CLEVELAND (AP) — Germain Ifedi became the fourth left tackle to start this season for the Cleveland Browns, lining up Thursday night against the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers. Ifedi moved up the depth chart and into the lineup after starter Dawand Jones broke his left leg last week at New Orleans and had surgery. He'll be responsible for blocking quarterback Jameis Winston's blindside. Jedrick Wills Jr., who had lost his starting job to Jones, figured to start against the Steelers (8-2), but was ruled out Wednesday with a knee injury that has bothered him for weeks. A first-round pick in 2020, Wills recently caused a stir by saying he made a “business decision” to sit out a game on Oct. 27 against Baltimore because of his knee. Coach Kevin Stefanski said Wills used a “poor choice of words.” James Hudson started Cleveland's first two games at left tackle while the Browns (2-8) waited for Wills to recover from knee surgery in December. The first-place Steelers were without outside linebacker/edge rusher Alex Highsmith, who missed his second straight game with an ankle injury. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflcasino dealer 。

DALLAS — Delta and United became the most profitable U.S. airlines by targeting premium customers while also winning back a significant share of travelers on a tight budget. That is squeezing smaller low-fare carriers like Spirit Airlines , which recently filed for bankruptcy protection. Some travel-industry experts think Spirit’s troubles indicate that travelers on a budget will be left with fewer choices and higher prices. Other discount airlines are on much better financial footing than Spirit, but they too are lagging far behind the full-service airlines when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic . Most industry experts think Frontier Airlines and other so-called ultra-low-cost carriers will fill the vacuum if Spirit shrinks , and that there is still plenty of competition to prevent prices from spiking. Spirit Airlines lost more than $2.2 billion since the start of 2020. Frontier has not reported a full-year profit since 2019, though that slump might end this year. Allegiant Air’s parent company is still profitable, but less so than before the pandemic. Those kind of numbers led United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby to declare recently that low-cost carriers were using “a fundamentally flawed business model” and customers hate flying on them. Kirby’s touchdown dance might turn out to be premature, but many analysts are wary about the near-term prospects for budget airlines, which charge cheaper fares but more fees than the big airlines. A traveler speaks with a Spirit Airlines agent May 24 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day in Atlanta. Low-cost airlines grew in the last two decades by undercutting big carriers on ticket prices, thanks in large part to lower costs, including hiring younger workers who were paid less than their counterparts at Delta Air Lines, United and American Airlines . Wages soared across the industry in the past two years, however, narrowing that cost advantage. The big airlines rolled out and refined their no-frills, “basic economy” tickets to compete directly with Spirit, Frontier and other budget carriers for the most price-sensitive travelers. The budget airlines became less efficient at using planes and people. As their growth slowed, they wound up with more of both than they needed. In 2019, Spirit planes were in the air an average of 12.3 hours every day. By this summer, the planes spent an average of two more hours each day sitting on the ground, where they don't make money. Spirit's costs per mile jumped 32% between 2019 and 2023. Another issue is that airlines added too many flights. Budget airlines and Southwest Airlines were among the worst offenders, but full-service airlines piled on. To make up for a drop in business travel, the big carriers added more flights on domestic leisure routes. The result: Too many seats on flights into popular tourist destinations such as Florida and Las Vegas, which drove down prices, especially for economy-class tickets. Rows of seats are shown Sept. 26 on a retrofitted Southwest Airlines jet at Love Field in Dallas. Low-cost airlines are responding by following the old adage that if you can't beat them, join them. That means going premium, following the rapidly growing household wealth among upper-income people. The top one-fifth of U.S. households by income added $35 trillion in wealth since 2019 and holds nearly nine times the wealth of the middle fifth, according to the Federal Reserve . Frontier Airlines organized its fares into four bundles in May, with buyers of higher-priced tickets getting extras such as priority boarding, more legroom and checked bags. The airline dropped ticket-change or cancellation fees except for the cheapest bundle. Spirit followed in August with similar changes, blocking middle seats and charging passengers more for the comfort of aisle and window seats. Spirit Airlines CEO Ted Christie received a $3.8 million retention bonus a week before the Florida-based carrier filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Christie will retain the bonus if he remains with the company for another year. The airline's stock has dropped over 90% this year. It has faced challenges including a blocked $3.8 billion merger with JetBlue and failed talks with Frontier. The pandemic disrupted Spirit's operations and travel patterns, reducing its daily aircraft utilization and increasing costs. Demand has shifted to full-service airlines as higher-income travelers vacation more, while inflation impacts lower-income consumers. JetBlue Airways , which began flying more than 20 years ago as a low-cost carrier but with amenities, is digging out from years of steady losses. Under new CEO Joanna Geraghty, the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline, JetBlue is cutting unprofitable routes, bolstering core markets that include the Northeast and Florida, and delaying deliveries of $3 billion worth of new planes. Starting next year, Southwest Airlines will toss out a half-century tradition of “open seating” — passengers picking their own seat after boarding the plane. Executives say extensive surveying showed 80% of customers preferred an assigned seat, and that's especially true with coveted business travelers. More crowded planes also might be pushing passengers to spend more to escape a middle seat in the back of the plane. A Frontier Airlines jet takes off July 5, 2022, from Denver International Airport in Denver. In other parts of the world, budget carriers are doing just fine. They bounced back from the pandemic just like their more highbrow competitors. Some industry experts say low-cost carriers in Asia and Europe have always attracted a more diverse mix of passengers, while in the U.S., affluent and middle-class travelers look down their noses at low-cost carriers. Jamie Baker, an analyst for JPMorgan, says he has many college friends who work in London and fly Irish airline Ryanair all the time, but he hardly knows anyone who has ever been on a Spirit or Frontier plane. A small plane tows a banner April 13, 2016, over Flint Bishop International Airport as part of ceremonies marking Allegiant Air joining the airport. Delta CEO Ed Bastian is less dismissive of the “lower-end carriers” in the U.S. than United's Kirby. "I don’t see that segment ever disappearing,” Bastian said after Spirit’s bankruptcy filing. “I think there’s a market for it.” At the same time, he said the upscale moves by ultra-low-cost carriers are having no effect on his airline. Delta targets upscale travelers but also introduced basic-economy fares a decade ago, when discounters emerged as a growing threat to poach some of Delta's customers. “Just calling yourself a premium carrier and actually being a premium carrier are two totally different things,” Bastian said “It's not the size of the seat or how much room you have; it's the overall experience.” As frequent flyers know, air travel isn't cheap. With the summer months in full swing, demand for air travel is expected to reach record numbers in 2024 as airlines continue to recover after the COVID-19 pandemic. Luckily for those who are looking for ways to save on travel , one way to cut costs on your next vacation may be in finding the right places to fly in and out of. FinanceBuzz looked at average domestic airfares from the 45 busiest airports in the U.S. to learn which airports are best for travelers on a budget, as well as which ones to avoid if you are trying to travel affordably. Overall, the national average airfare cost decreased by 3.1% from 2022 to 2023 when adjusted for inflation (which translates to a 0.9% increase in non-adjusted dollars). The last time inflation-adjusted airfare costs dropped year-over-year was during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when it