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2025-01-13
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mucus fishing syndrome Trump wants pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner to be ambassador to France( MENAFN - Live Mint) Art collector and reality TV personality Shalini Passi, known for her appearance on Fabulous Lives vs bollywood Wives, recently shared her dedication to philanthropy. Also Read: Shalini Passi: I am a maximalist During a special session titled 'Delhi Wives ki Fab Lives' at Sahitya Aaj Tak on Sunday, Passi revealed that she donates all her earnings from the reality show to a village in Bihar through UNICEF. She stated that all of her earnings are used to fund multiple charities.“This is a question that I've been asking everybody: Why am I born here? What is my purpose? As a human being, you do your best. My entire acting fee actually goes to a village through UNICEF in Bihar. Everything that I do, all my earnings go to charity. I work diligently with them." Also Read: Mafatlal fake paintings accused exonerated "Beyond that also, I've been trying to create a show about women's voices and another one representing Indian culture. However, I have often received feedback that there's not enough audience to watch these shows. I am ready to show India its culture and the power of women, but the audiences have to be ready. It's just not about my time, it's about production and the cost as well..” Born in Delhi in 1976, Shalini Passi is an art collector, socialite, and philanthropist. Her husband, Sanjay Passi, is the chairman of the multi-billion-dollar Pasco Group. Despite their prominence, the couple has kept their personal lives private, making their recent joint appearance a pleasant surprise for fans. Also Read: Piecing together the sari's modern story Shalini became a viral sensation after the success of 'Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives', which gave the audience a sneak peek into her personal and professional life. With her larger-than-life personality and vivid sartorial sense, she captured the audience's attention like no one else on the show. Meanwhile, Netflix has officially confirmed the return of the popular series 'Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives' for its highly anticipated third season. Cast members Maheep Kapoor, Karan Johar, Neelam Kothari, and others announced the news on social media, generating excitement among fans. This new season promises fresh drama as it introduces three new cast members: Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, sister of Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor; Shalini Passi, wife of Sanjay Passi, chairman of the PASCO Group; and Kalyani Saha Chawla, ex-wife of Vishal Chawla. Returning favourites include Maheep Kapoor, Neelam Kothari, Seema Sajdeh, and Bhavana Pandey. As anticipation builds for the return of this glamorous series, fans are eager to see how the dynamics unfold in this blend of lifestyle and rivalry. (With inputs from agencies) MENAFN30112024007365015876ID1108942179 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.New maps show high-risk zones for whale-ship collisions—vessel speed limits and rerouting can reduce the toll

Will Kirill Kaprizov Score a Goal Against the Flames on November 23?

Mr Martin was comfortably elected on the first count after topping the poll in the Cork South Central constituency, and was hoisted into the air by his sons Cillian and Micheal Aodh. The exit poll put his party on 19.5%, behind its Civil War rival-turned coalition partner Fine Gael at 21%, and the largest opposition party Sinn Fein at 21.1%. Speaking immediately after his election, a jubilant Mr Martin predicted: “It transpires that we’ll probably exceed that exit poll prediction above the margin of error [of 1.4%] – we could be looking at 21.9% now.” He said the day following the poll had been a “rollercoaster”, reflecting that the party had been “left wondering ‘where were we?'” after the exit poll. Asked about that possibility he would become Taoiseach as the leader of the largest party in the next coalition, he told reporters he was now awaiting the national results – which could take days to finalise. He added: “That remains to be seen, obviously, in terms of the results the length and breadth of the country.” He further warned that the election remains “extraordinarily competitive” and added: “There’s going to be a lot of twists and turns.” Mr Martin thanked the people of Cork South Central for re-electing him, adding that he feels a “huge sense of responsibility”. “I will also be grateful to them for enabling me to have the honour of representing them in Dail Eireann – that is my first task, a representative of Cork South Central and advance the interests of Cork more generally.” He also thanked his family, saying: “I want to thank my wife Mary who really worked night and day when I was around the country, leading the campaign with Micheal Aodh and Aoibhe and Cillian.” Speculation has begun on what parties or independents may join with Fianna Fail – and Fine Gael – in a future coalition. Both those parties have ruled out a coalition with Sinn Fein. Turning to that process of government formation, he said he would like to see that happen faster than in 2020 – when it took several months. That process resulted in Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, two parties forged from opposing sides of Ireland’s Civil War of the 1920s, agreeing to set aside almost a century of animosity and share power. The Greens joined as a junior partner, but early indications showed the party could be facing an electoral wipeout. Mr Martin said: The Greens, to their credit, didn’t buckle over the four and a half years. “Being in government can be difficult for any political party. “It is to the credit of the Greens that they went into government. We had challenges, we had different priorities of three political parties, but this government went full term, and I think Ireland was for the better for that.” Taking the previous formation talks into consideration, Mr Martin predicted the future will involve very difficult negotiations between parties: “It will be challenging. This is not easy.” He said there has to be “real clarity” around a programme for government before forming a coalition. Asked how important it is to form a government before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, Mr Martin said: “I think we have to... to be honest with you, in the best interests of Ireland in the first instance.” Fianna Fail had campaigned on a message of stable financial management in the face of potential economic shocks caused by policy decisions from the next US administration. Asked why he felt Fianna Fail was underestimated in the polls, he said: “Look, I’m not going to go on about polls but I would have had a better evening last night if they had been more accurate.” He added: “I mean the polls give Fianna Fail heart attacks all the time.”

Arkansas visits skidding Miami in battle of veteran coachesMORGANTOWN -- Normally, it's fun to look back upon Yogi Berra-isms. Not today. Not on the day West Virginia's football team went out and proved Yogi Berra wrong. See, Berra's credited with the quote "It's not over until it's over." He was wrong ... wrong about Saturday's football game in Lubbock, Texas, when West Virginia''s completed the regular season in the ashes of a 52-15 defeat to Texas Tech, leaving them at 6-6. The address there is "Nowheresville." But this game didn't end with the final gun; moments after quarterback Garrett Greene gave it a symbolic ending by throwing an interception. It ended far before that, when the deflated and defeated Mountaineers headed for the safety of their locker room at halftime, shell shocked by a 29-0 second quarter that left them red-faced at their performance and with no chance to win the game. The score at halftime was 35-3 and, folks, it was over then. They played the second half not to decide the outcome, only to sell beer, whiskey, automobiles and promote upcoming television programs. Berra's statement was wrong not only about the game, but about the entire Mountaineer season. They had come out of the heat of summer living in what proved to be a fantasy world, thinking they would contend for a spot in the Big 12's Championship game. Then they were smacked back to reality by Penn State and Pittsburgh and, whether they want to admit it or not, it was over ... yes,Yogi, it was over before it was over. Oh, they put together a nice mid-year run but the truth was that it really wasn't meaningful for this team never had an occasion where it rose up to pull off an upset. And while there is nothing to be proud of from a 6-6 season, when you analyze it closely you note they did not play Colorado, BYU and Arizona State. Those are arguably the three best teams in the conference and WVU's schedule did not include them. The Mountaineers beat teams they were supposed to beat, lost to teams they were supposed to lose to. They were the definition of a .500 team. "Our record wasn't what we hoped for," Brown admitted. "I will say this. Over the course of the year there were times when people counted us out and we bounced back. We have some good people in the locker room. We have some where we have to do some work. I'm talking about personnel areas. "We're very cognizant of it. We're not covering our eyes. There's areas where we have to get better. We won five games in the league. There were some games there we were capable of winning. So, I don't think we're miles away but there are some critical areas where we have to improve." Brown won't accept what most people are thinking:That this year's WVU team, his sixth as head coach, that this game and this season defined his team. "I don't think the first half of football defined who we are," Brown said. "It didn't define who we are as individuals and it didn't define who we are as a team," But you can't ignore reality. You are what you are and six years in Neal Brown's record in Big 12 games is 37-36. He hasn't beaten any Top 10 teams. They are far better than the first team he inherited from Dana Holgorsen, but they are not a contender in the conference and that's not opinion, it's there in the standings. The fans' frustration is warranted. Now what? "It's been a long season. They have to catch their breath. The positive is this is not the end of it. We have another game. Our guys will bounce back. They bounced back in the second half," Brown said. Certainly he wasn't talking about this game. True, they weren't blitzed 29-0 as they had been in the second quarter, but what kind of bounce back is it when you get outscored 17-12 in the second half. And, yeah, you can look at the stat sheet and see that WVU finished with 405 yards gained, which is not a bad offensive day ...until you realize it produced only 15 points against the team that ranked 125th in the nation in points allowed. The truth was, most of those yards were picked up, if you will pardon the expression, after this game was over. --- Follow @bhertzel on X (formerly Twitter)What to know about sudden rebel gains in Syria's 13-year war and why it matters

Christmas: NSCDC deploys 1550 officers in AbiaBy DIDI TANG The Associated Press — The economic and technological rivalry between the United States and China has come to the drone market , where Chinese-made flying devices are a dominant player. Lawmakers in Washington are seeking to ban new sales of drones from two dominant Chinese manufacturers, arguing they could be used to spy on Americans and that the low-cost models are hurting the U.S. drone industry. A defense bill that passed Congress last week would bar new Chinese drones from DJI Technology and Autel Robotics should a review find them to pose an “unacceptable” risk to U.S. national security. But American users, from police officers to farmers, mappers and filmmakers, have come to rely on Chinese-made drones, especially those by DJI. Here are things to know about the debate. Lawmakers say the drones pose a national security threat Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., who is President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to be U.N. ambassador, has led House efforts to ban new Chinese drones, saying Americans have become too dependent on them. “It is strategically irresponsible to allow Communist China to be our drone factory,” she argued. It was the role of drones in everyday life that drove Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., to get Congress to restrict the purchase of Chinese drones by federal agencies. Those restrictions were included in a bill that Democratic President Joe Biden signed last year. Scott has compared Chinese drones to spy balloons that could “gather data or carry harmful payloads” across America, posing risks to military bases, critical infrastructure and natural resources. Drones made by DJI dominate the US market DJI, named in the bill, is the best-known Chinese drone brand. The company has the lion’s share of the global drone market and is a dominant player in the U.S. market. Its drones have been used by first responders to locate disaster victims, mappers to survey roads and utility lines, mosquito control officers to reach swarms of larvae, and filmmakers to capture aerial footage. Founded in 2006 and based in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, DJI makes devices that are known for their affordability and high performance. They are even used on the battlefield in Ukraine by both sides, even though DJI does not make military drones. As U.S.-China relations soured, DJI drones have come under scrutiny. The U.S. government has put the company on several blacklists citing human rights concerns as well as alleged links to the Chinese military. DJI has denied any wrongdoing, and is suing the Pentagon over the designation that it is a Chinese military company. U.S. customs officials have also blocked some DJI shipments over concerns that the products might have been made with forced labor. DJI has called it “a customs-related misunderstanding.” DJI has also expressed concern about the review of Chinese drones included in the defense bill., saying it doesn’t allow the company to defend itself. It called for “a fair right of reply to any findings.” Users say Chinese drones can’t be easily replaced At the Interior Department, the ban on foreign-made drones has resulted in a “loss of opportunities to collect data on landscape, natural and cultural resources, wildlife and infrastructure,” according to a September report by the Government Accountability Office. Michael Robbins, president and chief executive officer of AUVSI, an advocacy group for unmanned vehicles such as drones, argues against an immediate ban. Instead, the group has urged the government to support the domestic drone-making industry through investment so it can catch up with its Chinese competitors in both capability and cost. Related Articles Business | Drones, planes or UFOs? Americans abuzz over mysterious New Jersey sightings Business | Lancaster man used drone to deliver fentanyl, other drugs — one user died, prosecutors say

Luanda — The President of the United States, Joe Biden, arrived in Luanda on Monday afternoon for a three-day state visit, focused on consolidating the strategic partnership. The official 'Air Force One' plane, the mythical blue and white 747 that carries the US President, landed at 5:30 pm at February 4 International Airport. Joe Biden, who is in Angola at the invitation of his counterpart João Lourenço, was received at the Presidential Complex of the 04 de Fevereiro International Airport by the Angolan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Téte António. The reception committee included the Chargé d'Affaires and Acting Ambassador of the United States to Angola, James Story, the Angolan Ambassador to the United States, Agostinho Van-Dúnem, among other personalities from the Angolan Government and the American administration. The visit of the US President recognizes Angola's role as a regional leader and will reaffirm the true transformation of the relationship between both states. The two countries work together to address pressing and critical challenges, such as improving infrastructure in Africa and enhancing economic opportunities and sustainable development on the continent. The expansion of technologies and scientific cooperation, the strengthening of peace and security, and the strengthening of food security are also other priorities defined by the parties in their strategic relationship. With this visit, they will have the opportunity to assess the effectiveness of existing agreements and to project new areas of investment, involving the private sector in particular. During the three-day visit, the highlight will be a meeting with the Angolan Head of State, João Lourenço, on Tuesday, to address the future strategy of bilateral cooperation relations. On the same day, Biden is going to visit the Museum of Slavery, where he will deliver a speech to highlight the enduring strength and relevance of U.S. relations with Angola and Africa, overall, in addressing a wide range of global challenges. Located in Morro da Cruz, in the city of Luanda, the National Museum of Slavery is an important cultural heritage of Angola that is dedicated to the preservation of the collective memory of the 500 years of slavery to which Angolans were subjected. Inaugurated in 1997, this important information system is filled with artifacts of high historical value that preserve and report the long history of slavery in Angolan territory. On Wednesday, Joe Biden will travel to the province of Benguela, where he will learn about the Grupo Cart factory, as well as visit the Port of Lobito, an important infrastructure of the Lobito Corridor. Founded on March 24, 1928, the Porto is one of the largest seaport compounds in the country. The Port is the head of the Benguela Railway, which brings cargo from the city of Tenque, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Joe Biden's agenda in Benguela also includes participation in the Angola/US Business Forum. The US President leaves the country on Wednesday, from Catumbela airport, in Benguela province. Angola and the US are strategic partners, with political-diplomatic and cooperation relations that have increased significantly for 30 years, leading to the signing of several legal instruments in the social, commercial and business fields. The rapprochement with the Americans has made Angola the third largest creditor of the US with a debt that has grown by 223 percent in the last seven years. The arrival of João Lourenço to the Government in 2017 led to a redefinition of the country's priorities in terms of relations with the main world powers, with a more open approach to the United States of America (USA). Therefore, Joe Biden's visit is a new window for attracting new American investors, who can take advantage of the improved business environment in Angola to diversify their investments. It is hoped that with this State mission, the two countries will find platforms of understanding adjusted to the reality of their respective peoples, capable of providing mutual advantages and diversifying existing cooperation. Currently, the cooperation relations between the two countries have their legal framework based on a General Agreement that operates in the most varied areas of the country's economic and social life, with a strong presence in the areas of infrastructure, trade, industry, agriculture, health, media, transport, food security, among others. DC/ART/DOJ

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Audi is in the midst of a massive model line transformation with all of its even-numbered cars becoming EVs and all of its odd-numbered cars staying gas-powered. This shift aims to make electric vehicles like the all-new Audi A6 and S6 E-Tron extremely important in its portfolio. While it might be called the A6, this mid-size liftback is more of a replacement for the A7 , just with the addition of electric power. Regardless of naming scheme, I found both the entry-level A6 E-Tron and higher-power S6 E-Tron to be compelling vehicles that are a welcome — and rather handsome — addition to the mid-size luxury segment, where they’ll go toe-to-toe with the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE. The two Audis also make it very apparent that for 95 percent of driving, you do not need the faster EV. Full Disclosure : Audi flew me all the way to Tenerife, put me up in fancy hotels and fed me all so I could drive the 2025 A6 and S6. Gone are the four- and six-cylinder motors that powered the previous A6 and S6. In their place are either one or two electric motors depending on your trim level. In the U.S., the model lineup will have three power levels to choose from. First, we’ve got the base-level A6 E-Tron. It comes equipped with a single motor at the rear axle that puts out 375 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque and has an EPA-estimated 370 miles of range. Audi says it’s working on a long-range model with smaller wheels that can hit 390 miles, which would make it one of the longest-range EVs on the market. Next up is the A6 E-Tron Quattro . That adds a second motor at the front axle to give the A6 all-wheel drive, and it makes 456 horsepower and a 333-mile driving range. Finally, we’ve got the big-dog S6 E-Tron. It keeps the two-motor setup of the Quattro, but with much more power. Horsepower rises to 543, but range takes a dip to 324 miles. That’s still pretty solid, but it isn’t going to set any records. It should be noted that Audi hasn’t released official torque figures yet for AWD cars. Those should pop up closer to launch. Regardless of motor configuration, the A6 and S6 E-Tron come with a sizable 100kWh battery pack (of which a 94.4-kWh net is usable), and they run on an 800-volt architecture. The new A6 is built on Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric that is shared with other vehicles like the Audi Q6 E-Tron and Porsche Macan . Audi says the A6’s battery can fast-charge at a max of 270 kW, and it’s able to go from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 21 minutes. It can also gain about 135 miles of range in 10 minutes of charging. That’s not too shabby at all. Regardless of which model you go with, you’ve also got multiple levels of regenerative braking. You can turn regen braking all the way off, select one of two regen braking intensities or crank it all the way up to full one-pedal driving. I’ll be honest, though, one-pedal isn’t very intense in this car. It’ll bring the car to a stop, but it takes a while. Now that I’ve got all of those boring technical details out of the way, I should talk about how the A6 and S6 E-Trons drive. I’ll just say this: Both cars are certainly geared for luxury over sportiness, and I don’t mind that one bit. I drove the entry-level single-motor A6 and the top-dog S6 — the Quattro wasn’t available for testing and neither were the Avants that we won’t get in America, so don’t ask. Both cars offered decent dynamics, but they weren’t exactly inspiring to drive. According to Audi, the 375-hp A6 E-Tron got from 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, and it can go on to a top speed of 130 mph. Those are both pretty good numbers, but I get the feeling it would much rather cruise down the highway at Autobahn speeds than attack a corner. Like most Audis, it tends to understeer when you come into a corner a bit too hot, as I did a few times on the twisty roads of Tenerife . Regardless of drive mode (there’s Balanced, Dynamic, Comfort and Efficiency), the A6 E-Tron doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence when it comes to performance driving, and a lot of that comes from the adaptive air suspension and steering tuning. The suspension was rather soft even in Dynamic mode, and the steering was very light. Please don’t take this to mean I didn’t care for the way the A6 drove — I did it’s just not a performance vehicle. To me, that’s OK, because the world is sorely missing luxury cars that are only trying to be luxurious right now. Driving down the highway with the excellent adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems working while getting a massage from the wonderfully comfy front seats was more than enough to win me over. Unfortunately, a lot of the A6 E-Tron’s driving foibles continue to the S6. These two cars put in perspective how, 99 percent of the time, different variants of an EV all sort of feel the same. Years ago, you’d buy an S6 because it had a massive V10 engine versus the lowly six-cylinder of an A6, and that felt special all the time. Now, the only real material differences between the A6 and S6 are some slightly different styling cues and a stiffer suspension. The steering is still far too light, and even with a rear-biased AWD system, the S6 pushes when you get into a corner. However, this means the positive driving characteristics of the A6 continue in the S6 as well. It’s still wonderfully comfy on the highway, meaning it’s sure to be an Autobahn bomber with its 149-mph top speed. To be fair, the S6 isn’t completely hopeless dynamically either. It’s very flat in the corners thanks to that stiffer suspension, and you can carry immense speeds thanks to the 21-inch Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires, though it’s still not very confidence-inspiring to drive quickly thanks to the extremely light steering. Overall, it drives rather well, but the S6 E-Tron isn’t going to be the sporty sedan (or liftback) you were hoping for. Inside the A6 and S6 E-Tron, you’re greeted with the sort of build quality and tech we’ve come to expect from Audi. There are two real highlights in the cabin: the technology and the seats. I’ve put my ass down in a lot of car seats in my life, and these are right up there with the best when it comes to comfort and a sporty feel. It also helps that they’re heated, ventilated and, of course, can massage your back. On certain packages, you even get speakers in the headrest, so it’s pretty much a Mazda Miata . Aside from the comfort, they’re also well-bolstered enough that you’re kept firmly in place going around corners. I don’t know how Audi was able to pull off such wonderful seats, but they’re pretty much second to none. The other aspect where the E-Tron siblings’ interior excels is when it comes to technology. The focal points are, unsurprisingly, the screens. There’s an 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster screen and a massive 14.5-inch infotainment screen that are meant to form some sort of panoramic display, and you can get an optional 10.9-inch front passenger display that may be the most useful one I’ve ever interacted with. All three work exceedingly well together and never feel overwhelming, even if there’s a ton of screen real estate taking up space in the cabin . Above all of that is a huge augmented reality head-up display that can flash turn-by-turn directions like a video game and trace the lane lines and cars in front of you when you’ve got adaptive cruise control engaged. It’s a really neat system, and I’m excited to see it pop up in more vehicles. The rest of the interior is pretty well thought out as well, including the squircle steering wheel that does a good job of not blocking the gauge cluster screen. My one real gripe is the use of capacitive touch buttons. They’re everywhere from the steering wheel and the control panel to the left of the driver and on the center console. There’s also a little bit too much piano black plastic for my liking, especially on the oddly big bezels surrounding the screens, but these are just small grips. Other than a couple of other cheap-ish feeling plastic pieces, the interior materials feel very premium, whether you’re touching metals, soft-touch plastics, fabrics or leathers. Something else the A6 and S6 E-Tron excel in interior-wise is space. There’s a lot of it. At 6-foot-1 I can sit behind myself rather comfortably, and because this car is a liftback now there’s a ton of trunk space. Audi says it has 26 cubic feet of trunk space behind the rear seats. That jumps up to 40 cubic feet with the rear seats folded For reference, the ICE-powered A6 and A7 have 13.7 and 24.9 cubic feet of truck space, behind the rear seats respectively. If that isn’t quite enough, there’s a modest frunk with 0.95 cubic feet of space. That’ll be more than enough for a charger and a couple of other things. Moving outside, the A6 and S6 are both very handsome, though other than some badges and wheel choices, it’s hard to tell the two cars apart. Audi did a really good job of hiding some of the car’s chunk with a side blade that runs along the bottom of the doors. Up front, there’s a lot of black plastic that surrounds the car’s “grille,” and it does a good job of hiding the main headlights. The light pods above those are just for running lights (and they can be configured to different styles depending on what you like). Out back, it’s classic Audi with a light bar and light-up rings, though the chunk is a bit less hidden out here. There are also eight light signatures to choose from to make your A6 or S6 your own. Up top, there’s an optional panoramic glass roof that you can switch up the transparency of, similar to what Porsche has on the Taycan . Audi’s engineers and designers put a lot of thought into how the A6 and S6 would slip through the air. The automaker says the car has a drag coefficient of just 0.21, lower than the i5’s 0.23 and EQE’s 0.22 coefficients, which is partially how the A6 and S6 get such good range out. One thing I haven’t touched on yet is pricing. Well, that’s because there isn’t anything to report yet. Audi says we should know more closer to the vehicles’ release in the spring or summer of 2025. That being said, German prices are listed online, so we should be able to get some idea of what they’ll cost. Before adding the 19 percent German VAT , the A6 E-Tron starts around $52,700 and a base S6 E-Tron comes in around $83,600. If it were my money, I’d go with the rear-drive A6 E-Tron. Sure, the power and performance of the S6 would be nice, but the financial savings and excellent range of the lower-tier car make it a hard argument to overcome. A typical issue with high-performance EVs is that they feel like lower-power cars in most driving conditions, and because of that, I don’t feel like you’d miss out too much if you just go for the cheaper car. The new A6 and S6 E-Trons are setting the stage for a more electrically-focused Audi , and if that’s the future the brand is going with, it’s shaping up to be a rather good one. These cars offer a compelling alternative for the BMW i5 and Mercedes EQE buyers of the world, and I think the Audis are better looking and offer slicker tech than either of those cars. Still, it’s not perfect. For people looking for a German sports sedan , look elsewhere, because these cars are certainly geared toward luxury over sportiness. I’m honestly happy about that.STEPHENVILLE, Texas (AP) — Victor Gabalis and Kayvon Britten each accounted for two touchdowns, Darius Cooper had 190 yards receiving with a score and No. 13 seed Tarleton State won its inaugural FCS playoff game with a 43-29 victory over unseeded Drake on Saturday in a first-round matchup. Tarleton State (10-3) will travel to No. 4 seed South Dakota (9-2) in a second-round game on Dec. 7. Drake jumped out to a 14-3 lead late in the first quarter behind Blake Ellingson’s 2-yard touchdown run and Luke Bailey’s 9-yard touchdown pass to Taj Hughes. Britten answered with a 6-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter and his 1-yard TD run stretched the Texans’ lead to 29-14 late in the third. Gabalis’ 49-yard touchdown pass to Cooper made it 36-21 with 10:49 remaining. Gabalis was 26-of-36 passing for 337 yards with two touchdowns. Cooper finished with 11 catches and Britten added 146 yards rushing on 29 carries. Kyle Weber also scored on a pair of short-yardage touchdown runs for the Texans. Bailey and Hailey connected again with a 10-yard score late in the third quarter that pulled the Bulldogs to 29-21. Bailey completed 31 of 49 passes with three touchdown passes and two interceptions. Hughes made 11 catches for 63 yards for Drake (8-3). __ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP collegebasketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

