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( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) New York, NY, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Reach, Unmatched Service, and Cutting-Edge Innovation at the Core of Libfx.com New Vision. a leading Internet financial platform with years of experience in serving a diverse and high-end customer base around the world, has unveiled its ambitious new vision to become a world-class financial hub. The platform, renowned for its comprehensive suite of financial services, is aiming to further solidify its position as a global leader in the online finance sector by introducing innovative features and expanding its international reach. A Commitment to Global Financial Inclusion Since its establishment, has focused on providing tailored financial solutions to clients, with a special emphasis on high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors. However, with the new vision, the platform plans to broaden its services to a more diverse range of customers, ensuring that people across the globe have access to advanced financial tools and services. The company's CEO stated, "We recognize the evolving needs of investors and financial professionals in today's digital economy. Our goal is not only to offer cutting-edge services but also to make these services accessible to a broader range of individuals and businesses. Our vision is to create an ecosystem that empowers users to manage their financial futures with confidence." Innovative Financial Solutions In the coming months, the platform will also enhance its user experience by introducing a new intuitive interface, alongside mobile and desktop applications designed for seamless access to global markets, enabling users to manage their investments from anywhere, at any time. Strengthening Trust and Security Security and transparency remain the pillars of operational philosophy. With a track record of handling sensitive financial data for top-tier clients, the platform has been continuously upgrading its security measures to protect user assets from evolving cyber threats. In line with its world-class vision, the platform plans to implement next-generation encryption protocols and leverage blockchain technology to ensure every transaction is secure, transparent, and fully traceable. Expanding Global Partnerships "Collaborating with top financial institutions, fintech innovators, and regulatory bodies will enable us to offer a wider range of services and reach more customers across different regions," said. "We are determined to build strong, long-term relationships that will drive our growth and empower our clients to succeed." Focus on Education and Client Empowerment A key element of vision is to provide educational resources to users, enabling them to make informed decisions in the fast-moving world of finance. The platform will continue to invest in webinars, tutorials, and expert-led seminars, ensuring that both novice and experienced investors can benefit from its knowledge base. "We believe that financial literacy is fundamental to empowering our clients," said. "By providing them with the tools and knowledge to succeed, we are not just offering financial services – we are offering financial freedom." Looking Ahead Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involves risk. There is potential for loss of funds. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. MENAFN23122024004107003653ID1109025514 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.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina 's elections board dismissed formal protests Wednesday by several Republican candidates who trailed narrowly in their races last month and had questioned well over 60,000 ballots cast this fall. The State Board of Elections' decisions sided with the Democratic candidates, including those for a state Supreme Court seat and a key General Assembly seat. These matters are now expected to be resolved in the courts. The board voted in favor of denying the protests of GOP Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin, who after a recent statewide machine recount trailed Associate Justice Allison Riggs by 734 votes from over 5.5 million ballots cast. No additional recounts had been ordered after a partial hand recount completed Tuesday failed to suggest that Griffin could catch up to Riggs. Riggs is one of only two Democrats on the seven-member court, which has been a partisan flash point in the state over the past two years in court battles involving redistricting, photo voter identification and other voting rights. The board on Wednesday considered protests filed by Griffin, a current Court of Appeals judge, and three candidates for the General Assembly covering three categories of voting. Those categories included votes cast by people with voter registration records lacking driver’s licenses or containing partial Social Security numbers; overseas voters who have never lived in the U.S. but whose parents were deemed North Carolina residents; and military or overseas voters who did not provide copies of photo identification with their ballots. The board is composed of three Democrats and two Republicans. In three of four dismissal motions Wednesday, the votes were 3-2 along party lines. The vote on the other motion was unanimous. Riggs' campaign has said that she is the winner and that Griffin should concede immediately. Speaking after the hearing, Riggs mentioned that her parents were among the 60,000 voters whose votes were being challenged, and “I can personally attest they are in fact lawful votes." Griffin didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the decisions. State Republican Party Chairman Jason Simmons said in a news release that the “board’s continued efforts to engineer political outcomes for Democrats is shameful" and suggested appeals could be ahead. READ: Another candidate protester is GOP Rep. Frank Sossamon, who trailed Democratic challenger Bryan Cohn. A Cohn victory would mean Republicans fall one seat short of retaining their current veto-proof majority for the next two-year General Assembly starting next month. The board could have ultimately ordered corrected ballot tallies, more recounts or new elections if it determined the evidence showed election law violations or irregularities called into question the results of the protested elections. Scores of protests filed by Griffin and the legislative candidates are still being considered by county boards. During Wednesday's hearing, Riggs' attorneys urged the state board to throw out the protests. They called that an illegal attempt to change the election rules after votes have been cast and counted and out of line with protest rules. “The voters that protesters are challenging here today unquestionably are eligible voters,” said Will Robertson, an attorney representing the three Democratic legislative candidates and the state Democratic Party. “These protests are not only facially invalid but they’re an affront to democracy and to the rule of law in North Carolina.” Citing the state constitution, attorneys for Griffin argued that elections boards cannot count the ballots of people who have never lived in North Carolina. And they said the state board erred by generating voter registration forms that did not make clear that state law requires an applicant to provide one of the identifying numbers. “We filed these protests because we believe the winners of these elections should be determined by eligible voters and only be eligible voters,” Craig Schauer, an attorney for Griffin and GOP legislative candidates, told the board. In addition to the substance of the protests, Democratic board members also threw out the protests because they determined that voters did not receive appropriate legal notice that their votes were being challenged. Griffin sent postcards to a voter or the “current resident” stating that “your vote may be affected” by a protest, according to legal briefs and evidence. It included a QR code that mobile phone users could visit to obtain information. Democrats said people may have thrown the postcard away or considered it a scam. The state board's decisions came days after the state Democratic Party sued in federal court to block the State Board of Elections from ruling in any way to throw out the disputed ballots. Griffin led Riggs by about 10,000 votes on election night, but that lead dwindled and flipped to Riggs as qualifying provisional and absentee ballots were added to the totals. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.HOUSTON -- A federal judge in Texas rejected the auction sale of Alex Jones' Infowars to The Onion satirical news outlet, criticizing the bidding for the conspiracy theory platform as flawed as well as how much money families of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting stood to receive. The decision late Tuesday night is a victory for Jones, whose Infowars site was put up for sale as part of his bankruptcy case in the wake of the nearly $1.5 billion that courts have ordered him to pay over falsely calling one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history a hoax. Families of the Sandy Hook victims had backed The Onion's bid. Following a two-day hearing in Houston, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez said he would not approve the sale, while citing concerns about transparency in the auction. That clears the way for Jones to keep - at least for now - Infowars, which is headquartered in Austin, Texas. The Onion had planned to kick Jones out and relaunch Infowars in January as a parody. "We are deeply disappointed in today's decision, but The Onion will continue to seek a resolution that helps the Sandy Hook families receive a positive outcome for the horror they endured," Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion's parent company, Global Tetrahedron, posted on social media late Tuesday. Lopez cited problems - but no wrongdoing - with the auction process. He said he said he did not think that those involved in the auction acted in bad faith and that everyone "put their best foot forward and tried to play within the rules." Still, Lopez said he said he did not want another auction and left it up to the trustee who oversaw the auction to determine the next steps. The Onion offered $1.75 million in cash and other incentives for Infowars' assets in the auction. First United American Companies, which runs a website in Jones' name that sells nutritional supplements, bid $3.5 million. The bids were a fraction of the money that Jones has been ordered to pay in defamation lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas filed by relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. Lopez said the auction outcome "left a lot of money on the table" for families. "You got to scratch and claw and get everything you can for them," Lopez said. Christopher Mattei, a lawyer for the Sandy Hook families who sued Jones in Connecticut, said they were disappointed in the judge's ruling. "These families, who have already persevered through countless delays and roadblocks, remain resilient and determined as ever to hold Alex Jones and his corrupt businesses accountable for the harm he has caused," Mattei said in a statement. "This decision doesn't change the fact that, soon, Alex Jones will begin to pay his debt to these families and he will continue doing so for as long as it takes." Jones, who did not attend the proceedings, went back on his program late Tuesday to celebrate the judge's ruling, calling the auction "ridiculous" and "fraudulent." Although The Onion's cash offer was lower than that of First United American, it also included a pledge by many of the Sandy Hook families to forgo $750,000 of the auction proceeds due to them and give it to other creditors, providing the other creditors more money than they would receive under First United American's bid. Alex Jones' bankruptcy case The sale of Infowars is part of Jones' personal bankruptcy case, which he filed in late 2022 after he was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion in defamation lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas filed by relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. Jones repeatedly called the shooting that killed 20 children and six educators a hoax staged by actors and aimed at increasing gun control. Parents and children of many of the victims testified in court that they were traumatized by Jones' conspiracies and threats from his followers. Jones has since acknowledged that the Connecticut school shooting happened. Most of the proceeds from the sale of Infowars, as well as many of Jones' personal assets, will go to the Sandy Hook families. Some proceeds will go to Jones' other creditors. The auction overseer defends his decision Trustee Christopher Murray had defended The Onion's bid in court this week, testifying that he did not favor either bidder over the other and was not biased. He also revealed that First United American submitted a revised bid in recent days, but he said he could not accept it because the Sandy Hook families in the Connecticut lawsuit objected. The Onion valued its bid, with the Sandy Hook families' offer, at $7 million because that amount was equal to a purchase price that would provide the same amount of money to the other creditors. In a court filing last month, Murray's lawyers called First United American's request to disqualify The Onion's bid a "disappointed bidder's improper attempt to influence an otherwise fair and open election process." Jones' attorney, Ben Broocks, noted that the Sandy Hook lawsuit judgments could be overturned in pending appeals and got Murray to acknowledge that the Sandy Hook families' offer in The Onion bid could fall apart if that happens. That's because the percentage of the auction proceeds they would be entitled to could drop sharply and they wouldn't get the $750,000 from the sale to give to other creditors. Putting Infowars up for auction Up for sale were all the equipment and other assets in the Infowars studio in Austin, as well as the rights to its social media accounts, websites, video archive and product trademarks. Jones uses the studio to broadcast his far-right, conspiracy theory-filled shows on the Infowars website, his account on the social platform X and radio stations. Many of Jones' personal assets also are being sold. Jones has set up another studio, websites and social media accounts in case The Onion wins approval to buy Infowars and kicks him out. Jones has said he could continue using the Infowars platforms if the auction winner is friendly to him. Jones is appealing the money has been ordered to pay in judgments citing free speech rights.Luigi Mangione could be facing an uphill legal battle as a suspect in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson due to the mounting evidence against him, according to a Baltimore attorney with ties to the family. A retrieved firearm and alleged manifesto contribute to what criminal defense attorney Tomas J. Maronick describes as “very strong” evidence against Mangione. Maronick, who runs the Baltimore firm Maronick Law LLC, hosted the "Tom Moore Show," a weekend politics, legal issues and entertainment program, for the Mangione family-owned WCBM-AM radio station for 20 years from 2003 until 2023. During that time, Maronick knew several members of the family, including patriarch Nick Mangione Sr., and Maryland delegate Nino Mangione, who was the web content director at the time. While Maronick does not recall if he met Luigi Mangione, he said he was shocked when he heard the news about the shooting. “When I saw the name, and they said ‘Mangione,’ I said, ‘This can’t be,’” Maronick said. “’This can’t be the same family I worked with for 20 years.’ It turns out it was. I was shocked like anyone else. It’s the last family name you would suspect being associated with something like this.” New York prosecutors have charged Mangione with one count of murder, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, one count of second-degree possession of a forged document and one count of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was denied bail during a court appearance Tuesday in Pennsylvania. Mangione is also fighting extradition and will remain at Huntingdon State Correctional Institution until prosecutors obtain a governor’s warrant to take him back to New York to face charges. Maronick acknowledged that Mangione faces a tough legal battle to be cleared of the charges. In addition, multiple reports surfaced Wednesday stating that Mangione’s fingerprints were found at the scene of the shooting. “The evidence in this case looks very strong,” Maronick said. “You have a firearm that matches the kind that appears to have been used in the commission of the crime in his possession. You have a manifesto that appears to provide a motive for this. Then, you have a detachment from the family.” Maronick expects that Mangione’s defense attorney might request a competency evaluation, which is mental health assessment to determine whether a criminal defendant is able to understand and participate in the legal process, after Mangione had an outburst while being led by police for an extradition hearing in Pennsylvania, yelling to reporters: “This is completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people and their lived experience.” Bradley S. Shepherd, a defense attorney with Posner & Cord LLC in Maryland, said this case has already been sensationalized in