fell 18% between 2019 and 2020. Largely, this is good news for consumers who can spend less on airfare and have more room in their budget for hotels , restaurants, and other travel fees. In addition to earning rewards on airfare, most travel credit cards offer rewards for spending in these areas, which can offset overall vacation costs. Based on Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the above chart shows inflation-adjusted average airline fares over the past 25 years. For this report, we compared domestic airfares from the 45 busiest airports in the U.S. using data published by the U.S. Department of Transportation . Orlando International Airport (MCO) had the lowest airfare cost in the country at $265.58 on average. Home to iconic theme parks like Universal Studios, Sea World, and most notably, Walt Disney World, Orlando is one of America's top tourist destinations. This is welcome news for those bracing for expensive park tickets and food prices at the House of Mouse. Beyond saving with a Disney credit card on park-related purchases, visitors can also maximize savings by using a credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve which offers an annual travel credit, or even using a 0% APR credit card if you don't want to pay for your entire vacation at once. Another Florida-based airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), has the second-lowest average airfare cost in the country — tickets here are only about $5 more expensive than Orlando's. Just a few dollars behind FLL is Las Vegas's Harry Reid International (LAS), where fares cost $272.15 on average. LAS is also the last airport on our list where average airfare costs are less than $300. Oakland International Airport (OAK) has the fourth-lowest average airfare costs in the country at $303.79. And the fifth-least expensive airport, Chicago Midway International (MDW), comes in at $308.27. For the third year in a row, Dulles International Airport (IAD) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) have the two highest average fares in the country. Flights from Dulles cost $488.40 on average in 2023, while flights from San Francisco cost $444.59. Some silver lining for travelers who need to travel through Dulles: IAD is home to some of the best airport lounges in the country, including the recently-opened Capital One Lounge, available to Capital One Venture X or Venture Rewards credit card holders. With free food, drinks, and recharging stations, lounges can be one easy way to offset otherwise-expensive airport costs. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) has the third-highest average airfare in the country, with an average cost of $438.34. Last on our top-five list of the most expensive airports are Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). Average airfare from Charlotte cost $436.80 last year, while flights from Detroit had an average price tag of $427.05. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) was the biggest affordability winner over the last year, dropping prices by more than $18 on average. SEA jumped from 36th most-affordable place last year to 28th place this year — an increase of eight spots. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Portland International Airport (PDX) experienced similar jumps, rising by seven spots each. RDU went from 24th place in 2022 to 17th in 2023, while PDX went from 42nd to 35th. Two different airports fell by eight spots in our affordability rankings, tied for the biggest drop of the year. The average fare at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) rose by $18.66 year-over-year, which led SMF to go from 18th in last year's affordability rankings to 26th this year. Prices rose even more at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), going up by $19.64 on average from one year to the next. Consequently, STL fell from 21st to 29th place in terms of affordability. As you plan your travel, you'll find costs can vary widely at a single airport. With a little research and smart planning, you can find a deal at any airport. Here are a few tips to save on airfare: We looked at 2023 airfare data released by the U.S. Department of Transportation in May 2024 to compare domestic airfares by origin city. This report calculated average fares based on domestic itinerary fares. "Itinerary fares" consist of round-trip fares, unless only a one-way ticket was purchased. In that case, the one-way fare was used. Fares are based on total ticket value, including the price charged by the airline plus any additional taxes and fees levied at the time of purchase. Fares include only the price paid at booking and do not include fees for optional services like baggage fees. Averages also do not include frequent-flyer or "zero fares" or a few abnormally high reported fares. This stor y was produced by FinanceBuzz and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!

Alexander and Boston University secure 80-74 OT win over AlbanyLawmakers face deepfake threatsCambridge, MA, Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2024 IOF-ADA Forsyth International Orthodontic Symposium, held in Cambridge, MA, USA, on October 5-6, brought together thought leaders from around the globe to discuss the latest innovations and advancements in orthodontics. This milestone event marked the first of three joint symposia by the International Orthodontics Foundation and ADA Forsyth Institute to promote global innovation in orthodontics. With 20 lectures and two fireside discussions led by 30 experts from 24 international institutions, the symposium attracted 111,000 online views from 52 countries and regions, in addition to the sold-out venue audience. Last year, the symposium was held in Hong Kong (Asia), and next year, it will take place in Madrid (Europe). IOF’s transition from Asia to the Americas and then to Europe demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that voices from different academic schools of thought are heard on a global stage. As Donald Huang, Co-chairman of the Board of IOF and Partner and Managing Director of CareCapital Group, stated, “Each year, IOF selects a city embodying innovation and progress for our annual symposium. From Hong Kong's vibrant skyline to Boston's rich history and cutting-edge healthcare, we've connected with remarkable minds.” Innovation in orthodontics and beyond The 2024 symposium brought together some of the most influential thought leaders in orthodontics, each sharing valuable insights that will shape the future of the field. Experts discussed how the latest advancements in technology influence daily clinical practices and how these innovations will continue to evolve. Contributions from notable figures such as Dr. Raymond Cohlmia, Executive Director of the American Dental Association, and renowned materials scientist and MIT Professor Michael Cima, a member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering, provided a forward-looking view on how orthodontic technologies will impact both clinicians and patients alike. "ADA Forsyth’s mission is to serve and help people globally,” Dr. Cohlmia said in his presentation which opened the conference. “The orthodontic research and innovation communities must rise to the challenge of revolutionizing orthodontic treatment with new technologies." Prof. Cima shared that science is about making the “unknown” known, and engineering is about making the “impossible” possible, as he highlighted the role of each in driving change. He described his cutting-edge work creating a precision drug delivery device for epilepsy that could potentially inspire new therapeutic procedures in dentistry. Over the course of the two-day symposium, leading experts shared their latest innovations in areas such as orthodontic appliances, AI-assisted personalized treatment, novel tools for sleep apnea monitoring, complex-case management, and tele-orthodontics. The symposium also highlighted significant innovations such as Miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE), and the use of AI and VR in orthodontic education, and clinical practice. AI-driven diagnostic and planning tools are providing orthodontists with new ways to improve care, making treatments more precise and accessible. Experts share best practices and limitations to integrate some of these technologies into clinical workflow, offering practical solutions that enhance treatment efficiency and patient outcomes. AFI-IOF Partnership aims to revolutionize oral health Though the core missions of AFI and IOF are different, both are committed to expanding education and collaboration while empowering the use of new technologies to revolutionize access and quality of oral health care. Through continuous efforts in education, research, and building a global platform for communication, IOF is breaking geographical barriers and making significant strides in enhancing patient care worldwide—whether in developed nations or in developing