US News Today Live Updates on December 24, 2024 : Denzel Washington takes the big leap into faith, gets baptized: 'It took a while but I'm here'As we patiently waited with others for the elevator to arrive on the ground floor of the Nigerian Mission to the United Nations in New York on a September morning (only one of the elevators was working!), a few people who recognized him seemed to gasp as they realized that such an eminent global citizen and former head of the Mission was standing there unassumingly. That was Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, global diplomat, statesman, retired professor of International Relations, ex-Under Secretary-General (Political) of the United Nations, ex-External Affairs Minister, ex-Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, immediate past Chief of Staff to the President, Ilorin prince, gentleman extraordinaire, and one of the humblest (global) eminent persons you will ever encounter. We were at the Nigerian Mission House on Kudirat Abiola Corner, Second Avenue, New York, last September, the week preceding the United Nations General Assembly, to inquire about connecting with two visiting African heads of state. More precisely, Professor Gambari was with me at the Nigerian Mission to help facilitate an invitation for the two African leaders to visit my university. Since he left the Mission in late 1999, he had avoided, as much as possible, causing a “distraction” by visiting the imposing Mission house. But he did so that day for my sake. That’s the measure of the man. He would often go to any length to help anyone who needed his help. And he would do so as elegantly, smoothly, or inconspicuously as the occasion demanded. Indeed, Gambari’s modesty is legendary. Though the underlying aim of this tribute is to ask that the tireless, peripatetic, and newly minted octogenarian, who celebrated his 80 th on November 24, be put to further service, I would like to place my personal experience of the life and times of this immensely considerate man in some context to not only re-emphasize his global eminence but also to underscore his good-nature and generosity of spirit. Indeed, much more can be added to the glowing tributes already rendered. Yet, there is no need to repeat what they eloquently attested to in a late tribute as this. Still, it is necessary to contextualize the present request that comes in the guise of a tribute. Gambari’s accomplishments have already been exhibited, acknowledged, celebrated, and cataloged by the United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS, and in Nigeria, South Africa, Myanmar, Sudan, etc. And he continues to be honoured for his contributions to global peace and security. Indeed, Gambari brought a calm intensity to the meticulous and often veiled art of diplomacy and international relations. As he worked in the halls of the United Nations and presidential palaces around the world, negotiating complicated or convoluted deals either with probable or improbable leaders, some of them wily and cruelly recalcitrant (like General Sani Abacha, the Myanmar Generals, and the ex-Sudanese dictator, Omar al-Bashir), some graceful or gracefully detached, and some others haughtily imperious or dismissive (like Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice), what he brought to bear on his multivarious tasks was not only deep knowledge and diplomatic savvy, but also personal convictions and refinement. He was not only part of that golden era of Nigeria’s foreign policy making and implementation when the nation, despite being under the reign of soldiers, exerted itself in the subregion, the continent, and the world at large, but he also translated and effectively deployed his experience when he joined the United Nations. Even in periods that were not his finest moments, such as defending Nigeria in the global forum under the homicidal regime of General Abacha, he tried not to be an obnoxious reflection of the despicable general he was representing. Over the last three decades, I have witnessed the respect he has attracted in his personal and professional life. For instance, when President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration replaced him as the Head of Nigeria’s Mission at the United Nations in late 1999, I was in New York on a fellowship at the New School for Social Research (briefly renamed New School University). Professor Gambari invited me to every one of the countless farewell cocktails or dinners held in his honour by his colleagues. Almost every head of the diplomatic mission manoeuvred to find a date to host Gambari. From the most exclusive dinner in the beautiful penthouse home of the Lichtenstein envoy to the UN, to which only about 12 of us were invited, including the Dean of UN Ambassadors and the ambassadors of the US, Canada, and Gambari’s most graceful and even more self-effacing wife to the larger dinner hosted by African permanent representatives to the UN, and another by the Nigerian Mission attended by the Secretary-General of the UN, Kofi Annan, the testimonies to Gambari’s effectiveness as Nigeria’s ambassador to the global forum, the depth and breadth of the relationships he cultivated, and his immense contributions to global peace and security were not only heartwarming, they made one proud to share his national identity. However, such was the high number of invitations to dinners and cocktails that Gambari received and to which he invited me along that I was afraid that my academic fellowship in New York ran the risk of turning into an excuse for gastronomical excursions – and excess. And that I might, at the end of the dinners, find it difficult to return to my more proletarian tastes. I found some excuses to miss a few, which Gambari diplomatically accepted. What is remarkable about the Ilorin prince is that he is as comfortable in the hallowed halls of the UN and among global leaders as he is in the world’s remotest parts and among everyday folks. Even those young enough to be his sons, Gambari calls “brothers” and not just “friends.” And he shares with his younger “brothers” some of his intriguing experiences around the world, the sweetest of which he sometimes narrates in his inimitable Ilorin-Yoruba accent. Such was the nature of his accomplishments that about 30 years ago, my friend, Laolu Akande, arguably Nigeria’s most effective education reporter and later editor and recently vice-presidential spokesman, embarked on a project of writing Gambari’s biography during our years as reporters. Recently, Laolu and I reflected that the man was “only” 50 when we were already persuaded that he deserved a biography. Since then, we have had the privilege to know the man genuinely. I recall an occasion around 1995 when he and his now late former student-turned-friend, Mr. Wale Adeeyo, stopped over to see Laolu and I at the Tribune house in Imalefalafia, Ibadan. The two were on a trip to some place outside Ibadan when we called to request a brief chat regarding our book project. When they arrived at the Tribune house, we couldn’t find a suitable space in Tribune to host them. He then asked that we get into the car to find a suitable space. A few minutes later, as we drove towards the back entrance of Liberty Stadium, Adeeko, who loathed wasting others or his own time, suggested that they shouldn’t drive us too far away from our office and that they stopped to find a place to chat briefly. Adeeyo, who knew the modesty of his former teacher too well, requested from a woman selling some odds and ends by the roadside if we could sit on her spare bench for a while. She obliged. Gambari sat there with us for a short interview. When we were done, Adeeyo gave the woman a generous gift. The woman could not have imagined that the man sharing her bench was Nigeria’s permanent representative at the United Nations. By the way, please do not ask me what happened to the book we were writing. As anyone who has worked in this line of business would attest, some of the most critical writing projects risk regretful abandonment. This brings me to the primary purpose of this tribute: a modest proposal. Given Gambari’s experience, unceasing readiness to serve his country, and the current state of Nigeria’s international reputation and diplomatic influence, President Bola Tinubu’s administration would be well-served to leverage these. For instance, the President can set up an Eminent Persons Foreign Policy Advisory Board comprising the three most distinguished Nigerian diplomats alive today: Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, and former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi. These three can suggest the most transformative steps that can be taken to reinvigorate Nigeria’s international influence. Even without the attendant blessings of excess crude dollars of the past that helped in leveraging Nigeria’s regional, continental, and global influence, the President could restore the glorious years of Nigeria’s foreign policy if he listened to the counsel of these three great men. Meanwhile, in whatever part of the world this felicitation finds Gambari, here’s a belated happy 80 th birthday! Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel now

 

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Arsenal extended its revival with a ruthless 5-1 rout of Sporting Lisbon to bolster its bid to reach the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 last 16 on Wednesday. Mikel Arteta’s side ended a three-match winless run in all competitions by beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the Premier League last weekend. And the Gunners built on that success with an even more dynamic display at the Jose Alvalade stadium. Gabriel Martinelli gave Arsenal an early lead and Kai Havertz increased its advantage before Gabriel Magalhaes struck just before half-time. Goncalo Inacio got one back for Sporting, but Bukayo Saka’s penalty underlined the gulf in class between the teams. Leandro Trossard netted late on to give Arsenal five away goals in a Champions League game for the first time since 2008. Arsenal’s third win in five Champions League matches this season lifted it into seventh place, with the top eight teams in the revamped tournament earning automatic qualification for the last 16. Sporting’s first defeat in Europe’s elite club competition this season leaves it below Arsenal on goal difference. Arsenal is nine points behind Premier League leader Liverpool after its dip, but this swaggering effort suggested it is finally back in the groove. Arteta had challenged Arsenal to make a statement against Sporting and it responded in emphatic fashion. The north Londoners’ first away win in the Champions League in six attempts was a welcome tonic after a 1-0 loss at Inter Milan in its last European fixture. Arsenal’s impressive performance was all the more notable as Sporting had crushed Manchester City 4-1 in its final Champions League game under Ruben Amorim, who has since taken charge of Manchester United. ALSO READ | UEFA Champions League 2024-25: Atletico thrashes Sparta Prague 6-0; AC Milan overcomes Slovan Bratislava Joao Pereira has replaced Amorim as Sporting boss but he was unable to maintain its unbeaten start to the season as the Portuguese champion was defeated for the first time in 19 games in all competitions. It took just seven minutes for Martinelli to put Arsenal ahead. Jurrien Timber’s low cross was perfectly weighted and the Brazilian slid in to apply the finish inside the six-yard box. In stark contrast to City’s capitulation at Sporting earlier in November, Arteta’s men were in complete command. Arsenal picked the Sporting defence apart again in the 22nd minute as Thomas Partey’s incisive pass picked out Saka’s run beyond the host’s creaky offside trap. Saka guided a pin-point pass into the Sporting area and Havertz timed his run immaculately to slot home from close range. Sporting finally forced a save from David Raya when 17-year-old Geovany Quenda unleashed a fierce strike that the Arsenal keeper tipped over. But Gabriel bagged his first Champions League goal on the stroke of half-time. Arsenal’s set-piece prowess was on show as the Brazilian defender rose highest to power his header past Franco Israel from Declan Rice’s in-swinging corner. Gabriel marked the goal with a cheeky celebration as he mimicked the eye-covering gesture used by Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres when he scores. That inflammatory gesture briefly woke Sporting from its slumber and Inacio reduced the deficit two minutes after half-time. Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori went to sleep at a corner and Inacio took advantage to volley past Raya from close range. Sporting needed another goal quickly to put Arsenal under genuine pressure, but instead, it was the visitor who struck again in the 65th minute. Ousmane Diomande’s lunge tripped Martin Odegaard in the area and Saka drilled his penalty into the corner of the net. Trossard put the seal on Arsenal’s demolition job in the 82nd minute, nodding home after Israel spilled Mikel Merino’s shot. Comments Related stories Related Topics Sporting CP / Arsenal / UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Latest on SportstarSAN ANTONIO — Colorado secured what it said was record insurance coverage for quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter as the star duo opted to complete their college careers in the Alamo Bowl rather than sit out and prepare for the NFL draft. Colorado would not disclose the amount of insurance coverage each received, citing privacy laws. Coach Deion Sanders and athletic director Rick George both said it was the largest in college football history. "We happen to have two players that are probably going to be the first two picks of the NFL draft," Sanders said Monday. "We all know who those two are and they have received, I think, the highest number of coverage that has ever been covered in college football. It far exceeds anyone that has ever played this game of college football." While college programs maintain insurance policies for their athletes in case of injury, Colorado increased disability coverage for its entire roster in the Alamo Bowl. Sanders, the coach of the No. 20 Buffaloes, ensured his QB son and two-way star Hunter received larger policies since both are expected to be among the top 10 selections in the upcoming NFL draft. "It was his idea we should get disability insurance for our athletes for this game to ensure that they played and if there was some kind of injury that they would be well taken care of," George said. "So, we worked together on that. We're excited about it. We think it's great that all our players are playing in the game. That's what all bowl games should be like." Colorado (9-3, No. 23 CFP) will face the 17th-ranked BYU Cougars (10-2, No. 17 CFP) in the Alamo Bowl on Saturday. While most teams are scrambling with starters opting out of bowl games this year to enter the transfer portal or NFL draft, the Buffaloes did not lose any player on their two-deep roster. "It's more than what I got (when he played at Kansas State)," Colorado linebackers coach Andre' Hart said. "They gave us a helmet and said pop this on your leg and get out there and play. For them to get that (increased insurance coverage), I just think it's beneficial. To talk about where the game is, where it's going and how leadership is taking care of the players, I thought that's excellent." Shedeur Sanders completed 337 of 454 passes for 3,926 yards and 35 touchdowns this season. Many scouting services have Sanders rated as the top quarterback in this year's draft. Hunter received the Heisman Trophy as a two-way standout at cornerback and wide receiver. He had 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns and as a cornerback had four interceptions, broke up 11 passes and limited the opposition to 22 receptions on 688 defensive snaps. "They've taken care of us, everybody," Colorado running back Micah Welch said. "It really means a lot to have every teammate up here. That's a big thing. What I like about Coach Prime, they're taking care of us." Get local news delivered to your inbox!Atria Investments Inc raised its position in StoneCo Ltd. ( NASDAQ:STNE – Free Report ) by 19.0% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 20,258 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 3,241 shares during the period. Atria Investments Inc’s holdings in StoneCo were worth $228,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Gulf International Bank UK Ltd acquired a new stake in StoneCo in the third quarter valued at $210,000. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in StoneCo by 681.9% in the third quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. now owns 33,964 shares of the company’s stock valued at $382,000 after purchasing an additional 29,620 shares in the last quarter. National Pension Service purchased a new position in StoneCo in the third quarter valued at approximately $915,000. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. raised its holdings in StoneCo by 43.4% during the third quarter. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. now owns 3,673,459 shares of the company’s stock worth $41,363,000 after purchasing an additional 1,111,065 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vinland Capital Management Gestora de Recursos LTDA. purchased a new stake in shares of StoneCo during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $539,000. 73.19% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Susquehanna cut their price target on shares of StoneCo from $22.00 to $19.00 and set a “positive” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 13th. Barclays dropped their price target on StoneCo from $13.00 to $12.00 and set an “equal weight” rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 18th. Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded StoneCo to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 3rd. Morgan Stanley restated an “underweight” rating and set a $7.00 target price (down from $16.50) on shares of StoneCo in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. Finally, UBS Group increased their price target on shares of StoneCo from $17.00 to $18.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $16.89. StoneCo Trading Up 10.7 % NASDAQ STNE opened at $10.26 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.42, a current ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.02, a P/E/G ratio of 0.33 and a beta of 2.29. StoneCo Ltd. has a 52-week low of $9.06 and a 52-week high of $19.46. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $11.05 and a 200 day moving average price of $12.48. StoneCo Company Profile ( Free Report ) StoneCo Ltd. provides financial technology and software solutions to merchants and integrated partners to conduct electronic commerce across in-store, online, and mobile channels in Brazil. It distributes its solutions, principally through proprietary Stone Hubs, which offer hyper-local sales and services; and sells solutions to brick-and-mortar and digital merchants through sales team. Further Reading Five stocks we like better than StoneCo About the Markup Calculator Vertiv’s Cool Tech Makes Its Stock Red-Hot Trading Halts Explained MarketBeat Week in Review – 11/18 – 11/22 Following Congress Stock Trades 2 Finance Stocks With Competitive Advantages You Can’t Ignore Receive News & Ratings for StoneCo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for StoneCo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

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WASHINGTON — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request. The airline said in an email that the problem was caused by trouble with vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. An American Airlines employee wearing looks toward quiet check-in counters Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, a union representing American Airlines pilots, said the airline told pilots at 7 a.m. Eastern that there was an outage affecting the system known as FOS. It handles different types of airline operations, including dispatch, flight planning, passenger boarding, as well as an airplane's weight and balance data, he said. People are also reading... Some components of FOS have gone down in the past, but a systemwide outage is rare, Tajer said. Flights were delayed across American's major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company. Out of the 3,901 domestic and international American Airlines flights scheduled for Tuesday, 19 were canceled. Cirium noted that the vast majority of flights departed within two hours of their scheduled departure time. A similar percentage — 36% — arrived at their destinations as scheduled. Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 3,712 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed Tuesday, with 55 flights canceled. It did not show any flights from American Airlines. Cirium said Dallas-Fort Worth, New York's Kennedy Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, saw the greatest number of delays. Washington, Chicago and Miami experienced considerably fewer delays. Travelers wait in line for security checks Tuesday at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. Jae C. Hong, Associated Press Amid the travel problems, significant rain and snow were expected in the Pacific Northwest at least into Christmas Day. Showers and thunderstorms developed in the South. Freezing rain was reported in the Mid-Atlantic region near Baltimore and Washington, and snow fell in New York. Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. Any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have "interline agreements" that let them put stranded customers on another carrier's flights. An American Airlines employee wearing a Santa Claus hat walks through the American terminal Tuesday at Miami International Airport in Miami. Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers an automatic cash refund for a canceled or significantly delayed flight. Most air travelers were already eligible for refunds, but they often had to request them. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. Finding a last-minute flight on another airline tends to be expensive. An American spokesperson said Tuesday was not a peak travel day for the airline — with about 2,000 fewer flights than the busiest days — so the airline had somewhat of a buffer to manage the delays. The groundings happened as millions of travelers were expected to fly over the next 10 days. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers through Jan. 2. Airlines expect to have their busiest days on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. American Airlines employees check in travelers Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations more disruptive than during slower periods. Even with just a brief outage, the cancellations have a cascading effect that can take days to clear up. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. "Airline travel is just really high right now, but most people do drive to their destinations, and that is true for every holiday," AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. Charging an electric vehicle averages just under 35 cents per per kilowatt hour, but varies by state. Transportation-data firm INRIX says travel times on the nation's highways could be up to 30% longer than normal over the holidays, with Sunday expected to see the heaviest traffic. Flight nightmare? Here's how to get compensated Flight nightmare? Here's how to get compensated "It's not the destination, it's the journey," said American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ralph clearly was not among the travellers on one of more than 350 cancelled or 1,400 delayed flights after a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to Crowdstrike's "Falcon Sensor" software in July of 2023.U.S. airlines carried nearly 863 million travellers in 2023, with Canadian carriers accounting for another 150 million, many of whom experienced lost luggage, flight delays, cancellations, or were bumped off their flights. It's unclear how many of them were compensated for these inconveniences.Suffice it to say, posting a crabby rant on social media might temporarily soothe anger, but it won't put wasted money back in pockets. Money.ca shares what to know in order to be compensated for the three most common air travel headaches.Lost LuggageBags elected to go on a vacay without you? Check off the following:Alert the airline, both in person and in writing, of any missing bags. Remember, the clock starts ticking immediately. After 21 days, the baggage is considered lost and the airline is liable for it and its contents.Contact the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) or Canadian Transportation Agency , who will query the airline on your behalf and give them a 30-day deadline to respond.Usually, the airline will resolve the issue, but if it doesn't, or if you're unsatisfied with the offer, the next level is mediation. Beyond that, the case could move to adjudication, a court-like process with a panel deciding on the outcome. On international flights, you have up to two years to file litigation.If you expect a large payout, think again. Tariffs (air carrier contracts) limit the compensation amounts for "loss of, damage to, or the delay in delivery of baggage or other personal property."In the case of Air Canada, the maximum payout is $1,500 per passenger in the currency of the country where the baggage was processed. To raise that limit, purchase a Declaration of Higher Value for each leg of the trip. The charge is $0.50 for each $100, in which case the payout limit is $2,500.For Delta Air Lines, passengers are entitled to up to $3,800 in baggage compensation, though how much you'll receive depends on your flight. Delta will pay up to $2,080 for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage for international travellers, almost half of what U.S. domestic passengers can claim.If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby.Delayed/Cancelled FlightsDifferent air carriers and jurisdictions have their own compensation policies when flights are delayed or cancelled. For example, under European Union rules, passengers may receive up to 600 Euros, even when travelling on a non-EU carrier. Similarly, the DOT states that travellers are entitled to a refund "if the airline cancelled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel." However, US rules regarding delays are complicated.Some air carriers, such as Air Canada, do not guarantee their flight schedules. They're also not liable for cancellations or changes due to "force majeure" such as weather conditions or labour disruptions. If the delay is overnight, only out-of-town passengers will be offered hotel accommodation.Nevertheless, many airlines do offer some compensation for the inconvenience. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby.Flight Compensation in the U.S.In terms of cash compensation, what you'll get can differ significantly based on things like departure location, time, carrier, and ticket class.The DOT offers a helpful delay and cancellations dashboard designed to keep travellers informed about their compensation rights. The dashboard is particularly helpful because, as the DOT states on its website, "whether you are entitled to a refund depends on a lot of factors—such as the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances."Flight Compensation in CanadaThe Canadian Transportation Agency is proposing air passenger protection regulations that guarantee financial compensation to travellers experiencing flight delays and cancellations, with the level of compensation varying depending on the situation and how much control the air carrier had. The proposed regulations include the following:A plane must return to its gate after three hours on the tarmac.Minimum requirements will be set for procuring food, drink, lavatories, ventilation, and access to electronic communications during the delay.For larger airlines, payouts will range from $400 for a 3-6 hour delay, to $700 for 6-9 hours, and $1,000 for more than nine hours. For smaller carriers, the compensation would be $125, $250, and $500, respectively.Here's the loophole: If the delay is related to the air carrier's maintenance problems, no compensation is required.The airline is obligated to complete the passenger's itinerary. If the new ticket is for a lower class of service, the air carrier would have to refund the cost difference; if the booking is in a higher class of service, passengers cannot be charged extra.If the passenger declines the ticket, the airline must give a full refund, in addition to the prescribed compensation. For overnight delays, the air carrier needs to provide hotel accommodation and transportation free-of-charge. Again, if you are unsatisfied, the Canadian Transportation Agency or Department of Transportation may advocate on your behalf.Bumped Off the FlightPassengers get bumped because airlines overbook. When this happens, the air carrier must compensate you.For international flights in the US, the rate is 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $675 maximum. If the airline does not make travel arrangements for you, the payout is 400% of your one-way fare to a maximum of $1,350. To qualify, you must check-in by the stated deadline, which on international flights can be up to 3 hours ahead. Keep in mind that if you accept the cash, you are no longer entitled to any further compensation, nor are you guaranteed to be rebooked on a direct flight or similar type of seat.Don't be too quick to give up your boarding pass. Negotiate for the best compensation deal that would include cash, food and hotel vouchers, flight upgrade, lounge passes, as well as mileage points. But avoid being too greedy—if the gate attendant is requesting volunteers and you wait too long, you'll miss the offer.According to Air Canada's tariff, if a passenger is involuntarily bumped, they'll receive $200, in cash or bank draft, for up to a two-hour delay; $400 for a 2-6 hours delay; and $800 if the delay is over six hours. (Air Canada was forced to raise its payouts in 2013 due to passenger complaints.) The new rules would raise the payout significantly: $900 for up to six hours; $1,800 for 6-9; and $2,400 for more than nine hours, all to be paid within 48 hours.Statistically speaking, Delta Airlines is the carrier most likely to bump. A few years ago, Delta raised its payout maximum to $9,950, while United Airlines tops out at $10,000.This story was produced by Money.ca and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock Lost Luggage Delayed/Cancelled Flights Flight Compensation in the U.S. Flight Compensation in Canada Bumped Off the Flight Be the first to know

