defense lawyer informed the court that Mangione would not waive extradition to New York but instead wants a hearing on the issue. Mangione was denied bail. Brian Thompson, who led the United States’ largest medical insurance company, was killed last Wednesday as he walked alone to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. From wealth and success to murder suspect, the life of Luigi Mangione took a hard turn Luigi Nicholas Mangione was apparently living a charmed one: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation’s top private universities. Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-od Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy.” Pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties. Now, investigators are working to piece together why Mangione diverged from a path of seeming success to make the violent and radical decision to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. Key details about the man accused of killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO The 26-year-old man charged in last week’s killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO in New York City has appeared in a Pennsylvania courtroom. Luigi Nicholas Mangione was arrested Monday after a worker at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, notified police that he resembled the suspect in last Wednesday's killing of Brian Thompson. While being led into court to be arraigned Tuesday, Mangione shouted something that was partly unintelligible but referred to an “insult to the intelligence of the American people.” During the hearing in Hollidaysburg, Mangione was denied bail and his attorney said Mangione would not waive extradition. DA suggests unusual idea for halting Trump’s hush money case while upholding his conviction NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors are trying to preserve President-elect Donald Trump’s hush money conviction as he returns to office, and they're suggesting various ways forward. One novel notion is based on how some courts handle criminal cases when defendants die. In court papers made public on Tuesday, the Manhattan district attorney’s office proposed an array of options for keeping the historic conviction on the books. The proposals included freezing the case until he’s out of office, or agreeing that any future sentence wouldn’t include jail time. Another idea: closing the case with a notation that acknowledges his conviction but says that he was never sentenced and that his appeal wasn’t resolved because of presidential immunity. There's no immediate response from Trump's lawyers. Middle East latest: Israel bombs hundreds of sites across Syria as army pushes into border zone Israel says it bombed more than 350 military sites in Syria during the previous 48 hours, targeting “most of the strategic weapons stockpiles” in the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the wave of strikes was necessary to keep the weapons from being used against Israel following the Syrian government’s stunning collapse. Israel also acknowledged its troops were pushing into a border buffer zone inside Syria, which was established after the 1973 Mideast war. However, Israel denied its forces were advancing Tuesday toward the Syrian capital of Damascus. Life in the capital was slowly returning to normal. People celebrated for a third day in a main square, and shops and banks reopened. Donald Trump is returning to the world stage. So is his trolling NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s recent dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his visit to Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral were not just exercises in policy and diplomacy. For Trump, they were also prime trolling opportunities. Throughout his first term in the White House and his recent campaign to return there, the Republican has dished out provocative, antagonizing and mocking statements. Now that’s he’s preparing to return to the Oval Office, Trump is back at it, and his trolling is attracting more attention — and eyerolls. Report on attempts to kill Trump urges Secret Service to limit protection of foreign leaders WASHINGTON (AP) — A congressional task force looking into the assassination attempts against Donald Trump during his presidential campaign is recommending changes to the Secret Service. These include protecting fewer foreign leaders during the height of the election season and considering moving the agency out of the Department of Homeland Security. The 180-page report was released Tuesday. It constitutes one of the most detailed looks so far into the July 13 assassination attempt against Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania and a second one in Florida two months later. South Korea's ex-defense minister is formally arrested over brief imposition of martial law SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea's previous defense minister has been formally arrested over his alleged collusion with President Yoon Suk Yeol and others in imposing martial law last week. Kim Yong Hyun resigned last week and has been detained since Sunday. He is the first person arrested in the case. Prosecutors have up to 20 days to determine whether to indict him. A conviction on the charge of playing a key role in rebellion carries the maximum death sentence. Kim is accused of recommending martial law to Yoon and sending troops to the National Assembly to block lawmakers from voting on it. Homes burn as wind-driven wildfire prompts evacuations in Malibu, California MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — Thousands of Southern California residents are under evacuation orders and warnings as firefighters battle a wind-driven wildfire in Malibu. The flames burned near seaside mansions and Pepperdine University, where students sheltering at the school’s library on Monday night watched as the blaze intensified. Officials on Tuesday said a “minimal number” of homes burned, but the exact amount wasn’t immediately known. More than 8,100 homes and other structures are under threat, including more than 2,000 where residents have been ordered to evacuate. Pepperdine University on Tuesday morning said the worst of the fire has pushed past campus. It was not immediately known how the blaze started. More beans and less red meat: Nutrition experts weigh in on US dietary guidelines Americans should eat more beans, peas and lentils and cut back on red and processed meats and starchy vegetables. That's advice from a panel of nutrition experts charged with counseling the U.S. government about the next edition of the dietary guidelines. The panel did not weigh in on the growing role of ultraprocessed foods that have been linked to health problems or alcohol use. But they did say people should continue to limit added sugars, sodium and saturated fat in pursuit of a healthy diet. Tuesday’s recommendations now go to federal officials, who will draft the final guidance set for release next year.
Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce wear matching outfits on romantic date night Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift spotted holding hands amid engagement rumours Taylor Swift told Travis Kelce ‘Welcome to New York’ with a romantic dinner date as they reunited after his Christmas day match. The lovebirds, both 35, were seen sporting coordinating brown outfits as they arrived at BondST Restaurant in New York City on Friday, December 27th, as seen in fan-posted social media pcitures. The pop superstar appeared bejeweled in a tweed Stella McCartney blazer over a black minidress, paired with diamond-patterned Sheertax black tights and matching platform boots from Versace. While the Kansas City Chiefs tight end wore a matching tan cardigan and khaki pants with a dark-toned shirt and a black baseball cap. The pair were seen holding hands as they ascended and descended the stairs at the restaurant. The Anti-Hero hitmaker and NFL star also met up her longtime friend and creative partner Jack Antonoff and his wife Margaret Qualley, making it into a double date. The adorable couple, who are currently facing fans’ questions about engagement, started dating last year. They made their relationship public when she arrived to support her at a Chiefs game last fall. Swift told TIME of the occasion in December 2023, “By the time I went to that first game, we were a couple. I think some people think that they saw our first date at that game. We would never be psychotic enough to hard launch a first date,” she said. “When you say a relationship is public, that means I’m going to see him do what he loves, we’re showing up for each other, other people are there and we don’t care.” ‘Gossip Girl’ star Chanel Maya takes legal action against family Dani Dyer, Jarrod Bowen set to reveal biggest exciting news Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce spotted on double date with close friends Justin Bieber hints at struggles with faith amid Sean Diddy dramaAirship AI Holdings, Inc. ( NASDAQ:AISP – Get Free Report ) shot up 7.2% on Thursday . The company traded as high as $6.22 and last traded at $5.94. 2,177,096 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 20% from the average session volume of 2,728,073 shares. The stock had previously closed at $5.54. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Benchmark reaffirmed a “buy” rating and set a $6.00 target price on shares of Airship AI in a report on Tuesday, November 19th. Read Our Latest Report on Airship AI Airship AI Trading Down 2.6 % Insider Transactions at Airship AI In other news, CTO Yanda Ma sold 30,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $3.39, for a total value of $101,700.00. Following the transaction, the chief technology officer now directly owns 60,000 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $203,400. The trade was a 33.33 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link . 57.90% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Airship AI Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. State Street Corp lifted its stake in Airship AI by 54.2% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 128,685 shares of the company’s stock valued at $296,000 after buying an additional 45,247 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in shares of Airship AI by 1,982.9% in the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 27,411 shares of the company’s stock valued at $63,000 after acquiring an additional 26,095 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Airship AI by 12.1% during the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 199,701 shares of the company’s stock valued at $459,000 after acquiring an additional 21,616 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in Airship AI by 70.6% during the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 29,507 shares of the company’s stock worth $68,000 after acquiring an additional 12,214 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 5.89% of the company’s stock. Airship AI Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Airship AI Holdings, Inc offers AI-driven video, sensor, and data management surveillance platform in the United States. The company provides Airship Acropolis OS, an IP and analog video surveillance; Airship Command, a suite of visualization tools that allows users to view data and evidence ingested from the edge; and Airship Outpost for high-definition recording with user defined low-bit rate video stream encoding. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Airship AI Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Airship AI and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