regions. During this year's symposium, three IOF members from the United States, Italy, and Syria shared their moving stories, recounting how the IOF has transformed their lives. Donald Huang remarked, “As we connect with members globally, we found many inspiring stories. Their stories remind us of the profound difference we make as educators, mentors, and professionals in this field. Our true measure of success lies not in numbers, but in the hearts we've touched – confident children, purpose-driven orthodontists, and transformed lives.” Dr. Kang Ting, Executive Director at the IOF and Adjunct Faculty at AFI affirmed IOF’s commitment to education in his speech: "We believe that freely accessible high-quality global education and research opportunities are not just for our professionals, but truly for the benefit of patients worldwide and the public interest. It is a vision that welcomes and includes all, regardless of background or location." Dr. Wenyuan Shi, CEO of AFI, identified the collaboration with IOF as one of the first of many such partnerships, representing AFI’s commitment to expanding access to oral health care globally: “We are working to promote advancement of cutting-edge technologies and research in the field, through collaborative projects with international partners, including joint training programs for postdocs and joint symposia.” Earlier this year, the Institute signed partnerships with Dubai Health and Seoul National University, to improve international collaboration and further education in oral health research and innovation. 2025 Symposium: Emerging Technology for Interdisciplinary Care The 2025 AFI-IOF International Orthodontics Symposium in partnership with UCM, will convene at Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Spain, on June 27-28, 2025. With the theme Emerging Technology for Interdisciplinary Care , this symposium marks the first tri-party collaboration in its history, bringing together IOF, a global academic organization; AFI, a leading North American dental research institute; and UCM, one of Europe’s foremost research universities, to create a global forum for knowledge exchange. Through this unique alliance, the symposium will gather experts in orthodontics from across Europe, North America, Asia, and other regions to delve into advancements in orthodontic innovation and explore intersections with disciplines such as materials science and computer science. This exchange promises a dynamic fusion of diverse academic perspectives that will further elevate orthodontic practice worldwide. Company: International Orthodontics Foundation Limited Contact Person: Brandon Kan Email: brandon.kan@iofglobal.org Website: https://www.iofglobal.org Telephone: +862155821505 City: HongKong Address: Unit 1603, 16/F Tower 1, Silvercord 30 Canton RD TST KL, HongKong Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of KISS PR or its partners. This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. KISS PR makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

BENDIGO marathon star Andy Buchanan is eyeing a chance to lower his personal best when he contests the Valencia Marathon for the first time tonight. or signup to continue reading The Paris Olympian goes into this race in seventh place on the ladder for the fastest marathon time by an Australian athlete. Buchanan jumped into the top 10 when he achieved a personal best of 2 hours 8.58 minutes as he claimed 11th place in this year's Hamburg Marathon in Germany. Just a few months later, the Bendigo University runner earned a late call-up for Paris when Brett Robinson was out of the running for the Paris Marathon because of injury. The national record of 2:07.31 for the marathon was set by Robinson at Fukuoka in Japan in 2022. Buchanan ran the 42.2km duel in Paris in 2:12.58 to be 45th overall. In the lead-up to the Valencia race, Buchanan spoke about a chance to overtake Aussie marathon greats such as Rob de Castella, Steve Moneghetti and Derek Clayton on the list of fastest times. "People are saying I'm in Australian record shape and I never thought people would mention me in that discussion, so I'm just enjoying it," Buchanan told Athletics Australia. People are saying I'm in Australian record shape and I never thought people would mention me in that discussion, so I'm just enjoying it "I've got a lot of respect for Brett [Robinson]. The fact that he was the first one to break through and do that, I think that's the hardest thing. I can see Australian male marathon times getting down to low 2:06 - whether that's me or someone else." It's taken years of dedication to now be racing at international level. A big year for Buchanan included victory in the Oceania half-marathon on the Gold Coast and half-marathon at the Nike Melbourne Marathon. The gun athlete racks up about 180km a week training and is heavily involved with coaching in the athlete development program at Bendigo South East Secondary College. Buchanan's mindset in training is more on effort than numbers. He raced to seventh place at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and is now in elite company as an Olympian. "I didn't realise how much small towns really get around their Olympians, because they feel like part of their journey and really connected," Buchanan said. "When I go for coffee or I'm out for a run, people will tell me how good my run in Paris was or where they watched it." Among the goals for next year is the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The Valencia Marathon starts at 6.15pm (AEDT) tonight. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has outlined key initiatives for 2025 aimed at advancing the country’s financial services sector. Speaking at the Bankers’ Committee Annual Dinner held on November 29, 2024, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso revealed plans to implement the open banking framework, promote contactless payment systems, and expand the regulatory sandbox. These initiatives, he noted, are central to deepening financial inclusion and enhancing Nigeria’s payment ecosystem. Related Stories How Much Money Do You Need To Start Investing? Why Does My Money Feel Smaller Everyday? Understanding Nigerian Inflation What Cardoso is saying “In 2025, we will prioritize initiatives including implementing our open banking framework, advancing contactless payment systems, and expanding our regulatory sandbox. Additionally, we will issue revised guidelines for agency banking and continue to strengthen electronic payment channels.” Open Banking : Cardoso highlighted the implementation of the open banking framework as a top priority for the coming year. Open banking, which enables secure sharing of financial data between banks and third-party service providers, is expected to spur innovation and create new opportunities within the financial technology (fintech) space. With open banking gaining traction globally, Nigeria’s adoption of this framework is anticipated to catalyze the development of new financial products, improve service delivery, and enhance customer experience across the industry. Advancing Contactless Payments: As part of its vision for a more seamless payment system, the CBN plans to advance contactless payment solutions in 2025. Cardoso emphasized the need to align with global trends, where contactless payment systems are fast becoming the norm for retail transactions. The initiative is expected to drive the adoption of modern payment technologies, reduce transaction times, and promote cashless transactions, particularly among Nigeria’s growing youth and tech-savvy population. Regulatory Sandbox for Innovation: Cardoso also announced plans to expand the CBN’s regulatory sandbox, a controlled environment where fintech companies can test innovative products under the supervision of the regulator. The sandbox expansion is expected to encourage startups and established financial institutions to experiment with novel solutions in areas such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and digital currencies. Another priority area for the CBN in 2025 is bolstering the robustness of Nigeria’s electronic payment infrastructure. Cardoso stressed the importance of strengthening these channels to support a more cashless economy and ensure resilience against cyber threats. The CBN will also issue revised guidelines for agency banking, a critical tool in extending financial services to underserved and rural communities. Cardoso explained that these updates are aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency and security of agency banking networks, ensuring they remain a reliable channel for financial inclusion. The outlined initiatives align with the CBN’s broader vision of fostering a modern, resilient, and inclusive financial system. By prioritizing innovation, regulatory advancements, and infrastructure upgrades, the apex bank seeks to position Nigeria as a leader in digital finance within Africa.

