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The India Fund, Inc. ( NYSE:IFN – Get Free Report )’s share price gapped down prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $17.76, but opened at $16.89. The India Fund shares last traded at $16.83, with a volume of 58,814 shares trading hands. The India Fund Stock Up 2.0 % The company has a 50 day moving average of $18.23 and a two-hundred day moving average of $18.07. The India Fund Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 21st will be paid a $0.93 dividend. This represents a $3.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 21.77%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 21st. This is a positive change from The India Fund’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. Hedge Funds Weigh In On The India Fund The India Fund Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) The India Fund, Inc is a close ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Aberdeen Standard Investments (Asia) Limited. The fund invests in public equity markets of India. It seeks to invest in stocks of small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap companies. The fund employs a quantitative and fundamental analysis with a bottom-up stock picking and asset allocation approach to create its portfolio. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for The India Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The India Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .René Bennett | (TNS) Bankrate.com If you’re an iPhone user, you might not realize that you already have access to Apple Cash. It’s a digital cash card that’s built into Apple devices and can be found in the default Wallet app. (Note: You must link an eligible debit card to use this service.) The main function of Apple Cash is to make it easier for Apple device users to send money to one another, including sending money through the iMessage app. But Apple Cash is more than just a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment service — it can be used to shop online, in stores or to make in-app purchases. Apple Cash is a convenient way to transfer money between friends and family. Once it’s set up, a user can simply open the iMessage app and send money to a contact through their chat. It’s also useful for those who use Apple Pay, a separate service that allows Apple device users to make contactless payments with any linked card, including an Apple Cash card. Here are some important things to know about setting up and using Apple Cash. Apple Cash is a digital cash card that’s stored in the Wallet app of Apple devices, and it can be used for making P2P payments, as well as purchases through Apple Pay. When you receive money from another Apple Cash user, that money appears in your Apple Cash balance. The balance can then be spent or transferred to a linked bank account or debit card. Sending money to peers with Apple Cash can be done either directly from the digital Apple Cash card (in the Wallet app) or through the iMessage app. You can send or receive anywhere between $1 and $10,000 per message. The money shows up on the recipient’s Apple Cash card instantly, but it may take from one to three days for the balance to be transferred to a bank account. Instant transfers to a bank account are possible, but it comes with a 1.5% fee. There’s also an option to set up Apple Cash Family for children who are under 18 years old. This option limits the amount a child can send to $2,000 per message. Those younger than 18 also cannot add money to their Apple Cash card from a bank account; rather, their balance only grows when they receive money from another Apple Cash user. Apple Cash is a digital card within your Wallet that allows you to spend your Apple Cash online, in stores and in apps as well send and receive money. Apple Pay, however, allows you to make purchases using any credit card or debit card you have stored in your Wallet — including Apple Cash. With Apple Pay, you add credit and debit cards to your Wallet and then have the ability to pay right with your phone (or other Apple product). To set up Apple Cash, you’ll need three things: —A compatible Apple device. —Two-factor authentication enabled for your Apple ID (this can be done in Settings). —An eligible debit card to load funds onto the Apple Cash card. In the Settings app, you can turn on Apple Cash in the Wallet and Apple Pay section. Tap on the Apple Cash card icon and follow the instructions on the screen. You’ll be asked to agree to the terms and conditions, after which your device will set up Apple Cash for you. The Apple Cash card, once set up, can be found in your device’s Wallet app. If you want to set up Apple Cash Family, you’ll first need to have Family Sharing turned on, which can be done in Settings. The family organizer can add children to Apple Cash in the Family Sharing section of Settings. You’ll need to have a debit card linked to your digital Wallet to add money to an Apple Cash card. You can add a debit card to Wallet in the same place where you set up Apple Cash — the Wallet and Apple Pay section of Settings. Once a debit card is linked to your Wallet, open Wallet and tap on the Apple Cash card. Then, tap the More button (an icon with three dots). This will open a page where you can see your Apple Cash balance, add money and transfer funds to a bank account. Tap Add Money and enter the amount you’d like to add (the minimum is $10). You’ll be asked to confirm which debit card you want to use to fund the Apple Cash balance, and then the money is added to the Apple Cash card. There are two ways to send a payment to someone using Apple Cash: directly from your Wallet or in the iMessage app. Both the sender and recipient need Apple Cash to send or receive money. To send money from Wallet, simply tap the Apple Cash card in Wallet and then tap Send. Type in the contact name or phone number of the recipient. Enter the amount you’d like to send (between $1 and $10,000), then review the payment and confirm it with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. In iMessage, open the conversation with who you’d like to send money to, or start a new one. Tap on the app button, which appears next to the type bar, and then tap on the Apple Cash icon. You’ll be prompted to enter an amount (between $1 and $10,000). Once you’ve reviewed the amount, tap Send and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. The first time money is sent to someone, the recipient will need to accept the payment within seven days for it to go through. After the first instance, payments are automatically accepted. If you’re using Apple Cash to make a purchase either online or in a store, you’ll need to pay using Apple Pay. To request money from your iPhone, open