Liberal government survives third Conservative non-confidence vote

Principal Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Kinetik Holdings Inc. ( NASDAQ:KNTK – Free Report ) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 20,346 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $921,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Beach Investment Counsel Inc. PA acquired a new position in Kinetik during the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. Blue Trust Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Kinetik by 244.9% during the third quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 3,801 shares of the company’s stock valued at $158,000 after acquiring an additional 2,699 shares during the period. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in Kinetik by 270.0% in the second quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 3,841 shares of the company’s stock valued at $159,000 after acquiring an additional 2,803 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC increased its position in Kinetik by 2,030.9% in the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 3,793 shares of the company’s stock worth $172,000 after purchasing an additional 3,615 shares during the period. Finally, Point72 DIFC Ltd bought a new stake in Kinetik during the 2nd quarter worth about $187,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 21.11% of the company’s stock. Kinetik Trading Down 0.8 % KNTK stock opened at $61.65 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $9.71 billion, a PE ratio of 22.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.88 and a beta of 2.91. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $50.75 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $44.86. Kinetik Holdings Inc. has a 1 year low of $31.73 and a 1 year high of $62.55. Kinetik Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 7th. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 28th were paid a $0.78 dividend. This is a positive change from Kinetik’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.75. This represents a $3.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.06%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, October 28th. Kinetik’s payout ratio is presently 115.13%. Analyst Ratings Changes KNTK has been the topic of several recent research reports. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of Kinetik from $46.00 to $52.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 16th. Mizuho lifted their target price on shares of Kinetik from $47.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Thursday, October 24th. Finally, Barclays increased their price target on Kinetik from $43.00 to $47.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Monday, October 14th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Kinetik has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $45.71. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Kinetik Kinetik Company Profile ( Free Report ) Kinetik Holdings Inc operates as a midstream company in the Texas Delaware Basin. The company operates through two segments, Midstream Logistics and Pipeline Transportation. It provides gathering, transportation, compression, processing, stabilization, treating, storage, and transportation services for companies that produce natural gas, natural gas liquids, and crude oil; and water gathering and disposal services. Read More Five stocks we like better than Kinetik 3 Grocery Stocks That Can Help Take a Bite Out of Inflation Vertiv’s Cool Tech Makes Its Stock Red-Hot Dividend Payout Ratio Calculator MarketBeat Week in Review – 11/18 – 11/22 Investing In Automotive Stocks 2 Finance Stocks With Competitive Advantages You Can’t Ignore Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KNTK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kinetik Holdings Inc. ( NASDAQ:KNTK – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Kinetik Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kinetik and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Gabriel mimics Gyokeres in cheeky goal celebration in Arsenal win over Sporting in Champions League

 

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2025-01-13
Russell 2000, Dow, S&P 500 All Achieve Record Highs In Wall Street's Historic Day; Bitcoin, Gold Tumble: What's Driving Markets Monday? - BenzingaFraport AG (OTCMKTS:FPRUY) Short Interest Up 2,000.0% in Decemberfishing arcade game

Magnachip Semiconductor’s Ownership Unveiled: Institutional Giants Rule the Roost Magnachip Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:MX) is under significant control by institutional investors, who hold a dominant 60% stake. This considerable ownership underscores the pivotal role these major entities play in shaping the company’s stock dynamics. Institutional investors, with their massive financial clout, can significantly influence the stock’s movements, making them a focal point for individual investors keen on understanding market shifts. Institutions often benchmark themselves against major indexes, and their interest generally signals confidence in a stock’s potential. Magnachip has already attracted substantial institutional attention, indicating that analysts at these organizations see promise in the company’s prospects. However, this concentration of ownership comes with risks. A ‘crowded trade’ scenario could arise if multiple institutions decide to offload shares simultaneously, especially in a company lacking a proven growth track record. The largest shareholder, Brookfield Corporation, holds 7.7% of the shares, followed by Systematic Financial Management LP and Clearline Capital LP, with 5.6% and 4.8%, respectively. Interestingly, Magnachip’s CEO, Young-Joon Kim, maintains a personal stake of 1.8%, reflecting a degree of insider confidence in the company’s future. Though the top 22 shareholders collectively own 50%, no single party holds the majority, hinting at a balanced power dynamic while individual investors wield influence with a 35% stake. As the company maneuvers through market challenges, understanding investor sentiment and potential risks remains crucial for stakeholders and those considering investment in Magnachip. Institutional Influence on Magnachip Semiconductor: What Investors Need to Know In the fast-paced world of semiconductors, ownership dynamics can reveal much about a company’s strategic direction and market confidence. Magnachip Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:MX) exemplifies this, with institutional investors holding a substantial 60% stake—indicating a robust interest in the company’s future potential. Understanding Institutional Ownership Institutional investors often signal confidence in a company’s growth prospects. Their substantial financial resources allow them not only to sway stock movements but also to set trends that individual investors follow closely. For Magnachip, the significant institutional backing suggests that key analysts view the company favorably. This can attract more investors, further amplifying stock momentum. However, it also introduces a risk of volatility, particularly if these institutions decide to sell off shares simultaneously—a situation known as a ‘crowded trade.’ Key Shareholders and Their Influence Brookfield Corporation emerges as the largest institutional shareholder, with a 7.7% stake, bringing its influence to bear on company strategies. Other significant shareholders include Systematic Financial Management LP and Clearline Capital LP, holding 5.6% and 4.8% respectively. This dispersed ownership prevents any single entity from wielding overwhelming control, suggesting a balanced power dynamic. Interestingly, individual investors hold a 35% stake, making them a formidable constituency in company decisions. The CEO, Young-Joon Kim, holds a personal stake of 1.8%, indicating his vested interest and belief in Magnachip’s future direction. Trends and Risks in Institutional Investments While institutional backing is often a positive indicator, it’s not without risks. A sudden shift in perceptions or external market pressures can lead investors to retreat, impacting stock prices significantly. For those considering investing in Magnachip, understanding these dynamics and the sentiment shifts among institutional players becomes essential. Insights for Prospective Investors For potential investors, the key takeaway is to stay attuned to institutional investment patterns. Monitoring these trends can offer valuable insights into the company’s future performance. Given the diversified shareholder base and the lack of a single controlling party, Magnachip appears to maintain a degree of investor democracy, although the power still largely resides with institutional investors. In conclusion, Magnachip Semiconductor’s ownership structure offers a glimpse into the company’s future potential and associated risks. Investors should remain informed about institutional sentiments and broader market conditions as they consider their stake in this semiconductor player.

Farmers in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district, including from the Adivasi communities, are showing increasing interest in cultivating apples in the mandals of Kerameri, Wankidi, Tiryani, and Sirpur (U), thanks to the district’s favourable climate. Dubbed the "Kashmir of Telangana," the old Adilabad region experience cold weather during winter that supports the growth of apples. Apple trees require cold temperatures for sapling growth and flowering. Once flowering begins, it takes approximately 120 days for the apples to mature. Pruning typically starts in December, and the harvest begins in May. The first crop of apples in Dhanora village, Kerameri mandal, is notable for its sweetness and vibrant red colour, drawing significant attention. Minimum temperature in the region drops to 3oC in December and remains below 6oC for many nights until February. In December 2017, Kerameri recorded 2.5oC. A scientist from the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) stated that the weather and soil in Kerameri mandal are well-suited for apple farming. The area's natural features, including hillocks, forests, and perennial streams, further enhance its potential. Farmers are eager to explore apple cultivation if the state government provides support, including the free distribution of saplings. Currently, apple saplings, costing around ₹300 each, are sourced from Kashmir. Some progressive farmers already succeeded in growing apple orchards. A farmer belonging to the backward community in Dhanora, Kendre Balaji, was recognised with the Farm Innovation Award by the ICAR-Agriculture Technology Application Research Institute, Hyderabad, in 2018. Balaji first planted 10 apple saplings in 2014, purchasing them for ₹50 each through an friend who was in the Army. The plants have now reached the flowering stage. Balaji shared that CCMB scientists Veerabadhrarao and Ramesh Agarwal tested the soil in his fields and confirmed its suitability for apple cultivation. Since 2015, Balaji has planted 450 hybrid Hariman-99 apple trees, provided free of cost by CCMB, Hyderabad. The institute distributed a total of 4,000 apple saplings to interested farmers in the region. However, Balaji noted that apple plants' growth is hindered when intercropped with other plants. While he has harvested apples weighing around 150 grams, the ideal weight for commercial sale is approximately 200 grams. An Adivasi farmer from Dhanora named Sidam Mahadu has cultivated 50 apple plants. Mahadu stated that many farmers are now willing to raise apple orchards if the government supplies free saplings and provides technical support.

Sandeep Dikshit challenges Kejriwal to debate, vows to expose AAP-BJP linkF.P. Report ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has said Pakistan is fully committed to fulfilling all its international human rights obligations. In response to a question regarding statements on recent verdicts by military courts, she said Pakistan’s legal system is consistent with international human rights law including provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It has remedies of judicial review by the superior courts and guarantees promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Spokesperson said the verdicts have been made under a law enacted by the Parliament of Pakistan and in line with the judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. She said Pakistan believes in constructive and productive dialogue to promote principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. She further said Pakistan remains fully committed to implementing its commitments under the GSP Plus Scheme and core international human rights conventions. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan will continue to engage with the international partners including the European Union to uphold the international human rights law, without any discrimination and double standards.

As Nigerians join the rest of the world to celebrate Christmas, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has expressed hopes of a greater and better Nigeria shorn of economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption. Olukoyede stated this in Abuja today while congratulating Christians as they mark the birth of Jesus Christ. The EFCC’s boss stressed that the light, joy, hope, truth, and liberty that Christ brought to the world are significant drives towards zero tolerance for corruption and reform-minded pursuits. “I deeply believe in the prospects of our nation for growth and development. The Christmas season is an opportunity to activate these possibilities. “The values of light, joy, hope, truth, and liberty that Christ brought to the whole world are significant pathways to integrity and zero tolerance for corruption. We can make Nigeria greater if we embrace these values,” he was quoted to have said by the commission’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, in a release made available to Tribune Online in Abuja today. Olukoyede expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating stronger political will in favour of anti-graft efforts, pointing out that the achievements of the EFCC in the last one and a half years are a direct outcome of the President’s courageous and inspirational leadership. According to him, “Nigerians can see clearly that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is bent on tackling corrupt practices in our midst. The strides of the EFCC could not have been possible without his active support and courage. We appreciate this at all times.” The chairman further extended his appreciation to the judiciary, stressing that the “professionalism, commitment, integrity, and courage of our justices and judges are greatly building strength for the EFCC in its anti-corruption works.” He, however, charged the judiciary to continue on its path of redemption and equity. The EFCC boss then applauded the media, civil society groups and other critical stakeholders for their fervour and robust engagement with the Commission, assuring that with their collaboration, greater strides would be made in the coming year Lastly, the anti-graft czar wishes Nigerians Merry Christmas and a fruitful 2025. READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

Targeted operation to be launched in Balochistan: CM BugtiBelfast councillor "frustrated" as women's safety all about self-protection

Censorship in the Digital Age: Adapting to the Open WorldCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A fight broke out at midfield after Michigan 13-10 on Saturday as players attempted to plant their flag and were met by who confronted them. Police had to use pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves in the melee that overshadowed the rivalry game. Ohio State police said in a statement “multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray.” Ohio State police will investigate the fight, according to the statement. After the Ohio State players confronted their bitter rivals at midfield, defensive end Jack Sawyer grabbed the top of the Wolverines’ flag and ripped it off the pole as the brawl moved toward the Michigan bench. Eventually, police officers rushed into the ugly scene. Ohio State coach Ryan Day said he understood the actions of his players. “There are some prideful guys on our team who weren’t going to sit back and let that happen,” Day said. The two Ohio State players made available after the game brushed off questions about it. Michigan running back Kalel Mullings, who rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown, didn’t like how the Buckeyes players involved themselves in the Wolverines’ postgame celebration. He called it “classless.” “For such a great game, you hate to see stuff like that after the game,” he said in an on-field interview with Fox Sports. “It’s just bad for the sport, bad for college football. But at the end of the day, you know some people got to — they got to learn how to lose, man. ... We had 60 minutes, we had four quarters, to do all that fighting.” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said everybody needs to do better. “So much emotions on both sides,” he said. “Rivalry games get heated, especially this one. It’s the biggest one in the country, so we got to handle that better.” ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP college football: and Mitch Stacy, The Associated PressKhamenei: Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu not enough, calls for execution

BJP is trying to politicise a suicide: Karnataka Priyank kharge on suicide of contractor

Michael Kessler talks about being a social influencer in the digital age

NoneGov. Walz presents this year's Minnesota Thanksgiving turkeyLAS VEGAS , Dec. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The leading charging solution provider TESSAN has announced its participation in CES 2025, where it will present its latest innovations designed to enhance connectivity and convenience for users. Visitors can explore the brand's new offerings at Booth 30562 in the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 2. "Tessan aims to be a reliable companion for users in their lives and travels, ensuring that they stay connected at home or on the go. Participating in CES 2025 is also an opportunity for us to deepen the connection with more users, offering them a tangible experience of our commitment to innovation and sustainability," said Alex, CEO of TESSAN. At the heart of TESSAN's showcase are products that reflect its core values: simplicity and convenience, innovation and efficiency, as well as sustainability. Every product is designed with a user-centric approach, integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices to meet modern demands. A highlight of the exhibit will be the 140W Universal Travel Adapter, designed for global use with EU, UK, US, and Australian plugs. Its lightweight, compact design makes it travel-ready. USB-C ports offer up to 140 watts for fast charging, while USB-A ports provide 18 watts. It can charge multiple devices simultaneously, including smartphones, laptops, cameras, and CPAP machines. Advanced safety features, like double-patented auto-resetting fuses, ensure secure operation. Another innovation on display is the 100W Charging Station. Compact and designed to save space, this multi-functional device can charge up to nine gadgets simultaneously at high speed. Its sleek upright design combines style with functionality, while robust safety measures safeguard devices from overcurrent, voltage surges, and overheating, ensuring uninterrupted charging around the clock. For electric vehicle owners, TESSAN will showcase its Level 2 Smart EV Charger, a high-performance charging solution that delivers up to 11.5kW/h, offering remote control via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, off-peak scheduling, and adjustable currents. Compatible with most North American electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, its SAE J1772 connector and water-resistant, fireproof design ensure safety and reliability. These innovative products have not gone unnoticed in the industry. In May 2024 , TESSAN was recognized at the MUSE Design Awards, earning gold and silver honors for its Intelligent Charging Set, multi-functional fast charging socket, and Household EV AC Charger. These accolades reflect the brand's dedication to blending exceptional design with cutting-edge functionality, resonating with users worldwide. Beyond technology, TESSAN remains deeply committed to environmental sustainability. In August 2024 , the brand received ClimatePartner certification, signifying its alignment with eco-friendly practices. Most recently, it announced a collaboration with the non-profit organization One Tree Planted, launching an initiative to plant 10,000 trees as part of its efforts to mitigate climate change and support global reforestation. As a brand committed to empowering users to explore the unknown while safeguarding the planet, TESSAN continues to lead through innovation, sustainability, and meaningful action. CES 2025 promises to be an exciting opportunity for audiences to witness these values brought to life. About TESSAN TESSAN, a trusted partner in charging solutions, is committed to enriching experiences both at home and during travel. The brand offers a wide array of products, including multifunctional power strips, travel adapters, wall extenders, and smart home devices. Supported by a robust R&D and production team, TESSAN develops innovative socket products for users across the globe. With the trust of over 20 million users, TESSAN empowers their journeys from home to every destination, promoting environmentally conscious electricity usage. For more information, visit www.tessan.com or the TESSAN Amazon store , and follow TESSAN on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube .Sanaullah wants Imran, Nawaz, and Zardari to engage in talks

Hingham Institution for Savings (NASDAQ:HIFS) Trading 0.4% Higher – What’s Next?

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2025-01-13
The U.S. defense budget is approaching $1 trillion. , who have a history of overcharging the Pentagon and fleecing American taxpayers. Raytheon recently agreed to pay investigations concerning defective pricing, foreign bribery and export control schemes. The public is tired of this waste and abuse. I want the U.S. to have the greatest military in the world and the resources to counter increasingly sophisticated threats from our adversaries, but we need a more sensible approach. That is why I have been the only member on . And that is why I look forward to working with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reduce waste and fraud at the Pentagon, while strongly opposing any cuts to programs like Social Security, Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. There are several areas of waste and abuse that I hope DOGE will address. As a starter, consolidation in the defense industry has allowed companies to drive up prices. When I was a freshman member of Congress, I led an investigation on the House Oversight Committee into the defense contractor TransDigm, which through mergers had acquired exclusive rights to sole-source aircraft parts. A report from the Defense Department’s inspector general revealed the company had exploited the American people by overcharging over 4,000 percent on those sole-source parts. In the end, TransDigm returned . Equally outrageous, found that the price of stinger missiles has increased from . One reason is that and can drive up costs. Lockheed Martin’s F-35 jet, which DOGE co-chair Elon Musk has rightly criticized, is another example of how a lack of competition has resulted in waste and zero incentive to innovate. The F-35 jet is perpetually and over budget. The lifetime cost to maintain them will be over . We should make defense contracting more competitive, helping small and medium-sized businesses to compete for Defense Department projects. We can do this by reducing massive sole-source contracts that only specific large companies can fulfill, breaking up major acquisitions into smaller programs, and improving funding and administrative support to help companies cross the “valley of death” between research and product commercialization. Our biggest program overruns, like the F-35 jet, are what’s known as “cost-plus contracts.” These make taxpayers shoulder the risk of increasing development costs, and take away contractors’ motivations to reduce costs. We must ensure better risk-sharing with contractors and provide incentives for them to reduce program costs. For example, we should award more contracts to vendors who invest in their industrial base and can rapidly respond to the military’s requirements, instead of engaging in stock buybacks. The Defense Department also needs better acquisition oversight. Defense contractors have gotten away with overcharging the Pentagon and ripping off taxpayers for too long. A revealed that the Air Force overpaid Boeing for the C-17 Cargo Aircraft. The most egregious purchase was . This happened because the Air Force failed to effectively monitor the prices that Boeing, the contractor, provided. One ingredient for effective price monitoring is better communication across the federal government to ensure the Pentagon isn’t paying more than any other department. The Defense Health Agency overpaid by , spending as much as . The department’s acquisition processes lacks sufficient controls for defense contractors who can get away with overcharging the government. We have a phenomenal workforce, but they must be paired with state-of-the-art systems and policies to ensure contracts only go to qualified contractors with reasonable prices. Industry obviously cannot be trusted to provide fair pricing and contract negotiations. DOGE should provide recommendations for systems to better manage government spending and acquisition. If the Defense Department had checked all the prices that Boeing provided during the contract negotiations and appropriately monitored price increases throughout the project, they could have prevented this waste. Another area where we can work with DOGE is reducing the billions being spent to maintain excess military property and facilities domestically and abroad. There are that cost taxpayers . Previous rounds of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) annually. A new round, focused internationally, could simultaneously save billions and improve national security. Finally, DOGE can also cut the Nuclear-Armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missile program. report estimated that the missile and its warhead cost at least . Though the Navy , Congress has continued funding it. American taxpayers want and deserve the best return on their investment. Let’s put politics aside and work with DOGE to reduce wasteful defense spending. And let’s invest instead in domestic manufacturing, good-paying jobs and a modern national security strategy.The New York Giants have blasted ESPN’s Elle Duncan after she mocked player Daniel Jone for his statement upon leaving the team. On Thursday, Duncan read a statement to the press as the team’s press conference opened, saying that it was his dream to have played with the Giants. “The opportunity to play for the New York Giants was truly a dream come true. I’m extremely grateful to the Mara and Tisch families for the chance to play here. The Giants are truly a first-class organization, and I have nothing but genuine respect and appreciation for the people who have built it and the people who carry on that tradition,” he said. Duncan, though, found the statement mockworthy during her “Taking the Elle” segment on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.” “We normally reserve ‘Taking the Elle’ for Fridays, but Giants quarterback Daniel Jones just did something so inexplicable that we made an exception,” Duncan said during the segment. “After being benched this week, Jones took to the podium to say goodbye to the franchise and fans but with, like, seven games left in the season.” Then she quipped, “I’m sorry, you have to write this down? Didn’t you go to Duke?” “Do you guys think he had this saved in his notes since, like, 2020? In all seriousness, DJ, I could have saved you like 90 seconds. A re-write: ‘Sorry you paid me $108 million for one playoff win. And I look forward to reviving my career as Brock Purdy’s backup.’ The end,” Duncan exclaimed. But after Duncan’s ribbing, Giants Senior Vice President of Communications Pat Hanlon took to social media to express his shock at the attack. “That an #ESPN personality would mock Daniel Jones’ statement today is mind boggling. Given what has happened at that company over past few years, tone deaf,” Hanlon wrote on X. According to Stephen A. Smith, the Giants organization also contacted ESPN to take a potshot at Duncan. In the hours after her rant, Duncan became the object of much social media mocking as fans joined the backlash against her. The attacks apparently stung Duncan enough that she tried to respond and, on Friday, struck back at those claiming she was being disrespectful to Daniel Jones. Follow Warner Todd Huston on Facebook at: facebook.com/Warner.Todd.Huston , or Truth Social @WarnerToddHustonfishing background

Calls Mount For College Football Powerhouse to Fire Coach After Bowl Game EmbarrassmentMARSHALL, Mo. — The Hastings College men's soccer team was on the other end Thursday of the shutouts it had recently been recording down the stretch of the season. The Broncos were the ones without a goal on the scoreboard in a 1-0 loss to Louisiana Christian in the first round of the NAIA men's soccer national tournament in Marshall, Missouri. Adrian Amoros Navarro's goal in the 54th minute stood for Louisiana Christian, which recorded its second-ever national tournament victory. Navarro was assisted by Lucas Lima. Hastings (11-8-2) lacked on the attack as a whole in its return trip to nationals after snapping a seven-year streak a season ago. The Broncos, who reached the tourney by winning the Great Plains Athletic Conference tournament championship, were outshot 15-6 (5-1 on goal). HC didn't have its first try on net until there were 13 seconds left in the game. Louisiana Christian (15-4-3) entered the game 23rd in the NAIA with its 0.94 goals against average. HC was dominant in the physicality aspect, evident in the Broncos receiving 20 fouls and four yellow cards. Each team took five corners. Hastings keeper Pablo Arce-Salinas made four saves.