the media with a public investigation. The outburst only added to the controversy. “The most basic piece of advice that any criminal defense attorney can give to a client or a prospective client is don’t say anything to the police or press or anyone,” Shepherd said. University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law professor Doug Colbert does not think a competency hearing will be needed due to Mangione’s educational background and academic prowess. Colbert said Mangione likely understands the gravity of the case against him. Another challenge facing both defense attorneys and prosecutors is finding an unbiased jury pool. The current state of the health care industry with increased prices and denied care has polarized society, underscored by the support of Mangione on social media. “The jury pool is going to be one where you really ask questions about health care,” Maronick said. “You want to ask what people’s views are and if they have ever been denied a claim. What is their experience with health care companies? Do they have a favorable impression? Have they had bad experiences? Have they had claims denied? Both sides are going to want to have those questions asked.” Shepherd is confident the system will find an effective jury. He noted that while the criminal trial of President-elect Donald Trump earlier this year was difficult to find able jurors and the selection lasted a week, the court was able to effectively complete the process. “To my knowledge, in the history of United States jurisprudence, we have never failed to find 12 jurors who are fit for the job,” Shepherd said. “I’d be interested to read a book where that was not the case.” The Mangione case has reached far beyond Maryland and is now an international story. Maronick has done interviews about the case with the BBC, which broadcasts across Europe. As a result, he said he doesn’t see any reason a judge would move the case from New York . “I don’t think a motion to change venues is going to do much when it does get to New York because this is a national, and I would even say an international, case,” Maronick said. “It’s gotten so much publicity. I don’t think you would have a better or worse jury somewhere else. It’s been reported everywhere.” However, according to Maronick, the crimes does not tarnish the reputation of the Mangione family. “It’s such an esteemed, classy family,” Maronick said. “They are people who were not only incredibly supportive of my career at WCBM, but everyone else, with charity and how they donated money and have their name on the aquatic center at Loyola University Maryland.” ©2024 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Key details to know about the arrest of a suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO Police arrested a 26-year-old man on Monday in the Manhattan killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO after they say a Pennsylvania McDonald's worker alerted authorities to a customer who resembled the suspected gunman. Sean Murphy And Maryclaire Dale, The Associated Press Dec 9, 2024 1:57 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows a man wanted for questioning in connection to the investigation of the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP) Police arrested a 26-year-old man on Monday in the Manhattan killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO after they say a Pennsylvania McDonald's worker alerted authorities to a customer who resembled the suspected gunman. The suspect, identified by police as Luigi Nicholas Mangione, had a gun believed to be the one used in Wednesday’s attack on Brian Thompson , as well as writings expressing anger at corporate America, police said. Here are some of the latest developments in the ongoing investigation: Where was the man captured? Mangione was taken into custody at around 9:15 a.m. after police received a tip that he was eating at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 85 miles (137 kilometers) east of Pittsburgh, police said. Mangione was being held in Pennsylvania on gun charges and will eventually be extradited to New York to face charges in connection with Thompson’s death, said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. What evidence did police find? In addition to a three-page, handwritten document that suggests he harbored “ill will toward corporate America,” Kenny said Mangione also had a ghost gun , a type of weapon that can be assembled at home and is difficult to trace. Officers questioned Mangione, who was acting suspiciously and carrying multiple fraudulent IDs, as well as a U.S. passport, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference. Officers also found a suppressor, “consistent with the weapon used in the murder,” the commissioner said. He had clothing and a mask similar to those worn by the shooter and a fraudulent New Jersey ID matching one the suspect used to check into a New York City hostel before the shooting, Tisch said. What do we know about Mangione? Kenny said Mangione was born and raised in Maryland, has ties to San Francisco and that his last known address is in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mangione, who was valedictorian of his 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 on Monday. 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 also suggest that 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. Some of the city’s wealthiest and most prominent people, including Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., have had children attend 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,” according to a post on the school website. He praised their collective inventiveness and pioneering mindset. 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 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. 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. A swarm of reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. Luigi Mangione is one of 37 grandchildren of Nick Mangione, according to his 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 ranging from Catholic organizations to 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 the relationship Monday. The shooting and a quick escape Police said the person who killed Thompson left a hostel on Manhattan's Upper West Side at 5:41 a.m. on Wednesday. Just 11 minutes later, he was seen on surveillance video walking back and forth in front of the New York Hilton Midtown, wearing a distinctive backpack. At 6:44 a.m., he shot Thompson at a side entrance to the hotel, fled on foot, then climbed aboard a bicycle and within four minutes had entered Central Park. Another security camera recorded the gunman leaving the park near the American Museum of Natural History at 6:56 a.m. still on the bicycle but without the backpack. After getting in a taxi, he headed north to a bus terminal near the George Washington Bridge, arriving at around 7:30 a.m. From there, the trail of video evidence runs cold. Police have not located video of the suspected shooter exiting the building, leading them to believe he likely took a bus out of town. Police said they are still investigating the path the suspect took to Pennsylvania. “This just happened this morning," Kenny said. "We’ll be working, backtracking his steps from New York to Altoona, Pennsylvania,” Kenny said. ___ Associated Press reporters Lea Skene in Baltimore and Cedar Attanasio in New York contributed to this report. Sean Murphy And Maryclaire Dale, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Health Man in custody had a gun, mask and writings tying him to killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO, police say Dec 9, 2024 2:28 PM The Latest: Police in Pennsylvania question a man over the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO Dec 9, 2024 2:22 PM Trump has flip-flopped on abortion policy. His appointees may offer clues to what happens next Dec 9, 2024 12:52 PMOXFORD, Ohio (AP) — Reece Potter scored 19 points off the bench to help lead Miami (OH) past Sacred Heart 94-76 on Sunday. Potter went 8 of 8 from the field (3 for 3 from 3-point range) for the RedHawks (7-4). Kam Craft scored 12 points and added five rebounds. Brant Byers had 10 points and shot 4 for 7, including 1 for 4 from beyond the arc. Tanner Thomas finished with 15 points for the Pioneers (4-8). Sacred Heart also got 11 points from Griffin Barrouk. Fallou Gueye also had 10 points. Miami (OH) took the lead with 9:42 remaining in the first half and never looked back. Potter led their team in scoring with nine points in the first half to help put them up 50-30 at the break. Miami (OH) was outscored by Sacred Heart in the second half by a two-point margin, but still wound up on top, while Potter led the way with a team-high 10 second-half points. Miami (OH)'s next game is Monday against Defiance at home, and Sacred Heart hosts Manhattanville on Sunday. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from . The Associated PressI flew business class from Australia with Vietnam Airlines. Here's what you can expect What is it really like to fly business class with Vietnam Airlines? READ MORE: I upgraded to business class for $25 and have done it on the cheap three times. Here's how to do it By TITA SMITH FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 23:50, 11 December 2024 | Updated: 23:59, 11 December 2024 e-mail View comments The trade-offs for overseas travel are all too familiar: sleep deprivation, long waits in lines, and (if you're unlucky) being stuck in close quarters among fellow passengers with questionable hygiene practices. But those acquainted with the cabin at the front of the plane know how all of these lowlights can be bypassed with a top-tier ticket. While travelling in business class is a luxury many people cannot afford, I was lucky to have the opportunity to recently do just that on a Vietnam Airlines Airbus 350 from Sydney to Hanoi. Here is the lowdown on the perks - and why it will be difficult to travel in economy ever again. Check-in The business class experience starts from the moment you arrive at the check-in desk. While check-in queues can be notoriously long, a business class booking allows you to join the express line, where you are given an entry ticket to the exclusive SkyTeam Lounge to kick back and dine while you wait for your flight. Business class passengers are also permitted more luggage than those travelling in economy. Vietnam Airlines A350's Business Class cabin feels intimate with just 29 seats The A350 business class cabin features 29 seats with a 106cm pitch, that can be converted into lie-flat beds While the allowance may vary (depending on destination), for this trip I was allowed two carry-on bags (no more than 10kg each and with a combined weight up to 18kg) plus an accessory (like a hand bag), and one checked-in bag up to 32kg. Meanwhile, passengers travelling in economy were limited to one cabin bag (no more than 10kg), one accessory, and one checked-in bag up to 23kg. While my checked-in suitcase was well below the lower limit (weighing in at a modest 15kg for a seven-day trip), it was assuring to know I was unlikely to breach capacity on my return home after stocking up on souvenirs. The Sky Team lounge in Sydney International Airport is one of the many perks of a business class ticket The lounge The SkyTeam Lounge, located near gate 24, is a large open space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the tarmac. The lounge boasts three separate food stations, a bar, bathrooms (with showers, for those seeking to refresh) and a sprawling seating area - comprised of dining tables, booths and reclining chairs. There are charging ports at almost every table in the dining area (an essential for many travellers), and glass booths where guests can make or take private phone calls. Food and drink options included spring rolls, samosas, salads, fruit, toast, hot dishes and rice, wines, spirits, coffees, soft drinks and juices - but be advised not to over fill because you will be treated to a five-course menu on board. Vietnam Airlines shares the space with other members of the SkyTeam alliance - such as China Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, Korean Air, and Xiamen Air. Despite the airport teeming with passengers at the check-in counters when I arrived, the lounge was not overly busy - making it easy to find a seat and use the facilities. There is also a tea and coffee station for passengers seeking a caffeine hit before their flight Guests are welcome to enjoy a range of beverages, including wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, and juice. There is also a self-serve fridge filled with delicious salads, fruit, pastries and sandwiches Pictured: The bar inside the Sky Team Lounge Service, entertainment and extras After tucking away your bag and taking your seat, the service begins with a flight attendant delivering you a wet hand towel and offering you a welcome drink of choice (on this particular flight, orange juice, apple juice, or champagne). Awaiting you in your pod is a pair of slippers, a pillow and blanket, and a little take-home Samsonite case filled with goodies for use during the flight, such as an eye mask, dental kit, ear plugs, a comb, socks, body lotion and lip butter. The complimentary case also includes a selection of stickers you could put on your seat before going to sleep to alert staff if you wanted to be left alone or woken up for meals. Business class passengers are treated to the same selection of movies, tv shows, games, music, and podcasts available to those travelling in economy class - but, due to the bigger pitch of the seat (at 106cm), guests have a detachable remote for navigating the screen. The headphones (which are noise-cancelling) are much sturdier than those passed out to economy passengers and there are magazines for your perusal nestled into a holder by your seat. My flight was in the afternoon/evening, allowing for a perfect ten-hour mix of meals, new movies, and shut-eye. However, for those hoping to get some work done, there is a desk space and lamp next to the seat. There is also a convenient pop-out hook for hanging up your business attire so you can hit the ground running in fresh, ironed clothes if needed. While much of the onboard entertainment is the same as in economy, there are magazines and a desk space for business class passengers hoping to do some work A little Samsonite goodies case and a pair of slippers were a nice touch for feeling comfortable and freshening up on the flight I had a glass of apple juice as my welcome drink of choice as we prepared to take off Little details - like the quality of the headphones - made a big difference to the customer experience in business class Among the items included in the case were an eye mask and beauty products Those needing to step straight off the tarmac and into an event can hang up their clothes to keep their outfits crease free The seat While Vietnam Airlines A350 has 231 seats in its economy cabin, there are just 29 in Business Class - giving it an intimate yet spacious feel. There are four seats in a row - two in the aisle and one by each window. The aisle seats are only semi partitioned from each other (which might be preferable if you are travelling in a pair), while the window seats are incredibly private. One of the best features of business class by far is the ability to convert the seat into a bed to catch up on sleep during long-haul flights. There is a remote embedded into the right-hand panel of the seat, allowing you to adjust it to your desired position. When the seat is fully reclined, the base meets with a foot-rest, turning it into a makeshift bed. Overall, the bed is pretty comfortable (let's face it - most spaces are compared to sleeping in economy), however, if you are gifted in the height department, room could be an issue (it reaches just under two metres when flat). For me, standing at a very average 1.6metres, it was no issue and the bed felt rather snug (especially when partnered with the pillow and blanket). Another handy feature was a clip located on the upper right side of the seat for pinning the seatbelt out of your way. There is also a nook underneath the foot rest for stowing away any personal items you want to keep close during the flight. The business class seats can be reclined via a button pad near the right arm rest. There is also a pop-out remote for using the screen The seat reclines to meet a foot rest (pictured), converting it into a bed There is a clip to help pin back your seatbelt for your comfort The menu The afternoon meal service begins with an attendant bringing you a drinks menu to select your choice of beverages to accompany your food (in my case, a glass of Riesling and a fruity cocktail). Diners are then spoiled with a five course menu, commencing with an appetizer plate and a soup, followed by a main course, then finished with a selection of deserts. I opted for the vegan menu, which started with a spiced-pumpkin and quinoa salad with a side of asparagus, served with a bread roll, salad, and a whipped coconut cream fruit cake. Next, the second entrée was rolled out (a tomato soup and bowl of wasabi peas), followed by a spiced chickpea stew with broccolini, roasted chat potato with parsley and roasted vegetables batons. For the meat eaters, the options for the first appetizer included duck rillette and celeriac salad with a toasted sliced brioche or a smoked salmon roulade and salami with daikon capsicum slaw. The first appetizer on the vegan menu