the conversation in the Messages app. Tap the plus icon, followed by Apple Cash. Then, tap Request. Tap the send button to send your payment request. Once the request is sent, the person you sent it to can confirm or change the amount they send to you. You can also request money from your Apple watch. Open your messages app, choose a conversation, tap the plus icon and then choose Apple Cash. Once you enter the amount you are requesting, swipe left on the Send button. Tap Request. As you start to accumulate money on the Apple Cash card, you may want to move it to a debit card or a bank account . This can be done by going to the same place where you added funds to the card, by clicking the icon with three dots next to your digital card. Enter an amount to be transferred, then tap Next. You’ll be asked whether you want to do an instant transfer (for a 1.5% fee) or a transfer in one to three business days for free. After making a selection, the screen will instruct you to set up a bank account if you don’t already have one set up. You’ll confirm the payment, and the transfer is initiated. Instant transfers can only be made to an eligible debit card, not a bank account. Money is sent within 30 minutes when you select instant transfer. —Zelle: If your bank is offers Zelle, it might be a good idea to take advantage of the P2P payment service. Zelle can be accessed directly from your bank’s mobile app, and it allows you to send instant transfers at no extra cost. —Venmo: Anyone can use Venmo, as long as they’ve downloaded the app. Unlike Apple Cash or Zelle, it’s a standalone P2P payment app. Venmo comes with a social element — users can follow each other and add fun emojis to their payments, although they can also keep their account activity private. —PayPal: This P2P payment service is a good option if you want to send money internationally. It also offers a PayPal Debit card, which, like the Apple Cash card, can be used to make purchases online or in stores. —Samsung Pay Cash: Samsung device users can use this option instead of Apple Cash. Similar to Apple Cash, it is a digital wallet that you can access from a Samsung mobile device. However, to take full advantage of Samsung Pay Cash, users will need to undergo an extra registration process to upgrade to a Full Card Account. Apple Cash makes it easy for Apple device users to send money to each other. Users can simply tap the Apple Cash icon in their text messages to send money through iMessage. It can also be used as an extra repository for spending money and can be used for purchases anywhere Apple Pay is accepted. With that said, only Apple device users can send and receive money using Apple Cash, so those looking for a more universal payment service may want to consider other P2P payment apps . ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Premier is prepared to override the courts by giving municipalities and police “enhanced legislative powers” to “dismantle” across Ontario. “We are acting to put an end to the public disorder, drug use and trafficking and loss of public space that have resulted from the widespread growth in encampments,” Ford said Thursday. His comments came in a response to to help them deal with encampments and “where necessary use the notwithstanding clause” to ensure any efforts aren’t overturned by the courts. “I am confident that the legislative authorities the province is preparing are common sense, practical and entirely aligned with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, especially for the law-abiding residents who simply want to enjoy the benefits of their local public spaces,” the premier told them. “For that reason, I do not expect the legislation will need to proactively invoke Section 33 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” he said. “However, should the courts interfere with our shared goal of effectively addressing and clearing out encampments using these enhanced tools, with your support, our government is fully prepared to use the notwithstanding clause.” His letter came after the mayors of Barrie, Brampton, Brantford, Cambridge, Chatham-Kent, Clarington, Oakville, Oshawa, Pickering, St. Catharines, Sudbury and Windsor appealed to him two weeks ago for help. They urged his government to “become an intervener on any court case that restricts the ability of municipalities to regulate and prohibit encampments” and “strengthen the existing system of mandatory community-based and residential mental health care and to expand service to treat those who have severe and debilitating addictions.” While there are more than 1,000 people living in tents in Toronto parks throughout the city, did not sign the letter. The premier agreed there is “an urgent need to do more and I am thrilled that you have shown considerable leadership in putting forward concrete and actionable solutions.” “Ontario is finalizing the details of new initiatives, including enhanced legislative powers, that will be responsive to your requests,” he wrote. “The new legislation and supporting initiatives will achieve the outcomes all of us agree are necessary in order to protect public safety and dismantle encampments.” Legislation, which is expected before the house rises for the holiday break next Thursday, will include a funding boost “to create more capacity in our shelter systems, supported by the new accountability measures to ensure these funds support dismantling encampments.” As well, it will gives police “new tools and authorities” to further curb the use of illicit drugs in public. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said he was “very pleased with the response from the premier.” “We don’t permit illicit drugs in our Peel shelters and it’s why we have seen encampments grow among those struggling with addictions,” said Brown. “We simply can’t have dangerous drug use in our parks and public spaces. The commitment to clearly prohibit it and back it up legally is helpful,” he said. “I just hope the next shoe to fall is compassionate intervention for addictions.” In Waterloo last year, a judge ruled that evicting those living in homeless encampments would be a violation of their Charter rights if no shelter spaces are available. A similar judicial ruling was also handed down in Kingston. Use of the notwithstanding clause which Ford has invoked before, being the first Ontario premier to use the Constitution’s nuclear option allows a government to pass legislation overriding certain rights. On Tuesday, the for his decision to close 10 of 17 Ontario’s supervised consumption sites in favour of 19 Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment hubs. Auditor general Shelley Spence said shuttering the facilities near schools and daycares was made “without proper planning.”