The US tech giant said it now supported 550,000 jobs in the UK through direct employment, its supply chain and the economy around its App Store – with app developers having earned nearly £9 billion since it launched in 2008. Apple said its engineering teams were carrying out critical work on the firm’s biggest services, including key technology within Apple Intelligence, the iPhone maker’s suite of generative AI-powered tools which are expected to launch in the UK for the first time this week. Elsewhere, the firm said its growing TV empire, spearheaded by its Apple TV+ streaming service and production arm, had also helped boost its investment in the UK with Apple TV+ production in this country tripling in the last two years, the company said. Chief executive Tim Cook said: “We’ve been serving customers in the UK for more than 40 years, and we’re proud of our deep connection with communities across this country. “We’re thrilled to be growing our Apple teams here, and to keep supporting the extraordinary innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of technology in so many ways.” The Chancellor Rachel Reeves said companies such as Apple were “intrinsic” to the UK’s prosperity by boosting jobs. “This government is laser focused on creating the right conditions for growth to help put more money in people’s pockets. “That’s what underpins the Plan for Change and is what has driven £63 billion worth of inward investment in the UK through our first international investment summit. “Companies like Apple are intrinsic to the success of our nation’s prosperity – helping deliver jobs, innovative technology, and boost infrastructure.”Apple’s UK engineering teams have ‘doubled in size in five years’

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is commuting the sentences of roughly 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic and is pardoning 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes. It's the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history. The commutations announced Thursday are for people who have served out home confinement sentences for at least one year after they were released. Prisons were uniquely bad for spreading the virus and some inmates were released in part to stop the spread. At one point, 1 in 5 prisoners had COVID-19, according to a tally kept by The Associated Press. Biden said he would be taking more steps in the weeks ahead and would continue to review clemency petitions. The second largest single-day act of clemency was by Barack Obama, with 330, shortly before leaving office in 2017. “America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement . “As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.” The clemency follows a broad pardon for his son Hunter , who was prosecuted for gun and tax crimes. Biden is under pressure from advocacy groups to pardon broad swaths of people, including those on federal death row, before the Trump administration takes over in January. He’s also weighing whether to issue preemptive pardons to those who investigated Trump’s effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and are facing possible retribution when he takes office. Clemency is the term for the power the president has to pardon, in which a person is relieved of guilt and punishment, or to commute a sentence, which reduces or eliminates the punishment but doesn’t exonerate the wrongdoing. It’s customary for a president to grant mercy at the end of his term, using the power of the office to wipe away records or end prison terms. Those pardoned Thursday had been convicted of nonviolent crimes such as drug offenses and turned their lives around, White House lawyers said. They include a woman who led emergency response teams during natural disasters; a church deacon who has worked as an addiction counselor and youth counselor; a doctoral student in molecular biosciences; and a decorated military veteran. The president had previously issued 122 commutations and 21 other pardons. He's also broadly pardoned those convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, and pardoned former U.S. service members convicted of violating a now-repealed military ban on consensual gay sex. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., and 34 other lawmakers are urging the president to pardon environmental and human rights lawyer Steven Donziger, who was imprisoned or under house arrest for three years because of a contempt of court charge related to his work representing Indigenous farmers in a lawsuit against Chevron. Others are advocating for Biden to commute the sentences of federal death row prisoners. His attorney general, Merrick Garland, paused federal executions. Biden had said on the campaign trail in 2020 that he wanted to end the death penalty but he never did, and now, with Trump coming back into office, it’s likely executions will resume. During his first term, Trump presided over an unprecedented number of federal executions, carried out during the height of the pandemic. More clemency grants are coming before Biden leaves office on Jan. 20, but it's not clear whether he'll take action to guard against possible prosecution by Trump, an untested use of the power. The president has been taking the idea seriously and has been thinking about it for as much as six months — before the presidential election — but has been concerned about the precedent it would set, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss internal discussions. But those who received the pardons would have to accept them. New California Sen. Adam Schiff, who was a part of the House committee that investigated the violent Jan. 6 insurrection, said such a pardon from Biden would be “unnecessary,” and that the president shouldn’t be spending his waning days in office worrying about this. For Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., another target of Trump's threats, said in a statement this week that his suggestion that she and others be jailed for the investigations "is a continuation of his assault on the rule of law and the foundations of our republic.” Before pardoning his son, Biden had repeatedly pledged not to do so. He said in a statement explaining his reversal that the prosecution had been poisoned by politics. The decision prompted criminal justice advocates and lawmakers to put additional public pressure on the administration to use that same power for everyday Americans. It wasn’t a very popular move ; only about 2 in 10 Americans approved of his decision, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research .How to use the Double Air Dash Boots in Palworld

Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: 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-old Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy,” and pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties. Now, investigators in New York and Pennsylvania are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. The killing sparked widespread discussions about corporate greed, unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer. But Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sharply refuted that perception after Mangione's arrest on Monday when a customer at a McDonald's restaurant in Pennsylvania spotted Mangione eating and noticed he resembled the shooting suspect in security-camera photos released by New York police. “In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this, he is no hero,” Shapiro said. “The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this morning.” Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family. His grandfather, Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday, Baltimore County police officers blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. Reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione prepared his five sons — including Luigi Mangione’s father, Louis Mangione — to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report. Nick Mangione had 37 grandchildren, including Luigi, according to the grandfather's obituary. Luigi Mangione’s grandparents donated to charities through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating Nick Mangione’s wife’s death in 2023. They donated to various causes, including Catholic organizations, colleges and the arts. One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione, a spokesman for the lawmaker’s office confirmed. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media by Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” Mangione, who was valedictorian of his elite Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a university spokesman told The Associated Press. He learned to code in high school and helped start a club at Penn for people interested in gaming and game design, according to a 2018 story in Penn Today, a campus publication. His social media posts suggest he belonged to the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. They also show him taking part in a 2019 program at Stanford University, and in photos with family and friends at the Jersey Shore and in Hawaii, San Diego, Puerto Rico, and other destinations. The Gilman School, from which Mangione graduated in 2016, is one of Baltimore’s elite prep schools. The children of some of the city’s wealthiest and most prominent residents, including Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., have attended the school. Its alumni include sportswriter Frank Deford and former Arizona Gov. Fife Symington. In his valedictory speech, Luigi Mangione described his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things.” Mangione took a software programming internship after high school at Maryland-based video game studio Firaxis, where he fixed bugs on the hit strategy game Civilization 6, according to a LinkedIn profile. Firaxis' parent company, Take-Two Interactive, said it would not comment on former employees. He more recently worked at the car-buying website TrueCar, but has not worked there since 2023, the head of the Santa Monica, California-based company confirmed to the AP. From January to June 2022, Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. “There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, including surfing, Ryan said. “He went surfing with R.J. once but it didn’t work out because of his back,” Ryan said, but noted that Mangione and Martin often went together to a rock-climbing gym. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. An image posted to a social media account linked to Mangione showed what appeared to be an X-ray of a metal rod and multiple screws inserted into someone's lower spine. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. An X account linked to Mangione includes recent posts about the negative impact of smartphones on children; healthy eating and exercise habits; psychological theories; and a quote from Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti about the dangers of becoming “well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” Mangione likely was motivated by his anger at what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by AP. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of the suspect’s handwritten notes and social media posts. He appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown, asserting in his note that he is the “first to face it with such brutal honesty,” the bulletin said. Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, the document said. Associated Press reporters Lea Skene in Baltimore; Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Honolulu; Maryclaire Dale in Philadelphia; John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; and Michael Kunzelman in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.

 

fishing with a hook and line

2025-01-12
BURLINGTON — Iowa’s state gambling regulators will hear arguments on a petition filed seeking to scuttle efforts to build a new casino in Cedar Rapids, but will not pause its review and decision on granting a Linn County casino license. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission met Thursday morning in Burlington at Catfish Bend Casino. The commissioners unanimously directed racing and gaming staff to set a briefing schedule and hear arguments on a petition filed by Riverside Casino & Golf Resort and the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, the nonprofit affiliate and gaming license holder for the casino, seeking a declaratory order stating the state gaming commission lacks authority to issue a new license for a Cedar Rapids casino. The petition challenges the validity of the 2021 public referendum that authorized gambling in Linn County, which could prevent Linn County receiving a casino license. The petition was filed Nov. 8, and the commission had 30 days to respond under Iowa Code, with options including answering, declining or setting a schedule for further information. Commissioners ultimately agreed to set a schedule for hearing legal arguments from both sides before making a decision. Additionally, the commissioners rejected a request by Riverside Casino to pause the process on a Linn County casino license while the commission considers the petition. Commissioners cited insufficient grounds and procedural requirements, and stated it’s their intent to hear legal arguments from both sides before its Feb. 6 meeting, when the commission expects to vote on the Linn County license. “We ultimately have to decide whether the various criteria to issue a license had been done,” Commissioner Alan Ostergren said. “And so we can't avoid this question, which is going to have to be decided in one format or another, one time frame or another, and I have the preference of setting a briefing schedule so that we ensure that we give the Linn County folks the full opportunity, if they choose to participate in the process, to present the best legal arguments that they have,” he said. “And then to allow our petitioner to provide a reply document. There may be other parties who want to submit legal arguments to us.” In 2013 and 2021, Linn County residents passed referendums authorizing gaming in the county. The 2021 vote permanently authorizes gaming in the county. Des Moines attorney Mark Weinhardt, on behalf of Riverside Casino and its nonprofit affiliate, contends the 2021 ballot measure contained language that failed to comply with Iowa Code. Weinhardt, in his petition to the state gaming commission, argues the 2021 public measure approved by Linn County voters didn’t authorize the commencement of gambling, but instead simply extended gaming provisions from a 2013 referendum. The ballot measure stated: “If approved by a majority of voters, operation of gambling games with no wager or loss limits may continue.” The state, though, has never licensed gambling games in Linn County. “Accordingly, there were no games that the voters could authorize to ‘continue,' ” the petition states. “A proposition requiring approval or defeat of the continuation of gambling games is not a proposition that authorizes the origination of gambling games in the county,” according to the petition. It also argues the public referendum did not seek approval of all gambling games, but rather a subset of them — games “with no wager or loss limits.” Weinhardt, in his filing, argues that does not comply with statutory language that requires voters to approve “gambling games” without any voter-imposed limits. “And because there has not been compliance with Iowa Code 99F.7, the IRGC is prohibited from issuing any license for gambling games in Linn County,” according to the petition. Asked why Riverside Casino and its nonprofit affiliate are challenging the validity of the 2021 referendum now, as opposed to when it was approved three years go, he said, “The licensing decision is the appropriate time to talk about whether the license is appropriate and valid.” Anne Parmley is president of the Linn County Gaming Association, the charitable arm of the Cedar Rapids Development Group, the proposed developers of the Cedar Crossing Casino. Parmley and other backers of the proposed Cedar Rapids casino say the petition is a delay tactic to prevent Linn County from benefiting from a gaming operation, which would support the city and county through taxes and betterment funds, and provide $6.3 million annually to nonprofits. Parmley, speaking to The Gazette, said she was pleased with the commission’s decision. “We understand their need and desire to reflect on the information in front of them,” Parmley said. “ ... I am confident, personally, that Linn County voters knew exactly what they were voting for and voted to support a second time around gaming in Linn County — and have come out in droves yesterday to explain why it is so important to Linn County to have this opportunity.” Delaying the commission’s vote, she said, would have given those opposed to the casino more time to push through legislation to reimpose a ban on new casino licenses in the state. Some lawmakers have said they intend to file a casino moratorium bill that would block new gaming licenses when the Iowa Legislature convenes Jan. 13. Iowa lawmakers in 2022 passed a two-year moratorium blocking new gaming licenses but failed to extend the pause this year before the legislative session adjourned in April. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is scheduled to vote on whether to approve the Cedar Crossing Casino in early February, giving lawmakers little time — roughly 18 days — to pass and have Gov. Kim Reynolds sign the moratorium before the racing and gaming commissioner plan to vote on a Cedar Rapids casino license. This rendering shows the Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center proposed for the former Cooper’s Mill site in northwest Cedar Rapids. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is considering whether to issue a gaming license so the casino can be built. (Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, Linn County Gaming Association) Gaming commissioners heard from more than 100 speakers on Wednesday voice their support and opposition to a Linn County casino license during a public hearing in Cedar Rapids. Most spoke in favor of the casino. Opponents warned a new facility would cannibalize revenues from other Iowa casinos and dilute, not increase, the state’s gambling market. Casino operators and business, government and nonprofit leaders from Davenport, Dubuque, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Riverside and the Meskwaki Nation said Iowa’s gaming market is saturated. Wes Ehrecke, president of the Iowa Gaming Association — which represents Iowa’s 19 licensed casinos — said all the Iowa casinos support a moratorium on new casino licenses in the state. Supporters, including local nonprofits, businesses and union members, argued that the proposed casino would boost the local economy, create jobs, support community projects and enhance the quality of life by attracting more tourists and providing more entertainment options. Iowans for Common Sense, which promotes itself as a grassroots coalition, has launched a campaign asking Iowans to oppose the casino, inviting residents to sign a petition supporting a statewide moratorium on new casinos. Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell questioned the grassroots nature of the effort and suspects Iowa casino operators are behind it. “This is a well-funded campaign that is, really, not surprisingly backed very well by rich casino operators playing out their case against what they call cannibalization,” O’Donnell told state gaming commissioners Wednesday during a site visit to the proposed Cedar Rapids casino location. “The rest of us call it competition.” O’Donnell on Wednesday asked the commissioners for a “fair shot” at opening a casino, arguing Linn County residents “want this,” as evidenced by their passage of gambling referendums in 2013 and 2021. In between Dave & Buster's screen-lit aisles and makeshift arenas, it's not unusual to see groups of friends competing with each other. At each of the arcade chain's more than 222 franchises throughout the country, there's just about every kind of friendly physical and virtual game—Hot Shots basketball, Skee-Ball, air hockey, billiards, virtual car racing, and shooting—to master. And that is just the beginning. ATS.io mapped how gambling is entering arcades across the United States and the implications for these two industries. In a partnership with technology company Lucra, Dave & Buster's announced in April 2024 that it plans to allow customers to bet on its arcade games through a social wagering channel on its app. The gamification software will accommodate peer-to-peer digital cash bets on "skill-based" games, otherwise defined as "recreational activities for which the outcome is largely or entirely dependent on the knowledge, ability, strength, speed, endurance, intelligence of the participants and is subject to the control of those participants," Lucra chief operating officer Michael Madding told the New York Times . In the process, loyalty members will be able to digitally wager on each other's recreational abilities, earn various rewards, and unlock exclusive perks, effectively merging sports betting and arcade fandom together. "This new partnership gives our loyalty members real-time, unrivaled gaming experiences, and reinforces our commitment to continuing to elevate our customer experience through innovative, cutting-edge technology," Simon Murray, senior vice president of entertainment and attractions at Dave & Buster's, said in the company's initial press release. The decision to enter the betting fray is the latest example of an arcade or casino investing in gamification to capitalize on the exponential growth of gambling. As of May 2024, close to 40 states have legalized sports betting, which achieved record revenues ($10.9 billion) in 2023, according to the American Gaming Association, thanks to maturation across existing and newer markets, such as Massachusetts and Ohio. In the same year, more traditional and regulated casino slots and table games at brick-and-mortar establishments grossed a record $49.4 billion in revenue. That doesn't even mention the soaring estimations for the fantasy sports market, which projects to reach $56.36 billion in 2030 , according to a report by Grand View Research. "A lot of these new skill games are riding the wave of the sports betting and fantasy sports boom," Daniel Wallach, a gaming law and sports betting attorney, told ATS.io. "If fantasy sports is a legal game of skill, and it falls outside the gambling prohibitions under state law, then that could potentially apply to myriad other skill games. That's what Dave & Buster's is banking on." Still, there are potential consequences and uphill battles. Over the last couple of years, numerous "adult arcades" attempting to circumvent state laws with gambling games have been raided by authorities—namely in Florida, where slot machines are illegal unless they're at casinos or pari-mutuels. Depending on the state and how Dave & Buster's plans to operate its social wagering, the chain may also face legal hurdles. But according to Wallach, as long as an arcade isn't acting as "the house" and setting odds, "in most jurisdictions, the peer-to-peer product is, legally, the path of least resistance." In a post-pandemic world, finding new ways to attract and retain customers has become paramount for big entertainment venues. Until about a decade ago, publications were still delivering eulogies for the arcade, which struggled to compete with home video game consoles. In a 2013 story for The Verge , author Laura June argued: "The economics aren't there anymore, the community support never was, and, of course, gaming companies make a killing in the home—almost none are even producing cabinets anymore." To reinvent themselves, many arcades have introduced more hospitality elements and virtual/augmented reality opportunities, hoping newer social technology might lure customers back. Along with casinos installing slots that incorporate video game elements like storytelling and competition, they've also taken hints from sports betting companies like DraftKings and FanDuel, gamifying their mobile experiences by presenting various "challenges" or "missions" or "bonuses" that can incentivize players to stay active on an app and increase their chances to win prizes. Some arcades, like Galloping Ghost Arcade, based in Brookfield, Illinois, have pivoted the other direction, leaning into nostalgia to fuel their niche customer base. According to owner Doc Mack, the venue—which hosts about 80,000 customers a year—doesn't supply any food or beverage service, has close to 900 different games, and charges a $25 flat rate so customers don't pinch their quarters. "We have tried to really go with an old-school approach to it. Our games kind of speak for themselves," Mack told ATS.io. "You don't have to pitch anything else to make these games iconic or make people want to play them." Unlike Dave & Buster's, he says, which phases old games out, Galloping Ghost prides itself on classic arcade options that don't cater to online opportunities. Considering the scope and intention of his business, gamification only makes sense for a certain size operation looking to draw in more casual customers. "I think it's great to try to innovate and bring new things to it," Mack said. "If you operate that big at this point, maybe you just try to do anything you can to figure out a new revenue opportunity." Considering Dave & Buster's is one of many arcade entertainment franchises that cater to families, underage gambling has become a concern. Legislators such as Illinois state Rep. Daniel Didech have spoken out about the lack of safeguards preventing kids and teenagers from betting themselves. Lucra says its betting services are only intended for adults 18 and up, and that the average contest size is around $5 or $10. But without being regulated—a reason the American Gaming Association declined to comment for this story—the chain opens itself up to more scrutiny. "State regulation can provide an important consumer protection element that would otherwise be missing from unregulated albeit legal activity," Wallach said. "Maybe the answer is to regulate rather than prohibit." Whether or not it finds initial success, Wallach believes this venture into arcade peer-to-peer betting is likely to gain imitators. Consider venues such as Topgolf and PingPod (a fully automated table tennis space), which have already gamified some of their experiences and contain inherent head-to-head competitions. Meanwhile, on Lucra's list of clients is a pickleball ratings system and a tennis app that allows players to compete against each other for real money. According to Lucra, its app has created 1 million unique contests and collected more than $20 million of handle. It seems like just the beginning. "There's much more skill gaming out there at commercial venues than you may even realize," Wallach said. "There's no reason why this concept can't be imported to those types of recreational activities." Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. This story originally appeared on ATS.io and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Mega Millions ticket prices to increase to $5 in April, with improved odds and bigger jackpots promised. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Girls soccer: All-Stars take pitch once more in 2024South Korea’s president avoids impeachment over short-lived imposition of martial lawfishing equipment store near me

Ministers must explain where ‘missing’ £41m will be spent – Labour

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A boat explosion at a South Florida marina has left one person dead and five others injured, officials said. The explosion occurred Monday night at the Lauderdale Marina, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue said in a social media post. Rescue workers transported five people to local hospitals, three with traumatic injuries, officials said. A sixth person was found dead in the water several hours later by the Broward Sheriff's Office. Fire rescue officials said they didn't immediately know what caused the explosion.Packers vs. Lions stock report: 7 movers after NFC North showdown - Pride Of Detroit

The Dallas Cowboys entered Week 12 and expected to lose to the Washington Commanders . Instead, they pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the week, beating their divisional rival 34-26 . KaVontae Turpin played a major role in the victory. The third-year wide receiver made one of the most important plays of Dallas' season, returning a kickoff 99 yards for a game-winning score late in the fourth quarter. The Commanders had just cut the Cowboys ' lead to 20-17 after a Zach Ertz touchdown and a Jayden Daniels 2-point conversion. Austin Seibert 's kickoff landed short of the end-zone and bounced through Turpin's legs, eliciting a gasp from the crowd. Turpin gathered the ball at the 1-yard line before starting upfield. He ran about 10 yards before he executed a perfect spin move to evade two defenders. From there, he burst through an open lane and sped into the end-zone without being touched. 2025 NFL MOCK DRAFT: QBs Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward crack top five NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more. Below is a look at Turpin's impressive play, which gave the Cowboys a 27-17 lead: Turpin's return was part of the overarching theme of Sunday's game. Dallas' special teams dominated Washington's, as the Commanders allowed two kick return touchdowns, missed two extra points and missed a field goal in its eight-point loss. Turpin's touchdown also ended up being the game-winning score. It gave the Cowboys a 27-17 lead that they nearly blew, as the Commanders scored on each of their next two possessions. That included a Terry McLaurin touchdown with 21 seconds left that cut Dallas' lead to 27-26. However, one of Washington's two missed extra points came after the McLaurin score. That allowed Dallas to snap its five-game losing streak and build momentum ahead of the team's Thanksgiving Day matchup with the New York Giants . KaVontae Turpin 40 time For those wondering how fast KaVontae Turpin is, the 28-year-old ran the 40-yard dash in 4.31 seconds at his Pro Day in 2019, according to Sports Management Worldwide Agency . More recently, Turpin logged the fastest speed by an NFL ball carrier during the 2024 season, per the NFL's Next Gen Stats . That came in Week 11 of the 2024 NFL season after he posted a top speed of 22.36 mph on his 64-yard touchdown against the Houston Texans .Horoscope Today, November 25 By Astrologer Sundeep Kochar: Taurus, Avoid Office Gossip And Politics - Zee NewsKarad (Maharashtra): NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday said the Ladki Bahin scheme , women's participation in voting in large numbers, and religious polarisation may have played a role in Mahayuti's victory in Maharashtra assembly polls . He said the election results, declared on Saturday, are not on the expected lines but he would revitalise the party. Responding to a query on his retirement from active politics, Pawar tersely said he and his party colleagues will decide. Speaking to reporters in Karad city in Satara district, Pawar acknowledged that the NCP led by his nephew and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar secured more seats than the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), adding "Everyone knows who founded the NCP". "The Ladki Bahin scheme and religious polarisation played a role. Women's participation in large numbers could be the reason for the Mahayuti sweep in Maharashtra. We will study the reasons for the debacle and take necessary steps," he said. Pawar asserted that the NCP (SP) would go to people by re-energising the new leadership. Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Leadership Building Your Winning Startup Team: Key Strategies for Success By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Leadership From Idea to Product: A Startup Development Guide By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Finance A2Z Of Finance: Finance Beginner Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Web Development Advanced Java Mastery: Object-Oriented Programming Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Leadership Business Storytelling Masterclass By - Ameen Haque, Founder of Storywallahs View Program Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) ChatGPT Mastery from Zero to Hero: The Complete AI Course By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program Leadership Validating Your Startup Idea: Steps to Ensure Market Fit By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Strategy ESG and Business Sustainability Strategy By - Vipul Arora, Partner, ESG & Climate Solutions at Sattva Consulting Author I Speaker I Thought Leader View Program Web Development Intermediate C++ Skills: Master Pointers, Structures and File Stream By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Startup Fundraising: Essential Tactics for Securing Capital By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Marketing Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, Author | Speaker | Thought Leader | Branding Consultant View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Responding to a query on EVMs, a day after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut expressed doubts over the massive verdict in Mahayuti's favour, Pawar said he would speak about EVMs only if he has official data. Pawar suffered the worst-ever defeat in his political career in Maharashtra polls with the NCP faction led by him winning only 10 seats in the 288-member House, while the Ajit Pawar-led NCP bagged 41. The Mahayuti scored a massive victory with the BJP winning 132 seats, Shiv Sena led by Shinde 57, and NCP 41. In contrast, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi was restricted to 46 seats. Pawar said the poll outcome he had witnessed in his public life was unprecedented. "The MVA coalition put in a lot of hard work but the desired results were not achieved even though people responded positively to MVA during campaigning," the NCP (SP) chief added. He said the MVA was more confident after achieving success in Lok Sabha elections, adding that more work needs to be done. When asked if he was jolted by the poll outcome, Pawar said, "The poll results were declared yesterday. Today I am in Karad. Those who were demoralised would have sat at home". He also said fielding his grandnephew Yugendra Pawar against Ajit Pawar on the home turf of Baramati wasn't a wrong decision as someone had to contest the elections. Ajit Pawar defeated Yugendra by a margin of over 1 lakh votes to win the eighth term in Baramati. "Ajit Pawar and Yugendra Pawar cannot be compared. We were aware of this fact," Sharad Pawar added. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans trimmed its stake in shares of Vontier Co. ( NYSE:VNT – Free Report ) by 2.9% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 182,845 shares of the company’s stock after selling 5,446 shares during the quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans’ holdings in Vontier were worth $6,170,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Vontier by 17.0% during the 1st quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC now owns 19,054 shares of the company’s stock valued at $864,000 after acquiring an additional 2,774 shares in the last quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co grew its holdings in shares of Vontier by 17.6% during the first quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 108,902 shares of the company’s stock worth $4,941,000 after purchasing an additional 16,305 shares during the last quarter. Quadrature Capital Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Vontier in the first quarter valued at approximately $344,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its holdings in Vontier by 24.1% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 1,695,280 shares of the company’s stock valued at $76,898,000 after buying an additional 329,191 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Kingdon Capital Management L.L.C. acquired a new stake in Vontier during the 1st quarter worth approximately $9,072,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.83% of the company’s stock. Vontier Stock Up 1.4 % Shares of NYSE:VNT opened at $38.84 on Friday. The business’s 50-day moving average is $35.48 and its 200-day moving average is $36.74. Vontier Co. has a 1 year low of $31.22 and a 1 year high of $45.62. The company has a market capitalization of $5.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.88, a P/E/G ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.10, a current ratio of 1.64 and a quick ratio of 1.23. Vontier Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 12th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 21st will be issued a dividend of $0.025 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 21st. This represents a $0.10 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.26%. Vontier’s dividend payout ratio is currently 3.83%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on VNT shares. Robert W. Baird dropped their price target on shares of Vontier from $44.00 to $42.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Argus downgraded Vontier from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Tuesday, August 20th. Evercore ISI decreased their price target on Vontier from $45.00 to $40.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research note on Monday, August 19th. Finally, Barclays raised their price objective on Vontier from $44.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 5th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Vontier has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $44.50. Get Our Latest Research Report on VNT About Vontier ( Free Report ) Vontier Corporation provides mobility ecosystem solutions worldwide. The company operates through Mobility Technologies, Repair Solutions, and Environmental and Fueling Solutions segments. The Mobility Technologies segment provides digitally equipment solutions for mobility ecosystem, such as point-of-sale and payment systems, workflow automation, telematics, data analytics, software platform, and integrated solutions for alternative fuel dispensing. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VNT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vontier Co. ( NYSE:VNT – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Vontier Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vontier and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