featured a spiced pumpkin quinoa salad with asparagus, bread roll, salad, and a coconut-cream cake Pictured: The second appetizer in the vegan menu alongside a fruit cocktail The vegan main course was a spiced chickpea stew with broccolini, roasted chat potato with parsley and roasted vegetable batons Both dishes came with the same accompaniments (a bread roll and salad) and were followed by broccoli cream soup topped with croutons and garlic herbs. For the main course, meat eaters could choose from the following dishes: BBQ lamb rack topped with rosemary onion jus, sauteed potato with onion, brocolli and baked capsicum, Vietnamese stir-fried beef fillet with steamed rice, stir-fied bean, corn and celery, sear-breaised duck breast with pureed carrot and charred onions, or pan-seared salmon fillet with lemon caper cream sauce, steamed kipfler potatoes, broccolini and carrot. Afterwards, for the dessert rounds (offered to all guests), the attendants carried baskets filled with pastries and platters packed with crackers, cheese, dried fruit, and fresh fruit. Guests still seeking satiation were then offered black forest ice-cream with raspberry coulis. For guests (like me) who did not realise we were about to undertake a generously-portioned degustation, the unrelenting carousel of dishes came as a very pleasant surprise. There was also another meal service shortly before landing, during which I was served corn fritters with kale, roasted roma tomatoes, brown rice mix and horseradish lime and dill cream. Overall, the service felt very decadent - not only in the abundance of food, but also with the attention to detail: white cloths over the tray tables, silver cutlery, porcelain plates, and hand-delivered meals (rather than carted out on a trolley). And the staff were lovely and went above and beyond to answer questions and cater to guests needs - striking the perfect balance between checking in, but not hovering. The menu offered to meat eaters on the afternoon service on Vietnam Airlines A350 Pictured: The BBQ lamb rack served with sautéed potato, broccoli and capsicum Another generous meal was served shortly before landing, which included corn fritters, rice, tomatoes, and kale Other perks and information One of the most noticeable differences in business class was how much quieter the cabin was throughout the duration of the flight. Due to the smaller numbers in business class, the customer service experience also feels more personal compared to economy, where fewer attendants are catering to more passengers. Overall, the ambience, menu, white table cloth service, spacious seats/beds, and being waited on hand and foot, leaves you feeling very pampered - a word up until that point I, as a practiced economy flyer, would never have associated with a long-haul flight. Once you arrive in Vietnam, your business class ticket also enables you to line up in the priority queue at the border control entry gates, allowing for faster processing. Business class guests also have priority baggage handling, meaning your suitcase will be among the first off the carousel (which is a fantastic bonus after spending almost ten hours on a plane!). The business lounges in Vietnam (if travelling business domestically and for your return flight) are different too. In Vietnam, the airline operates its own business class areas - called Lotus Lounges - which are designated for its passengers only (not shared with other airlines). Vietnam Airlines has its own business class lounges, Lotus Lounges, domestically During my domestic flights (from Hanoi to Hoi An and from there to Ho Chi Minh), the Lotus Lounges were much busier than the Sky Lounge. However, that could be expected as Vietnam Airlines is a national carrier that operates many flights, and there was still ample space and seating available. The Lotus Lounge food bar contained more Vietnamese dishes (delicious noodles, pho, sticky rice, rice paper rolls etc.), although there were still intercontinental items available such as salads, fruit and bread. The amenities (dining areas, bathrooms, restaurant and bar) were all well-maintained and it was nice to have a comfortable place to sit back and relax while waiting for flights. The option to have a shower is also a great touch - especially before a return night-flight home after a humid day in the tropics. The staff at the desk can provide you with towels and toiletries - just make sure you pack an extra set of clothes in your carry on! The price The cost of return business class flights from Sydney to Hanoi or Sydney to Ho Chi Minh range from around $4380 - $7220 depending on which time of the year you travel. There are two peak tourism seasons in Vietnam (mid December to the end of March and from early July to September), with the Christmas and New Year period for 2024 selling at the highest price. However, booking months in advance can help you save thousands of dollars, with flights from March through to September 2025 currently selling between $4380 - $5390. At the moment, Vietnam Airlines is the only carrier operating non-stop and daily flights between Australia and Vietnam, making it difficult to directly compare prices. However, a Qantas business class flight from Sydney to Hanoi (via Bangkok, travelling on Finnair) will set you back between $3867-$9078, while flying with Cathay Pacific (through Hong Kong) costs roughly $3765 -$6725. Compared to other national carriers operating similar flights from Australia to Asia, Vietnam Airlines business class prices are competitive. Pictured: Sapa, a town in the Hoàng Liên Son Mountains of northwestern Vietnam, which is known its picturesque terraced rice fields and stunning trekking tracks Business class flights from Sydney to Hong Kong direct with Cathay Pacific (which is just over nine hours) cost between $5907 - $8446 (for travel dates over the next five months). Meanwhile, flights from Sydney to Tokyo direct with Japanese Airlines (nine hours and 50 minutes) currently range from around $4792 - $9298 (over the same period). Vietnam Airlines passengers, who are members of the airline's reward program, Lotusmiles, can also score business class seats by using points to upgrade. The number of points needed depend on your flight details (such as booking class, departure point, and destination). However, around 2000 - 16000 points are needed for domestic flight upgrades and 40,000 - 60,000 for flights between Australia to Vietnam. Members can earn points by flying with Vietnam Airlines or its airline partners on mile-earning eligible flights, or through using affiliated services to shop, spend, or make bookings. Airline-partnered eligible flights include VN-numbered flights operated by Pacific Airlines, VASCO, Cambodia Angkor, All Nippon Airways, China Southern, Cathay Pacific, Philippines Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Finnair, and El Al Israel Airlines. Click here for more information about how to earn Lotusmiles points or here for how to upgrade your ticket. Hoi An, an ancient South-East Asian trading port in Central Vietnam, is among one of the destinations I visited on my trip. It is known for its beautiful canals and traditional Vietnamese handicrafts, including lantern making Is it worth it? A business class ticket, in my opinion, is 100% worth it if you are flying internationally and want to side-step the not-so-pleasant side effects of long-distance air travel. The exhaustion from sleep deprivation and waiting in airport lines often leads to travellers needing recovery time at the start of their holiday. But while previous international trips in economy have left me feeling tired, greasy, and nursing a sore neck (courtesy of my useful but imperfect travel pillow), flying business class allowed me to feel fresh and ready to go from the moment I stepped off the plane. From now on, having seen the other side of air travel, I will strive to fly business class every chance I get. Tita Smith flew as a guest of Vietnam Airlines for the purpose of reviewing the flight. Sydney Share or comment on this article: I flew business class from Australia with Vietnam Airlines. Here's what you can expect e-mail Add comment