The recent conditional approval granted by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) to Starlink for its direct-to-cell ( D2C ) services is a pivotal step in the evolution of global connectivity. The promise of D2C services is nothing short of transformative — a world where your smartphone can connect directly to satellites for emergency communication, no matter how remote or disaster-stricken the location. Recent developments globally and locally, including partnerships such as Starlink’s trials with Optus in Australia, showcase the potential of this emerging technology. However, while these advancements highlight immense possibilities, they also expose significant challenges, including delays in service readiness and scalability issues that could slow widespread adoption. NBN and telcos feeling pressure from new satellite operators The rapid expansion of satellite communications companies is disrupting and reshaping the telecommunications industry. Australia’s role in the D2C revolution For Australians, the collaboration between Starlink and Optus has become a focal point for exploring D2C’s potential. Australia’s vast, sparsely populated landscapes make it an ideal proving ground for technologies that extend connectivity beyond the reach of traditional mobile networks. The partnership aims to address the long-standing connectivity divide between urban and remote regions, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters like bushfires and floods. While the technology is promising, Optus and Starlink remain in the trial stage, focusing on delivering SMS and emergency alerts. These capabilities align with global applications, such as Starlink’s role during Hurricane Milton in the U.S. Yet, as demonstrated in the hurricane scenario, the service has limitations. In Florida , users relying solely on Starlink’s network faced wait times of up to 15 minutes for satellite visibility — a stark reminder of the gap between current capabilities and the goal of seamless, continuous coverage. The challenges of scale Globally, D2C services are hampered by one critical issue: scale. To deliver uninterrupted service, thousands of low-Earth orbit ( LEO ) or very low-Earth orbit ( VLEO ) satellites are needed. Currently, Starlink operates a network of 222 D2C satellites, far short of the thousands required for continuous connectivity. This limitation was evident during Hurricane Milton, where users experienced intermittent access, highlighting the need for a significantly larger constellation to ensure reliability. The challenges of deploying a vast satellite network are compounded in VLEO environments. Satellites at these altitudes face greater atmospheric drag and degradation from atomic oxygen, shortening their operational lifespans and increasing replacement costs. While Starlink asserts that these costs are manageable, the need for frequent satellite replacements could strain even well-funded operations, potentially delaying the rollout of full-scale D2C services. Low Earth Orbit satellites to shake up telecoms market The Government is taking steps towards investing in increased satellite connectivity to upgrade service to remote areas. Service delays and the road ahead Recent performance data underscores the developmental stage of D2C services. For Australians, this means the full benefits of the Optus-Starlink collaboration may not materialise for several years. Users should temper expectations, particularly for high-bandwidth applications like voice and video calls, which remain far from feasible under current satellite constellations. Despite these challenges, the early impact of D2C services is undeniable. During Hurricane Milton, Starlink enabled T-Mobile to carry over 120 emergency alerts and 120,000 text messages, providing critical lifelines in disaster-stricken areas. Similarly, Apple’s Emergency SOS service via the Globalstar satellite network has demonstrated the life-saving potential of D2C technology, particularly in off-grid scenarios. Australia’s opportunity and responsibility For Australia, D2C services represent a unique opportunity to address the longstanding challenges of remote and disaster-prone regions. However, the road ahead requires patience and realistic expectations. Policymakers, telecom providers and satellite operators must collaborate to ensure this technology evolves responsibly. Key focus areas include: Scalability: Accelerating satellite deployment to achieve continuous coverage. Affordability: Ensuring services remain cost-effective for consumers, especially in remote regions. Environmental impact: Addressing concerns around space debris and satellite lifespans in VLEO. In summary Direct-to-cell services are a game-changing technology, but they are not yet a fully realised solution. The Optus-Starlink trials and global applications like those seen during Hurricane Milton highlight the potential, but also the limitations, of these early-stage systems. For now, Australians should view D2C as an exciting yet evolving technology, with significant hurdles to overcome before it can deliver on its promise of ubiquitous, seamless connectivity. As the industry scales up and addresses its challenges, D2C may well redefine the way we think about mobile communication — offering a lifeline to those who need it most, when they need it most. Paul Budde is an Independent Australia columnist and managing director of Paul Budde Consulting , an independent telecommunications research and consultancy organisation. You can follow Paul on Twitter @PaulBudde . This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Australia License Support independent journalism Subscribe to IA. BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DIRECT-TO-CELL D2C telecommunications Starlink Optus FCC Hurricane Milton connectivity emergency services LEO Share Article
'We'll take it:' 2 Windsor-Essex business owners welcome tax holiday that starts Saturday