 

fishing cap

2025-01-13
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fishing logo design Pep Guardiola: It’s my responsibility to solve Manchester City’s poor runTrump team signs agreement to allow Justice to conduct background checks on nominees, staff

Pep Guardiola: It’s my responsibility to solve Manchester City’s poor run

Congressional Republicans and former Trump appointees have spent the last year building out their response to the movement protesting Israel’s war in Gaza , and now that Donald Trump is returning to the White House they warn that protest leaders, activists and those who help them raise money could face an onslaught of federal investigations and possible indictments. An NBC News review of congressional hearings and letters, along with lawsuits filed by organizations led by former Trump officials, provides a preview of which federal laws a second Trump administration could use when pursuing investigations and potential prosecutions. Judging from what has been pushed thus far, there are several legal measures most likely to be used once Trump returns to Washington. One would be deporting foreign college students in the U.S. on a visa after they’re found to have openly advocated for Hamas or another U.S.-designated terror group, or after they participated in an unauthorized campus protest and were suspended, expelled or jailed. Another measure would be to pursue federal prosecutions of demonstrators who block synagogue entrances or disrupt Jewish speakers at events. A third approach is to charge protest leaders and nonprofits that aid in fundraising for protest groups with failing to register with the U.S. Justice Department as an “agent of a foreign principal.” And a fourth avenue is to open investigations into protest leaders who are in direct contact with U.S.-designated terror groups while advocating on their behalf. The multifaceted law enforcement approach is a marked departure from the Biden administration’s response to the protest movement. Some of the nation’s leading civil rights groups told NBC News that they are gearing up for a flood of legal battles to protect the protesters. “Trying to predict what Trump will do is a fool’s errand. We have to be prepared for the most extreme version of what he’s threatened,” said Ben Wizner, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Speech, Privacy and Technology Project. “We have to take him both literally and seriously.” Biden administration officials have told NBC News that prosecuting speech-related crimes related to the anti-war protests is not a high priority for the current Justice Department, nor is seeking out student protesters on foreign visas a top concern for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “President Trump will enforce the law,” said Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, in an email to NBC News. Ernst recently asked the FBI to open an investigation into a pro-Hamas student group at Columbia University called Columbia University Apartheid Divest. A member had threatened “Zionists” on social media , which the organization had initially distanced itself from after a strong public outcry but later supported in an Instagram post . CUAD also has handed out pro-Hamas flyers that circulated around campus featuring masked men holding weapons. “There is a new sheriff in town,” Ernst said. The FBI has yet to respond to Ernst’s request, her office said. An FBI spokesperson did not immediately respond to request for comment. A Columbia University spokesperson said CUAD is not a recognized organization by the school and the flyers were under investigation. Members of CUAD declined to comment. Reed Rubinstein, who held high-ranking positions in both the Justice Department and the U.S. Education Department in the first Trump administration, is now a senior vice president at America First Legal, a public policy law firm in Washington, D.C., founded by former Trump adviser Stephen Miller. (Miller is expected to return to the White House as a deputy chief of staff for policy.) Under Rubinstein, America First Legal has in the past year filed four lawsuits that provide a glimpse into how the Trump administration could differ from its predecessor. America First Legal alleges in the suits that the State Department, the Justice Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Education have protected pro-Hamas extremists. In court papers and in letters to several federal oversight officials, America First Legal has also said it believes the Justice Department should have forced several leaders of pro-Palestinian groups to report themselves under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, known as FARA, which requires individuals acting as “an agent of a foreign principal” to register themselves with the Justice Department. It has also accused the Department of Education of not following Title VI regulations, which prohibits schools that accept federal funding from allowing on-campus discrimination based on race, shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics including being Jewish. “There’s a difference between lawful speech and unlawful conduct,” Rubinstein told NBC News. “Law enforcement has an obligation to act.” Although the lawsuits haven’t progressed in court, they provide a possible road map for how Trump-minded prosecutors could respond to the protest movement. So far, only the Education Department has responded to the allegations, court papers show, and said the agency doesn’t have sufficient evidence to respond to the claims that policies aren’t being enforced. The Justice Department didn’t respond to a request for comment. Spokespeople at the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Education all said they can’t comment on pending litigation. Rubinstein in an interview brought up an additional law he expects a second Trump administration could enforce. Known as the FACE Act , the law prohibits people from using force, threats or intimidation while blocking entrances of places of worship. Earlier this month, protesters with SJP Chicago gathered at the Chicago Loop Synagogue to demonstrate against an Arab Israeli speaker who had served in the Israeli military. Videos posted to social media showed demonstrators blocking the synagogue’s entrance, banging on the windows and getting inside. “You do not have the right to deny somebody the ability to congregate in a church or synagogue,” Rubinstein said. “We would like to see the Department of Justice do its job.” A spokesman for the FBI’s Chicago office said its policy is not to confirm or deny the existence of an investigation. The Chicago Police Department said it arrested two protesters and charged them with trespassing and one with property damage, both misdemeanor charges. SJP Chicago did not respond to a request for comment. But in an Instagram post, it said protesters were not being anti-Jewish. “Zionist have scrambled to throw together a narrative that these acts were anti-semetic and fueled by hate (what’s new).” Some of the nation’s leading free speech and civil rights groups say they are gearing up to fight a new Trump administration and any attempts to go after protesters or their funders. Since 9/11, organizations including the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), along with the ACLU, the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Knight First Amendment Institute have represented Muslim Americans and pro-Palestinian activists in cases involving free speech, surveillance or abuse. Edward Ahmed Mitchell, CAIR’s deputy executive director, argued that the Biden administration failed to enforce FARA against leaders of pro-Israel groups. Mitchell said both Trump and President Joe Biden single out pro-Palestinian activists with either a lack of enforcement or with too much enforcement. “Just as Americans who peacefully marched, protested and lobbied against segregation, the Vietnam War and South African apartheid were not deterred when government agencies spied upon, smeared, arrested and brutalized them,” Mitchell said, “the college students, human rights activists and everyday Americans peacefully opposing the Gaza genocide have not been deterred by such government abuses and, God willing, will not be deterred by such abuses in the future.” Both CCR and the ACLU told NBC News that their concerns go beyond what the administration could do to crack down on just the protests. They pointed to the possibility that a Republican-led Congress could pass a bill currently under consideration that would strip away the tax-exempt status of nonprofits that a Trump appointed treasury secretary designates as providing material support to “terrorist supporting organizations.” CCR also said it worries a second Trump administration could wrongly level accusations of failing to register as foreign agents against protest leaders and nonprofits that aid protest groups with collecting donations. CCR is also watching whether a Trump Justice Department will charge certain activists accused of supporting Hamas and other U.S.-designated terror organizations with violating a U.S. anti-terror law that prohibits advocating for terror groups while in coordination with them. “We are prepared for the Trump administration coming in and changing the game, particularly around the question, ‘Where does speech fit into this?’” said Vince Warren, CCR’s executive director. “To the extent that the Biden administration drew a line between speech and actionable conduct, we don’t think that the Trump administration will do that at all.” CCR is also concerned about the plans laid out in Project Esther , an initiative backed by the Heritage Foundation, the conservative think tank that published Project 2025 . Project Esther urges law enforcement to use a plethora of federal and state laws to dismantle what it terms the “global Hamas Support Network” using racketeering laws — used to break up the mafia — along with anti-terrorism and anti-hate speech laws. “They will throw any type of spaghetti up against the wall,” Warren said. The Knight Institute said although it expects the new Trump administration to aggressively police speech, it is prepared to fight back. Earlier this month, Knight successfully rebuffed the Biden Treasury Department, which had blocked a New York based nonprofit from organizing an overseas conference with Hezbollah members, arguing it can’t work with people sanctioned for ties to terrorism groups. The agency reversed course and settled the case earlier this month after Knight argued that an academic exchange of ideas could not violate anti-terror laws. “If there’s one thing the First Amendment protects, it’s the right of Americans to criticize their own government’s policies,” said Jameel Jaffer, the Knight Institute’s executive director. The ACLU’s Wizner struck a similar note, saying: “The courts have made clear that the First Amendment protects all manner of controversial advocacy, including advocacy of violence, so long as the speaker isn’t actively inciting imminent harm,” Wizner said. Kenneth Marcus, who ran the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights during the Trump and George W. Bush administrations, now leads the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, one of the leading civil rights organizations focused on Jewish students. Over the past year, the center has sued a growing list of universities arguing officials failed to stop what it sees as widespread antisemitism on campus. Marcus said he has met with Department of Education officials requesting an expansion of civil rights enforcement to protect Jewish students on campuses. The Department of Education didn’t respond to questions regarding Marcus’ concerns. “We know that President Trump has repeatedly expressed concern about the campus situation,” Marcus said. During the presidential campaign, one of the 20 promises in the preamble to the Republican Party platform was to “deport pro-Hamas radicals and make our college campuses safe and patriotic again.” NBC News reported in August that the Biden administration said it was not targeting visa revocations for foreign students who may have engaged in speech-related offenses or participated in unauthorized campus protests and had not terminated any university or college student visas due to protest activity related to the Israel-Hamas war. Trump’s return to Washington could lead to possible attempts to revoke student visas for foreign students who openly support Hamas or other U.S.-designated terror organizations, Marcus said. Marcus also anticipates more intervention from the Justice Department when Jewish students say they are being targeted on campus. At a campaign stop in September , Trump said that at the start of his second presidency, he would inform universities that if they allow violence and threats against Jewish students, they “will be held accountable for violations of the civil rights law.” “My administration will move swiftly to restore safety for Jewish students and Jewish people on American streets,” Trump said. This article first appeared on NBCNews.com . Read more from NBC News here:I’m A Celebrity stars go wild as they receive surprise boozy trip out of camp

MicroStrategy Overvalued? Hedge Fund CEO Says 'No' - BitcoinistBy TOM KRISHER, Associated Press DETROIT (AP) — For a second time, a Delaware judge has nullified a pay package that Tesla had awarded its CEO, Elon Musk, that once was valued at $56 billion. On Monday, Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick turned aside a request from Musk’s lawyers to reverse a ruling she announced in January that had thrown out the compensation plan. The judge ruled then that Musk effectively controlled Tesla’s board and had engineered the outsize pay package during sham negotiations . Lawyers for a Tesla shareholder who sued to block the pay package contended that shareholders who had voted for the 10-year plan in 2018 had been given misleading and incomplete information. In their defense, Tesla’s board members asserted that the shareholders who ratified the pay plan a second time in June had done so after receiving full disclosures, thereby curing all the problems the judge had cited in her January ruling. As a result, they argued, Musk deserved the pay package for having raised Tesla’s market value by billions of dollars. McCormick rejected that argument. In her 103-page opinion, she ruled that under Delaware law, Tesla’s lawyers had no grounds to reverse her January ruling “based on evidence they created after trial.” What will Musk and Tesla do now? On Monday night, Tesla posted on X, the social media platform owned by Musk, that the company will appeal. The appeal would be filed with the Delaware Supreme Court, the only state appellate court Tesla can pursue. Experts say a ruling would likely come in less than a year. “The ruling, if not overturned, means that judges and plaintiffs’ lawyers run Delaware companies rather than their rightful owners — the shareholders,” Tesla argued. Later, on X, Musk unleashed a blistering attack on the judge, asserting that McCormick is “a radical far left activist cosplaying as a judge.” What do experts say about the case? Legal authorities generally suggest that McCormick’s ruling was sound and followed the law. Charles Elson, founding director of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware, said that in his view, McCormick was right to rule that after Tesla lost its case in the original trial, it created improper new evidence by asking shareholders to ratify the pay package a second time. Had she allowed such a claim, he said, it would cause a major shift in Delaware’s laws against conflicts of interest given the unusually close relationship between Musk and Tesla’s board. “Delaware protects investors — that’s what she did,” said Elson, who has followed the court for more than three decades. “Just because you’re a ‘superstar CEO’ doesn’t put you in a separate category.” Elson said he thinks investors would be reluctant to put money into Delaware companies if there were exceptions to the law for “special people.” What will the Delaware Supreme Court do? Elson said that in his opinion, the court is likely to uphold McCormick’s ruling. Can Tesla appeal to federal courts? Experts say no. Rulings on state laws are normally left to state courts. Brian Dunn, program director for the Institute of Compensation Studies at Cornell University, said it’s been his experience that Tesla has no choice but to stay in the Delaware courts for this compensation package. Tesla has moved its legal headquarters to Texas. Does that matter? The company could try to reconstitute the pay package and seek approval in Texas, where it may expect more friendlier judges. But Dunn, who has spent 40 years as an executive compensation consultant, said it’s likely that some other shareholder would challenge the award in Texas because it’s excessive compared with other CEOs’ pay plans. “If they just want to turn around and deliver him $56 billion, I can’t believe somebody wouldn’t want to litigate it,” Dunn said. “It’s an unconscionable amount of money.” Would a new pay package be even larger? Almost certainly. Tesla stock is trading at 15 times the exercise price of stock options in the current package in Delaware, Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas wrote in a note to investors. Tesla’s share price has doubled in the past six months, Jonas wrote. At Monday’s closing stock price, the Musk package is now worth $101.4 billion, according to Equilar, an executive data firm. And Musk has asked for a subsequent pay package that would give him 25% of Tesla’s voting shares. Musk has said he is uncomfortable moving further into artificial intelligence with the company if he doesn’t have 25% control. He currently holds about 13% of Tesla’s outstanding shares.

 

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2025-01-13
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Pelosi’s Jan. 6 narrative collapsing, Democrats deaf to voters and other commentaryNone

TORONTO, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- White Gold Corp. (TSX.V: WGO, OTCQX: WHGOF, FRA: 29W) (the " Company ”) is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $4,500,000 consisting of the sale of a combination of : (i) common shares in the capital of the Company (" Common Shares ”) that qualify as "flow-through shares” within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the " Tax Act ”) at a price of C$0.26 per share (each an " FT Share ”); (ii) FT Shares that will also qualify for the federal 30% Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit at a price of $0.27 per share (each a " CFT Share ”); and (iii) Common Shares a price of C$0.22 per share (each an " HD Share ”) (the " Offering ”). "We are very appreciative for the continued support for our exciting and impactful exploration activities to advance our significant gold deposit which is now one of the highest-grade open pit gold resources in Canada of such significant size owned by an exploration company, and other recent high-grade gold discoveries and additional prospective critical mineral projects on our district scale land package in the prolific and under explored White Gold District,” stated David D'Onofrio, Chief Executive Officer. The gross proceeds received from the sale of the FT Shares will be used to incur (or deemed to incur) "Canadian exploration expenses” as defined in subsection 66.1(6) of the Tax Act, and the gross proceeds from the sale of the CFT Shares will be used to incur (or deemed to incur) eligible "Canadian exploration expenses” that qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures” (as both terms are defined in the Tax Act) (collectively, the " Qualifying Expenditures ”), related to the Company's properties in the White Gold District of the Yukon Territory, on or before December 31, 2025, and to renounce all the Qualifying Expenditures in favour of the subscribers of the FT Shares, and CFT Shares effective December 31, 2024. If the Qualifying Expenditures are reduced by the Canada Revenue Agency, the Company will indemnify each subscriber of an FT Share, and CFT Share for any additional taxes payable by such subscriber as a result of the Company's failure to renounce the Qualifying Expenditures as agreed. The net proceeds from the sale of the Common Shares will be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes. Closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about December 20, 2024 and is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the " TSXV ”). The securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day from the closing date of the Offering in accordance with applicable securities legislation. About White Gold Corp. The Company owns a portfolio of 15,876 quartz claims across 26 properties covering approximately 315,000 hectares (3,150 km 2 ) representing approximately 40% of the Yukon's emerging White Gold District. The Company's flagship White Gold project hosts four near-surface gold deposits which collectively contain an estimated 1,203,000 ounces of gold in Indicated Resources and 1,116,600 ounces of gold in Inferred Resources (1) . Regional exploration work has also produced several other new discoveries and prospective targets on the Company's claim packages which border sizable gold discoveries including the Coffee project owned by Newmont Corporation with Measured and Indicated Resources of 2.1 Moz at 1.28 g/t gold and Inferred Resources of 0.2 Moz at 1.04 g/t gold (2) , and Western Copper and Gold Corporation's Casino project which has Measured and Indicated Resources of 7.6 Blb copper and 14.5 Moz gold and Inferred Resources of 3.3 Blb copper and 6.6 Moz gold (3) . For more information visit www.whitegoldcorp.ca. (1) See White Gold Corp. press release dated November 19, 2024, available on SEDAR+. (2) See Newmont Corporation Form 10-K: Annual report for the year ending December 31, 2023, in the Measured, Indicated, and Inferred Resources section, dated February 29, 2024, available on EDGAR. Reserves and resources disclosed in this Form 10-K have been prepared in accordance with the Regulation S-K 1300, and do not indicate NI43-101 compliance. (3) See Western Copper and Gold Corporation technical report titled "Casino project, Form 43-101F1 Technical Report Feasibility Study, Yukon Canada”, Effective Date June 13, 2022, Issue Date August 8, 2022, NI 43-101 Compliant Technical Report prepared by Daniel Roth, PE, P.Eng., Mike Hester, F Aus IMM, John M. Marek, P.E., Laurie M. Tahija, MMSA-QP, Carl Schulze, P.Geo., Daniel Friedman, P.Eng., Scott Weston, P.Geo., available on SEDAR+. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "proposed”, "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, the Offering, including all regulatory approvals; the use of proceeds from the Offering; the Company's objectives, goals and exploration activities conducted and proposed to be conducted at the Company's properties; future growth potential of the Company, including whether any proposed exploration programs at any of the Company's properties will be successful; exploration results; and future exploration plans and costs and financing availability. These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: the expected benefits to the Company relating to the exploration conducted and proposed to be conducted at the White Gold properties; the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals for the Offering; the completion of the Offering on the terms described herein, or at all; failure to identify any additional mineral resources or significant mineralization; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the Company's properties; business integration risks; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining and mineral exploration; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); the unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; soil sampling results being preliminary in nature and are not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit; title to properties; and those factors described in the most recently filed management's discussion and analysis of the Company. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information, or the material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information, will prove to be accurate. The Company does not undertake to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Contact Information: David D'Onofrio Chief Executive Officer White Gold Corp. (647) 930-1880 [email protected]

AP Trending SummaryBrief at 5:42 p.m. ESTChinese, British scientists help tea farmers tackle climate change

Princely Umanmielen’s return to the Swamp ends with a loss and a police escort

Radical Jaguar rebrand and new logo sparks ire online NEW YORK (AP) — A promotional video for a rebrand of British luxury car brand Jaguar is being criticized online for showing models in brightly colored outfits — and no car. The rebrand, which includes a new logo, is slated to launch Dec. 2 during Miami Art Week, when the company will unveil a new electric model. But Jaguar Land Rover, a unit of India’s Tata Motors Ltd., has been promoting it online. The Jaguar brand is in the middle of a transition to going all-electric. “Copy Nothing,” marketing materials read. “We’re here to delete the ordinary. To go bold. To copy nothing.” Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, paid tribute to Dr. B R Ambedkar, the primary architect of the Indian Constitution, on his death anniversary. Modi acknowledged Ambedkar's relentless struggle for equality and human dignity, which continues to inspire future generations. Ambedkar, who hailed from a Dalit family, emerged as a significant political figure in India, championing the rights of the underprivileged and marginalized sectors of society. His efforts played a crucial role in shaping modern India's socio-political landscape. Expressing his respect on Mahaparinirvan Diwas, Modi described Dr. Ambedkar as a beacon of social justice. Reflecting on his visit to Chaitya Bhoomi earlier this year, the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to Ambedkar's vision of equality and justice for all. (With inputs from agencies.)