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Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Snowflake. Our analysis of options history for Snowflake SNOW revealed 53 unusual trades. Delving into the details, we found 49% of traders were bullish, while 35% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 13 were puts, with a value of $1,070,410, and 40 were calls, valued at $3,343,807. What's The Price Target? Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $80.0 to $270.0 for Snowflake during the past quarter. Insights into Volume & Open Interest In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Snowflake stands at 1282.47, with a total volume reaching 20,749.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Snowflake, situated within the strike price corridor from $80.0 to $270.0, throughout the last 30 days. Snowflake Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days Noteworthy Options Activity: Symbol PUT/CALL Trade Type Sentiment Exp. Date Ask Bid Price Strike Price Total Trade Price Open Interest Volume SNOW CALL TRADE BULLISH 12/13/24 $54.05 $53.65 $54.0 $128.00 $486.0K 126 90 SNOW PUT SWEEP BEARISH 12/13/24 $2.69 $2.59 $2.69 $180.00 $407.0K 949 3.2K SNOW CALL SWEEP BEARISH 06/20/25 $40.15 $39.9 $39.9 $155.00 $399.0K 1.3K 100 SNOW CALL TRADE NEUTRAL 01/15/27 $103.7 $97.3 $100.52 $100.00 $261.3K 133 26 SNOW CALL SWEEP BULLISH 01/17/25 $12.4 $12.35 $12.4 $175.00 $124.2K 3.4K 227 About Snowflake Founded in 2012, Snowflake is a data lake, warehousing, and sharing company that went public in 2020. To date, the company has over 3,000 customers, including nearly 30% of the Fortune 500. Snowflake's data lake stores unstructured and semistructured data that can then be used in analytics to create insights stored in its data warehouse. Snowflake's data sharing capability allows enterprises to buy and ingest data, while its data solutions can be hosted on various public clouds. Snowflake's Current Market Status With a volume of 4,446,960, the price of SNOW is down -0.85% at $182.07. RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be overbought. Next earnings are expected to be released in 79 days. Professional Analyst Ratings for Snowflake A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $182.6. Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. Click here for access .* Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from RBC Capital keeps a Outperform rating on Snowflake with a target price of $188. * An analyst from Wedbush persists with their Neutral rating on Snowflake, maintaining a target price of $160. * Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Keybanc keeps a Overweight rating on Snowflake with a target price of $210. * An analyst from Citigroup persists with their Buy rating on Snowflake, maintaining a target price of $183. * Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Barclays keeps a Equal-Weight rating on Snowflake with a target price of $172. Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Snowflake options trades with real-time alerts from Benzinga Pro . © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.OTTAWA — First Nations leaders are split over next steps after a landmark $47.8-billion child welfare reform deal with Canada was struck down, prompting differing legal opinions from both sides. The Assembly of First Nations and a board member of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society have received competing legal opinions on potential ways forward. Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict says the chiefs he represents are still hoping the agreement that chiefs outside the province voted down two months ago is not moot. Chiefs in Ontario are interveners in the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal case that led to its realization. He added there are also concerns that some of the elements in the new negotiation mandate outlined by chiefs in an October assembly go beyond the current governance structure of the Assembly of First Nations. “There will have to be action by the Assembly of First Nations in the very near future to advance these positions, but you also need willing partners,” Benedict said. “We’re still considering what our options are.” Those options are also being debated in legal reviews commissioned by the Assembly of First Nations and a board member of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, which are both parties to the human rights case, along with Nishnawbe Aski Nation. Khelsilem, a chairperson from the Squamish Nation who penned a resolution that defeated the deal in October, critiqued the stance of Ontario First Nations by saying they negotiated a “bad agreement” for First Nations outside the province and now that chiefs want to go back to the table for a better deal, they want to split from the process entirely. “It potentially undermines the collective unity of First Nations to achieve something that is going to benefit all of us,” he said. The $47.8-billion agreement was struck in July after decades of advocacy and litigation from First Nations and experts, seeking to redress discrimination against First Nations children who were torn from their families and placed in foster care. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal said Canada’s underfunding was discriminatory because it meant kids living on reserve were given fewer services than those living off reserves, and tasked Canada with reaching an agreement with First Nations to reform the system. The agreement was meant to cover 10 years of funding for First Nations to take control of their own child welfare services from the federal government. Chiefs and service providers critiqued the deal for months, saying it didn’t go far enough to ensure an end to the discrimination. They have also blasted the federal government for what they say is its failure to consult with First Nations in negotiations, and for the exclusion of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, which helped launched the initial human rights complaint. In October at a special chiefs assembly in Calgary, the deal was struck down through two resolutions. The Assembly of First Nations sought a legal review of those resolutions by Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP — a firm where the former national chief of the organization, Perry Bellegarde, works as a special adviser. In the legal review from Fasken, it appears as though the assembly asked for direction on how to get “rid” of two resolutions used to vote down the deal, with an employee of the firm saying they can review the resolutions together if they want them both gone, or they can “leave room for compromise” with one of the resolutions. In a statement, the Assembly of First Nations said the review was conducted to assess the legal, technical and operational aspects of the resolutions to ensure their “effective implementation.” “The opinions formed by external counsel are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of the AFN,” said Andrew Bisson, the chief executive officer, who added it’s not unusual for the organization to seek such reviews. Bisson did not address the language used by a Fasken employee to “get rid” of resolutions, but said “the legal and technical reviews were conducted in good faith, not to undermine the chiefs’ direction. The chiefs have provided clear direction, and the AFN is committed to following that direction.” The legal reviews from Fasken, dated Nov. 15, argue that the October resolutions on child welfare require a significant review of who voted for them, along with changes to the organization’s charter should they be implemented. Resolution 60 called for a rejection of the final settlement agreement, and for the establishment of a Children’s Chiefs Commission that will be representative of all regions and negotiate long-term reforms. It also called for the AFN’s executive committee to “unconditionally include” the Caring Society in negotiations. Fasken said that commission is contrary to the AFN’s charter, and the law, because the AFN’s executive committee doesn’t have the power to create one, and that the executive committee “alone” has the authority to execute mandates on behalf of the assembly. It adds there are no accountability measures for the new negotiation body, and that it will represent regions that are not participants in the AFN. Resolution 61, which built upon resolution 60, is similarly against the charter for the same reasons, the review says. As such, it says, the resolutions can’t be implemented. The firm also wrote that there were alleged conflicts of interest during the October vote, saying “numerous proxies were also employees, shareholders, directors, agents or otherwise had a vested interest” in the First Nations child and family service agencies whose interests were the subject of the resolutions. Chief Joe Miskokomon of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation in southwestern Ontario called that “political deception.” In response to that review, a board member of the Caring Society, which has been a vocal critic of the July deal, sought their own. The review penned by Aird Berlis for Mary Teegee and dated Dec. 2 stated it was “inappropriate for the AFN to seek, and not disclose, legal opinions which are then cited to attempt to second-guess decisions already made by the First Nations in Assembly.” It also states that while the AFN’s vice-president of strategic policy and integration, Amber Potts, raised concerns with the movers and seconders of the resolutions, the entirety of the legal opinion the assembly sought was not shared with them. Teegee’s review challenges that of the AFN’s by saying the resolutions are consistent with the AFN’s charter, and that nothing restricts First Nations in assembly from expressing their sovereign will by delegating authority to another entity. “AFN’s role and purpose at all times is to effect the sovereign will of First Nations, however it is expressed, on ‘any matter’ that they see fit,” the review from Aird Berlis reads. “It is too late to attempt to question the resolutions. They are now final.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 9, 2024. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian PressInteractive Strength Inc. (Nasdaq: TRNR) Issues Year-End Update, Looks Ahead to 2025