The annual event is a fun day to spend time with family, friends and a way to keep active during this festive season, according to Cook Islands Touch Association. The tournament will feature social and serious (competitive) and open mixed categories. Pepe Family won the social category while Mavericks were crowned the competitive category champions last year. Association president Vou Williams said eight teams each in the social and competitive categories are set to battle on Thursday, “offering something for every touch enthusiast”. “Whether you’re a beginner looking to enjoy the game or an experienced player seeking some fun on the field, the social category provides a relaxed environment to play,” Williams said. “For those aiming to elevate their game and embrace friendly rivalries, the competitive category brings intense action and battles on the 7-metre line.” This year’s tournament welcomes several new teams, adding fresh energy and excitement to the mix. Williams said alongside them, they have long-standing family teams like Outlaws, KAPS, and Notchya (007), who have been part of Boxing Day Touch for many years. “With all 16 teams bringing their unique skills and flair to the field, every match is bound to be one to watch.” Williams added that they are expecting to see an impressive display of competition from touch enthusiasts at all levels. “With some teams already engaging in practice runs ahead of the tournament, we’re sure to witness remarkable talent and skill from everyone on the field,” he said. The Boxing Day tournament has been a beloved tradition for over 25 years, proving that touch rugby is truly thriving in our small paradise. Williams expressed that “It has always been a day filled with fun and healthy rivalry, bringing together local players and visiting family and friends who return home for the festive season.” The tournament also provides families with the chance to compete in a relaxed, social setting, all while fostering unity, creating lasting memories and enjoying a day of both activity and relaxation. Cook Islands Touch extends a heartfelt meitaki maata to Vodafone Cook Islands for their incredible sponsorship and unwavering support of the Boxing Day Tournament over the years. “Your generosity has been truly invaluable,” Williams said. “This year, we are thrilled to warmly welcome Vonnias Ltd as the major sponsor for the tournament. Turou and Atawaiwolo, we are excited to have you on board! “Bring the whole family and come and enjoy some Touch Fun in the Sun. First game starts at 9am, see you there!”
After D.W. Weaver, teacher of the Grace Methodist boys class, read an article about the Boy Scouts of America, the first troop in Keyser was founded in the spring of 1910. The boys were captivated by the ideas of “doing a good turn daily.” After the first troop was organized, other town boys were motivated to join. It was an opportunity to put the “gang spirit to work for good.” In a very short time the troop had the full quantity of 32 members. Soon a second troop was organized. Meetings of Keyser Troop #1 were held in the Mystic Chain Hall on North Main Street. Boys learned the principles of scouting, the oath, motto, and about the flag, but also about the obligation or joy and importance of service to other people. Two years later, the Presbyterian minister took over the troop. He set the groundwork for a three-day camping trip in 1912 along the old covered bridge across Patterson Creek in Burlington. The campers loaded all their camping equipment, which was very limited, on a merchant’s wagon pulled by a horse. Before getting to camp, all the boys pushed to help the overloaded horse up the hills enroute from Keyser to Burlington. There were no cabins, merely tents of all sizes and shapes. Everyone slept on the ground. These summer camps offered a variety of practical classes including swimming, water rescue or life guard badges as well as first aid. The boys also learned to assist with crowd and traffic control. Details of a memorable camp incident more than 100 years ago has been noted. A scout baseball game was interrupted by an unusual hail storm. Hail the size of walnuts destroyed the boys’ tents along Patterson Creek. The scouts were forced to shelter in the Old Homestead Hotel that night. The next day they caught the TM&P railroad back to Keyser. During the 1918 influenza era, Troops One and Two became emergency Red Cross units. They helped establish an emergency hospital and assisted in its continuous operation by keeping its fires going in the furnace at night. Basically, the boys assisted nurses at the hospital, ran errands of mercy, and delivered medications to homes of infected shut-ins. In June 1923 the scouts assisted with the popular week-long annual cultural event, the Chautauqua lectures, concerts and entertainers that came to Keyser. In fact, boy scouts knocked on doors in Keyser assisting with selling tickets, setting up tents, ushering spectators to their seats and keeping the grounds clean and neat during the Chautauqua activities. On an August 1924 camping trip the troop with scoutmaster Paul Hardy participated for the second year at the farm of the Stump family along the South Branch of the Potomac. There was a strict schedule for the boys, with requirements such as arising and leaving their tents at 6:10 a.m. for the flag salute and calisthenics before a morning swim at half past six and breakfast at 7 a.m. During the morning following inspections of the tents, policy training before scout instructions and schooling began at 9 a.m. Life saving drills followed at 11. After lunch at noon, game time, hiking and various contests were scheduled before swimming and water sports. After the evening meal, the day ended with campfires at 7:30 p.m., more games, stunts and stories entertained the troop. At 8:30 there was a “Call to Quarters” with all boys in the tents—lights were out and quiet at 9 p.m. A lifelong history buff, Betty Bane Dzubba shares her love of local history on The Back Page for Mountain Streams Radio and HistoryBits for the Mineral News & Tribune.