 

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2025-01-12
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Sean "Diddy" Combs has been hit with yet another graphic drink-spiking sexual assault allegation. Login or signup to continue reading The rapper, 54, is awaiting trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges at a notoriously tough jail in Brooklyn, New York, and on top of the slew of cases he is already facing from alleged victims, a woman has come forward to claim she was sexually assaulted at one of his now-notorious "White Parties", and is now "definitely" pursuing legal action. LaTroya Grayson was 23 in 2006 when she says she won a pair of tickets on a radio show to attend a party hosted by Combs in New York. She claimed she travelled from Oklahoma to the bash, with a series of photos she took that night showing her with men including Combs' personal assistant. LaTroya told the Daily Mirror about how she believes her drinks were spiked soon after she arrived at the celebrity-packed party: "I spoke a couple of words to Mary J Blige. "I was standing by the bathroom, and next thing I know I passed out. I got really, really dizzy to where I fell out ... next thing I know, I was in the hospital. "I don't know how I got there. I was going in and out of consciousness - back and forth, in and out. I was still pretty messed up." LaTroya said her stomach was later pumped before she was discharged by medics, adding: "I sat on the bench for several hours and they told me I had to leave. But I do believe the hospital called my mom whenever I was there. "I left with no shoes on. My shirt was kind of ripped. I noticed all my money was taken out of my purse except for, like, $20. "I got robbed for my money. I had just enough to get back to the motel in a cab." She said she felt her private parts hurting and a day after she returned home to Oklahoma was called from an unknown number, with a woman alleging then warning her to stay silent about the events of the night of the party. LaTroya went on: "She had all my information and was basically telling me that I couldn't do anything about it, that Puff Daddy was a famous person and I wouldn't get anywhere with the issue if I tried to do anything. "I was pretty depressed afterwards, arguing with my boyfriend. I mean, it took a toll on me. I was telling my mom about it and explained to her what happened. I kind of just stuck to myself, really wasn't talking to too many people." LaTroya told the Mirror she was "most definitely" taking legal action against Combs and said she has secured a legal team. She joins more than 100 people accusing Combs of sexual assaults, all of which he denies. 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!Woodward Reports Record Sales & Earnings for Fiscal Year 2024LOS ANGELES -- Film Independent has announced its nominations for the 40th annual edition of the Film Independent Spirit Awards. "A Real Pain" has two nominations for Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Performance for Kieran Culkin. "Nightbitch" also has two, with nods for Amy Adams as Best Lead Performance and Best Editing. The Walt Disney Company was well represented on the TV side, with "Agatha All Along," "English Teacher," "Shogun" all getting nods for Best New Scripted Series. "Shogun" has five nominations in total, "English Teacher" has four and "Agatha All Along" scored three. "Under The Bridge" has two nominations, Lily Gladstone gets the nod for Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series and Best Supporting Performance. "Erased: WW2's Heroes of Color," "Social Studies" and "Photographer" are up for Best New Non-Scripted or Documentary Series while "Sugarcane" is nominated for the Truer Than Fiction Awards. "Anora" and "I Saw The Glow" lead all nominations with six each on the film side. On the TV side, "Baby Reindeer also has four nominations. The 40th Film Independent Spirit Awards will be handed out Feb. 22, 2025. The full list of nominations is below. 2025 FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD NOMINATIONS BEST FEATURE(Award given to the producer) Anora Producers: Sean Baker, Alex Coco, Samantha Quan I Saw the TV Glow Producers: Ali Herting, Sam Intili, Dave McCary, Emma Stone, Sarah Winshall Nickel Boys Producers: Joslyn Barnes, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, David Levine Sing Sing Producers: Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Monique Walton The Substance Producers: Tim Bevan, Coralie Fargeat, Eric Fellner BEST FIRST FEATURE (Award given to director and producer) Dìdi Director/Producer: Sean Wang Producers: Valerie Bush, Carlos López Estrada, Josh Peters In the Summers Director: Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio Producers: Janek Ambros, Lynette Coll, Alexander Dinelaris, Cynthia Fernandez De La Cruz, Cristóbal Güell, Sergio Alberto Lira, Rob Quadrino, Jan Suter, Daniel Tantalean, Nando Vila, Slava Vladimirov, Stephanie Yankwitt Janet Planet Director/Producer: Annie Baker Producers: Andrew Goldman, Dan Janvey, Derrick Tseng The Piano Lesson Director: Malcolm Washington Producers: Todd Black, Denzel Washington Problemista Director/Producer: Julio Torres Producers: Ali Herting, Dave McCary, Emma Stone JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD- Given to the best feature made for under $1,000,000. (Award given to the writer, director, and producer) Big Boys Writer/Director/Producer: Corey Sherman Producer: Allison Tate Ghostlight Writer/Director: Kelly O'Sullivan Director/Producer: Alex Thompson Producers: Pierce Cravens, Ian Keiser, Chelsea Krant, Eddie Linker, Alex Wilson Girls Will Be Girls Writer/Director/Producer: Shuchi Talati Producers: Richa Chadha, Claire Chassagne Jazzy Writer/Director/Producer: Morrisa Maltz Writer/Producer: Lainey Shangreaux Writers: Andrew Hajek, Vanara Taing Producers: Miranda Bailey, Tommy Heitkamp, John Way, Natalie Whalen, Elliott Whitton The People's Joker Writer/Director: Vera Drew Writer: Bri LeRose Producer: Joey Lyons BEST DIRECTOR Ali Abbasi The Apprentice Sean Baker Anora Brady Corbet The Brutalist Alonso Ruizpalacios La Cocina Jane Schoenbrun I Saw the TV Glow BEST SCREENPLAY Scott Beck, Bryan Woods Heretic Jesse Eisenberg A Real Pain Megan Park My Old Ass Aaron Schimberg A Different Man Jane Schoenbrun I Saw the TV Glow BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY Joanna Arnow The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed Annie Baker Janet Planet India Donaldson Good One Julio Torres Problemista Sean Wang Dìdi BEST LEAD PERFORMANCE Amy Adams Nightbitch Ryan Destiny The Fire Inside Colman Domingo Sing Sing Keith Kupferer Ghostlight Mikey Madison Anora Demi Moore The Substance Hunter Schafer Cuckoo Justice Smith I Saw the TV Glow June Squibb Thelma Sebastian Stan The Apprentice BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE Yura Borisov Anora Joan Chen Dìdi Kieran Culkin A Real Pain Danielle Deadwyler The Piano Lesson Carol Kane Between the Temples Karren Karagulian Anora Kani Kusruti Girls Will Be Girls Brigette Lundy-Paine I Saw the TV Glow Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin Sing Sing Adam Pearson A Different Man BEST BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE Isaac Krasner Big Boys Katy O'Brian Love Lies Bleeding Mason Alexander Park National Anthem René Pérez Joglar In the Summers Maisy Stella My Old Ass BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Dinh Duy Hung Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell Jomo Fray Nickel Boys Maria von Hausswolff Janet Planet Juan Pablo Ramírez La Cocina Rina Yang The Fire Inside BEST EDITING Laura Colwell, Vanara Taing Jazzy Olivier Bugge Coutté, Olivia Neergaard-Holm The Apprentice Anne McCabe Nightbitch Hansjörg Weissbrich September 5 Arielle Zakowski Dìdi ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD- Given to one film's director, casting director, and ensemble cast His Three Daughters Director: Azazel Jacobs Casting Director: Nicole Arbusto Ensemble Cast: Jovan Adepo, Jasmine Bracey, Carrie Coon, Jose Febus, Rudy Galvan, Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, Randy Ramos Jr., Jay O. Sanders BEST DOCUMENTARY (Award given to the director and producer) Gaucho Gaucho Directors/Producers: Michael Dweck, Gregory Kershaw Producers: Christos Konstantakopoulos, Cameron O'Reilly, Matthew Perniciaro Hummingbirds Directors: Silvia Del Carmen Castaños, Estefanía "Beba" Contreras Co-Directors/Producers: Miguel Drake-McLaughlin, Diane Ng, Ana Rodriguez-Falco, Jillian Schlesinger Producers: Leslie Benavides, Rivkah Beth Medow No Other Land Directors/Producers: Yuval Abraham, Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Rachel Szor Producers: Fabien Greenberg, Brd Kjge Rnning Patrice: The Movie Director: Ted Passon Producers: Kyla Harris, Innbo Shim, Emily Spivack Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat Director: Johan Grimonprez Producers: Rémi Grellety, Daan Milius BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM (Award given to the director) All We Imagine as Light France, India, Netherlands, Luxembourg Director: Payal Kapadia Black Dog China Director: Guan Hu Flow Latvia, France, Belgium Director: Gints Zilbalodis Green Border Poland, France, Czech Republic, Belgium Director: Agnieszka Holland Hard Truths United Kingdom Director: Mike Leigh PRODUCERS AWARD presented by Bulleit Frontier Whiskey - The Producers Award, now in its 28th year, honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity, and vision required to produce quality independent films. Alex Coco Sarah Winshall Zoë Worth SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD - The Someone to Watch Award, now in its 31st year, recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition. Nicholas Colia Director of Griffin in Summer Sarah Friedland Director of Familiar Touch Pham Thien An Director of Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD- The Truer Than Fiction Award, now in its 30th year, is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition Julian Brave NoiseCat, Emily Kassie Directors of Sugarcane Carla Gutiérrez Director of Frida Rachel Elizabeth Seed Director of A Photographic Memory BEST NEW NON-SCRIPTED OR DOCUMENTARY SERIES (Award given to the Creator, Executive Producer, Co-Executive Producer) Erased: WW2's Heroes of Color Executive Producers: Idris Elba, Johanna Woolford Gibbon, Jamilla Dumbuya, Jos Cushing, Khaled Gad, Matt Robins, Chris Muckle, Sean David Johnson, Simon Raikes Co-Executive Producer: Annabel Hobley Hollywood Black Executive Producers: Shayla Harris, Dave Sirulnick, Stacey Reiss, Jon Kamen, Justin Simien, Kyle Laursen, Forest Whitaker, Nina Yang Bongiovi, Jeffrey Schwarz, Amy Goodman Kass, Michael Wright, Jill Burkhart Co-Executive Producers: David C. Brown, Laurens Grant Photographer Executive Producers: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, Pagan Harleman, Betsy Forhan Co-Executive Producers: Anna Barnes, Brent Kunkle Ren Faire Executive Producers: Ronald Bronstein, Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie, Eli Bush, Dani Bernfeld, Lance Oppenheim, David Gauvey Herbert, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Sara Rodriguez Co-Executive Producers: Abigail Rowe, Christian Vasquez, Max Allman Social Studies Creator/Executive Producer: Lauren Greenfield Executive Producers: Wallis Annenberg, Regina K. Scully, Andrea van Beuren, Frank Evers, Caryn Capotosto BEST NEW SCRIPTED SERIES (Award given to the Creator, Executive Producer, Co-Executive Producer) Baby Reindeer Creator/Executive Producer: Richard Gadd Executive Producers: Wim De Greef, Petra Fried, Matt Jarvis, Ed Macdonald Diarra From Detroit Creator/Executive Producer: Diarra Kilpatrick Executive Producers: Kenya Barris, Miles Orion Feldsott, Darren Goldberg Co-Executive Producers: Ester Lou, Mark Ganek English Teacher Creator/Executive Producer: Brian Jordan Alvarez Executive Producers: Paul Simms, Jonathan Krisel, Dave King Co-Executive Producers: Kathryn Dean, Jake Bender, Zach Dunn Fantasmas Creator/Executive Producer: Julio Torres Executive Producers: Emma Stone, Dave McCary, Olivia Gerke, Alex Bach, Daniel Powell Co-Executive Producer: Ali Herting Shgun Creators/Executive Producers: Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks Executive Producers: Edward L. McDonnell, Michael De Luca, Michaela Clavell Co-Executive Producers: Shannon Goss, Andrew Macdonald, Allon Reich BEST LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A NEW SCRIPTED SERIES Brian Jordan Alvarez English Teacher Richard Gadd Baby Reindeer Lily Gladstone Under the Bridge Kathryn Hahn Agatha All Along Cristin Milioti The Penguin Julianne Moore Mary & George Hiroyuki Sanada Shgun Anna Sawai Shgun Andrew Scott Ripley Julio Torres Fantasmas BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A NEW SCRIPTED SERIES Tadanobu Asano Shgun Enrico Colantoni English Teacher Betty Gilpin Three Women Chloe Guidry Under the Bridge Moeka Hoshi Shgun Stephanie Koenig English Teacher Patti LuPone Agatha All Along Nava Mau Baby Reindeer Ruth Negga Presumed Innocent Brian Tee Expats BEST BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE IN A NEW SCRIPTED SERIES Jessica Gunning Baby Reindeer Diarra Kilpatrick Diarra From Detroit Joe Locke Agatha All Along Megan Stott Penelope Hoa Xuande The Sympathizer BEST ENSEMBLE CAST IN A NEW SCRIPTED SERIES How to Die Alone Ensemble Cast: Melissa DuPrey, Jaylee Hamidi, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Arkie Kandola, Elle Lorraine, Michelle McLeod, Chris "CP" Powell, Conrad Ricamora, Natasha Rothwell, Jocko Sims The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Searchlight Pictures, Disney+, NatGeo, Hulu, Disney+ and this ABC station.WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court heard the most high-profile case of its term on Wednesday, weighing Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming health care for transgender minors. Similar laws have been passed by other conservative-leaning states. Challengers say they deprive kids of treatment they need, while the states defend them as protecting minors from life-changing decisions. The conservative-majority court appeared ready to uphold Tennessee's law. It comes against the backdrop of escalating pushback to transgender rights, notably from President-elect Donald Trump. Here are some takeaways from the arguments: What did key conservative justices say? In the arguments on Wednesday, five of the court's six conservatives seemed skeptical of the argument that the ban on gender-affirming care for minors is discriminatory. Two key conservatives, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, repeatedly challenged the arguments from lawyers challenging the ban. Roberts questioned whether judges should be weighing in on a question of regulating medical procedures, an area usually left to state lawmakers. Barrett sounded skeptical of the administration’s argument that the law discriminates because of sex. Conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch was notably silent, asking no questions. The court’s other three conservatives seemed to favor Tennessee. The three liberals largely backed the challengers, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor highlighting the risks of suicide among kids with gender dysphoria. What's the court's track record on the issue? READ: The litigation marked only the second time the high court has heard a case that represented a fundamental test of transgender rights. In a case involving LGBTQ+ rights four years ago, two conservative justices, Roberts and Gorsuch, joined with its liberals to expand protections for transgender workers. Barrett wasn’t on the bench at the time and had no record on transgender rights. Gorsuch wrote the opinion, which left open claims of discrimination in other situations. What happens next? The court isn’t expected to rule for several months. The decision could have direct effects in the 26 states that have passed versions of the bans, and might have ripple effects on other measures that restrict sports participation and bathroom use by transgender people. Supporters of the health care laws argue the gender-affirming treatments are risky, and the laws protect kids from making decisions before they’re ready. Challengers say many medical interventions come with some degree of risk, and families should be able to weigh those against the benefits. The arguments in favor of Tennessee’s ban could also be used to back federal restrictions, said Chase Strangio, the ACLU attorney who represented three families challenging the law. Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said that his state’s arguments would still let each state set its own policy. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

BOSTON — Forty years ago, Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie rolled to his right and threw a pass that has become one of college football’s most iconic moments. With Boston College trailing defending champion Miami, Flutie threw the Hail Mary and found receiver Gerard Phalen, who made the grab while falling into the end zone behind a pair of defenders for a game-winning 48-yard TD. Flutie and many of his 1984 teammates were honored on the field during BC’s 41-21 victory over North Carolina before the second quarter on Saturday afternoon, the anniversary of the Eagles’ Miracle in Miami. “There’s no way its been 40 years,” Flutie told The Associated Press on the sideline a few minutes before he walked out with some of his former teammates to be recognized after a video of The Play was shown on the scoreboards. It’s a moment and highlight that’s not only played throughout decades of BC students and fans, but around the college football world. “What is really so humbling is that the kids 40 years later are wearing 22 jerseys, still,” Flutie said of his old number. “That amazes me.” That game was played on national TV the Friday after Thanksgiving. The ironic thing is it was originally scheduled for earlier in the season before CBS paid Rutgers to move its game against Miami, thus setting up the BC-Miami post-holiday matchup. “It shows you how random some things are, that the game was moved,” Flutie said. “The game got moved to the Friday after Thanksgiving, which was the most watched game of the year. We both end up being nationally ranked and up there. All those things lent to how big the game itself was, and made the pass and the catch that much more relevant and remembered because so many people were watching.” There’s a statue of Flutie winding up to make The Pass outside the north gates at Alumni Stadium. Fans and visitors can often be seen taking photos there. “In casual conversation, it comes up every day,” Flutie said, when asked how many times people bring it up. “It brings a smile to my face every time we talk about it.” A week after the game-ending Flutie pass, the Eagles beat Holy Cross and before he flew off to New York to accept the Heisman. They went on to win the 49th Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Day. “Forty years seem almost like incomprehensible,” said Phalen, also standing on the sideline a few minutes after the game started. “I always say to Doug: ‘Thank God for social media. It’s kept it alive for us.”’ Earlier this week, current BC coach Bill O’Brien, 55, was asked if he remembered where he was 40 years ago. “We were eating Thanksgiving leftovers in my family room,” he said. “My mom was saying a Rosary in the kitchen because she didn’t like Miami and wanted BC to win. My dad, my brother and I were watching the game. “It was unbelievable,” he said. “Everybody remembers where they were for the Hail Mary, Flutie pass.”

Security cameras captured video of a University of Mississippi student leaving his campus apartment twice on the morning he was last seen alive, University Police Department Capt. Jane Mahan testified Wednesday in the trial of the man accused of killing the student. Jimmy “Jay” Lee, 20, was a gay man well known in the LGBTQ+ community at Ole Miss and in Oxford, where the university is located. He vanished July 8, 2022. Sheldon “Timothy” Herrington Jr., 24, of Grenada, Mississippi, is charged with capital murder in Lee’s death, and his trial began Tuesday in Oxford. Herrington has maintained his innocence. Police said cellphone history showed conversations between Herrington and Lee on the morning Lee disappeared. Jurors on Wednesday were shown video clips of Lee leaving his own apartment shortly after 4 a.m., wearing a robe and slippers. The clips showed him returning about 40 minutes later and leaving again just before 6 a.m. When he left the last time, he was looking at his cellphone. A friend of Lee, Khalid Fears, testified Tuesday that he had a video chat with Lee while Lee left the apartment around 6 a.m. that day. Lee said he was going back to see a man he had seen hours earlier, Fears testified. RELATED COVERAGE Davis scores 20, Pedulla adds 16 as No. 23 Ole Miss beats Louisville 86-63 in SEC/ACC Challenge Trial begins in the killing of an Ole Miss student who was known in the local LGBTQ+ community Stealth destroyer to be home for 1st hypersonic weapon on a US warship Mahan testified Wednesday about the timeline of the video clips showing Lee at the campus apartment. She said campus police started searching for Lee after his mother, Stephanie Lee, called later that day to request a welfare check on her son after he didn’t respond to multiple messages. Jay Lee’s apartment had an electronic key card, and Mahan testified that police contacted the campus housing department to put an alert on his card, which would automatically send police an email if the card were used. An assistant district attorney, Gwen Agho, asked Mahan if Lee ever returned to his apartment after he was recorded leaving that morning. “Not that I’ve ever been notified of, no,” Mahan said. Lee and Herrington saw each other twice during the hours before Lee disappeared, Agho said during opening arguments Tuesday. She said the men had sexual contact during their first meeting, and Lee was upset when he left Herrington’s apartment. Herrington invited Lee back — and before Lee arrived, Herrington searched online for how long it takes to strangle someone, Agho said. Herrington “was not openly in the LGBTQ community,” she said. A witness, Kizziah Carter, testified Wednesday that he was driving home from work at about 7:30 that morning and saw Herrington jogging along a road in Oxford. Carter said he knew Herrington and honked to greet him, and Carter flagged him down to ask for a ride. The road was near an apartment complex where Lee’s car was found later in the day. Carter said he drove Herrington to Herrington’s apartment in another complex. Surveillance video also recorded Herrington running from where Lee’s car was found, and he was later seen picking up a shovel and wheelbarrow at his parents’ house, authorities said. Lee’s body has not been found. In October, a judge declared him dead at the request of Lee’s parents. Lee’s active presence on social media fell silent after July 8, 2022, and no transactions have appeared on his credit card since then, prosecutors said. Herrington was arrested two weeks after Lee vanished, then released five months later on a $250,000 bond. A grand jury indicted him in March 2023. Herrington’s attorney, Kevin Horan, told jurors Tuesday that prosecutors have “zero” proof that Lee was killed or that any crime happened. Both Herrington and Lee had graduated from the University of Mississippi. Lee was pursuing a master’s degree. He was known for his creative expression through fashion and makeup and often performed in drag shows in Oxford, according to a support group called Justice for Jay Lee. Prosecutors have announced they do not intend to pursue the death penalty, meaning Herrington could get a life sentence if convicted. Mississippi law defines capital murder as a killing committed along with another felony — in this case, kidnapping.