Camara 8-13 0-0 21, Jones 2-3 0-0 4, Kelly 10-18 0-0 20, Berry 1-7 4-4 7, R.Johnson 8-14 4-6 23, Gibson 1-2 0-1 2, Oden 2-6 0-0 6. Totals 32-63 8-11 83. B.Johnson 7-13 3-5 23, Kidd 4-8 1-1 9, Bethea 3-8 0-0 6, Blackmon 4-11 0-0 9, Staton-McCray 4-8 3-4 13, Swartz 4-6 4-4 15, Cleveland 1-2 0-0 2, Djobet 1-2 0-0 2, Ugochukwu 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 28-59 11-14 79. Halftime_Charleston Southern 45-37. 3-Point Goals_Charleston Southern 11-24 (Camara 5-10, R.Johnson 3-6, Oden 2-4, Berry 1-3, Kelly 0-1), Miami 12-33 (B.Johnson 6-12, Swartz 3-4, Staton-McCray 2-4, Blackmon 1-8, Cleveland 0-1, Djobet 0-1, Ugochukwu 0-1, Bethea 0-2). Rebounds_Charleston Southern 31 (Kelly 11), Miami 27 (B.Johnson 8). Assists_Charleston Southern 15 (Kelly 6), Miami 16 (Kidd, Djobet 4). Total Fouls_Charleston Southern 14, Miami 14. A_3,244 (8,000).Advantage Media Partners Expands Team to Boost SEO Services

DALLAS — Delta and United became the most profitable U.S. airlines by targeting premium customers while also winning back a significant share of travelers on a tight budget. That is squeezing smaller low-fare carriers like Spirit Airlines , which recently filed for bankruptcy protection. Some travel-industry experts think Spirit’s troubles indicate that travelers on a budget will be left with fewer choices and higher prices. Other discount airlines are on much better financial footing than Spirit, but they too are lagging far behind the full-service airlines when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic . Most industry experts think Frontier Airlines and other so-called ultra-low-cost carriers will fill the vacuum if Spirit shrinks , and that there is still plenty of competition to prevent prices from spiking. Spirit Airlines lost more than $2.2 billion since the start of 2020. Frontier has not reported a full-year profit since 2019, though that slump might end this year. Allegiant Air’s parent company is still profitable, but less so than before the pandemic. Those kind of numbers led United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby to declare recently that low-cost carriers were using “a fundamentally flawed business model” and customers hate flying on them. Kirby’s touchdown dance might turn out to be premature, but many analysts are wary about the near-term prospects for budget airlines, which charge cheaper fares but more fees than the big airlines. A traveler speaks with a Spirit Airlines agent May 24 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day in Atlanta. Low-cost airlines grew in the last two decades by undercutting big carriers on ticket prices, thanks in large part to lower costs, including hiring younger workers who were paid less than their counterparts at Delta Air Lines, United and American Airlines . Wages soared across the industry in the past two years, however, narrowing that cost advantage. The big airlines rolled out and refined their no-frills, “basic economy” tickets to compete directly with Spirit, Frontier and other budget carriers for the most price-sensitive travelers. The budget airlines became less efficient at using planes and people. As their growth slowed, they wound up with more of both than they needed. In 2019, Spirit planes were in the air an average of 12.3 hours every day. By this summer, the planes spent an average of two more hours each day sitting on the ground, where they don't make money. Spirit's costs per mile jumped 32% between 2019 and 2023. Another issue is that airlines added too many flights. Budget airlines and Southwest Airlines were among the worst offenders, but full-service airlines piled on. To make up for a drop in business travel, the big carriers added more flights on domestic leisure routes. The result: Too many seats on flights into popular tourist destinations such as Florida and Las Vegas, which drove down prices, especially for economy-class tickets. Rows of seats are shown Sept. 26 on a retrofitted Southwest Airlines jet at Love Field in Dallas. Low-cost airlines are responding by following the old adage that if you can't beat them, join them. That means going premium, following the rapidly growing household wealth among upper-income people. The top one-fifth of U.S. households by income added $35 trillion in wealth since 2019 and holds nearly nine times the wealth of the middle fifth, according to the Federal Reserve . Frontier Airlines organized its fares into four bundles in May, with buyers of higher-priced tickets getting extras such as priority boarding, more legroom and checked bags. The airline dropped ticket-change or cancellation fees except for the cheapest bundle. Spirit followed in August with similar changes, blocking middle seats and charging passengers more for the comfort of aisle and window seats. Spirit Airlines CEO Ted Christie received a $3.8 million retention bonus a week before the Florida-based carrier filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Christie will retain the bonus if he remains with the company for another year. The airline's stock has dropped over 90% this year. It has faced challenges including a blocked $3.8 billion merger with JetBlue and failed talks with Frontier. The pandemic disrupted Spirit's operations and travel patterns, reducing its daily aircraft utilization and increasing costs. Demand has shifted to full-service airlines as higher-income travelers vacation more, while inflation impacts lower-income consumers. JetBlue Airways , which began flying more than 20 years ago as a low-cost carrier but with amenities, is digging out from years of steady losses. Under new CEO Joanna Geraghty, the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline, JetBlue is cutting unprofitable routes, bolstering core markets that include the Northeast and Florida, and delaying deliveries of $3 billion worth of new planes. Starting next year, Southwest Airlines will toss out a half-century tradition of “open seating” — passengers picking their own seat after boarding the plane. Executives say extensive surveying showed 80% of customers preferred an assigned seat, and that's especially true with coveted business travelers. More crowded planes also might be pushing passengers to spend more to escape a middle seat in the back of the plane. A Frontier Airlines jet takes off July 5, 2022, from Denver International Airport in Denver. In other parts of the world, budget carriers are doing just fine. They bounced back from the pandemic just like their more highbrow competitors. Some industry experts say low-cost carriers in Asia and Europe have always attracted a more diverse mix of passengers, while in the U.S., affluent and middle-class travelers look down their noses at low-cost carriers. Jamie Baker, an analyst for JPMorgan, says he has many college friends who work in London and fly Irish airline Ryanair all the time, but he hardly knows anyone who has ever been on a Spirit or Frontier plane. A small plane tows a banner April 13, 2016, over Flint Bishop International Airport as part of ceremonies marking Allegiant Air joining the airport. Delta CEO Ed Bastian is less dismissive of the “lower-end carriers” in the U.S. than United's Kirby. "I don’t see that segment ever disappearing,” Bastian said after Spirit’s bankruptcy filing. “I think there’s a market for it.” At the same time, he said the upscale moves by ultra-low-cost carriers are having no effect on his airline. Delta targets upscale travelers but also introduced basic-economy fares a decade ago, when discounters emerged as a growing threat to poach some of Delta's customers. “Just calling yourself a premium carrier and actually being a premium carrier are two totally different things,” Bastian said “It's not the size of the seat or how much room you have; it's the overall experience.” For the third year in a row, Dulles International Airport (IAD) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) have the two highest average fares in the country. Flights from Dulles cost $488.40 on average in 2023, while flights from San Francisco cost $444.59. Some silver lining for travelers who need to travel through Dulles: IAD is home to some of the best airport lounges in the country, including the recently-opened Capital One Lounge, available to Capital One Venture X or Venture Rewards credit card holders. With free food, drinks, and recharging stations, lounges can be one easy way to offset otherwise-expensive airport costs. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) has the third-highest average airfare in the country, with an average cost of $438.34. Last on our top-five list of the most expensive airports are Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). Average airfare from Charlotte cost $436.80 last year, while flights from Detroit had an average price tag of $427.05. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) was the biggest affordability winner over the last year, dropping prices by more than $18 on average. SEA jumped from 36th most-affordable place last year to 28th place this year — an increase of eight spots. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Portland International Airport (PDX) experienced similar jumps, rising by seven spots each. RDU went from 24th place in 2022 to 17th in 2023, while PDX went from 42nd to 35th. Two different airports fell by eight spots in our affordability rankings, tied for the biggest drop of the year. The average fare at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) rose by $18.66 year-over-year, which led SMF to go from 18th in last year's affordability rankings to 26th this year. Prices rose even more at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), going up by $19.64 on average from one year to the next. Consequently, STL fell from 21st to 29th place in terms of affordability. As you plan your travel, you'll find costs can vary widely at a single airport. With a little research and smart planning, you can find a deal at any airport. Here are a few tips to save on airfare: We looked at 2023 airfare data released by the U.S. Department of Transportation in May 2024 to compare domestic airfares by origin city. This report calculated average fares based on domestic itinerary fares. "Itinerary fares" consist of round-trip fares, unless only a one-way ticket was purchased. In that case, the one-way fare was used. Fares are based on total ticket value, including the price charged by the airline plus any additional taxes and fees levied at the time of purchase. Fares include only the price paid at booking and do not include fees for optional services like baggage fees. Averages also do not include frequent-flyer or "zero fares" or a few abnormally high reported fares. This stor y was produced by FinanceBuzz and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. As frequent flyers know, air travel isn't cheap. With the summer months in full swing, demand for air travel is expected to reach record numbers in 2024 as airlines continue to recover after the COVID-19 pandemic. Luckily for those who are looking for ways to save on travel , one way to cut costs on your next vacation may be in finding the right places to fly in and out of. FinanceBuzz looked at average domestic airfares from the 45 busiest airports in the U.S. to learn which airports are best for travelers on a budget, as well as which ones to avoid if you are trying to travel affordably. Overall, the national average airfare cost decreased by 3.1% from 2022 to 2023 when adjusted for inflation (which translates to a 0.9% increase in non-adjusted dollars). The last time inflation-adjusted airfare costs dropped year-over-year was during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when it fell 18% between 2019 and 2020. Largely, this is good news for consumers who can spend less on airfare and have more room in their budget for hotels , restaurants, and other travel fees. In addition to earning rewards on airfare, most travel credit cards offer rewards for spending in these areas, which can offset overall vacation costs. Based on Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the above chart shows inflation-adjusted average airline fares over the past 25 years. For this report, we compared domestic airfares from the 45 busiest airports in the U.S. using data published by the U.S. Department of Transportation . Orlando International Airport (MCO) had the lowest airfare cost in the country at $265.58 on average. Home to iconic theme parks like Universal Studios, Sea World, and most notably, Walt Disney World, Orlando is one of America's top tourist destinations. This is welcome news for those bracing for expensive park tickets and food prices at the House of Mouse. Beyond saving with a Disney credit card on park-related purchases, visitors can also maximize savings by using a credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve which offers an annual travel credit, or even using a 0% APR credit card if you don't want to pay for your entire vacation at once. Another Florida-based airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), has the second-lowest average airfare cost in the country — tickets here are only about $5 more expensive than Orlando's. Just a few dollars behind FLL is Las Vegas's Harry Reid International (LAS), where fares cost $272.15 on average. LAS is also the last airport on our list where average airfare costs are less than $300. Oakland International Airport (OAK) has the fourth-lowest average airfare costs in the country at $303.79. And the fifth-least expensive airport, Chicago Midway International (MDW), comes in at $308.27. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Ravens vs. Chargers live score, updates, highlights from NFL 'Monday Night Football' game | Sporting News

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A look at how some of Trump's picks to lead health agencies could help carry out Kennedy's overhaul Donald Trump's health team picks include a retired congressman, a surgeon and a former talk-show host. All could play pivotal roles in fulfilling an agenda that could change how the government goes about safeguarding Americans’ health, from health care and medicines to food safety and science research. In line to be Trump's health secretary is anti-vaccine organizer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He says his task is to “reorganize” federal health agencies. They employ 80,000 scientists, researchers, doctors and other officials, and effect Americans’ daily lives. Trump raced to pick many Cabinet posts. He took more time to settle on a treasury secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump launched a blitz of picks for his Cabinet, but he took his time settling on billionaire investor Scott Bessent as his choice for treasury secretary. The Republican not only wanted someone who jibes with him, but an official who can execute his economic vision and look straight out of central casting while doing so. With his Yale University education and pedigree trading for Soros Fund Management before establishing his own funds, Bessent will be tasked with a delicate balancing act. Trump expects him to help reset the global trade order, enable trillions of dollars in tax cuts, ensure inflation stays in check, manage a ballooning national debt and still keep the financial markets confident. Israeli strikes in central Beirut kill at least 20 as diplomats push for a cease-fire BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — Lebanese officials say Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 20 people and injured dozens in central Beirut, as the once-rare attacks on the heart of Lebanon’s capital continue without warning. Diplomats are scrambling to broker a cease-fire but say obstacles still remain. The current proposal calls for a two-month cease-fire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. Lebanon’s Health Ministry says Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,500 people in Lebanon in the months of fighting that have turned into all-out war. Voters rejected historic election reforms across the US, despite more than $100M push JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Election reform advocates had hoped for a big year at the ballot box. That's because a historic number of states were considering initiatives for ranked choice voting or to end partisan primaries. Instead, voters dealt them big losses in the November elections. Voters in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and South Dakota all rejected proposed changes to their voting systems. In Alaska, a proposal to repeal ranked choice voting appears to have narrowly fallen short. The losses in many states came even though election reform supporters raised more than $100 million, easily outpacing opponents. Supporters say they aren't giving up but plan to retool their efforts. The week that upped the stakes of the Ukraine war KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — This past week has seen the most significant escalation in hostilities Ukraine has witnessed since Russia's full-scale invasion and marks a new chapter in the nearly three-year war. It began with U.S. President Joe Biden reversing a longstanding policy by granting Kyiv permission to deploy American longer-range missiles inside Russian territory and ended with Moscow striking Ukraine with a new experimental ballistic weapon that has alarmed the international community and heightened fears of further escalation. US reels from rain, snow as second round of bad weather approaches for Thanksgiving week WINDSOR, Calif. (AP) — The U.S. is reeling from snow and rain while preparing for another bout of bad weather ahead of Thanksgiving that could disrupt holiday travel. California is bracing for more snow and rain while still grappling with some flooding and small landslides from a previous storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for California's Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at high elevations. Parts of the Northeast and Appalachia are also starting the weekend with heavy precipitation. Meanwhile thousands remain without power in the Seattle area after a “bomb cyclone” storm system roared ashore the West Coast earlier in the week, killing two people. Even with access to blockbuster obesity drugs, some people don't lose weight Most people taking popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight have shed significant pounds. But obesity experts say that roughly 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not see robust results with the new medications. The response to the drugs varies from person to person and can depend on genetics, hormones and differences in how the brain regulates energy. Undiagnosed medical conditions and some drugs can prevent weight loss. Experts say it can take experimentation to help so-called nonresponders find results. Fighting between armed sectarian groups in restive northwestern Pakistan kills at least 37 people PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — A senior Pakistani police officer says fighting between armed sectarian groups in the country's restive northwest has killed at least 37 people. The overnight violence was the latest to rock Kurram, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and comes days after a deadly gun ambush killed 42 people. The officer said Saturday that armed men torched shops, houses and government property overnight. Gunfire is ongoing between rival tribes. Although Sunnis and Shiites generally live together peacefully in Pakistan, tensions remain in some areas, especially Kurram. Hydrate. Make lists. Leave yourself time. And other tips for reducing holiday travel stress Travel, especially during the holiday season, can be stressful. But following some tips from the pros as you prepare for a trip can make for a smoother, less anxious experience. One expert traveler suggests making a list a week before you go of things you need to do and pack. Cross off each item as you complete it during the week. Another tip is to carry your comfort zone with you. That could mean noise-canceling headphones, playlists meant to soothe airport travelers, entertainment and snacks from home. Carry a change of clothes and a phone charger in case of delays. Stay hydrated. Leave extra time. And know your airline's rules. Downloading the airline's app can help with that. Andy Murray will coach Novak Djokovic through the Australian Open Recently retired Andy Murray will team up with Novak Djokovic, working with him as a coach through the Australian Open in January. Murray’s representatives put out statements from both players on Saturday. Djokovic is a 24-time Grand Slam champion who has spent more weeks at No. 1 than any other player in tennis history. Murray won three major trophies and two Olympic singles gold medals who finished 2016 atop the ATP rankings. He retired as a player after the Paris Summer Games in August.