Daily Post Nigeria Cash scarcity: CBN gives update on validity of old N1000, 500, N200 Naira notes Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Business Cash scarcity: CBN gives update on validity of old N1000, 500, N200 Naira notes Published on December 13, 2024 By Ogaga Ariemu The Central Bank of Nigeria has reiterated that the old N1000, N500, and N200 denominations remain valid and legal tender nationwide. The spokesperson of the apex bank, Hakama Sidi Ali, disclosed this in a statement on Friday. CBN’s comments come as cash scarcity worsened nationwide despite the apex banks’ directive to Nigerian banks to ensure the availability of cash in Automated Teller Machines. Reacting, CBN clarified that all its banknotes are valid, contrary to the claims making the rounds. “CBN has observed the misinformation regarding the validity of the old N1000, N500, and A200 banknotes currently in circulation. “In line with the Bank’s previous clarifications and to offer further assurance, the CBN wishes to reiterate that the subsisting Supreme Court ruling granted on November 29, 2023, permits the concurrent circulation of all versions of the N1000, N500, and N200 denominations of the Naira indefinitely. “For the avoidance of doubt, all versions of the naira, including the old and new designs of N1000, N500, and N200 denominations, as well as the commemorative and previous designs of the N100 denomination remain valid and continue to be legal tender without any deadline. “We, therefore, advise the public to disregard any claims that the old series of the aforementioned banknotes will cease to be legal tender on December 31, 2024. We urge Nigerians to continue accepting all Naira banknotes (both old and redesigned) for their daily transactions and to handle them with care to ensure their longevity,” the apex bank said. However, the CBN urged Nigerians to use alternative e-banking payment to carry out their daily transactions. “Furthermore, the general public is encouraged to embrace alternative modes of payment, such as e-channels, to reduce pressure on using physical cash,” the statement added. DAILY POST reports cash scarcity has worsened in the past weeks despite CBN’s directive to mitigate the challenges. In October 2024, CBN clarified that there is no deadline to the use of the old banknotes. During the administration of ex-CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele’s Naira redesign policy, the Supreme Court had ruled that the old Naira notes can co-exist with the new notes. Related Topics: CBN naira Don't Miss Naira weakens against dollar to end week on negative note You may like Naira weakens against dollar to end week on negative note Naira appreciates against dollar on official, black markets Naira depreciates against dollar on official, black markets Seek bold solutions – CBN gov Cardoso tells Nigerian bank CEOs CBN denies selling FX to BDCs at N1,300 per dollar Naira appreciates against dollar 24-hours after fall Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd
Argus Issues Positive Forecast for United Rentals (NYSE:URI) Stock Price
Dana Hull | (TNS) Bloomberg News Jared Birchall, Elon Musk’s money manager and the head of his family office, is listed as the chief executive officer. Jehn Balajadia, a longtime Musk aide who has worked at SpaceX and the Boring Co., is named as an official contact. Related Articles National Politics | Hitman who killed Navy officer in Newport News among 37 death row inmates commuted by Biden National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Ford to give $1 million for Trump inauguration National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own But they’re not connected to Musk’s new technology venture, or the political operation that’s endeared him to Donald Trump. Instead, they’re tied to the billionaire’s new Montessori school outside Bastrop, Texas, called Ad Astra, according to documents filed with state authorities and obtained via a Texas Public Information Act request. The world’s richest person oversees an overlapping empire of six companies — or seven, if you include his political action committee. Alongside rockets, electric cars, brain implants, social media and the next Trump administration, he is increasingly focused on education, spanning preschool to college. One part of his endeavor was revealed last year, when Bloomberg News reported that his foundation had set aside roughly $100 million to create a technology-focused primary and secondary school in Austin, with eventual plans for a university. An additional $137 million in cash and stock was allotted last year, according to the most recent tax filing for the Musk Foundation. Ad Astra is closer to fruition. The state documents show Texas authorities issued an initial permit last month, clearing the way for the center to operate with as many as 21 pupils. Ad Astra’s website says it’s “currently open to all children ages 3 to 9.” The school’s account on X includes job postings for an assistant teacher for preschool and kindergarten and an assistant teacher for students ages 6 to 9. To run the school, Ad Astra is partnering with a company that has experience with billionaires: Xplor Education, which developed Hala Kahiki Montessori school in Lanai, Hawaii, the island 98% owned by Oracle Corp. founder Larry Ellison. Ad Astra sits on a highway outside Bastrop, a bedroom community about 30 miles from Austin and part of a region that’s home to several of Musk’s businesses. On a visit during a recent weekday morning, there was a