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By Vanessa G. Sánchez, KFF Health News (TNS) LOS ANGELES — President-elect Donald Trump’s promise of mass deportations and tougher immigration restrictions is deepening mistrust of the health care system among California’s immigrants and clouding the future for providers serving the state’s most impoverished residents. At the same time, immigrants living illegally in Southern California told KFF Health News they thought the economy would improve and their incomes might increase under Trump, and for some that outweighed concerns about health care. Community health workers say fear of deportation is already affecting participation in Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program for low-income residents, which was expanded in phases to all immigrants regardless of residency status over the past several years. That could undercut the state’s progress in reducing the uninsured rate, which reached a record low of 6.4% last year. Immigrants lacking legal residency have long worried that participation in government programs could make them targets, and Trump’s election has compounded those concerns, community advocates say. The incoming Trump administration is also expected to target Medicaid with funding cuts and enrollment restrictions , which activists worry could threaten the Medi-Cal expansion and kneecap efforts to extend health insurance subsidies under Covered California to all immigrants. “The fear alone has so many consequences to the health of our communities,” said Mar Velez , director of policy with the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California. “This is, as they say, not their first rodeo. They understand how the system works. I think this machine is going to be, unfortunately, a lot more harmful to our communities.” Alongside such worries, though, is a strain of optimism that Trump might be a boon to the economy, according to interviews with immigrants in Los Angeles whom health care workers were soliciting to sign up for Medi-Cal. Since Election Day, community health worker Yanet Martinez said, people are more reluctant to hear her pitch for subsidized health insurance or cancer prevention screenings. “They think I’m going to share their information to deport them,” Martinez said. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Clinics and community health workers encourage immigrants to enroll for health coverage through Medi-Cal and Covered California. But workers have noticed that fear of deportation has chilled participation. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Community health workers like Yanet Martinez encourage people to enroll for health benefits. But many California immigrants fear that using subsidized services could hurt their chances of obtaining legal residency. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Since Election Day, community health worker Yanet Martinez said, people are more reluctant to hear her pitch for subsidized health insurance or cancer prevention screenings. “They think I’m going to share their information to deport them,” Martinez said. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Selvin, 39, who, like others interviewed for this article, asked to be identified by only his first name because he’s living here without legal permission, said that even though he believes Trump dislikes people like him, he thinks the new administration could help boost his hours at the food processing facility where he works packing noodles. “I do see how he could improve the economy. From that perspective, I think it’s good that he won.” He became eligible for Medi-Cal this year but decided not to enroll, worrying it could jeopardize his chances of changing his immigration status. “I’ve thought about it,” Selvin said, but “I feel like it could end up hurting me. I won’t deny that, obviously, I’d like to benefit — get my teeth fixed, a physical checkup.” But fear holds him back, he said, and he hasn’t seen a doctor in nine years. It’s not Trump’s mass deportation plan in particular that’s scaring him off, though. “If I’m not committing any crimes or getting a DUI, I think I won’t get deported,” Selvin said. Petrona, 55, came from El Salvador seeking asylum and enrolled in Medi-Cal last year. She said that if her health insurance benefits were cut, she wouldn’t be able to afford her visits to the dentist. A street food vendor, she hears often about Trump’s deportation plan, but she said it will be the criminals the new president pushes out. “I’ve heard people say he’s going to get rid of everyone who’s stealing.” Although she’s afraid she could be deported, she’s also hopeful about Trump. “He says he’s going to give a lot of work to Hispanics because Latinos are the ones who work the hardest,” she said. “That’s good, more work for us, the ones who came here to work.” Newly elected Republican Assembly member Jeff Gonzalez, who flipped a seat long held by Democrats in the Latino-heavy desert region in the southeastern part of the state, said his constituents were anxious to see a new economic direction. “They’re just really kind of fed up with the status quo in California,” Gonzalez said. “People on the ground are saying, ‘I’m hopeful,’ because now we have a different perspective. We have a businessperson who is looking at the very things that we are looking at, which is the price of eggs, the price of gas, the safety.” Gonzalez said he’s not going to comment about potential Medicaid cuts, because Trump has not made any official announcement. Unlike most in his party, Gonzalez said he supports the extension of health care services to all residents regardless of immigration status . Health care providers said they are facing a twin challenge of hesitancy among those they are supposed to serve and the threat of major cuts to Medicaid, the federal program that provides over 60% of the funding for Medi-Cal. Health providers and policy researchers say a loss in federal contributions could lead the state to roll back or downsize some programs, including the expansion to cover those without legal authorization. California and Oregon are the only states that offer comprehensive health insurance to all income-eligible immigrants regardless of status. About 1.5 million people without authorization have enrolled in California, at a cost of over $6 billion a year to state taxpayers. “Everyone wants to put these types of services on the chopping block, which is really unfair,” said state Sen. Lena Gonzalez, a Democrat and chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. “We will do everything we can to ensure that we prioritize this.” Sen. Gonzalez said it will be challenging to expand programs such as Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace, for which immigrants lacking permanent legal status are not eligible. A big concern for immigrants and their advocates is that Trump could reinstate changes to the public charge policy, which can deny green cards or visas based on the use of government benefits. “President Trump’s mass deportation plan will end the financial drain posed by illegal immigrants on our healthcare system, and ensure that our country can care for American citizens who rely on Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security,” Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to KFF Health News. During his first term, in 2019, Trump broadened the policy to include the use of Medicaid, as well as housing and nutrition subsidies. The Biden administration rescinded the change in 2021. KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News, found immigrants use less health care than people born in the United States. And about 1 in 4 likely undocumented immigrant adults said they have avoided applying for assistance with health care, food, and housing because of immigration-related fears, according to a 2023 survey . Another uncertainty is the fate of the Affordable Care Act, which was opened in November to immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children and are protected by the Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals program. If DACA eligibility for the act’s plans, or even the act itself, were to be reversed under Trump, that would leave roughly 40,000 California DACA recipients, and about 100,000 nationwide , without access to subsidized health insurance. On Dec. 9, a federal court in North Dakota issued an order blocking DACA recipients from accessing Affordable Care Act health plans in 19 states that had challenged the Biden administration’s rule. Clinics and community health workers are encouraging people to continue enrolling in health benefits. But amid the push to spread the message, the chilling effects are already apparent up and down the state. “¿Ya tiene Medi-Cal?” community health worker Yanet Martinez said, asking residents whether they had Medi-Cal as she walked down Pico Boulevard recently in a Los Angeles neighborhood with many Salvadorans. “¡Nosotros podemos ayudarle a solicitar Medi-Cal! ¡Todo gratuito!” she shouted, offering help to sign up, free of charge. “Gracias, pero no,” said one young woman, responding with a no thanks. She shrugged her shoulders and averted her eyes under a cap that covered her from the late-morning sun. Since Election Day, Martinez said, people have been more reluctant to hear her pitch for subsidized health insurance or cancer prevention screenings. “They think I’m going to share their information to deport them,” she said. “They don’t want anything to do with it.” This article was produced by KFF Health News , which publishes California Healthline , an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation . ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Emmerdale fans were left shocked during the most recent episode as 'creepy' Tom King escalated his abusive behaviour. In Tuesday's trip to the Dales (November 26), Belle, Tom's estranged wife, attempted to maintain her composure after learning that Tom, who is currently under investigation, was behaving as if nothing had transpired. Belle was further upset upon discovering that some of her village friends continued to support him despite the abuse she suffered during their marriage. Despite pleas from her family to stay calm, Belle feared that the investigation might not proceed as smoothly as she initially anticipated and worried that the villain might escape justice for his terrible actions. Later in the episode, upon learning that Belle had returned to the village after a stint in a mental health facility, Tom's obsession intensified. He broke into Jacob's Fold, where Belle was residing, and prowled around the house while Belle was upstairs taking a bath, reports Leeds Live . Rummaging through her suitcase on the living room floor, Tom selected Belle's blue jumper. He held it close to his face, deeply inhaling its scent. When he thought Belle might be coming downstairs, he quickly concealed himself with the blue jumper. Unaware of Tom's presence in the house, Belle went to the suitcase to fetch a towel. Later, Tom encountered Belle on Main Street and didn't hesitate to verbally attack her, dismissing her plans to bring him down as pointless. In a later scene, Tom gifted Amelia with Belle's blue jumper. This obsessive behaviour disturbed viewers who took to social media platform X to voice their concerns. One viewer commented: "OMG, Tom stealing Belle's top and encouraging Amelia to wear it reminded me of Nish abusing Suki in #EastEnders at the beginning. This is going beyond abuse now for Belle it's turning into a creepy and sinister obsession. At least Tom gets charged this week." Another viewer expressed: "Just finished watching tonight's episode #Emmerdale. Tom you are a creep!! Can't wait for him too get charged. " They added: "Nice too see belle back can't wait for her too get justice soon." A third viewer posted: "Tom, you absolute creep." While another remarked: "Nicking Belle's top and giving it to Amelia so she can smell like Belle." Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1.