New York pols joined Met Council volunteers on Sunday to pack Thanksgiving meals for those in need. Met Council is the country’s largest Jewish organization dedicated to serving those in need. Inside the Spitzer Fulfillment Center, located at 171 Lexington Avenue, a group of steadfast volunteers worked carefully and lovingly to fill boxes with food items. “This is our flagship distribution. We’ve done 35 of these throughout the last two weeks, and this coming week as well. And what we’re doing is we are packing food boxes, including turkey fixings, everything from the pumpkins for the pumpkin pie to the turkey to the stuffing, for thousands of families in all five boroughs,” CEO of Met Council David Greenfield told amNewYork Metro. According to Greenfield, those in need fill out their order online. Volunteers then take the requests and work to gather and pack items for each individual, then deliver them. This allows residents to receive orders in the comfort of their homes without needing to wait in a long line in the cold or while suffering from illnesses. New York pols joined Met Council volunteers on Sunday to pack Thanksgiving meals for those in need. Photo by Dean Moses CEO of Met Council David Greenfield told amNewYork Metro those in need are afforded the ability to fill out their order online, which volunteers then work to gather and pack. This allows residents to receive the orders in the comfort of their homes without needing to wait in a long line in the cold or while suffering from illnesses. Photo by Dean Moses of Met Council David Greenfield told amNewYork Metro those in need are afforded the ability to fill out their order online, which volunteers then work to gather and pack. This allows residents to receive the orders in the comfort of their homes without needing to wait in a long line in the cold or while suffering from illnesses. Photo by Dean Moses Greenfield says those in need this holiday season have myriad reasons for why they’re turning to Met Council. “The kinds of clients that we have are working-class families who have had something happen to them, and they are struggling to make ends meet. A very good example is a fellow who I met last week, who unfortunately, has cancer. He’s a small business owner in Brooklyn, and he’s been out of work. His business is suffering, and he’s just trying to literally make it through from one side to the next side. And so, we’re assisting him in a variety of ways,” Greenfield explained. “It’s tough to pay for a big holiday where you have a lot of friends and family coming over.” Several New York politicians also arrived to help pack boxes, including Manhattan state Sen. Liz Krueger, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and City Council Member Gale Brewer. Several New York politicians also arrived to help pack boxes, including Senator Liz Krueger, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and City Council member Gale Brewer. Photo by Dean Moses “I’m so proud to be part of this volunteer effort helping people in need who are facing hunger in Manhattan,” Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine said. Photo by Dean Moses “I’m so proud to be part of this volunteer effort helping people in need who are facing hunger in Manhattan. The sad truth is, there are people in this borough who don’t know how they’re going to pay for their next meal, people who have to decide between paying the rent or paying for their prescription medicine or paying for food, they tend to be older seniors, often who are alone,” Levine said as he filled a box with pasta and tinned goods. “It feels really good to do something helpful for people in need.” Met Council also provides affordable housing above the Spitzer Fulfillment Center, where residents also receive boxes of Thanksgiving meals. New York pols joined Met Council volunteers on Sunday to pack Thanksgiving meals for those in need. Photo by Dean Moses

New Delhi: India is expected to become Apple 's third-biggest market -after the US and China-by 2026, with volumes sold locally surging by up to a fifth next year to as many as 15 million units, as the iPhone maker pivots toward other emerging economies to offset the impact of an alarming Chinese market-share shrinkage triggered by Huawei's revival. ET Year-end Special Reads Corporate Kalesh: Top family disputes of India Inc in 2024 The world of business lost these eminent people in 2024 Fast, faster, fastest: How 2024 put more speed into your shopping India is currently the fifth-largest market for the US tech giant, while Japan is its third-largest country and the UK the fourth. India's climb up the revenue and sales leaderboards for Apple, experts believe, is being driven by increasing availability of financing options, steep discounts during festivals, and an evident consumer shift in favour of premium products that usually accompanies higher disposable incomes. Meanwhile, Apple lost nearly 10 percentage points by way of market share in China in the 9 months to September. As of the third quarter of 2024, Apple had already shipped 8.5 million units to India, research firm Canalys said, surpassing the volumes for the entire 2023. Apple to be among India's Top 5 Brands Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Apple is expected to add 4 million units in the December quarter, driven by strong demand for its latest iPhones. "India is likely to become the third-largest market for Apple in terms of shipments by 2026," said Counterpoint's Research Market Outlook. Financing will play a big role in boosting sales of Apple gadgets, especially for those climbing the consumption ladder. "Premiumisation in India, with readily available financing, boosts affordability for premium smartphones, benefiting Apple's exclusive focus on this segment," said Shubham Singh, research analyst, Counterpoint Research. China Woes Apple has been seeing a steady decline in market share in China where local players have been gaining ground, even in the premium segment, where Apple has been dominant so far, after the resurgence of Huawei. It's market share in China was 24% in the December quarter of 2023, which fell to 15% in Q1 24, and has remained stagnant at 14% as of Q3 2024, when it shipped 10 million units, Canalys said. By contrast, Apple's market share in India has been steadily growing. Canalys estimates Apple to clock 12-12.5 million units in 2024, from 8.5 million in 2023, after a stellar festive season. Counterpoint Research expects iPhones to cross 11 million units, while IDC expects it to cross 12 million. To be sure, despite higher unit sales, increasing localisation and reduction of import duties might cause a slight shrinkage in absolute revenue growth for Apple. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 31, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )CHOCOLATE lovers have been left stunned as Superdrug offers boxes of Celebrations and Ferrero Rocher for just £1. With Maltesers down to just 25p, and boxes of Ferrero Rocher , Celebrations , and Quality Street priced at only £1, shoppers are racing to snag these sweet deals. Advertisement 4 Popular beauty retailer Superdrug has slashed prices post-Christmas Credit: Getty 4 Quality Streets and Celebrations priced at just £1 Credit: Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Group/Facebook 4 Superdrug are also giant Ferrero Rochers Credit: Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Group/Facebook 4 Maltesers Mini Reindeers are just 25p Credit: Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Group/Facebook Shoppers have been quick to spread the word, with social media lighting up as people share their excitement over the jaw-dropping deal. One thrilled user exclaimed: "Get into Superdrug and get me 5!" Another joked: "At this price, we should postpone Christmas for two days. "We'd pay hardly anything!" Advertisement chocolate,celebrations,retail GET IT QUICK Major supermarket slashes price of Ferrero Rocher tray as shoppers rush to buy CHOC LOT 'Dreams have come true' as shoppers spot new ‘yummy’ Ferrero Easter egg flavour Shoppers can take Giant Ferrero Rochers home for just £1 - the hollow milk and chocolate ball has long been considered a Christmas treat and now it's a budget friendly one too. In Tesco, a Maltesers Mini Reindeer is marked at £1.50 but at Superdrug the price has been slashed down to a mere 25p. This means chocoholics can pick up six Mini Reindeers at the bargain beauty retailers for the same price at one in Tesco. For those hoping to pick up something for the family, a Quality Street share box is only a pound. Advertisement Most read in Money Exclusive FRENCH FOLLY Our fairytale 8-bed Escape to the Chateau mansion has turned into a nightmare CHOC LOT Major supermarket slashes price of Quality Street tubs to just £3 NO THANKS People are already selling unwanted Christmas presents on eBay and Facebook BRIGHT SPARK Exact date millions of energy customers must take a meter reading This includes 220g of individually wrapped chocolates ready to get you over the post-holiday blues. The product is so popular it has sold out online and you'll have to head into a store if you want to get your