A former US lawmaker who was Donald Trump's first pick to run the Justice Department regularly paid for lurid sex sessions at drug-fueled parties, including with a 17-year-old school girl, according to a scathing congressional report released Monday. Matt Gaetz also regularly used cocaine and ecstasy, and bought marijuana from his Capitol Hill office, said the 37-page document, the culmination of a long-running probe by the House Ethics Committee. "The committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress," panel investigators wrote. Gaetz has repeatedly denied wrongdoing -- pointing to the Justice Department's decision not to bring charges against him in 2023 after a criminal probe -- and the report came out as his lawsuit to block its release was denied. Congressional investigators found that the 42-year-old Republican broke multiple Florida laws on sexual misconduct, although they cleared him of federal sex trafficking violations. The report listed payments by Gaetz totaling more than $90,000 to 12 women "likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use" between 2017 and 2020. They focused on a 2018 trip to the Bahamas during which Gaetz is alleged to have had sex with four women and to have taken party drug ecstasy, a Schedule I substance in the same legal category as heroin. The ex-congressman is an incendiary figure with few friends on Capitol Hill, but was a staunch Trump loyalist and a favorite of the president-elect's ardent supporters. Tech billionaire Elon Musk -- who is Trump's incoming "efficiency czar" but has inserted himself into all manner of decision-making in the presidential transition process and in congressional politics -- lauded Gaetz as America's "Hammer of Justice" when he was nominated. "Matt Gaetz has 3 critical assets that are needed for the AG role: a big brain, a spine of steel and an axe to grind," Musk posted on his social media platform, X. "He is the Judge Dredd America needs to clean up a corrupt system and put powerful bad actors in prison." Gaetz resigned from Congress in November after Trump nominated him for US attorney general -- but that was after he had just been reelected for the session beginning in January and there is nothing to stop him taking up his seat. The allegations against Gaetz had been openly discussed for years before he was tapped by Trump, and he withdrew from consideration when it became clear he lacked the backing from Republicans to win Senate confirmation. Gaetz posted a series of tweets refuting some of the report's allegations, including that he paid for sex. "Giving funds to someone you are dating -- that they didn't ask for -- and that isn't 'charged' for sex is now prostitution?!?" he posted on X. "There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses." Women told congressional investigators they were paid for sex at parties and other events by Gaetz and his friend Joel Greenberg, a former tax collector in Florida who was jailed for 11 years. One encounter allegedly involved a 17-year-old, who told the committee she had sex with Gaetz twice at a July 2017 party. "Victim A recalled receiving $400 in cash from Representative Gaetz that evening, which she understood to be payment for sex. At the time, she had just completed her junior year of high school," the report says. All the women who testified said the sexual encounters with Gaetz were consensual. Gaetz denied having sex with a minor in written responses to the committee. ft/mlm

Fancy becoming a stock market millionaire in future? I think that can actually be a realistic target for many people. It does not even necessarily involve investing in little-known or fast-growing companies. My approach is to aim for a million over time by building up stakes in just a few great companies and . Some basic principles of stock market success How to turn such a pipe dream into reality? I think a realistic approach is required. I believe three things can help or hinder me depending on whether or not I have enough of them: money, time, and . Time can help great investment choices show their true worth Let’s go through those in turn. First is money. I do not plan to aim for a million in some hare-brained scheme, hoping to put just a few pounds in the market and strike gold. The more I invest, the easier it should be to achieve my target. Putting in £200,000, for example, I need to grow my portfolio value five times. That is not easy – but it is far easier than the 50 times growth I would need to aim for a million with a £20k investment. So, as circumstances allow, I plan to put aside a serious amount of money on a regular basis to invest. As for time, it can let a business show its true value and also help brilliant investments rise exponentially. stock has soared 180% this year. But that incredible performance actually pales in comparison to the five-year price growth of . Getting the right shares Nvidia’s performance has been exceptional but it shows that a fivefold increase in value over time can be achieved. In fact, even at the more modest annual growth rate of 10%, I could turn £200,000 into a million pounds in just 25 years. I think 10% is achievable while sticking to well-known blue-chip shares with a proven business model. One potential strategy could be to try and “ ” by . But imagine if instead of that, I weeded out the poor and middling performers and bought just the top five to 10 performing shares of coming years. My portfolio’s compound annual growth rate would likely be far better than the FTSE 100 average. Spend time making smart choices My Christmas stocking did not contain a crystal ball, so like everyone else I do not know what will be the best-performing shares of years to come. But I can make choices about what shares I could hopefully perform strongly as I build my portfolio to aim for a million. For example, I think ( ) could perform well and is a stock that investors should consider. The FSTE 100 consumer goods maker has risen 18% since July. However, that still puts it 23% below its level five years back. Reckitt certainly has its share of risks that help explain that price fall, including ongoing litigation in the US that could eat into future profits. But the market for cleaning and personal care products is large and resilient. Thanks to a stable of unique brands like , Reckitt has pricing power. That helps it earn profits that can be used to fund shareholder dividends.LOS ANGELES -- Film Independent has announced its nominations for the 40th annual edition of the Film Independent Spirit Awards. "A Real Pain" has two nominations for Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Performance for Kieran Culkin. "Nightbitch" also has two, with nods for Amy Adams as Best Lead Performance and Best Editing. The Walt Disney Company was well represented on the TV side, with "Agatha All Along," "English Teacher," "Shogun" all getting nods for Best New Scripted Series. "Shogun" has five nominations in total, "English Teacher" has four and "Agatha All Along" scored three. "Under The Bridge" has two nominations, Lily Gladstone gets the nod for Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series and Best Supporting Performance. "Erased: WW2's Heroes of Color," "Social Studies" and "Photographer" are up for Best New Non-Scripted or Documentary Series while "Sugarcane" is nominated for the Truer Than Fiction Awards. "Anora" and "I Saw The Glow" lead all nominations with six each on the film side. On the TV side, "Baby Reindeer also has four nominations. The 40th Film Independent Spirit Awards will be handed out Feb. 22, 2025. The full list of nominations is below. 2025 FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD NOMINATIONS BEST FEATURE(Award given to the producer) Anora Producers: Sean Baker, Alex Coco, Samantha Quan I Saw the TV Glow Producers: Ali Herting, Sam Intili, Dave McCary, Emma Stone, Sarah Winshall Nickel Boys Producers: Joslyn Barnes, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, David Levine Sing Sing Producers: Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Monique Walton The Substance Producers: Tim Bevan, Coralie Fargeat, Eric Fellner BEST FIRST FEATURE (Award given to director and producer) Dìdi Director/Producer: Sean Wang Producers: Valerie Bush, Carlos López Estrada, Josh Peters In the Summers Director: Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio Producers: Janek Ambros, Lynette Coll, Alexander Dinelaris, Cynthia Fernandez De La Cruz, Cristóbal Güell, Sergio Alberto Lira, Rob Quadrino, Jan Suter, Daniel Tantalean, Nando Vila, Slava Vladimirov, Stephanie Yankwitt Janet Planet Director/Producer: Annie Baker Producers: Andrew Goldman, Dan Janvey, Derrick Tseng The Piano Lesson Director: Malcolm Washington Producers: Todd Black, Denzel Washington Problemista Director/Producer: Julio Torres Producers: Ali Herting, Dave McCary, Emma Stone JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD- Given to the best feature made for under $1,000,000. (Award given to the writer, director, and producer) Big Boys Writer/Director/Producer: Corey Sherman Producer: Allison Tate Ghostlight Writer/Director: Kelly O'Sullivan Director/Producer: Alex Thompson Producers: Pierce Cravens, Ian Keiser, Chelsea Krant, Eddie Linker, Alex Wilson Girls Will Be Girls Writer/Director/Producer: Shuchi Talati Producers: Richa Chadha, Claire Chassagne Jazzy Writer/Director/Producer: Morrisa Maltz Writer/Producer: Lainey Shangreaux Writers: Andrew Hajek, Vanara Taing Producers: Miranda Bailey, Tommy Heitkamp, John Way, Natalie Whalen, Elliott Whitton The People's Joker Writer/Director: Vera Drew Writer: Bri LeRose Producer: Joey Lyons BEST DIRECTOR Ali Abbasi The Apprentice Sean Baker Anora Brady Corbet The Brutalist Alonso Ruizpalacios La Cocina Jane Schoenbrun I Saw the TV Glow BEST SCREENPLAY Scott Beck, Bryan Woods Heretic Jesse Eisenberg A Real Pain Megan Park My Old Ass Aaron Schimberg A Different Man Jane Schoenbrun I Saw the TV Glow BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY Joanna Arnow The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed Annie Baker Janet Planet India Donaldson Good One Julio Torres Problemista Sean Wang Dìdi BEST LEAD PERFORMANCE Amy Adams Nightbitch Ryan Destiny The Fire Inside Colman Domingo Sing Sing Keith Kupferer Ghostlight Mikey Madison Anora Demi Moore The Substance Hunter Schafer Cuckoo Justice Smith I Saw the TV Glow June Squibb Thelma Sebastian Stan The Apprentice BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE Yura Borisov Anora Joan Chen Dìdi Kieran Culkin A Real Pain Danielle Deadwyler The Piano Lesson Carol Kane Between the Temples Karren Karagulian Anora Kani Kusruti Girls Will Be Girls Brigette Lundy-Paine I Saw the TV Glow Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin Sing Sing Adam Pearson A Different Man BEST BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE Isaac Krasner Big Boys Katy O'Brian Love Lies Bleeding Mason Alexander Park National Anthem René Pérez Joglar In the Summers Maisy Stella My Old Ass BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Dinh Duy Hung Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell Jomo Fray Nickel Boys Maria von Hausswolff Janet Planet Juan Pablo Ramírez La Cocina Rina Yang The Fire Inside BEST EDITING Laura Colwell, Vanara Taing Jazzy Olivier Bugge Coutté, Olivia Neergaard-Holm The Apprentice Anne McCabe Nightbitch Hansjörg Weissbrich September 5 Arielle Zakowski Dìdi ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD- Given to one film's director, casting director, and ensemble cast His Three Daughters Director: Azazel Jacobs Casting Director: Nicole Arbusto Ensemble Cast: Jovan Adepo, Jasmine Bracey, Carrie Coon, Jose Febus, Rudy Galvan, Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, Randy Ramos Jr., Jay O. Sanders BEST DOCUMENTARY (Award given to the director and producer) Gaucho Gaucho Directors/Producers: Michael Dweck, Gregory Kershaw Producers: Christos Konstantakopoulos, Cameron O'Reilly, Matthew Perniciaro Hummingbirds Directors: Silvia Del Carmen Castaños, Estefanía "Beba" Contreras Co-Directors/Producers: Miguel Drake-McLaughlin, Diane Ng, Ana Rodriguez-Falco, Jillian Schlesinger Producers: Leslie Benavides, Rivkah Beth Medow No Other Land Directors/Producers: Yuval Abraham, Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Rachel Szor Producers: Fabien Greenberg, Brd Kjge Rnning Patrice: The Movie Director: Ted Passon Producers: Kyla Harris, Innbo Shim, Emily Spivack Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat Director: Johan Grimonprez Producers: Rémi Grellety, Daan Milius BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM (Award given to the director) All We Imagine as Light France, India, Netherlands, Luxembourg Director: Payal Kapadia Black Dog China Director: Guan Hu Flow Latvia, France, Belgium Director: Gints Zilbalodis Green Border Poland, France, Czech Republic, Belgium Director: Agnieszka Holland Hard Truths United Kingdom Director: Mike Leigh PRODUCERS AWARD presented by Bulleit Frontier Whiskey - The Producers Award, now in its 28th year, honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity, and vision required to produce quality independent films. Alex Coco Sarah Winshall Zoë Worth SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD - The Someone to Watch Award, now in its 31st year, recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition. Nicholas Colia Director of Griffin in Summer Sarah Friedland Director of Familiar Touch Pham Thien An Director of Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD- The Truer Than Fiction Award, now in its 30th year, is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition Julian Brave NoiseCat, Emily Kassie Directors of Sugarcane Carla Gutiérrez Director of Frida Rachel Elizabeth Seed Director of A Photographic Memory BEST NEW NON-SCRIPTED OR DOCUMENTARY SERIES (Award given to the Creator, Executive Producer, Co-Executive Producer) Erased: WW2's Heroes of Color Executive Producers: Idris Elba, Johanna Woolford Gibbon, Jamilla Dumbuya, Jos Cushing, Khaled Gad, Matt Robins, Chris Muckle, Sean David Johnson, Simon Raikes Co-Executive Producer: Annabel Hobley Hollywood Black Executive Producers: Shayla Harris, Dave Sirulnick, Stacey Reiss, Jon Kamen, Justin Simien, Kyle Laursen, Forest Whitaker, Nina Yang Bongiovi, Jeffrey Schwarz, Amy Goodman Kass, Michael Wright, Jill Burkhart Co-Executive Producers: David C. Brown, Laurens Grant Photographer Executive Producers: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, Pagan Harleman, Betsy Forhan Co-Executive Producers: Anna Barnes, Brent Kunkle Ren Faire Executive Producers: Ronald Bronstein, Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie, Eli Bush, Dani Bernfeld, Lance Oppenheim, David Gauvey Herbert, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Sara Rodriguez Co-Executive Producers: Abigail Rowe, Christian Vasquez, Max Allman Social Studies Creator/Executive Producer: Lauren Greenfield Executive Producers: Wallis Annenberg, Regina K. Scully, Andrea van Beuren, Frank Evers, Caryn Capotosto BEST NEW SCRIPTED SERIES (Award given to the Creator, Executive Producer, Co-Executive Producer) Baby Reindeer Creator/Executive Producer: Richard Gadd Executive Producers: Wim De Greef, Petra Fried, Matt Jarvis, Ed Macdonald Diarra From Detroit Creator/Executive Producer: Diarra Kilpatrick Executive Producers: Kenya Barris, Miles Orion Feldsott, Darren Goldberg Co-Executive Producers: Ester Lou, Mark Ganek English Teacher Creator/Executive Producer: Brian Jordan Alvarez Executive Producers: Paul Simms, Jonathan Krisel, Dave King Co-Executive Producers: Kathryn Dean, Jake Bender, Zach Dunn Fantasmas Creator/Executive Producer: Julio Torres Executive Producers: Emma Stone, Dave McCary, Olivia Gerke, Alex Bach, Daniel Powell Co-Executive Producer: Ali Herting Shgun Creators/Executive Producers: Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks Executive Producers: Edward L. McDonnell, Michael De Luca, Michaela Clavell Co-Executive Producers: Shannon Goss, Andrew Macdonald, Allon Reich BEST LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A NEW SCRIPTED SERIES Brian Jordan Alvarez English Teacher Richard Gadd Baby Reindeer Lily Gladstone Under the Bridge Kathryn Hahn Agatha All Along Cristin Milioti The Penguin Julianne Moore Mary & George Hiroyuki Sanada Shgun Anna Sawai Shgun Andrew Scott Ripley Julio Torres Fantasmas BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A NEW SCRIPTED SERIES Tadanobu Asano Shgun Enrico Colantoni English Teacher Betty Gilpin Three Women Chloe Guidry Under the Bridge Moeka Hoshi Shgun Stephanie Koenig English Teacher Patti LuPone Agatha All Along Nava Mau Baby Reindeer Ruth Negga Presumed Innocent Brian Tee Expats BEST BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE IN A NEW SCRIPTED SERIES Jessica Gunning Baby Reindeer Diarra Kilpatrick Diarra From Detroit Joe Locke Agatha All Along Megan Stott Penelope Hoa Xuande The Sympathizer BEST ENSEMBLE CAST IN A NEW SCRIPTED SERIES How to Die Alone Ensemble Cast: Melissa DuPrey, Jaylee Hamidi, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Arkie Kandola, Elle Lorraine, Michelle McLeod, Chris "CP" Powell, Conrad Ricamora, Natasha Rothwell, Jocko Sims The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Searchlight Pictures, Disney+, NatGeo, Hulu, Disney+ and this ABC station.

Photos: Remembering Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president

Jimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’Memphis beats No. 2 UConn 99-97 in overtime to tipoff Maui Invitational LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Tyrese Hunter scored 17 of his 26 points after halftime to lead Memphis to a 99-97 overtime win against two-time defending national champion and second-ranked UConn in the first round of the Maui Invitational. Hunter shot 7 of 10 from 3-point range for the Tigers, who were 12 of 22 from beyond at the arc as a team. PJ Haggerty had 22 points and five assists, Colby Rogers had 19 points and Dain Dainja scored 14. Tarris Reed Jr. had 22 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for the Huskies. Alex Karaban had 19 points and six assists, and Jaylin Stewart scored 16. Judge rejects request to sideline a San Jose State volleyball player on grounds she’s transgender A judge has rejected a request to block a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she’s transgender. Monday’s ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player to continue competing in the Mountain West Conference women’s championship in Las Vegas this week. His order also upholds the seedings and pairings in the tournament. The ruling comes after a lawsuit was filed by nine current players against the Mountain West Conference challenging the league’s policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. Pitcher Yusei Kikuchi and Los Angeles Angels agree to a $63 million, 3-year contract, AP source says A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press left-hander Yusei Kikuchi and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a $63 million, three-year contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal, first reported by the New York Post, was subject to a successful physical. An All-Star with Seattle in 2021, Kikuchi was 9-10 with a 4.05 ERA this year for Toronto and Houston, which acquired him on July 30. Kikuchi was 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA in 10 starts with the Astros. He is 41-47 with a 4.57 ERA in six seasons. Conference title games a chance at a banner, bragging rights and, for some, a season-wrecking loss Indiana should be able to breathe easy. The Hoosiers have very little chance of making it to the Big Ten championship game. In the Southeastern Conference, Georgia has a spot in the league title game but with that comes a lot of worry. Conference title games give teams a chance to hang a banner, but for national title contenders it is an additional chance for a season-wrecking loss — even with an expanded 12-team College Football Playoff field. US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer. Naeher is on the team’s roster for a pair of upcoming matches in Europe but those will be her last after a full 11 years playing for the United States. Naeher was on the U.S. team that won the Women’s World Cup in 2019 and the gold medal at this year's Olympics in France. She’s the only U.S. goalkeeper to earn a shutout in both a World Cup and an Olympic final. Formula 1 expands grid to add General Motors' Cadillac brand and new American team for 2026 season LAS VEGAS (AP) — Formula 1 will expand the grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a federal investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti, who has since stepped aside. The 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. UCLA moves up to No. 1 in AP Top 25 women's basketball poll for first time in history UCLA has earned the school's first No. 1 ranking in in The Associated Press Top 25 women's basketball poll. The Bruins knocked off the previous top team, South Carolina, which had held the No. 1 spot for the previous 23 polls. UCLA moved up four spots. UConn remained No. 2. Notre Dame pulled off its own upset, beating then-No. 3 USC and moving up to third. South Carolina dropped to fourth, Texas is fifth and USC fell to sixth. Iowa is in the poll for the first time in the post-Caitlin Clark era, coming in at No. 22. Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew is out for the season with a broken collarbone HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said Monday that quarterback Gardner Minshew is out for the rest of the season with a broken collarbone. Pierce said Aidan O’Connell is on injured reserve with a broken thumb. He could be available to start when the Raiders visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday. The Raiders also could turn to Desmond Ridder. He replaced Minshew when he was injured late in Sunday’s 29-19 loss to the Denver Broncos. Kansas stays at No. 1 ahead of showdown vs. No. 11 Duke; Ole Miss, Mississippi St back in AP Top 25 Kansas remained solidly entrenched at No. 1 in the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll ahead of its showdown with Duke in Las Vegas. The Jayhawks received 51 of 62 first-place votes from the national panel of media, putting them well ahead of two-time reigning national champion UConn, which was second with six first-place votes. Gonzaga was third with two first-place votes, Auburn was next with three, and Iowa State rounded out a top five that was unchanged from the previous week. Xavier, Ole Miss and Mississippi State entered the poll at the expense of Illinois, St. John's and Rutgers. Wake up the ghosts! Texas, Texas A&M rivalry that dates to 1894 is reborn AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Any Texas or Texas A&M player who grew up in the state has heard the lore of the rivalry between the two schools, a grudge match that dates to 1894. But for more than a decade it has been only ghostly memories of great games and great plays made by heroes of the distant past. That changes this week when one of college football’s great rivalries is reborn after a 12-year hiatus. Third-ranked Texas plays at No. 20 Texas A&M with a berth in the conference championship game on the line.Neuroshop Introduces Next-Generation Electronic Shelf Labels Across the U.S. and the Middle East, Aiming to Redefine In-Store Efficiency and Customer Experiences