By SARAH PARVINI, GARANCE BURKE and JESSE BEDAYN, Associated Press President-elect Donald Trump will return to power next year with a raft of technological tools at his disposal that would help deliver his campaign promise of cracking down on immigration — among them, surveillance and artificial intelligence technology that the Biden administration already uses to help make crucial decisions in tracking, detaining and ultimately deporting immigrants lacking permanent legal status. While immigration officials have used the tech for years, an October letter from the Department of Homeland Security obtained exclusively by The Associated Press details how those tools — some of them powered by AI — help make life-altering decisions for immigrants, including whether they should be detained or surveilled. One algorithm, for example, ranks immigrants with a “Hurricane Score,” ranging from 1-5, to assess whether someone will “abscond” from the agency’s supervision. The letter, sent by DHS Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer Eric Hysen to the immigrant rights group Just Futures Law, revealed that the score calculates the potential risk that an immigrant — with a pending case — will fail to check in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The algorithm relies on several factors, he said, including an immigrant’s number of violations and length of time in the program, and whether the person has a travel document. Hysen wrote that ICE officers consider the score, among other information, when making decisions about an immigrant’s case. “The Hurricane Score does not make decisions on detention, deportation, or surveillance; instead, it is used to inform human decision-making,” Hysen wrote. Also included in the government’s tool kit is a mobile app called SmartLINK that uses facial matching and can track an immigrant’s specific location. Nearly 200,000 people without legal status who are in removal proceedings are enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program, under which certain immigrants can live in the U.S. while their immigration cases are pending. In exchange, SmartLINK and GPS trackers used by ICE rigorously surveil them and their movements. The phone application draws on facial matching technology and geolocation data, which has been used before to find and arrest those using the app. Just Futures Law wrote to Hysen earlier this year, questioning the fairness of using an algorithm to assess whether someone is a flight risk and raising concerns over how much data SmartLINK collects. Such AI systems, which score or screen people, are used widely but remain largely unregulated even though some have been found to discriminate on race, gender or other protected traits. DHS said in an email that it is committed to ensuring that its use of AI is transparent and safeguards privacy and civil rights while avoiding biases. The agency said it is working to implement the Biden administration’s requirements on using AI , but Hysen said in his letter that security officials may waive those requirements for certain uses. Trump has publicly vowed to repeal Biden’s AI policy when he returns to the White House in January. “DHS uses AI to assist our personnel in their work, but DHS does not use the outputs of AI systems as the sole basis for any law enforcement action or denial of benefits,” a spokesperson for DHS told the AP. Trump has not revealed how he plans to carry out his promised deportation of an estimated 11 million people living in the country illegally. Although he has proposed invoking wartime powers, as well as military involvement, the plan would face major logistical challenges — such as where to keep those who have been detained and how to find people spread across the country — that AI-powered surveillance tools could potentially address. Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump, did not answer questions about how they plan to use DHS’ tech, but said in a statement that “President Trump will marshal every federal and state power necessary to institute the largest deportation operation” in American history. Over 100 civil society groups sent a letter on Friday urging the Office of Management and Budget to require DHS to comply with the Biden administration’s guidelines. OMB did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Just Futures Law’s executive director, Paromita Shah, said if immigrants are scored as flight risks, they are more likely to remain in detention, “limiting their ability to prepare a defense in their case in immigration court, which is already difficult enough as it is.” SmartLINK, part of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program, is run by BI Inc., a subsidiary of the private prison company The GEO Group. The GEO Group also contracts with ICE to run detention centers. ICE is tight-lipped about how it uses SmartLINK’s location feature to find and arrest immigrants. Still, public records show that during Trump’s first term in 2018, Manassas, Virginia-based employees of BI Inc. relayed immigrants’ GPS locations to federal authorities, who then arrested over 40 people. In a report last year to address privacy issues and concerns, DHS said that the mobile app includes security features that “prohibit access to information on the participant’s mobile device, with the exception of location data points when the app is open.” But the report notes that there remains a risk that data collected from people “may be misused for unauthorized persistent monitoring.” Such information could also be stored in other ICE and DHS databases and used for other DHS mission purposes, the report said. On investor calls earlier this month, private prison companies were clear-eyed about the opportunities ahead. The GEO Group’s executive chairman George Christopher Zoley said that he expects the incoming Trump administration to “take a much more aggressive approach regarding border security as well as interior enforcement and to request additional funding from Congress to achieve these goals.” “In GEO’s ISAP program, we can scale up from the present 182,500 participants to several hundreds of thousands, or even millions of participants,” Zoley said. That same day, the head of another private prison company told investors he would be watching closely to see how the new administration may change immigrant monitoring programs. “It’s an opportunity for multiple vendors to engage ICE about the program going forward and think about creative and innovative solutions to not only get better outcomes, but also scale up the program as necessary,” Damon Hininger, CEO of the private prison company CoreCivic Inc. said on an earnings call. GEO did not respond to requests for comment. In a statement, CoreCivic said that it has played “a valued but limited role in America’s immigration system” for both Democrats and Republicans for over 40 years.