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Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok will be encouraged to use “highly accurate” facial recognition checks to stop underage children from accessing their sites under plans to be announced by Ofcom. Amid widespread evidence that children are faking their age to create online profiles, social media companies will be told to enforce a minimum age limit of 13. Ofcom will recommend that social media companies use the technology to determine the age of those trying to create a profile under guidance to be published in April. Other options could involve showing a passport or using a government digital ID. • Toothless Online Safety Act leaves children still at risk About 24 per cent of children aged five to seven own a smartphone, according to research by the broadcasting watchdog, and a third of parents say their children of that age are using social media independently.
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The decision of FBI Director Christopher Wray to resign from his position two years before his 10-year term ended didn’t exactly get him hosannas on social media. “I’ve decided the right thing for the bureau is for me to serve until the end of the current administration in January and then step down,” Wray told FBI staffers. “In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work.” The resignation opens the door for President-elect Donald Trump ’s preferred nominee, Kash Patel , without having to fire Wray. Trump appointed Wray to the FBI Director position in 2017 after he fired James Comey, but hasn’t been too happy with him since the FBI raided Mar-a-Lago in August 2022 and uncovered troves of classified documents that led to federal criminal charges against Trump. Although Wray probably wants his departure to be seen as a statesman-like decision, it wasn’t seen that way on social media. Instead, he was criticized for engaging in “anticipatory obedience” by f ormer Obama administration ethics czar Norm Eisen, who thought Wray had a duty to the country to “constantly push back” and make Trump fire him. I admire how Chris Wray has hung in there—but he should’ve made Trump fire him Anticipatory obedience is not how we will save democracy Instead you must constantly push back 1/2 pic.twitter.com/3Y8FkGXkjN Other people also called out Wray for succumbing to the pressure. FBI director Christopher Wray just bent the knee and resigned. Most likely, Kash Patel will take his place. I talk to @glennkirschner about how Trump will weaponize the DOJ to attack Americans & dismantle democracy. Scary, sobering shit, but there is hope.... pic.twitter.com/OPJPNiORdC A profile in courage, Chris Wray is not. Wray bowed to political pressure; his early resignation is the easy way out. It avoids a very public conversation when Trump inevitably would have fired him for putting the law and the Constitution ahead of his loyalty to Trump. Wray’s resignation has resulted from raw political pressure that is repugnant to our justice system. It vastly heightens the hazards of weaponizing the FBI for political or personal ends—which should be an anathema to all my colleagues, regardless of party, https://t.co/iPJtwi8Wtg This is an unbelievable abdication by Wray and makes it so much easier for Trump to install a corrupt leadership under Kash Patel and weaponize the FBI. Wray is doing a huge disservice to the FBI past, present, and future. Wray is making a mistake. Wray hasn't done anything worthy of getting fired by Trump and should've made him do it Trump on the resignation of FBI Director Christopher Wray: “I just don’t know what happened to him.” Translation: “I appointed him thinking he’d do whatever I told him. To my surprise, he chose to follow the law instead.” pic.twitter.com/uF4iJALV4f Christopher Wray just announced his dutiful 'Obey in Advance' resignation. Nothing but cowards and quislings all the way down. Don't let this be the end of the free press. The free press is under attack — and America's future hangs in the balance. As other newsrooms bow to political pressure, HuffPost is not backing down. Would you help us keep our news free for all? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) spoke out against Wray’s resignation Wednesday on MSNBC . You can see the segment below. Related From Our PartnerThe Dolphins' improbable path to the playoffs isn't in their hands, but they must do their part
The Dolphins' improbable path to the playoffs isn't in their hands, but they must do their partNEW YORK and LONDON , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc. (NYSE: PDCC) (the "Company") has commenced an underwritten public offering of its Series A Preferred Stock Due 2029. Certain financial and other terms of the Series A Preferred Stock are to be determined by negotiations between the Company and the underwriters. Shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are rated 'BBB' by Egan-Jones Ratings Company, an independent rating agency. In addition, the Company plans to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to the same terms and conditions. Shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and to trade thereon within 30 days of the original issue date under the ticker symbol "PDPA." Lucid Capital Markets, LLC ("Lucid"), B. Riley Securities, Inc. and Kingswood Capital Partners, LLC are acting as joint book-running managers and InspereX LLC and Janney Montgomery Scott LLC are acting as lead managers for the offering. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the offering to acquire investments in accordance with the investment objectives and strategies described in the prospectus supplement and for general working capital purposes. Investors should consider the Company's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The preliminary prospectus, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), contains this and other information about the Company and should be read carefully before investing. The information in the preliminary prospectus and this press release is not complete and may be changed. The preliminary prospectus and this press release are not offers to sell these securities and are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where such offer or sale is not permitted. A registration statement relating to these securities is on file with, but has not yet been declared effective by, the SEC. Copies of the preliminary prospectus (and the final prospectus, when available) may be obtained by writing to Lucid Capital Markets, LLC, 570 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, by calling Lucid toll-free at 646-362-0256 or by sending an e-mail to Lucid at prospectus@lucid.com . Copies also may be obtained on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . Egan-Jones Ratings Company is a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO). A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and any such rating may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the applicable rating agency. About Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc. Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc. (NYSE: PDCC) is an externally managed, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. Its primary investment objective is to maximize its portfolio's total return, with a secondary objective of generating high current income. The Company seeks to achieve these objectives by investing primarily in equity and junior debt tranches of CLOs collateralized by portfolios of sub-investment grade, senior secured floating-rate debt issued by a large number of distinct US companies across several industry sectors. The Company is externally managed by Pearl Diver Capital LLP. For more information, visit www.pearldivercreditcompany.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described in the prospectus and the Company's other filings with the SEC. The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE Investor Contact: Info@Pearldivercap.com UK: +44 (0)20 3967 8032 US: +1 617 872 0945 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pearl-diver-credit-company-inc-announces-offering-of-series-a-preferred-stock-302329464.html SOURCE Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc.