The emergence of tools that allow people to efficiently produce novel and detailed online reviews with almost no work has put , service providers and consumers in uncharted territory, watchdog groups and researchers say. have long plagued many popular consumer websites, and Yelp. They are typically traded on private social media groups between fake review brokers and businesses willing to pay. Sometimes, such reviews are initiated by businesses that offer customers incentives such as gift cards for positive feedback. But AI-infused text generation tools, popularized by OpenAI’s , enable fraudsters to produce reviews faster and in greater volume, according to tech industry experts. The deceptive practice, which is , is carried out year-round but becomes a bigger problem for consumers during the , when many people rely on reviews to help them purchase gifts. Fake reviews are found across a wide range of industries, from e-commerce, lodging and restaurants, to services such as home repairs, and piano lessons. The Transparency Company, a tech company and watchdog group that uses software to detect fake reviews, said it started to see AI-generated reviews show up in large numbers in mid-2023 and they have multiplied ever since. For a report released this month, The Transparency Company analyzed 73 million reviews in three sectors: home, legal and medical services. Nearly 14% of the reviews were likely fake, and the company expressed a “high degree of confidence” that 2.3 million reviews were partly or entirely AI-generated. “It’s just a really, really good tool for these review scammers,” said Maury Blackman, an investor and advisor to tech startups, who reviewed The Transparency Company’s work and is set to lead the organization starting Jan. 1. In August, software company DoubleVerify said it was observing a “significant increase” in mobile phone and smart TV apps with reviews crafted by generative AI. The reviews often were used to deceive customers into installing apps that could hijack devices or run ads constantly, the company said. The following month, the Federal Trade Commission sued the company behind an AI writing tool and content generator called Rytr, accusing it of offering a service that could pollute the marketplace with fraudulent reviews. The FTC, which this year banned the of fake reviews, said some of Rytr’s subscribers used the tool to produce hundreds and perhaps thousands of reviews for garage door repair companies, sellers of “replica” designer handbags and other businesses. Max Spero, CEO of AI detection company Pangram Labs, said the software his company uses has detected with almost certainty that some AI-generated appraisals posted on Amazon bubbled up to the top of review search results because they were so detailed and appeared to be well thought-out. But determining what is fake or not can be challenging. External parties can fall short because they don’t have “access to data signals that indicate patterns of abuse,” Amazon has said. Pangram Labs has done detection for some prominent online sites, which Spero declined to name due to non-disclosure agreements. He said he evaluated Amazon and Yelp independently. Many of the AI-generated comments on Yelp appeared to be posted by individuals who were trying to publish enough reviews to earn an “Elite” badge, which is intended to let users know they should trust the content, Spero said. The badge provides access to exclusive events with local business owners. Fraudsters also want it so their Yelp profiles can look more realistic, said Kay Dean, a former federal criminal investigator who runs a watchdog group called Fake Review Watch. To be sure, just because a review is AI-generated doesn’t necessarily mean its fake. Some consumers might experiment with AI tools to generate content that reflects their genuine sentiments. Some non-native English speakers say they turn to AI to make sure they use accurate language in the reviews they write. “It can help with reviews (and) make it more informative if it comes out of good intentions,” said Michigan State University marketing professor Sherry He, who has researched fake reviews. She says tech platforms should focus on the behavioral patters of bad actors, which prominent platforms already do, instead of discouraging legitimate users from turning to AI tools. Prominent companies are developing policies for how AI-generated content fits into their systems for removing phony or abusive reviews. Some already employ algorithms and investigative teams to detect and take down fake reviews but are giving users some flexibility to use AI. Spokespeople for Amazon and Trustpilot, for example, said they would allow customers to post AI-assisted reviews as long as they reflect their genuine experience. Yelp has taken a more cautious approach, saying its guidelines require reviewers to write their own copy. “With the recent rise in consumer adoption of AI tools, Yelp has significantly invested in methods to better detect and mitigate such content on our platform,” the company said in a statement. The Coalition for Trusted Reviews, which Amazon, Trustpilot, employment review site Glassdoor, and travel sites Tripadvisor, Expedia and launched last year, said that even though deceivers may put AI to illicit use, the technology also presents “an opportunity to push back against those who seek to use reviews to mislead others.” “By sharing best practice and raising standards, including developing advanced AI detection systems, we can protect consumers and maintain the integrity of online reviews,” the group said. banning fake reviews, which took effect in October, allows the agency to fine businesses and individuals who engage in the practice. Tech companies hosting such reviews are shielded from the penalty because they are not legally liable under U.S. law for the content that outsiders post on their platforms. Tech companies, including Amazon, Yelp and Google, have sued fake review brokers they accuse of peddling counterfeit reviews on their sites. The companies say their technology has blocked or removed a huge swath of suspect reviews and suspicious accounts. However, some experts say they could be doing more. “Their efforts thus far are not nearly enough,” said Dean of Fake Review Watch. “If these tech companies are so committed to eliminating review fraud on their platforms, why is it that I, one individual who works with no automation, can find hundreds or even thousands of fake reviews on any given day?” Consumers can try to by watching out for a few , according to researchers. Overly enthusiastic or negative reviews are red flags. Jargon that repeats a product’s full name or model number is another potential giveaway. When it comes to AI, research conducted by Balázs Kovács, a Yale professor of organization behavior, has shown that people can’t tell the difference between AI-generated and human-written reviews. Some AI detectors may also be fooled by shorter texts, which are common in online reviews, the study said. However, there are some “AI tells” that online shoppers and service seekers should keep it mind. Panagram Labs says reviews written with AI are typically longer, highly structured and include “empty descriptors,” such as generic phrases and attributes. The writing also tends to include cliches like “the first thing that struck me” and “game-changer.”OTTAWA — With Donald Trump as president, the U.S. has an open strategy of creating economic uncertainty in other countries to discourage investment "anywhere other than the United States," Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said. "We have to be candid about the reality of the incoming U.S. administration," she said at a news conference in Toronto on Friday. Freeland described the Trump administration as proudly economic nationalist. She said there is a global fight for capital, investment and the jobs they bring, and Canada needs to be assertive in fighting for capital. "We need to own the podium and say Canada is a great place to invest," she said. Freeland promised to elaborate on those comments in the government's fall economic statement, which is scheduled to be released on Monday. The federal and provincial governments are working out how navigate Trump's threat to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all imports from Canada when he takes office in January. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met on Wednesday with Freeland, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc and the country's premiers. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said after the meeting that Ottawa is preparing retaliatory tariffs. He also threatened to restrict electricity exports from Ontario, while an official in his government floated the idea of effectively barring sales of American alcohol. Not all provinces are planning a similar approach. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said that "under no circumstances will Alberta agree to cut off oil and gas exports." Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey said his government isn't interested in stopping the export of energy to the U.S., while Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew would not directly say whether his province would threaten to withhold hydroelectric exports. Speaking earlier in the week, Freeland said the country would take a "Team Canada" approach to the threat of tariffs. "We know that this is a moment when Canada needs to be strong, smart and united," she said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian PressPro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss says he's being treated for cancer in his bile duct Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss says he is being treated for cancer in his bile duct between his pancreas and liver. Moss made the announcement Friday in an appearance on Instagram Live. He introduced himself as a cancer survivor and thanked his “prayer warriors” for their support. Moss had a procedure to put a stent in his liver on Thanksgiving after experiencing urine discoloration. Moss says he was hospitalized for six days before being released on Friday. He says he’s being treated with radiation and chemotherapy. De'Vondre Campbell won't be part of the 49ers after his refusal to enter a game, Kyle Shanahan says SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said linebacker De’Vondre Campbell won’t be part of the 49ers moving forward after he refused to enter a game after losing his starting job. Shanahan said the team is still working through the options of how to deal with Campbell after he walked to the locker room in the middle of a 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Shanahan says the team is weighing its options, which could include a suspension or release, but that Campbell won't be part of the team for the final three weeks of the season. Trae Young, Hawks hoping to win big in Vegas at the NBA Cup semifinals LAS VEGAS (AP) — Trae Young might be the NBA’s biggest enigma. Young’s fans can point to numbers and say he’s an elite player. His detractors can point to numbers and say he’s overrated. Both arguments have validity. To some, his cocky ways are endearing. To others, they’re infuriating. This can’t be argued: He’s helping Atlanta author one of the season’s surprise stories. The Hawks are in the NBA Cup semifinals, set to play Milwaukee on Saturday before the other semifinal between Oklahoma City and Houston. The title game is Tuesday night. Analysis: Only LeBron James knows what's happening right now, and what's in his future LAS VEGAS (AP) — LeBron James was starring in Las Vegas at this time last year, the headline attraction while he and the Los Angeles Lakers were about to win the inaugural version of the event now known as the NBA Cup. That's not the case this year. “Personal reasons ... he’s taking some time” is what Lakers coach JJ Redick said this week when detailing why James was missing from practice. “Left foot soreness” is the reason why the Lakers have ruled him out of Friday’s game in Minnesota. There’s been trade speculation in recent days. It's all very different than a year ago at Cup time. Yankees get closer Devin Williams from Brewers for Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durbin NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees have acquired All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin. The Yankees also will send $2 million to the Brewers as part of the trade. A 30-year-old right-hander, Williams and his signature “Airbender” changeup are eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. He was diagnosed during spring training with two stress fractures in his back and didn’t make his season debut until July 28. Williams was 14 for 15 in save chances with a 1.25 ERA, striking out 38 and walking 11 in 21 2/3 innings. Cubs acquire All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in trade with the Astros CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have acquired All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Houston Astros, paying a big price for one of baseball’s best hitters. The Cubs sent third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith, one of their top infield prospects, to the Astros for Tucker, who is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. Tucker was limited to 78 games this year because of a fractured right shin, but he hit .289 with 23 homers and 49 RBIs for the AL West champions. New West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez says leaving for Michigan 17 years ago was a 'mistake' MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Rich Rodriguez says he regrets leaving West Virginia 17 years ago. Rodriguez was introduced as the coach at his alma mater on Friday. Based on the welcome he got from the thousands of West Virginia fans in attendance, much seems to be forgiven. Rodriguez told the crowd that he never should have left his home state. The 61-year-old coach says he's grown both as a person and a coach throughout his long career, and that his departure at the end of the 2007 season for a head coaching job at Michigan was a mistake. Rodriguez went 60-26 at West Virginia from 2001 to 2007. Lindsey Vonn to enter World Cup ski races next weekend in Switzerland in her comeback at age 40 BEAVER CREEK, Colo. (AP) — Lindsey Vonn will return to World Cup ski racing next weekend for a pair of super-G events in St. Moritz, Switzerland, as she continues her comeback at 40 years old. Vonn teased her return in an Instagram post through her sponsor, Red Bull, on Friday morning. She said “I hear St. Moritz is pretty nice this time of year.” The U.S. Ski Team then confirmed she will race in St. Moritz. She’s won five of her 82 World Cup races on the venue at St. Moritz. Picabo Street, a two-time Olympic medalist and Vonn’s former teammate, says “it’s the coolest thing ever.” Woman who falsely accused Duke lacrosse players of rape in 2006 publicly admits she lied RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The woman who in 2006 falsely accused three Duke University lacrosse players of raping her has admitted publicly for the first time that she made up the story. The accusations made national headlines at the time, stirring tensions about race, class and the privilege of college athletes. Crystal Mangum, who is Black, said in an interview with the “Let’s Talk with Kat” podcast that she “made up a story that wasn’t true” about the white players who attended a party where she was hired to perform as a stripper “because I wanted validation from people and not from God.” The former Duke players were declared innocent in 2007 after Mangum’s story fell apart under legal scrutiny. Belichick's bid to reshape football at UNC another sign of rising pro influence on college level CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's hiring of NFL coaching great Bill Belichick marks another sign of the growing influence of the NFL on college football. The challenges of managing the transfer portal and looming revenue sharing for athletes has led teams to take on more NFL-like structures to their programs. Belichick is set to structure North Carolina's program like an NFL front office. That includes hiring former NFL executive Michael Lombardi as general manager. At Florida, coach Billy Napier is interviewing general managers while saying the program is going to “a business model” to deal with a “major math puzzle.”

High School Football Live: Scores, highlights from regional finals of OHSAA playoffsANOKA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 25, 2024-- Vista Outdoor Inc. (“Vista Outdoor”, the “Company”) (NYSE: VSTO) today announced that its stockholders voted to approve the sale of The Kinetic Group to Czechoslovak Group a.s. (“CSG”) (the “CSG Transaction”) at its special meeting of stockholders held earlier today. Vista Outdoor and CSG have received all regulatory approvals required under the merger agreement for the CSG Transaction and intend to close the CSG Transaction on November 27, 2024. Under the terms of the CSG Transaction, Vista Outdoor stockholders will receive $25.75 in cash and one share of Revelyst common stock for each share of Vista Outdoor common stock they hold. “We are thrilled to have received overwhelming support from our stockholders for the compelling transaction with CSG,” said Michael Callahan, Chairman of the Vista Outdoor Board of Directors. “The CSG transaction maximizes value for our stockholders, while also providing an ideal home for our leading ammunition brands and significant opportunities for our employees.” Based on the vote count from the special meeting of stockholders, approximately 97.89% of votes cast were in favor of the CSG Transaction, representing approximately 82.57% of all outstanding shares. The final voting results will be reported in a Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Following the closing of the CSG Transaction, Revelyst will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “GEAR”. Subject to the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, funds managed by Strategic Value Partners, LLC (“SVP”) will subsequently acquire Revelyst in an all-cash transaction based on an enterprise value of $1.125 billion (the “SVP Transaction”), subject to a net cash adjustment. At the closing of the SVP Transaction, Revelyst stockholders will receive an estimated $19.25 in cash per share of Revelyst common stock 1. The SVP Transaction is on track to close by January 2025. No separate approval of the SVP Transaction by Vista Outdoor stockholders is required. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is acting as sole financial adviser to Vista Outdoor and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is acting as legal adviser to Vista Outdoor. Moelis & Company LLC is acting as sole financial adviser to the independent directors of Vista Outdoor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is acting as legal adviser to the independent directors of Vista Outdoor. About Vista Outdoor Inc. Vista Outdoor (NYSE: VSTO) is the parent company of more than three dozen renowned brands that design, manufacture and market sporting and outdoor products. Brands include Bushnell, CamelBak, Bushnell Golf, Foresight Sports, Fox Racing, Bell Helmets, Camp Chef, Giro, Simms Fishing, QuietKat, Stone Glacier, Federal Ammunition, Remington Ammunition and more. Our reporting segments, Outdoor Products and Sporting Products, provide consumers with a wide range of performance-driven, high-quality and innovative outdoor and sporting products. For news and information, visit our website at www.vistaoutdoor.com Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements made and information contained in this press release, excluding historical information, are “forward-looking statements,” including those that discuss, among other things: Vista Outdoor Inc.’s (“Vista Outdoor”, “we”, “us” or “our”) plans, objectives, expectations, intentions, strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; projections with respect to future revenues, income, earnings per share or other financial measures for Vista Outdoor; and the assumptions that underlie these matters. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “aim,” “should” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. To the extent that any such information is forward-looking, it is intended to fit within the safe harbor for forward-looking information provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations described in such forward-looking statements, including the following: risks related to the previously announced transaction among Vista Outdoor, Revelyst, Inc., CSG Elevate II Inc., CSG Elevate III Inc. and CZECHOSLOVAK GROUP a.s. (the “CSG Transaction”) and risks related to the previously announced transaction among Vista Outdoor, Revelyst, Olibre LLC and Cabin Ridge, Inc. (the “SVP Transaction”) including (i) the possibility that any or all of the various conditions to the consummation of the CSG Transaction or the SVP Transaction may not be satisfied or waived, including the failure to receive any required regulatory approvals from any applicable governmental entities (or any conditions, limitations or restrictions placed on such approvals), (ii) the possibility that competing offers or acquisition proposals may be made, (iii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement relating to the CSG Transaction or the SVP Transaction, including in circumstances which would require Vista Outdoor or Revelyst, as applicable, to pay a termination fee, (iv) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the CSG Transaction or the SVP Transaction on our ability to attract, motivate or retain key executives and employees, our ability to maintain relationships with our customers, vendors, service providers and others with whom we do business, or our operating results and business generally, (v) risks related to the CSG Transaction or the SVP Transaction diverting management’s attention from our ongoing business operations, (vi) that the CSG Transaction or the SVP Transaction may not achieve some or all of any anticipated benefits with respect to either business segment and that the CSG Transaction or the SVP Transaction may not be completed in accordance with our expected plans or anticipated timelines, or at all, and (vii) that the consideration paid to Revelyst stockholders in connection with the SVP Transaction cannot be determined until the consummation of the SVP Transaction as it is subject to certain adjustments related to the net cash of Revelyst as of the closing of the SVP Transaction and the management team’s current estimate of the consideration may be higher or lower than the actual consideration paid to Revelyst stockholders in connection with the SVP Transaction due to the actual cash flows prior to the closing of the SVP Transaction or other factors; impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations, the operations of our customers and suppliers and general economic conditions; supplier capacity constraints, production or shipping disruptions or quality or price issues affecting our operating costs; the supply, availability and costs of raw materials and components; increases in commodity, energy, and production costs; seasonality and weather conditions; our ability to complete acquisitions, realize expected benefits from acquisitions and integrate acquired businesses; reductions in or unexpected changes in or our inability to accurately forecast demand for ammunition, accessories, or other outdoor sports and recreation products; disruption in the service or significant increase in the cost of our primary delivery and shipping services for our products and components or a significant disruption at shipping ports; risks associated with diversification into new international and commercial markets, including regulatory compliance; our ability to take advantage of growth opportunities in international and commercial markets; our ability to obtain and maintain licenses to third-party technology; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; disruptions caused by catastrophic events; risks associated with our sales to significant retail customers, including unexpected cancellations, delays, and other changes to purchase orders; our competitive environment; our ability to adapt our products to changes in technology, the marketplace and customer preferences, including our ability to respond to shifting preferences of the end consumer from brick and mortar retail to online retail; our ability to maintain and enhance brand recognition and reputation; our association with the firearms industry, others’ use of social media to disseminate negative commentary about us, our products, and boycotts; the outcome of contingencies, including with respect to litigation and other proceedings relating to intellectual property, product liability, warranty liability, personal injury, and environmental remediation; our ability to comply with extensive federal, state and international laws, rules and regulations; changes in laws, rules and regulations relating to our business, such as federal and state ammunition regulations; risks associated with cybersecurity and other industrial and physical security threats; interest rate risk; changes in the current tariff structures; changes in tax rules or pronouncements; capital market volatility and the availability of financing; our debt covenants may limit our ability to complete acquisitions, incur debt, make investments, sell assets, merge or complete other significant transactions; foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates; general economic and business conditions in the United States and our markets outside the United States, including as a result of the war in Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions on Russia, the conflict in the Gaza strip, the COVID-19 pandemic or another pandemic, conditions affecting employment levels, consumer confidence and spending, conditions in the retail environment, and other economic conditions affecting demand for our products and the financial health of our customers. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements we make, which are based only on information currently available to us and speak only as of the date hereof. A more detailed description of risk factors that may affect our operating results can be found in Part 1, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2024, and in the filings we make with the SEC from time to time. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as otherwise required by law. 1 Based on management estimates, including an assumption the SVP Transaction closes on December 31, 2024. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125635762/en/ CONTACT: Investor: Tyler Lindwall Phone: 612-704-0147 Email:investor.relations@vistaoutdoor.comMedia: Eric Smith Phone: 720-772-0877 Email:media.relations@vistaoutdoor.com KEYWORD: MINNESOTA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RETAIL OTHER CONSUMER CONSUMER OTHER RETAIL MANUFACTURING OTHER MANUFACTURING SOURCE: Vista Outdoor Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/25/2024 04:01 PM/DISC: 11/25/2024 04:01 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125635762/en

MALIBU, Calif., Dec. 13, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As the Franklin Fire nears containment, having scorched over 4,000 acres and displaced thousands of residents, the Satellite Phone Store ( satellitephonestore.com ) is stepping up to provide critical communication solutions to assist recovery efforts and prepare communities for future emergencies. The Franklin Fire, which destroyed six homes and damaged others, left many areas without reliable communication infrastructure. Satellite communication devices such as sat phones & starlink terminals , which function independently of damaged cell networks, are proving essential for both emergency responders and returning residents. IN RESPONSE TO THE CRISIS, THE SATELLITE PHONE STORE IS OFFERING: Emergency rentals starting at $35.99 per week. Same-day delivery options for urgent needs. Free consultations to help families and organizations find the right tools. 24/7 customer support to ensure seamless setup and troubleshooting. “A WAKE-UP CALL FOR PREPAREDNESS” “Disasters like the Franklin Fire remind us how essential reliable communication is during and after an emergency,” said Tina Blanco, CEO of Satellite Phone Store. “We’re here to help Malibu recover, but we also want to encourage everyone to think ahead. It’s never too late to prepare for the unexpected, and having the right tools can make all the difference.” SATELLITE COMMUNICATION: A LIFELINE DURING AND AFTER A CRISIS As displaced residents begin returning home, satellite communication tools are helping: First responders coordinate firefighting operations in remote, rugged terrain. Residents stay in touch with loved ones, access updates, and communicate with insurance providers. Relief volunteers organize recovery efforts efficiently. With the wildfire starting to be under control, attention now shifts to the importance of emergency preparedness. Wildfires, earthquakes, and other natural disasters can happen at any time, and satellite communication ensures connectivity when traditional networks fail. WHY PREPAREDNESS MATTERS The Satellite Phone Store emphasizes the importance of readiness for future emergencies: 100% Connectivity: Satellite devices work independently of damaged or overloaded cell towers. Emergency Updates: Stay informed about evacuation routes and critical developments. Peace of Mind: Reliable communication ensures you’re never out of touch when it matters most. PREPARE TODAY FOR TOMORROW’S EMERGENCIES As Malibu rebuilds, the Satellite Phone Store urges individuals and communities to take action now to prepare for what’s next. Reliable communication tools aren’t just for disasters—they’re a safeguard for the unexpected challenges of the future. About Satellite Phone Store: The Satellite Phone Store, a division of Connecta Satellite Solutions LLC , is a global leader in satellite communication technology. Specializing in satellite phones, portable internet hotspots, GPS trackers, and emergency equipment, the company equips families, businesses, and governments with tools to stay connected in extreme conditions. For more information, visit https://SatellitePhoneStore.com/ or call 1-877-324-6913. MEDIA CONTACT: Lacey Moore Website: SatellitePhoneStore.com Email: Care@SatellitePhoneStore.com Phone: 1-877-324-6913 Locations: California, Florida, Alaska NEWS SOURCE: Satellite Phone Store Keywords: Telecom and VoIP, Emergency, Telecom, Technology, Internet, Natural Disasters, malibu wildfires, portable internet, satellite internet, sat phones, franklin fires, emergency response, california, MALIBU, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Satellite Phone Store) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire . Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P122844 APDF15TBLLI To view the original version, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/satellite-phone-store-steps-in-to-support-malibu-wildfire-recovery-with-lifesaving-communication-tools/ © 2024 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.Paddy McLaughlin flags up 'encouraging' factor as Glenavon search for 'precious' points

Mr Carter, a former peanut farmer, served one term in the White House between 1977 and 1981, taking over in the wake of the Watergate scandal and the end of the Vietnam War. After his defeat by Ronald Reagan, he spent his post-presidency years as a global humanitarian, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. His death on Sunday was announced by his family and came more than a year after he decided to enter hospice care. He was the longest-lived US president. Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia. pic.twitter.com/aqYmcE9tXi — The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) December 29, 2024 His son, Chip Carter, said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love. “My brothers, sister and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. “The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.” World leaders have paid tribute to Mr Carter, including US President Joe Biden, who was one of the first politicians to endorse Mr Carter for president in 1976 and said the world had “lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian”. He said: “Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. “He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.” Irish President Michael D Higgins said Mr Carter was “a principled man who dedicated his life to seeking to advance the cause of peace across the world”. He added: “On behalf of the people of Ireland, may I express my sympathies to President Carter’s children and extended family, to President Joe Biden, to the people of the United States, and to his wide circle of colleagues and friends across the globe.” Mr Carter is expected to receive a state funeral featuring public observances in Atlanta and Washington DC before being buried in his home town of Plains, Georgia. A moderate democrat born in Plains in October 1924, Mr Carter’s political career took him from the Georgia state senate to the state governorship and finally, the White House, where he took office as the 39th president. His presidency saw economic disruption amid volatile oil prices, along with social tensions at home and challenges abroad including the Iranian revolution that sparked a 444-day hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran. But he also brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, which led to a peace treaty between the two countries in 1979. After his defeat in the 1980 presidential election, he worked for more than four decades leading the Carter Centre, which he and his late wife Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 to “wage peace, fight disease, and build hope”. Under his leadership, the Carter Center managed to virtually eliminate Guinea Worm disease, which has gone from affecting 3.5 million people in Africa and Asia in 1986 to just 14 in 2023. Mrs Carter, who died last year aged 96, had played a more active role in her husband’s presidency than previous first ladies, with Mr Carter saying she had been “my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished”. Earlier this year, on his 100th birthday, Mr Carter received a private congratulatory message from the King, expressing admiration for his life of public service.Trump's lawyers rebuff DA's idea for upholding his hush money conviction

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Russian leader Vladimir Putin has called Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the second time in two days to continue discussions about the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane. Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency RIA Novosti , citing Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov; Azerbaijani president's press service Details: Peskov stated that Putin and Aliyev held a phone conversation on Sunday, 29 December, continuing their discussions about issues related to the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash. The Azerbaijani president's press service confirmed that it was Putin who initiated the call to Aliyev. Quote from Azerbaijani president's press service: "During the phone conversation, the heads of state continued discussions on issues related to the crash of the passenger plane of the Closed Joint-Stock Company Azerbaijan Hava Yollari." Background: Support UP or become our patron !UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The team looking for a missing Pennsylvania woman believed to have fallen into a sinkhole has determined that an abandoned coal mine is too unstable for people to safely search underground, authorities said Wednesday while still expressing hope Elizabeth Pollard will be found alive. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Emergency crews and others have been trying to find Pollard, 64, for two days. Her relatives reported her missing early Tuesday and her vehicle with her unharmed 5-year-old granddaughter inside was found about two hours later, near what is thought to be a freshly opened sinkhole above the long closed, crumbling mine. Authorities said in a noon update that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and is not stable. The sinkhole is in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," said Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer. “What happened at that point, I don’t know, maybe the slurry of mud pushed her one direction. There were several different seams of that mine, shafts that all came together where this happened at.” People are also reading... Trooper Cliff Greenfield said crews were still actively searching for Pollard. “We are hopeful that she’s found alive,” Greenfield said. Searchers were using electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. Search dogs may also be used. Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. On Wednesday afternoon, machinery was removing material from the area around the hole while police and other government vehicles blocked a clear view of the scene. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers had been using water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s, but that increased the risk “for potential other mine subsidence to take place," Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said. Crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said. Searchers have also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment, to no avail. Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, said access to the immediate area surrounding the hole was being tightly controlled and monitored, with rescuers attached by harness. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. “We cannot judge as to what’s going on underneath us. Again, you had a small hole on top but as soon as you stuck a camera down through to look, you had this big void,” Graham said. “And it was all different depths. The process is long, is tedious. We have to make sure that we are keeping safety in the forefront as well as the rescue effort.” Bacha said they were “hoping that there’s a void that she could still be in.” Pollard's family called police at about 1 a.m. Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out at about 5 p.m. Monday to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. Her son, Axel Hayes, said Pollard is a happy woman who likes going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. Hayes called Pollard “a great person overall, a great mother” who “never really did anybody wrong.” He said at one point Pollard had about 10 cats. “Every cat that she’s ever come in contact with, she has a close bond with them,” Hayes said. His mother worked for many years at Walmart but recently was not employed, he said. “I’m just hoping right now that she’s still with us and she’s able to come back to us,” he said. Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they had not noticed the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate that the sinkhole was new. “It almost feels like it opened up with her standing on top of it,” Limani said. Searchers accessed the mine late Tuesday afternoon and dug a separate entrance out of concern that the ground around the sinkhole opening was not stable. “Let’s be honest, we need to get a little bit lucky, right?” Limani said Wednesday. “We need a little bit of luck on our side. We need a little bit of God’s good blessing on our side.” Pollard lives in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were located, Limani said. The young girl “nodded off in the car and woke up. Grandma never came back," Limani said. The child stayed in the car until two troopers rescued her. It's not clear what happened to Pepper. From field to fork: how America's farming revolution affects your plate and wallet From field to fork: how America's farming revolution affects your plate and wallet In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The Changing Face of American Farms The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, the number of farms in the U.S. has fallen from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A landmark study published in Science , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. Technology Revolution on the Farm The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than 22% of rural communities lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. The Economic Tightrope: Challenges Facing Modern Farmers While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The USDA's 2024 farm income forecast projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 25% over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. Diversification: A Lifeline for American Farms In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging gross revenue of $44,000 from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. From Farm to Table: The Consumer Connection The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The USDA's Economic Research Service projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. The Future of Farming: Opportunities and Innovations Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: Conclusion: A Call to Action The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!