Netanyahu: If Hezbollah violates deal, we will strike
Here’s what to know about the new funding deal that countries agreed to at UN climate talksAfter starting 2-0 in its inaugural Atlantic Coast Conference schedule, SMU looks to make the month even more special on Sunday, hosting Longwood in Dallas, Texas. The Mustangs seek a seven-game win streak in their final nonconference test before welcoming No. 4 Duke to Dallas on Jan. 4. In recent victories over Alabama State, Virginia, LSU, and Boston College, SMU (10-2) averaged 85.3 points per game, allowed just 66.0 ppg, and climbed to No. 30 in the NET rankings. "We're a different team right now than we were earlier in the season," SMU head coach Andy Enfield said at the beginning of December, his words ringing even truer as the season progresses. "They'd never been under pressure together until recently, so they're starting to learn and figure things out." Longwood (11-3) enters its third consecutive road game, having won five of its last six overall. That includes a major 82-67 win at North Carolina Central on Dec. 20. It was only the sixth nonconference home loss for NCC since 2016, and Longwood head coach Griff Aldrich saw it as a result of his team's growing cohesiveness. "We got great contributions from so many players," Aldrich said. "We have been working to play more and more connected, and this team has really taken positive steps this week." The Mustangs' Matt Cross is among the biggest threats to Longwood's defense, which allows just 66.6 points per game. A 6-foot-7 forward, Cross had 36 points over SMU's last two wins, including a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double against LSU. What Cross does with the ball in his hands is impressive -- he is averaging 13.5 ppg in December -- but it is also what he does off the ball that increases his value. "He's extremely tough," Enfield said after Cross' performance against LSU. "His wall up in transition, where (Corey) Chest came down, was going to dunk the ball, and he stood there and took the contact. ...That's a big-time basketball play." Longwood is paced by Michael Christmas, a veteran forward in his fourth year in the program. A hard-nosed wing who can score at all three levels, Christmas is Longwood's only returner who started at least 30 games on last year's NCAA Tournament team. He is averaging a team-high 11.9 points per game. "(He) loves this university, loves this town and community," Aldrich said of Christmas. "He opted to come back here to really invest in the program." --Field Level Media
The only Manuel for the job! John Cleese's threat to stop writing Fawlty Towers scripts unless he could sign up Andrew Sachs as beloved clumsy waiter By CHRIS HASTINGS Published: 22:02 GMT, 28 December 2024 | Updated: 22:38 GMT, 28 December 2024 e-mail View comments As Manuel, the hapless Spanish waiter at a certain faded Torquay hotel, Andrew Sachs created such a superb comedy foil that it's impossible to imagine any other actor in the role. And that's a view Fawlty Towers creator John Cleese originally came to more than 50 years ago, when he was first working on scripts for the now-classic sitcom. So sure was the Monty Python star that Sachs would make the 'perfect' Manuel, that he threatened to stop writing until the actor signed on the dotted line. Cleese told The Mail on Sunday: 'I had seen Andrew in Alan Bennett's Habeas Corpus [in London's West End] and realised I had discovered a superb farce performer. Obviously, we could have found others, but they would not have been as perfect as Andrew, so I stuck my heels in.' Documents in the BBC archives reveal executives' concerns that securing Sachs was holding up the scripts, which Cleese was writing with his then-wife Connie Booth, who went on to play chambermaid Polly in the series. John Cleese was so sure that Andrew Sachs would make the 'perfect' Manuel, that he threatened to stop writing until the actor signed on the dotted line. The pair are pictured during an episode of the hit BBC comedy Andrew Sachs as Manuel in Fawlty Towers in 1981. At the time Sachs was trying to make it as a stage actor, and had followed his role in Habeas Corpus with a starring role in the farce No Sex Please We're British. BBC bosses launched a charm offensive to woo Sachs amid fears for the future of the sitcom. In a letter to the actor's agent dated February 11, 1975, John Howard Davies, who produced and directed the first series of Fawlty Towers, stressed the need for an answer. He added: 'John Cleese is in the position at the moment of postponing the writing of the series as he finds it impossible until the situation about Andrew Sachs is clarified.' Three days later Davies wrote again outlining what was at stake. He wrote: 'You know how badly we want Andrew Sachs for the John Cleese series... I have also to try and persuade John Cleese to write the series in the hope of Andrew Sachs being available. However, John Cleese tells me that he likes to write for the actor who is going to play the part.' The documents, which have been revealed as the show prepares to celebrate its 50th birthday next year, do not give details about Sachs's decision to join the show. However in a 2014 interview, two years before he died aged 86, Sachs revealed he was worried about being able to do the Spanish accent, and asked Cleese if he could make the waiter German. 'No! You'd be very good at things if you were German,' the star told him. 'He's got to be Spanish.' The Fawlty Towers cast from left to right: Connie Booth as Polly Sherman, John Cleese as Basil Fawlty, Andrew Sachs as Manuel and Prunella Scales Sybil Fawlty Other letters in the BBC's Written Archives Centre show that Cleese didn't always get his way on casting. The pivotal role of Mr Hutchinson in the The Hotel Inspectors episode, eventually played by Bernard Cribbins, was originally offered to The Good Life star Richard Briers. In a letter dated July 10, 1975, Davies told Briers: 'The part of Hutchinson was written with you in the back of John's mind. I know it is cheeky asking you if you would like to play it, we would love to have you but will quite understand if you don't.' Two weeks later, Davies offered the same role to Rising Damp star Leonard Rossiter, warning him that Cleese 'plays Basil at high speed'. Cleese paid tribute to Sachs – while taking a side-swipe at political correctness. He said: 'The key to Manuel's role was that he was always trying his utmost to help, and it was only the language barrier that messed things up. 'Sadly, literal-minded people can only see one interpretation, and it's never one with any humour in it.' Share or comment on this article: The only Manuel for the job! John Cleese's threat to stop writing Fawlty Towers scripts unless he could sign up Andrew Sachs as beloved clumsy waiter e-mail Add commentIn a significant development, nine individuals have been apprehended in Kuttanad for possessing ganja, including the son of CPI(M) MLA U Prathibha. The arrests were made under the Thakazhi bridge by the Excise department officials on Saturday. Following the arrest, all nine were released on bail due to the minimal amount of ganja involved, though the investigation into the case continues. The Excise department confirmed the seizure, emphasizing their commitment to counteracting illegal substances in the area. Reacting to the incident, MLA Prathibha has publicly refuted claims of her son's wrongdoing, asserting that he was only questioned and no drugs were found on him. The Kayamkulam MLA criticized the media for targeting her family, as shown in a video circulated on social media platforms. (With inputs from agencies.)
EVLV INVESTOR ALERT: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC Announces that Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc. Investors with Substantial Losses Have Opportunity to Lead Class Action LawsuitConfident Bucs gear up for stretch run against lighter season-ending scheduleSrinagar, Nov 30: Regional News Unit, Akashvani Srinagar today organised a felicitation function at Akashvani Srinagar headquarters for its staff members included Casual News Editors, Casual News Reader cum Translators of Urdu, Kashmiri, Gojri, Pahari and Balti languages, District Correspondents, data entry operators and the contractual staff. Chief Guest Dr (Prof) Mushtaq Ahmad Siddiqui, former VC, Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) in his address said news has the power to shape, reshape the socio-economic and political atmosphere of the world. Praising Akashvani Srinagar’s news delivery standards, he shared his personal connection with the station, highlighting his fondness for the flagship programs Sheherbeen and the evening news bulletins. Qazi Mohammad Salman, Joint Director of PIB Srinagar and Head of News, RNU, DDK Srinagar, highlighted the unwavering commitment to media neutrality as the cornerstone of news production and delivery at the RNUs of Radio and Doordarshan. “Media neutrality is the fundamental principle of newsmaking, and RNUs of Radio and Doordarshan have maintained this standard without compromise,” he stated. Acknowledging the professionalism of the RNU staff, Qazi Salman commended their meticulous efforts in ensuring news is authentic, balanced, and credible. “Before every news item is aired, a significant level of professionalism goes into its preparation to uphold authenticity and balance,” he added. Mohammad Rafi, former Director & Mission Advisor School Education, J&K Govt said, that Plurality and inclusivity have become the pillars of news delivery of Akashvani and Doordarshan. Ahsan-ul-Haq Chisti, Deputy Director DIPR J&K said Akashvani Srinagar is historical in many respects being disciplined in its news delivery and has never compromised with the authenticity of the news. Radio is still relevant in this digital world and has maintained its place with the changing technology, he added. While appreciating this step by RNU Akashvani Srinagar, Dr. Mohammad Maroof Shah, Author & Columnist said that this function is a significant recognition of the capabilities of its staff which is very important for community building within the institutions. Gh. Rasool Akhoon, Program Head, Akashvani Srinagar in his address appreciated the efforts of RNU Akashvani Srinagar for organising this felicitation function which will truly encourage the staff which is the jugular vein of the Regional News Unit. Dr Muslim Jan, former Assistant Professor, Media Education Research Centre (MERC), Kashmir University said that it is very encouraging that the students of MERC are excelling up in different media and at other prominent places which is very praiseworthy. The event commenced with a welcome address by Tariq Rather, Deputy Director and Head of News, RNU Akashvani Srinagar. He attributed the success of RNU Akashvani Srinagar to its professional and committed staff. “Akashvani RNU Srinagar has been a trusted source of timely and accurate news since 1948. This achievement is only possible because of the tireless efforts of our team, who work every day to meet our goal of reliable news delivery,” he remarked. The function was attended by Sunil Koul, Assistant Director, PIB Srinagar, Shabir Ahmad Dar, Assistant Director, RNU DDK Srinagar, Sheikh Mudasir Amin, Editor News DDK Srinagar, Naseer Ahmad Rather, FPO, CBC, Srinagar and Ifham Ul Islam, IA, PIB Srinagar and all those who received certificates of appreciation. Ishfaq Ahmad Shah, News Editor, Akashvani Srinagar presented vote of thanks.
NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s recent dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his visit to Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral were not just exercises in policy and diplomacy. They were also prime trolling opportunities for Trump. Throughout his first term in the White House and during his campaign to return, Trump has spun out countless provocative, antagonizing and mocking statements. There were his belittling nicknames for political opponents, his impressions of other political figures and the plentiful memes he shared on social media. Now that's he's preparing to return to the Oval Office, Trump is back at it, and his trolling is attracting more attention — and eyerolls. On Sunday, Trump turned a photo of himself seated near a smiling first lady Jill Biden at the Notre Dame ceremony into a social media promo for his new perfume and cologne line, with the tag line, “A fragrance your enemies can’t resist!” The first lady’s office declined to comment. When Trudeau hastily flew to Florida to meet with Trump last month over the president-elect's threat to impose a 25% tax on all Canadian products entering the U.S., the Republican tossed out the idea that Canada become the 51st U.S. state. The Canadians passed off the comment as a joke, but Trump has continued to play up the dig, including in a post Tuesday morning on his social media network referring to the prime minister as “Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada.” After decades as an entertainer and tabloid fixture, Trump has a flair for the provocative that is aimed at attracting attention and, in his most recent incarnation as a politician, mobilizing fans. He has long relished poking at his opponents, both to demean and minimize them and to delight supporters who share his irreverent comments and posts widely online and cheer for them in person. Trump, to the joy of his fans, first publicly needled Canada on his social media network a week ago when he posted an AI-generated image that showed him standing on a mountain with a Canadian flag next to him and the caption “Oh Canada!” After his latest post, Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller said Tuesday: “It sounds like we’re living in a episode of South Park." Trudeau said earlier this week that when it comes to Trump, “his approach will often be to challenge people, to destabilize a negotiating partner, to offer uncertainty and even sometimes a bit of chaos into the well established hallways of democracies and institutions and one of the most important things for us to do is not to freak out, not to panic.” Even Thanksgiving dinner isn't a trolling-free zone for Trump's adversaries. On Thanksgiving Day, Trump posted a movie clip from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” with President Joe Biden and other Democrats’ faces superimposed on the characters in a spoof of the turkey-carving scene. The video shows Trump appearing to explode out of the turkey in a swirl of purple sparks, with the former president stiffly dancing to one of his favorite songs, Village People’s “Y.M.C.A." In his most recent presidential campaign, Trump mocked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, refusing to call his GOP primary opponent by his real name and instead dubbing him “Ron DeSanctimonious.” He added, for good measure, in a post on his Truth Social network: “I will never call Ron DeSanctimonious ‘Meatball’ Ron, as the Fake News is insisting I will.” As he campaigned against Biden, Trump taunted him in online posts and with comments and impressions at his rallies, deriding the president over his intellect, his walk, his golf game and even his beach body. After Vice President Kamala Harris took over Biden's spot as the Democratic nominee, Trump repeatedly suggested she never worked at McDonalds while in college. Trump, true to form, turned his mocking into a spectacle by appearing at a Pennsylvania McDonalds in October, when he manned the fries station and held an impromptu news conference from the restaurant drive-thru. Trump’s team thinks people should get a sense of humor. “President Trump is a master at messaging and he’s always relatable to the average person, whereas many media members take themselves too seriously and have no concept of anything else other than suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome,” said Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director. “President Trump will Make America Great Again and we are getting back to a sense of optimism after a tumultuous four years.” Though both the Biden and Harris campaigns created and shared memes and launched other stunts to respond to Trump's taunts, so far America’s neighbors to the north are not taking the bait. “I don’t think we should necessarily look on Truth Social for public policy,” Miller said. Gerald Butts, a former top adviser to Trudeau and a close friend, said Trump brought up the 51st state line to Trudeau repeatedly during Trump’s first term in office. “Oh God,” Butts said Tuesday, “At least a half dozen times.” “This is who he is and what he does. He’s trying to destabilize everybody and make people anxious,” Butts said. “He’s trying to get people on the defensive and anxious and therefore willing to do things they wouldn’t otherwise entertain if they had their wits about them. I don’t know why anybody is surprised by it.” Gillies reported from Toronto. Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed to this report.A federal judge temporarily halts the proposed supermarket merger of Kroger and Albertsons A federal judge has temporarily halted a proposed merger between supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons, an action that could scuttle the deal. U.S. District Court Judge Adrienne Nelson issued the ruling Tuesday after holding a three-week hearing in Portland, Oregon. Kroger and Albertsons in 2022 proposed what would be the largest grocery store merger in U.S. history. But the Federal Trade Commission sued earlier this year, asking Nelson to block the $24.6 billion deal until an in-house administrative judge at the FTC could consider the merger’s implications. Former chairman of state-owned bank China Everbright Group jailed for 12 years for corruption BEIJING (AP) — Chinese official broadcaster CCTV says a former chairman of the state-owned bank China Everbright Group has been jailed 12 years for embezzlement and bribery. Tang Shuangning, who had also held senior posts at the People’s Bank of China and the China Banking Regulatory Commission, was arrested in January, part of a wider wave of prosecutions of senior officials accused of financial crimes. A court in the city of Tangshan, about 100 miles east of Beijing, found him guilty of taking advantage of his position at the state-owned bank in “seeking convenience for others” in jobs and loans, in exchange for illegal payments. The court said he had accepted illegal property with a total value of more than $1.5 million. US defense secretary in Japan to support alliance as Osprey aircraft safety causes concern TOKYO (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has met with officials in Japan to reaffirm the importance of their alliance and Washington's commitment to regional security as threats rise from China and North Korea. Austin’s visit on Tuesday also came amid growing concerns over the safety of Ospreys. The military aircraft have been grounded in the United States following a near crash at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico last month. The incident was caused by weakened metal components. It was similar to a fatal crash off southwestern Japan last year. The U.S. measure prompted the suspension of Ospreys operated by Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force. Trustee over Infowars auction asks court to approve The Onion's winning bid A trustee who oversaw the bankruptcy auction of Alex Jones’ Infowars is asking a judge to approve The Onion’s winning bid for the conspiracy-filled platform. Trustee Christopher Murray took the stand Tuesday in the second day of testimony at a hearing where a judge is scrutinizing the satirical news outlet’s winning offer. He told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston that he was there asking a court to approve the sale of Infowars’ parent company to The Onion’s parent company. It is not clear how quickly Lopez will rule. The Onion wants to turn Infowars’ website and social media accounts into parodies. Small businesses plan events, start marketing earlier to deal with shorter holiday shopping season The holiday shopping season is underway, and this year small businesses have less time to capitalize on the busy shopping period. Only 27 days separate Thanksgiving and Christmas — five fewer than last year. But there are still ways to make the most of a shorter season. One key strategy is for owners to promote deals to customers wherever they can, from social media to physical ads. The National Retail Federation predicts that retail sales will rise between 2.5% and 3.5% compared with same period a year ago. Online shopping is expected to grow too. Adobe Digital Insights predicts an 8.4% increase online for the full season. 