single Toyota Prius in the parking lot and no one answered the door at the white building with a gray metal roof. The school’s main entrance was blocked by a gate, and there was no sign of any children on the grounds. But what information there is about Ad Astra makes it sound like a fairly typical, if high-end, Montessori preschool. The proposed schedule includes “thematic, STEM-based activities and projects” as well as outdoor play and nap time. A sample snack calendar features carrots and hummus. While Birchall’s and Balajadia’s names appear in the application, it isn’t clear that they’ll have substantive roles at the school once it’s operational. Musk, Birchall and Balajadia didn’t respond to emailed questions. A phone call and email to the school went unanswered. Access to high quality, affordable childcare is a huge issue for working parents across the country, and tends to be an especially vexing problem in rural areas like Bastrop. Many families live in “childcare deserts” where there is either not a facility or there isn’t an available slot. Opening Ad Astra gives Musk a chance to showcase his vision for education, and his support for the hands-on learning and problem solving that are a hallmark of his industrial companies. His public comments about learning frequently overlap with cultural concerns popular among conservatives and the Make America Great Again crowd, often focusing on what he sees as young minds being indoctrinated by teachers spewing left-wing propaganda. He has railed against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and in August posted that “a lot of schools are teaching white boys to hate themselves.” Musk’s educational interests dovetail with his new role as Trump’s “first buddy.” The billionaire has pitched a role for himself that he — and now the incoming Trump administration — call “DOGE,” or the Department of Government Efficiency. Though it’s not an actual department, DOGE now posts on X, the social media platform that Musk owns. “The Department of Education spent over $1 billion promoting DEI in America’s schools,” the account posted Dec. 12. Back in Texas, Bastrop is quickly becoming a key Musk point of interest. The Boring Co., his tunneling venture, is based in an unincorporated area there. Across the road, SpaceX produces Starlink satellites at a 500,000-square-foot (46,000-square-meter) facility. Nearby, X is constructing a building for trust and safety workers. Musk employees, as well as the general public, can grab snacks at the Boring Bodega, a convenience store housed within Musk’s Hyperloop Plaza, which also contains a bar, candy shop and hair salon. Ad Astra is just a five-minute drive away. It seems to have been designed with the children of Musk’s employees — if not Musk’s own offspring — in mind. Musk has fathered at least 12 children, six of them in the last five years. “Ad Astra’s mission is to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the next generation of problem solvers and builders,” reads the school’s website. A job posting on the website of the Montessori Institute of North Texas says “While their parents support the breakthroughs that expand the realm of human possibility, their children will grow into the next generation of innovators in a way that only authentic Montessori can provide.” The school has hired an executive director, according to documents Bloomberg obtained from Texas Health and Human Services. Ad Astra is located on 40 acres of land, according to the documents, which said a 4,000-square-foot house would be remodeled for the preschool. It isn’t uncommon for entrepreneurs to take an interest in education, according to Bill Gormley, a professor emeritus at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University who studies early childhood education. Charles Butt, the chairman of the Texas-based H-E-B grocery chain, has made public education a focus of his philanthropy. Along with other business and community leaders, Butt founded “Raise Your Hand Texas,” which advocates on school funding, teacher workforce and retention issues and fully funding pre-kindergarten. “Musk is not the only entrepreneur to recognize the value of preschool for Texas workers,” Gormley said. “A lot of politicians and business people get enthusiastic about education in general — and preschool in particular — because they salivate at the prospect of a better workforce.” Musk spent much of October actively campaigning for Trump’s presidential effort, becoming the most prolific donor of the election cycle. He poured at least $274 million into political groups in 2024, including $238 million to America PAC, the political action committee he founded. While the vast majority of money raised by America PAC came from Musk himself, it also had support from other donors. Betsy DeVos, who served as education secretary in Trump’s first term, donated $250,000, federal filings show. The Department of Education is already in the new administration’s cross hairs. Trump campaigned on the idea of disbanding the department and dismantling diversity initiatives, and he has also taken aim at transgender rights. “Rather than indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material, which is what we’re doing now, our schools must be totally refocused to prepare our children to succeed in the world of work,” Trump wrote in Agenda 47, his campaign platform. Musk has three children with the musician Grimes and three with Shivon Zilis, who in the past was actively involved at Neuralink, his brain machine interface