National Sheriffs’ Association President Sheriff Kieran Donahue and former DHS senior adviser Charles Marino join ‘Fox News Live’ to discuss the growing threat of criminal migrant gangs in the United States. A new report released by the Heritage Foundation offers the first comprehensive English language look at the massive Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) whose cruel exploits in the U.S. have been making national headlines. The verdict? According to the report’s author, Joseph Humire, the threat America faces from Tren de Aragua is much worse than most people think. Titled "Derailing the Tren de Aragua," the report offers U.S. leaders a starting point to understand the violent criminal organization that it says was "honed and perfected inside Venezuelan prison walls then exported throughout the Western Hemisphere." Humire told Fox News Digital that he hopes the report will give the incoming Trump administration a starting point on how to respond to and dismantle the TdA before it can continue to grow more roots within U.S. borders. EX-ICE OFFICIAL WARNS TREN DE ARAGUA HAS GROWN FASTER INSIDE US THAN MURDEROUS RIVAL GANG: ‘PUT THEM OUT NOW’ Migrants enter the U.S. in Lukeville, Ariz. (Fox News) "The TdA is unique among criminal organizations because it has an ideology associated with it," Humire said in the report. "Now that the TdA is already present in America, to fix this, a proper understanding of the TdA is necessary to detect their motives, tactics, and overall strategy of organized crime." What is Tren de Aragua? Humire, who is director of the Center for a Secure and Free Society and a Heritage Foundation fellow, told Fox News Digital that the first thing to understand about Tren de Aragua is that it is much more than a gang. Rather, it is an organized international terrorist effort backed by some of America’s worst enemies to sow chaos and destabilize the U.S. Born from a Venezuelan prison more than a decade ago, Tren de Aragua, which means "Train from Aragua," burst into the national consciousness in 2023 after reports of members of the group holding an entire apartment building hostage in Aurora, Colorado , a suburb of Denver. Since then, reports of violent crimes by Tren de Aragua members have spread like wildfire, including the high-profile murders of nursing student Laken Riley in Georgia and 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in Houston. AMERICANS WILL BE 'TARGETED' AS TREN DE ARAGUA GANG MEMBERS MULTIPLY ACROSS US, EXPERT WARNS José Antonio Ibarra, an illegal migrant from Venezuela, was recently convicted of murdering nursing student Laken Riley in Georgia. (File) American media coverage and politicians have cast Tren de Aragua as a group of simple thugs and criminals. However, Humire’s report emphasizes that Tren de Aragua is a state-sponsored transnational criminal organization sponsored by and embedded in the Venezuelan socialist government. Rather than working to detect and deter criminals and terror, Humire said that key aspects of the Venezuelan government help facilitate TdA’s operations, not only within Venezuela but throughout the Western Hemisphere. With the backing of the Venezuelan government, he said TdA has an intentional "invasion ideology" that is bent on achieving territorial control of neighborhoods and regions in a matter of weeks rather than the yearslong process taken by most gangs and transnational criminal organizations. 'SLAP IN THE FACE': MEDIA, GOVERNMENT DOWNPLAYING VENEZUELAN GANGS, SAYS WOMAN WHO FLED HER COLORADO APARTMENT Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix/File) Why is Tren de Aragua spreading across the US? While many comparisons have been drawn between Tren de Aragua and the El Salvadoran gang La Mara Salvatrucha 13 (MS-13) , TdA is expanding much more quickly, which Humire said is likely due to its unique origin and state sponsorship in Venezuela. He also alleged that TdA’s rapid expansion in the United States is a "direct consequence of the Biden–Harris Administration’s failed immigration policies and lack of border enforcement." The Biden Cuban, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans parole program and the Venezuelan parole program before it have made it so that in many cases Venezuelan migrants are being waved into the country en masse with little to no vetting. Because of these policies, the Venezuelan population in the U.S. has grown by nearly 1 million – 520.8% – becoming the fastest-growing nationality in the U.S. since 2021. The result has been that though TdA is new to the U.S., it now has a presence in more than 30 major U.S. cities and at least 100 federal investigations involving the group are underway, as the report puts it, "catching most of the U.S. law enforcement community by surprise." COLORADO REPUBLICANS SOUND OFF ON IMPACT OF MIGRANT SURGE ON CITIZENS: ‘THEIR SOULS ARE CRUSHED’ Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday announced the state is going to target a Venezuelan gang that he said is notorious for brutal violence and murder and poses a threat to Texans’ safety. (X/@GregAbbott_TX) How to ‘derail’ the train In the first 100 days of his new administration, Humire said Trump should follow the example set by Texas’ efforts to root out the gang by delivering on his promise to launch an "Operation Aurora" to take a "whole-of-government approach" that uses federal resources within the Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the military to complement state-led law enforcement efforts as well as partner with Latin American allies to hit TdA from every angle. "It is believed that the main TdA leaders have not yet arrived in America, meaning time is of the essence to take preventive measures," says the report. Humire said the Trump Department of Homeland Security should immediately label TdA a transnational terror group and mark Venezuelan migrants as "special interest aliens." This designation would reverse the Biden administration’s policy of waving in Venezuelan migrants and instead allow U.S. immigration officials to more properly vet Venezuelan migrants. Though this may sound controversial, Humire said it's something that would not only better protect American citizens in the interior but also legitimize asylum seekers fleeing Venezuela. TEXAS HAS SPENT MILLIONS PLACING RAZOR WIRE ALONG BORDER: IS IT WORKING? A Venezuelan immigrant asks Texas National Guard troops to let his family pass through razor wire after they crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico on Sept. 27, 2023, in Eagle Pass. (John Moore/Getty Images) "This is really meant to protect the Venezuelan migrants because just because you come from one of those countries," he said. "Most Venezuelan migrants will actually agree with this because they don't want to be infiltrated by Tren de Aragua, and all Venezuelan migrants know how brutal and dangerous Tren de Aragua truly is." What will Trump do? Humire said there are already positive signs from the Trump transition that the president-elect is serious about his promise to dismantle TdA. "I think that appointing the border czar so early in the transition process was a clear signal that that's one of the top, if not the top priority of the new Trump administration," he said. "And Tom Homan, who was appointed as the border czar, is very well aware of this gang Tren de Aragua and all of the transnational criminal organizations that are undermining American sovereignty." Donald Trump (Brandon Bell/Pool via AP/File) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP He also said that some of Trump’s key Cabinet appointments, such as Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state and Rep. Michael Waltz for national security adviser , is evidence of a whole-of-government approach in which people in the administration realize that TdA "could be a big problem unless we nip it at the bud immediately." "This is something that the Biden administration could have done. They had all the tools necessary to do that, but they missed the key ingredient, which is political will," he said. "So, the political will in the new administration to tackle this issue is very high, going from the president down to his appointees and all throughout." Peter Pinedo is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.
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