10 notable books of 2024, from Sarah J. Maas to Melania Trump NEW YORK (AP) — Even through a year of nonstop news about elections, climate change, protests and the price of eggs, Americans still found time to read. Sales held steady according to Circana, which tracks around 85% of the print market. Many chose the release of romance, fantasy and romantasy. Some picked up the tie-in book to Taylor Swift’s blockbuster tour, which had the best opening week of 2024. Others sought out literary fiction, celebrity memoirs, political exposes and a close and painful look at a generation hooked on smartphones. Boeing is building new 737 Max planes for the first time since workers went on strike Boeing is resuming production of its bestselling plane, the 737 Max. It's the first time that Max jets have moved down the assembly line since September, when about 33,000 workers went on strike for higher pay. Boeing said Tuesday that work on the Max has resumed at its factory in Renton, Washington, near Seattle. Both the Max and another Boeing plane, the 787 Dreamliner, have been plagued by manufacturing problems in recent years. The Federal Aviation Administration is limiting Boeing’s production of Max jets until the agency is convinced that Boeing has corrected quality and safety issues during manufacturing. Stock market today: Wall Street slips to a rare back-to-back loss NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes drifted lower in the runup to the highlight of the week for the market, the latest update on inflation. The S&P 500 slipped 0.3% Tuesday for its first back-to-back losses in nearly a month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite also fell 0.3%. Oracle dragged on the market after reporting weaker growth than analysts expected. Treasury yields rose in the bond market ahead of Wednesday’s inflation report, which will be among the final big pieces of data before the Federal Reserve's meeting on interest rates next week. Alaska Airlines will spread its wings by flying to Tokyo and Seoul beginning next year NEW YORK (AP) — Alaska Airlines says it will launch service from Seattle to Tokyo and Seoul next year as part of a plan to boost international flying in the next several years. Alaska announced the new routes as it prepared to hold an investor day Tuesday. The airline raised its fourth-quarter profit outlook and publicized a plan to boost profit by $1 billion over three years. And Alaska Airlines is announcing a plan to spend $1 billion buying back its own stock. Share buybacks are often popular with investors because they make existing shares more valuable. A Southwest jet and a small plane wound up on the same runway after being cleared to land WASHINGTON (AP) — A Southwest Airlines jet and a small plane wound up on the same runway in California in October after an air traffic controller cleared both planes to land on the same runway. The National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday that the planes came within 900 feet of each other before the smaller plane taxied away. The incident happened Oct. 19 at the airport in Long Beach, California. It's the latest in a number of recent cases in which planes came unnecessarily close due to errors by air traffic controllers or pilots.
Nigel Farage has been branded a “s***ebag” by protesters after failing to turn up to his party’s Scotland conference in Perth. Around 300 Reform Scotland members turned out at the to hear speeches from deputy leader Richard Tice MP and party chair Zia Yusuf. But Mr Farage was notable by his absence at the gathering. The controversial Clacton MP has not visited Scotland since he became leader of the Reform party. He has previously said he does not feel safe north of the border after a barrage of abuse from protesters in Edinburgh in 2013 forced him to take shelter in a police riot van. Asked why Mr Farage was a no show, Mr Tice insisted he would visit Scotland in “due course”, most likely in early 2025. Anti-racism campaigner and Perth resident Cat Mackay organised a counter-protest in response to the conference. It was attended by around 70 people. Those taking part in the peaceful protest chanted “refugees are welcome here” while speakers mocked Reform UK policies and previous scandals linked to their candidates. Explaining why she organised the gathering, Ms Mackay said: “We really believe Reform are a party that enables racism. “They use language that is dehumanising. “They are a populist party. They believe they can get traction by saying things like ‘stop the boats’. “We understand people in this country have legitimate concerns. “But they are just the kind of party who will use them to get votes.” Current polling suggests Reform could win up to 14 seats in the Scottish Parliament, including places on the Mid Scotland and Fife regional list, which includes Perth. Ms Mackay said this concerned her, adding: “It worries us. “That’s why we’re going to be campaigning to let people see who [Reform] really are.” Inside the conference, party chairman Zia Yusuf insisted his party did not care about skin colour. He said: “Reform cares not at all about the colour of your skin but cares deeply about the content of your character. “Divisive rhetoric levelled at hardworking people has enabled the left to divide and conquer. “Reform UK is here to put an end to that. “This is the of all background who loves their country and who want to contribute to its success.”Chipotle Mexican Grill has increased its U.S. prices by 2 percent nationally, citing inflation as well as increased operating costs after promising earlier this year to maintain portion sizes for customers. “For the first time in over a year, we have taken a modest price increase of approximately 2 percent nationally to offset inflation,” Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Laurie Schalow said in a statement emailed to The Epoch Times on Dec. 6. The chain had previously faced criticism from customers on social media about portion sizes, prompting retraining efforts in certain stores to maintain the standards diners expect. The California-based company’s decision followed an analyst report from Truist Securities that indicated roughly 20 percent of Chipotle’s 3,500 U.S. locations had implemented the new pricing. Avocados have also been specifically cited as a contributor to higher expenses, and previous supply issues were highlighted earlier this year when avocado shipments from Mexico to the United States were briefly suspended. Despite the price adjustment, some analysts have reported encouraging signs in customer traffic. Truist raised its price target on Chipotle’s shares after noting that the chain’s customer visits picked up in November. Larger macroeconomic shifts have more diners weighing whether to eat out or prepare meals at home. According to the company’s press releases at the time, leadership will continue to focus on guest experience, operational improvements, and long-term growth strategies. The company will release its fourth-quarter and 2024 earnings results in February.
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This Timberwolves roster is different than the one from a year ago. That much is obvious in games, as Karl-Anthony Towns’ consistent scoring and general size is missed, as is the playmaking and ball security of guys like Kyle Anderson and Jordan McLaughlin. ADVERTISEMENT But their absences have been felt in the locker room, as well. Towns was a consistent source of positivity for the team. Anderson was one of the loudest vocal leaders. The latter can be especially difficult to replace, especially because it can be uncomfortable to speak up when things are going poorly and something needs to change. That was the position Anthony Edwards has found himself in early this season. Edwards has been praised for his leadership through his first four years on Minnesota’s roster. Mostly, that all came via positivity and example. Edwards can be coached hard, which gave the greenlight for the coaches to treat everyone else the same way. Edwards was also quick to credit his teammates around him for their contributions to the cause, and was eager and willing to spend time with and talk to anyone on the roster, players No. 1-15. He’ll also stand up for any of his teammates if the occasion ever arises. That’s why he has been so beloved in the locker room and why he was viewed as such a leader, even at his young age. ADVERTISEMENT But with Anderson’s departure, Edwards was now tasked with leading even through choppy waters. And the waves have been rather large through the first quarter of the season. Minnesota’s defense has fallen off a cliff in comparison to where it was a year ago. After never even as many as three consecutive games during the 2023-24 regular season, the Wolves endured a four-game losing skid earlier this week. At that point, words were exchanged, both publicly and privately. A halftime hash out during Minnesota’s loss Wednesday to Sacramento got the conversation rolling. Mike Conley got the dialogue started, but all indications are that Edwards was a healthy participant. Edwards noted it’s difficult to know what to say in those times. “Because you look at everybody, and everybody got a different agenda. It’s like, ‘What the (heck) am I supposed to say?’ You know what I mean?” Edwards said. “I’m trying to get better in that aspect, figure out what the hell to say to get everybody on the same agenda, because everybody right now is on different agendas. I think that’s one of the main culprits of why we’re losing, because everybody out there got their own agenda. I guess their imagination of what’s supposed to be going on, and what’s really happening.” Nickeil Alexander-Walker told reporters at Friday’s shootaround that this is the most vocal Edwards has ever been. And while the intention of everyone’s messages are pure, “sometimes it’s not always worded the right way.” ADVERTISEMENT “I think we’ve crossed that line of, ‘Man, I feel like you’re not hearing the message.’ It’s tough to be called out, because you start to feel like, ‘OK, are you saying I’m the reason?’ No one wants to be at fault,” Alexander-Walker said. “But at the end of the day, I definitely think that guys are open to hearing it better. And I think it just came from a stand point of, at a point and time in the conversation, there was a comeback. It was going back and forth now, as opposed to receiving it (and saying), ‘OK, I got you.’ That’s how it’s going to be. It’s very rare that someone is just going to be able to be called out and not have anything to say. “It’s human nature to be defensive, at the end of the day. But kind of remembering what we’re here for, and if I’m being called out, chances are I’ve got to look in the mirror and be better.” It’s a delicate dance. There has to be an environment rooted in accountability, but you also have to be sure not to lose teammates, as Jimmy Butler was criticized for doing during his short stint in Minnesota a few years ago. ADVERTISEMENT And while it’s never ideal for a team to be living through a stretch of basketball the quality of which falls significantly short of the expectation, these stretches will likely lead to growth for Edwards, if not on the court, then in the locker room. You can’t steer a ship to a title if you don’t know how to navigate turbulent tides. Day by day, loss by loss, Edwards is learning how to spin the wheel. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .
Mensah, a redshirt freshman with three years of eligibility remaining, told ESPN on Wednesday he has transferred to Duke. He attended the Blue Devils men's basketball game against Incarnate Word on Tuesday night. The Blue Devils (9-3) will face Mississippi in the Gator Bowl, but without 2024 starting quarterback Maalik Murphy and backup Grayson Loftis, who also entered the portal. Mensah, viewed as one of the top players in the portal, threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns and completed 65.9% of his passes. He led the Green Wave to a 9-4 record and the American Athletic Conference championship game, where they lost 35-14 to Army. Tulane will play Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl on Sunday. Van Buren, Mendoza and Locke announced on social media they had entered the portal. Van Buren started eight games as a true freshmen for the Bulldogs. He threw for 1,886 yards on 55% passing with 16 total touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Bulldogs (2-10, 0-8 Southeastern Conference). He took over as the starter when Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in a 45-28 loss to Florida on Sept. 21. Shapen has said he plans to return next season. Van Buren, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound passer from St. Frances Academy in Maryland, had two 300-yard performances for the Bulldogs, including 306 yards and three touchdown passes in a 41-31 road loss against Georgia. Mendoza threw for 3,004 yards in 2024 with 16 TDs, six interceptions and a 68.7 completion percentage. "For the sake of my football future this is the decision I have reached," he posted. Locke passed for 1,936 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for Wisconsin this season. He said he will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next school. Michigan duo enters draft ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has joined defensive tackle Mason Graham in the NFL draft. Johnson declared for the draft on Wednesday, one day after Graham decided he would also skip his senior season with the Wolverines. Both preseason All-America players are expected to be first-round picks. Johnson was limited to six games this year due to an injury. He had two interceptions, returning them both for touchdowns to set a school record with three scores off interceptions. Johnson picked off nine passes in three seasons. Graham played in all 12 games this season, finishing with 3 1/2 sacks and seven tackles for losses. He had 18 tackles for losses, including nine sacks, in his three-year career. AP announces All-SEC team Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is The Associated Press offensive player of the year in the Southeastern Conference and South Carolina defensive lineman Kyle Kennard is the top defensive player. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was voted the top newcomer on Wednesday while the Gamecocks' Shane Beamer is coach of the year in voting by the panel of 17 media members who cover the league. Sampson led the SEC and set school records by rushing for 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is tied for third nationally in rushing touchdowns, recording the league's fifth-most in a season. Sampson was chosen on all but two ballots. Mississippi wide receiver Tre Harris and his quarterback, Jaxson Dart, each got a vote. Kennard led the SEC with 11-1/2 sacks and 15-1/2 tackles for loss. He also had 10 quarterback hurries and forced three fumbles. Beamer led the Gamecocks to just their fifth nine-win season, including a school-record four wins over Top 25 opponents. They've won their last six games and ended the regular season with a win over eventual ACC champion Clemson. South Carolina plays Illinois on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl. Pavia helped lead Vandy to its first bowl game since 2018 after transferring from New Mexico State. He passed for 2,133 yards and 17 touchdowns with four interceptions. He ran for another 716 yards and six touchdowns, directing an upset of Alabama. Campbell gets new deal with ISU AMES, Iowa — Matt Campbell, who led Iowa State to its first 10-win season and became the program's all-time leader in coaching victories, has agreed to an eight-year contract that would keep him with the Cyclones through 2032. University president Wendy Wintersteen and athletic director Jamie Pollard made the announcement Wednesday, four days after the Cyclones lost to Arizona State in the Big 12 championship game. “Given all the uncertainty currently facing college athletics, it was critical that we moved quickly to solidify the future of our football program,” Pollard said. “Matt is the perfect fit for Iowa State University and I am thrilled he wants to continue to lead our program. Leadership continuity is essential to any organization’s long-term success." The Cyclones won their first seven games for their best start since 1938 and are 10-3 heading into their game against Miami in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 28. BRIEFLY FLAG PLANT: Ohio Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. MALZAHN: Gus Malzahn, who resigned as UCF’s coach last month to become Mike Norvell’s offensive coordinator at Florida State, said he chose to return to his coaching roots rather than remain a head coach distracted by a myriad of responsibilities.Judge hears closing arguments on whether Google's advertising tech constitutes a monopoly ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — The Justice Department and Google have made their closing arguments in a trial alleging Google’s online advertising technology constitutes an illegal monopoly. The arguments in federal court Monday in northern Virginia came as Google already faces a possible breakup of the company over its ubiquitous search engine. The Justice Department says it will seek the breakup of Google to remedy its search engine monopoly. The case in Virginia focuses not on the search engine but on technology that matches online advertisers to consumers on the internet. A judge is expected to rule by the end of the year. ‘Busiest Thanksgiving ever’: How the TSA plans to handle record air travel DALLAS (AP) — The Thanksgiving travel rush is expected to be bigger than ever this year. AAA predicts that nearly 80 million people in the U.S. will venture at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday — most of them by car. Thanksgiving Day falling so late this year has altered traditional travel patterns. At airports, the Transportation Security Administration says it could screen a record number of U.S. air travelers on Sunday. Meanwhile, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration says a shortage of air traffic controllers could cause flight delays. Transportation analytics company INRIX says roads could be congested on Monday with both commuters and returning holiday travelers. Macy’s says employee hid up to $154 million in expenses, delaying Q3 earnings Macy’s says it’s delaying the release of its fiscal third-quarter earnings results after it discovered an up to $154 million accounting-related issue. The company did provide some preliminary results for its third quarter, including that net sales fell 2.4% to $4.74 billion. It anticipates reporting its full third-quarter financial results by Dec. 11. Newsom says California could offer electric vehicle rebates if Trump eliminates federal tax credit SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California could offer state tax rebates for electric vehicle purchases if the incoming Trump administration eliminates the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Gov. Gavin Newsom says Monday he'll propose creating a new version of the state’s successful Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which was phased out in 2023 after funding nearly 600,000 new cars and trucks. Officials didn’t say how much the program would cost or how the rebates would work. Newsom’s proposal is part of his plan to protect California’s progressive policies ahead of Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. But a budget shortfall could complicate California’s resistance efforts. Warren Buffett gives away another $1.1B and plans for distributing his $147B fortune after his death OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by handing out more than $1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations Monday, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Buffett has said previously that his three kids will distribute his remaining $147.4 billion fortune in the 10 years after his death, but now he has also designated successors for them because it’s possible that Buffett’s children could die before giving it all away. Buffett said he has no regrets about his decision to start giving away his fortune in 2006. Stock market today: Dow hits another record as stocks rise NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose, with those benefiting the most from lower interest rates and a stronger economy leading the way. The S&P 500 climbed 0.3% Monday to pull closer to its record set two weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 440 points to its own record set on Friday, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.3%. They got a boost from easing Treasury yields after President-elect Donald Trump said he wants hedge-fund manager Scott Bessent to be his Treasury Secretary. Smaller companies can feel a big boost from easier borrowing costs, and the Russell 2000 index of small stocks finished just shy of its record. Workers at Charlotte airport, an American Airlines hub, go on strike during Thanksgiving travel week CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — American Airlines says it doesn’t expect significant disruptions to flights this week as a result of a labor strike at its hub in Charlotte, North Carolina. Service workers there walked out Monday during a busy week of Thanksgiving travel to protest what they say are unlivable wages. Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services authorized the work stoppage. Union spokesperson Sean Keady says the strike is expected to last 24 hours. The companies contract with American Airlines to provide services such as cleaning airplane interiors, removing trash and escorting passengers in wheelchairs. The companies have acknowledged the seriousness of a strike during the holiday travel season. At the crossroads of news and opinion, 'Morning Joe' hosts grapple with aftermath of Trump meeting The reaction of those who defended “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for meeting with President-elect Trump sounds almost quaint in the days of opinionated journalism. Doesn't it makes sense, they said, for hosts of a political news show to meet with such an important figure? But given how “Morning Joe” has attacked Trump, its viewers felt insulted. Many reacted quickly by staying away. It all reflects the broader trend of opinion crowding out traditional journalist in today's marketplace, and the expectations that creates among consumers. By mid-week, the show's audience was less than two-thirds what it has typically been this year. Eggs are available -- but pricier -- as the holiday baking season begins Egg prices are on the rise again as a lingering outbreak of bird flu coincides with high demand during the holiday baking season. The average price for a dozen eggs in U.S. cities was $3.37 in October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That was up 63% from October 2023, when a dozen eggs cost an average of $2.07. Avian influenza is the main culprit. The current bird flu outbreak that began in February 2022 has led to the slaughter of more than 111 million birds, mostly egg-laying chickens. But the American Egg Board says egg shortages at grocery stores have been isolated and temporary so far. Detroit's iconic Renaissance Center could see 2 towers razed in $1.6B redevelopment plan DETROIT (AP) — Two towers at Detroit’s iconic Renaissance Center would be razed and the complex converted to a mix of housing and offices under an ambitious $1.6 billion plan announced on Monday. GM will move its headquarters out of the complex next year. The towers are a symbol of Detroit, with aerial views often shown on television sports broadcasts. GM announced that it would join forces with the Bedrock real estate development firm and Wayne County to turn the partially vacant property into a roughly 27-acre entertainment complex across the Detroit River from Windsor, Ontario. Bedrock would invest at least $1 billion, with roughly $250 million more coming from GM and another $250 million in public money, possibly from the state of Michigan.
On the night of Dec.3, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeoll made the shocking announcement of a state of emergency, citing "legislative dictatorship" by the Democratic Party as a threat to the constitutional order. In his urgent statement from the Yongsan Presidential Office, Yoon described this as an “anti-state activity planning an uprising,” pledging to protect the Republic of Korea and eradicate “pro-North anti-state elements.” The Defense Ministry simultaneously placed all military units on high alert . The rationale behind this declaration, however, appears deeply flawed. Yoon referenced impeachment motions initiated by the opposition against 22 government officials, including high-ranking figures like the chairperson of the Audit Board and the Seoul Prosecutor General. Yet, these motions reflect parliamentary procedures enshrined in a democratic system, not acts of rebellion. In fact, Yoon himself bears responsibility for this political turmoil, having repeatedly vetoed legislation and shielded controversial ministers while ignoring the outcry from both lawmakers and citizens. The sheer number of vetoes during Yoon's two-and-a-half years in office surpasses the combined total of all previous presidents since South Korea’s democratization in 1987. This alarming overreach has drawn widespread condemnation. Over 100,000 demonstrators, predominantly from the MZ generation (Millennials and Generation Z), gathered in front of the National Assembly on Dec. 7 to demand Yoon's resignation. The rally was particularly significant as it drew the participation of younger generations, including teenagers and individuals in their 20s, many of whom were previously disinterested in politics. This incident has not only sparked political engagement among these demographics but also served as a wake-up call, reminding them that South Korea's long-standing democracy can be shattered in an instant if political apathy prevails. The younger generation, with their light sticks and creative slogans, stood as symbols of a newfound resolve to protect democratic values. The protest’s vibrancy contrasted starkly with the president’s draconian measures. Yoon's claim that the impeachment process and reduced budgets represent an existential threat to the nation seems far removed from reality. The constitution stipulates that a state of emergency can only be declared in cases of war, insurrection, or comparable national crises. None of these conditions exist. Even during the massive protests of 2017, which led to the impeachment of former President Park Geun Hye, no state of emergency was invoked. Yoon’s justification, therefore, raises serious questions about his judgment and commitment to democratic principles. This misuse of authority evokes dark memories of South Korea’s past. In 1979 and 1980, the New Army regime declared a state of emergency under the guise of suppressing “anti-state elements,” leading to a military coup. Decades later, those responsible – Chun Doo Hwan and Roh Tae Woo – faced justice for their crimes. Today, Yoon’s actions echo this authoritarian legacy, undermining the democratic advancements that South Koreans have fought so hard to achieve. Even within Yoon’s own People Power Party, dissenting voices have emerged. Party leader Han Dong Hoon criticized the declaration as a “wrong decision” and vowed to oppose it alongside the public. This sentiment underscores the urgent need for unity across political lines. According to Article 77 of the Constitution, parliament can overturn a state of emergency with a majority vote. While the Democratic Party holds a majority, bipartisan support is crucial to restore constitutional order and prevent further erosion of public trust. South Korea's true strength lies in its people. The vibrant and diverse protests by the MZ generation signal a rejection of outdated authoritarianism and an embrace of democratic values. Yoon’s state of emergency, grounded in paranoia rather than principle, is a betrayal of the nation he was elected to serve. Furthermore, this incident has become a turning point in fostering political consciousness among the youth. It underscores the fragility of democracy and the need for active participation to safeguard it. The significant turnout of young people in recent rallies reflects their growing awareness that preserving democratic institutions is their responsibility, too. Notably, South Korea’s protests, often characterized by creativity and order, have captured the attention of the global community. Many foreign observers have remarked on how these rallies resemble the excitement and organization of K-pop concerts, showcasing South Korea’s unique approach to civic engagement. This parallel between democracy and the globally celebrated Korean Wave (Hallyu) is a testament to how deeply democracy is embedded in South Korea’s cultural achievements. The Korean Wave, which has become a global phenomenon through K-pop, film and television, is built on the foundation of democracy. Just as K-pop concerts are orderly yet filled with passion, South Korea's impeachment protests reflect a modern trend in civic participation that resonates worldwide. This remarkable blending of cultural identity and political engagement underscores the responsibility of South Koreans to protect their democratic legacy, not just for themselves but as an inspiration for the world. History has shown that regimes built on fear and repression cannot endure. It is imperative that parliament acts decisively to terminate this unconstitutional state of emergency and remind Yoon that the presidency is not a personal fortress but a position of service to the people. Now more than ever, South Korea’s democratic legacy, rooted in resilience and wisdom, must be preserved, ensuring that power is wielded with accountability, not arrogance.
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