hands on one. Angry Noel Radford left fuming after splashing cash on ‘rip off’ chocolate in Dubai Luckily, discounts don't stop there - Superdrug has a range of offers ready for when shoppers hit the high street again . The retailer is providing a free gift with selected Cosmetics. Advertisement It's offering a free Rimmel lip oil in Pink Flush when you spend £12 on Rimmel products. You can pick up a L'Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray for free when you spend £15 on selected L'Oréal Paris Cosmetics. The Pout Clout Lip Plumping Pen is available when you spend £16 on selected e.l.f. Cosmetics, but this oly for online customers. Superdrug Deals Superdrug is offering L'oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renew Midnight Cream 50M for £14.99, down from £29.99. For those ready start their new years resoultion early, the Slimfast Powder Tin Banana 365G is on sale for £5. If you're looking to sniff out a good deal the Calvin Klein CKIN2U Eau de Toilette for Him 150ml is now £23.50, down from £56. There is free delivery for those spending over £25 on their online shopping online - this lowers to £20 for Health and Beautycard members. They are also offering a range of goodies for under a fiver . Similar to Aldi Specialbuys or the Lidl Middle Aisle, Superdrug offers This Week's Star Buys. Advertisement These are weekly deals and offers on selected items for shoppers, with extra discounts for those with a loyalty card. Most Superdrug shops have a pink display case which will sometimes have a range of yellow sticker bargains. Read more on the Scottish Sun CHRISTMAS MIRACLES Christmas baby joy for Scots parents as little ones begin arriving EDGE OF THE WORLD Inside the remote Scots golf club dubbed 'the world's loneliest course' When products don’t sell from the clearance area, the retailer will slash the price to shift it quicker. If you can hunt down the clearance shelves or display when in-store, you might be be able to pick up some products for pennies. Advertisement Everything you need to know about Superdrug jewellery... FASHION expert Abby McHale has shared her thoughts on Superdrug jewellery... Who would have thought the shop where you pick up all your beauty needs is also the place to go for jewellery. Well Superdrug actually has a rather large jewellery section. Online there are over 150 pieces to choose from and the best part is, most pieces are under £10. You can even pick yourself up the likes of a watch for £9.99 - bargain. Or you can stay bang on trend with tone drop earrings, chunky rings and layered necklaces. So next time you run out of mascara and head into Superdrug take a look at its jewellery range as I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Angry Noel Radford left fuming after splashing cash on ‘rip off’ chocolate in DubaiOccidental Petroleum Co. (NYSE:OXY) Receives Consensus Rating of “Hold” from Brokerages

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FIREWEED METALS CORP. (“Fireweed” or the “Company”) (TSXV: FWZ; OTCQX: FWEDF) is pleased to announce it has been awarded US$15.8 M (~C$22.5 M) from the U.S. Department of Defense and up to C$12.9 M from the Government of Canada in support of its critical minerals projects at Macmillan Pass, Yukon Territory. Highlights Fireweed has been awarded US$15.8M (~C$22.5 M) from the U.S. Department of Defense under Title III of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (“DPA Title III”) to advance its 100%-owned Mactung tungsten project toward a final investment decision. Fireweed will also receive up to C$12.9 M from the Government of Canada, pending final due diligence, through the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (“CMIF”) to lead planning for road and power infrastructure supporting Fireweed’s critical mineral assets at Macmillan Pass, Yukon Territory. With this funding, Fireweed’s team will advance its Mactung tungsten project to a final investment decision, while concurrently leading the planning for improvements to regional infrastructure (road and power) that serve the entire critical mineral district at Macmillan Pass. CEO Statement Peter Hemstead, President and CEO, commented: “The coordinated investments by the United States and Canadian governments underscore the critical importance and strategic value of Fireweed’s mineral assets at Macmillan Pass. This joint announcement is a testament to the determination of both governments to unlock this new critical minerals district in Canada. In the coming months and years, our team will work to ensure our projects and the enabling infrastructure move forward in a way that respects rights-holders, provides benefits to communities in the region, and demonstrates how critical minerals can be developed responsibly.” Adam Lundin Statement Adam Lundin, Fireweed’s Strategic Advisor, stated: “The emerging critical minerals district at Macmillan Pass is a profound opportunity to address key supply chain vulnerabilities of the North American industrial base. These investments are significant milestones on the path to advancing both Macpass and Mactung projects toward development.” Statement from the Honorable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources The Honorable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, stated: “Canada is positioning itself as a global supplier of responsibly sourced critical minerals, which are increasingly in demand for the clean and digital economy as well as for defence applications. The Fireweed project will develop the necessary energy infrastructure to power multiple critical minerals mines and communities with clean energy. These investments by Canada and the United States build on our long history of friendship and collaboration, complement the region’s deep expertise in mining, create good jobs in the Yukon and advance economic growth, now and into the future.” A Critical Minerals District at Macmillan Pass Macmillan Pass is an emerging critical minerals district (the “Macpass District”), with two immediately-adjacent, best-in-class critical mineral projects being advanced by Fireweed. The Macpass Project (“Macpass”) is a district-scale collection of high-grade zinc deposits, forming one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources globally, while also containing the world's largest known accumulation of germanium and gallium 1,2 . The Mactung Project (“Mactung”) is the world’s largest, high-grade tungsten deposit 1 ,3 , with sufficient mineral resources to potentially supply North America’s expected tungsten demand for decades. Macmillan Pass and the North Canol Road (the district’s primary overland access) are located within Kaska Nation Traditional Territory and the Traditional Territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyӓk Dun. The Mactung access road passes through the Sahtú Settlement Area (Tulı́tʼa District in the Northwest Territories), which include both First Nations and Métis communities. US Government Funding to Advance the Mactung Tungsten Project Fireweed has been awarded US$15.8 M (~C$22.5 M) by the U.S. Department of Defense under DPA Title III to advance its 100%-owned Mactung tungsten project toward a final investment decision. The objective of the DPA Title III funding is to progress Mactung to a final investment decision, a precursor to project construction and subsequent production of domestic tungsten concentrates for the North American industrial base. The award will support an expansive, Fireweed team-led program that includes mine design optimization, geotechnical investigations, and metallurgical test programs, culminating in the development of a new feasibility study. A range of environmental studies will be undertaken, supporting the pursuit of licenses and permits necessary to construct Mactung. The program builds on extensive past drilling at Mactung and an updated 2023 mineral resource estimate that supersedes a historical 2009 Feasibility Study. The project also benefits from a positive environmental assessment decision issued in 2014 by Yukon and Canadian Federal regulators. The DPA Title III award is non-dilutive to Fireweed shareholders and no commercial covenants are included in the award conditions that would impair Fireweed’s current business nor its future sale of tungsten concentrates to the industrial base. Fireweed’s own management team will lead the work and periodically report progress to administrators of the award. Canadian Government Funding to Advance the “North Canol Infrastructure Improvement Project” Fireweed will also receive up to C$12.9 M, pending final due diligence, from the Government of Canada through the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (“CMIF”) to lead planning efforts for infrastructure improvements that would serve the critical minerals district at Macmillan Pass. The CMIF funding will support Fireweed’s implementation of the first phase (Phase I) of the “North Canol Infrastructure Improvement Project” (“NCIIP”), which includes developing preliminary designs for approximately 250 kilometers of road improvements, as well as upgrades to an existing transmission line between Faro and Ross River, and the construction