company. All are under the age of five. Musk took X, his son with Grimes, with him on a recent trip to Capitol Hill. After his visit, he shared a graphic that showed the growth of administrators in America’s public schools since 2000. Musk is a fan of hands-on education. During a Tesla earnings call in 2018, he talked about the need for more electricians as the electric-car maker scaled up the energy side of its business. On the Joe Rogan podcast in 2020, Musk said that “too many smart people go into finance and law.” “I have a lot of respect for people who work with their hands and we need electricians and plumbers and carpenters,” Musk said while campaigning for Trump in Pennsylvania in October. “That’s a lot more important than having incremental political science majors.” Ad Astra’s website says the cost of tuition will be initially subsidized, but in future years “tuition will be in line with local private schools that include an extended day program.” “I do think we need significant reform in education,” Musk said at a separate Trump campaign event. “The priority should be to teach kids skills that they will find useful later in life, and to leave any sort of social propaganda out of the classroom.” With assistance from Sophie Alexander and Kara Carlson. ©2024 Bloomberg News. Visit at bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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The Chicago Bears (4-6) look to halt their four-game losing streak when they host the Minnesota Vikings (8-2) on Sunday at Soldier Field. For the Bears, it’s the first of two NFC North games in five days with the Thanksgiving game at the Detroit Lions (9-1) to follow. As kickoff approaches, here’s our snapshot look at the game. Caleb Williams The Bears rookie quarterback saw quick results from his new partnership with offensive coordinator Thomas Brown in Week 11 against the Green Bay Packers. While the Bears offense scored only 19 points, they did manage 391 yards, including 23-for-31 passing for 231 yards from Williams in the loss . The ability of Brown and Williams to quickly get on the same page after Williams spent so long learning former coordinator Shane Waldron’s offense was promising. Brown said his plan is about finding what’s right for the players. “It’s simple. It doesn’t matter what I’m comfortable with. I don’t play,” Brown said. “So I can always adapt or adjust. To me, it’s my job as a coordinator to adapt and adjust to our players, to what our guys are doing. So, whether it’s Caleb, whether it’s the O-line, whether it’s the receivers, tight ends or backs, it’s our job to design a plan to obviously attack a defense but also to play to what we do well.” They Bears don’t have an easy second test against a Vikings defense under coordinator Brian Flores that Brown said doesn’t have many weaknesses. They boast the top run defense in the league and also are first with 16 interceptions. Brown said he has met Flores only a couple of times, but he was highly complimentary of the unit he runs. The Caleb Williams File: How the Chicago Bears QB is preparing for a massive Week 12 test “One of the biggest compliments you can get as a coach is your unit takes on your personality,” Brown said. “They are aggressive, they are attacking, they are opportunistic, and so it’s going to be important for us to go into the game, first and foremost, and play with no fear. We’re never going to coach fear, never play with fear. For me, that starts first with preparation. ... Our guys being able to have confidence in the game plan, to do that based on preparation in the week. Then let it rip, man.” Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold scrambles while pressured by Rams linebacker Byron Young on Oct. 24, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (Mark J. Terrill/AP) Can the Bears get their pass rush going? Defensive end Montez Sweat was forthright Thursday when asked how he is feeling as the Bears prep for the Vikings. “We’re on a three- or four-game losing streak? I’m pretty (expletive) frustrated,” he said. It’s not just the losing streak that has dampened Sweat’s spirits recently. He has been on the injury report more than he has been used to, first with a shin bruise and then with an ankle injury, though he is now off it and good to play Sunday. And he hasn’t recorded a sack since Oct. 27, sitting at 31⁄2 for the season. The Bears pass rush in general has been lacking of late, with just one sack in each of the last two games, and that’s obviously something they’d like to change as they attack Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold has experienced a bit of a renaissance this season, throwing for 2,387 yards with a 100 passer rating in 10 starts after rookie J.J. McCarthy had meniscus surgery in the preseason. But Darnold also has thrown 10 interceptions — including five in Weeks 9 and 10 — and been sacked 28 times, the latter tied for sixth most in the NFL. “That’s a weekly aspiration and goal,” Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington said of getting the pass rush going. “Everything that we like to do starts with our four-man rush, first through third down and including two-minute. Whatever we desire to do in terms of sending an extra player should complement that. We have to have the production with our four-man rush.” Bears offensive coordinator Thomas Brown walks on the field before a game against the Packers on Nov. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) The Bears’ communication Coach Matt Eberflus stressed early in the week that the Bears needed to come up with a manageable and effective plan to combat the defense of Flores, whom Williams called “the king of the Cover-0 blitz.” Brown said the Bears need to use motions to help “undress” what the Vikings are doing presnap, and Williams said he needs to be aware of where his hot routes will be. Eberflus on Friday stressed that the next step is execution of the plan and “elite communication” throughout the game as they try to help Williams conquer the challenge. “High-pressure team. There’s no hiding it. That’s who they are,” left guard Teven Jenkins said. “That’s one thing we have to be very conscious of up front, being able to communicate all the way through the tight ends, just to let you know there’s pressure coming from the front side, back side.” Jenkins returns to the lineup after missing the Packers game with an ankle injury . He said the ankle is good enough to play this week, giving the Bears a healthier line for the first time in weeks. “I’m going to keep pushing through,” he said. “That’s what my team needs from me and that’s what I need from myself as well.” The Bears offensive line has its work cut out against a Vikings unit that is third with 35 sacks. Outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel leads the Vikings with eight sacks. Jonathan Greenard and Patrick Jones II each have seven. “(Van Ginkel) is a really good, all-around football player,” Eberflus said. “The instincts are elite, and he makes a lot of plays for him.” Bears safety Jonathan Owens celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown on a blocked-punt return in the third quarter against the Titans on Sept. 8, 2024, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) The Bears will be without starting safety Elijah Hicks, who was declared out with an ankle injury. Hicks started five games in place of Jaquan Brisker, who is on injured reserve with a concussion . Now the Bears turn to sixth-year safety Jonathan Owens, who has played in 10 games without a start this season. But Owens is experienced, with 30 starts the last three seasons with the Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans. “Jonathan’s doing a really good job in there, and he’s started some games last year, so he’s familiar in terms of being in that role,” Eberflus said. “He’s done a good job communicating with Kevin (Byard) and everybody else in the secondary.” The secondary as a whole, including cornerback Jaylon Johnson, is going to have to buckle down against Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson . The Bears gave up passes of 60, 48 and 25 yards last week to Packers receiver Christian Watson. Jefferson is averaging 91.2 receiving yards per game. Bears running back D’Andre Swift scores a touchdown against the Packers on Nov. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Bears running back D’Andre Swift said he expects to be good to go Sunday after battling a groin injury during the week. He rested Wednesday but practiced in a limited fashion Thursday and was back in full Friday. The Bears listed him as questionable. Wide receiver Keenan Allen also is questionable after rolling his ankle in practice Friday. Eberflus said the Bears don’t think it is severe and are hopeful he can play Sunday. Along with Hicks, guard/center Ryan Bates also is out with a concussion. Offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie (calf) is questionable. For the Vikings, tight end Josh Oliver (wrist/ankle) is out. Outside linebacker Gabe Murphy (knee) and tight end Nick Muse (hand) are questionable. There have been plenty of Minnesota teams as good or better than the current one that have had a hard time at Soldier Field against average to mediocre Bears teams. The Bears have won the turnover margin in three consecutive games (all losses) and six of seven. They should be in position to make a play or two against quarterback Sam Darnold, and ball security has been a real positive for Caleb Williams of late. A path to victory for the Bears must include stealing a possession or two. It’s hard to believe the Bears are going to have a lot of success running the ball against Minnesota’s stout front, though, and if the Vikings get Williams in second-and-long and third-and-uncomfortable, that will be problematic. Vikings 23, Bears 13 The Bears could really use this win, considering they have to turn around and travel to Detroit to face the NFC North-leading Lions five days later. And it feels like one they could steal if the defense forces Sam Darnold into some turnovers and Caleb Williams and the offense under Thomas Brown can manage the Vikings defense and continue to show some of the positives that came out of the loss to the Packers. But still, it seems unwise to pick the Bears until I see they can put it all together against a good team. We haven’t seen that recently. Vikings 23, Bears 20 The Bears can definitely win this game. And it starts with creating enough pressure with their front four to make life difficult for Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. Get that done and create a couple of turnovers and maybe this painful losing streak comes to a close. Still, containing Justin Jefferson will be a struggle. The challenge for Caleb Williams in solving Brian Flores’ defense is real. And it’s almost impossible to pick the Bears to win again until they actually win again. Vikings 19, Bears 13
Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams
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