of a new transmission line from Ross River to Macmillan Pass. The effort also includes seeking the consent of local Indigenous groups, completing necessary environmental assessment processes and facilitating multi-party project agreements necessary to advance NCIIP toward construction (Phase II). Fireweed anticipates NCIIP Phase II to be advanced through a collaboration of government, Indigenous groups and industry. Funding sources for NCIIP construction have yet to be determined but will likely involve ‘stacking’ a range of new and existing funding sources, potentially including previously announced Yukon Resource Gateway funding. Qualified Person Statement Technical information in this news release has been approved by Fireweed Metals VP Geology, Jack Milton, Ph.D., P.Geo. (BC), a ‘Qualified Person’ as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Dr. Milton is not independent of Fireweed for purposes of NI 43-101. About Fireweed Metals Corp. (TSXV: FWZ; OTCQX: FWEDF; FSE:M0G): Fireweed Metals Corp. is an exploration company unlocking significant value in a new critical metals district located in the Yukon, Canada. Fireweed is 100% owner of the Macpass District, a large and highly prospective 977 km 2 land package. The Macpass District includes the Macpass zinc-lead-silver (germanium-gallium) project and the Mactung tungsten project, both characterized by meaningful size, grade and opportunity. At Macpass, Fireweed owns one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources worldwide 1 , 2 , in a region with enormous exploration upside potential. The Mactung project is a strategic critical metals asset that hosts the world’s largest high-grade tungsten resource 1, 3 – a potential long-term supply of tungsten for North America. A Lundin Group company, Fireweed is strongly positioned to create meaningful value. In Canada, Fireweed (TSXV: FWZ) trades on the TSX Venture Exchange. In the USA, Fireweed (OTCQX: FWEDF) trades on the OTCQX Best Market for early stage and developing U.S. and international companies and is DTC eligible for enhanced electronic clearing and settlement. Investors can find Real-Time quotes and market information for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com. In Europe, Fireweed (FSE: M0G) trades on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Additional information about Fireweed and its projects can be found on the Company’s website at FireweedMetals.com and at www.sedarplus.com . ON BEHALF OF FIREWEED METALS CORP. “ Peter Hemstead ” President & CEO, and Director Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Forward Looking Statements This news release contains “forward-looking” statements and information (“forward-looking statements”). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to receipt of the DPA Title III award, use of proceeds of the DPA Title III award, receipt of CMIF award and the actual amount thereof, the use of proceeds of the CMIF award (including leading planning efforts relating to road improvements and transmission line construction and upgrades), pursuit of necessary licencing and permits and/or environmental assessment processes, seeking the consent of local Indigenous groups, the making of a final investment decision with respect to Mactung, interpretation of drill results, targets for exploration, potential extensions of mineralized zones, future work plans, and the potential of the Company’s projects, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “potential”, “possible”, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results “will”, “may”, “could”, or “should” occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Company management and reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include but are not limited to, exploration and development risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, expenditure and financing requirements, general economic conditions, changes in financial markets, changes in the Company’s work programs, the ability to properly and efficiently staff the Company’s operations, the sufficiency of working capital and funding for continued operations, title matters, First Nations and local Indigenous group relations, operating hazards, political and economic factors, competitive factors, metal prices, relationships with vendors and strategic partners, governmental regulations and oversight, permitting, seasonality and weather, present and future infrastructure capacities, technological change, industry practices, uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and laboratory tests, and one-time events. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward ‐ looking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections or other factors, except as required by law. Footnotes and References 1 References to relative size, grade, and metal content of the Mactung resources and Macpass resources in comparison to other tungsten, zinc, gallium, and germanium deposits elsewhere in the world, respectively, are based on review of the Standard & Poor’s Global Market Intelligence Capital IQ database. 2 For Tom, Jason, End Zone, and Boundary Zone Mineral Resources, see the technical report filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/ October 18, 2024, entitled “Technical Report for NI 43-101, Macpass Project, Yukon, Canada”. The effective date of the Mineral Resource is September 4, 2024. SLR Managing Principal Resource Geologist, Pierre Landry, P.Geo. (BC) is a ‘Qualified Person’ as defined under NI 43-101. Mr. Landry is considered to be “independent” of the Company for purposes of NI 43-101. Mr. Landry, of SLR, is responsible for the Macpass Mineral Resource Estimate. 3 For Mactung Mineral Resources, see Fireweed news release dated June 13, 2023 “Fireweed Metals Announces Mineral Resources for the Mactung Project: the Largest High-Grade Tungsten Deposit in the World” and the technical report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report, Mactung Project, Yukon Territory, Canada,” with effective date July 28, 2023 filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/ . Garth Kirkham, P.Geo. is considered independent of the Company, and a ‘Qualified Person’ as defined under NI 43-101. Garth Kirkham, of Kirkham Geosystems Limited., is responsible for the Mactung Mineral Resource Estimate. Contact: Peter Hemstead Phone: +1 (604) 689-7842 Email: info@fireweedmetals.com

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LOS ANGELES — It certainly seems calculated. Pete Carroll, scheduled to begin teaching at USC this spring, has reportedly expressed interest in the Chicago Bears' head coaching job. Likely of no coincidence is that the Seattle Seahawks — the team Carroll coached for 14 seasons — visit the Bears on "Thursday Night Football." The broadcasters are spoon-fed a talking point while noting that the Bears have lost nine games in a row, including all three under interim coach Thomas Brown. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

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A timeline of the full Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni beef

Dangerous choke hold during physical altercation lands former Maple Leafs defenseman William Lagesson in big trouble with Player Safety. A bizarre incident in the AHL involving a former member of the Toronto Maple Leafs has resulted in a suspension, which was certainly warranted, given the circumstances. William Lagesson, who spent the 2023-24 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks organizations, got plenty of notice on social media over the past couple of days after putting a literal choke hold on Adam Raska of the Iowa Wild. Lagesson, currently playing for the Grand Rapid Griffins of the AHL while under contract with the Detroit Red Wings, caught hold of Raska during a scrum and choked him from behind until Raska, clearly panicked and unable to breathe, finally tapped out. Amazingly, Lagesson received just a two-minute minor for roughing on the play, which is ridiculous. A suspension handed out after the controversy by the AHL, seems just as laughable. Lagesson was given a three game suspension for his action. Three games for using an MMA move on a person during a professional hockey game, going so far as making him tap out for fear of being choked unconscious. Roughing. That was the only explanation given in the statement itself. No other details or conclusions were offered. I like an MMA fight as much as the next person, but submission maneuvers have no place in hockey, unless it involves the Hanson Brothers somehow. Adam Raska has every right to be upset over this, though he has not broken his silence and said anything about it either way. This article first appeared on Maple Leafs Daily and was syndicated with permission.Fed officials see interest rate cuts ahead, but only 'gradually,' meeting minutes showCalgary Flames (12-8-4, in the Pacific Division) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (9-12-4, in the Metropolitan Division) Pittsburgh; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Penguins -122, Flames +101; over/under is 6 BOTTOM LINE: The Calgary Flames enter the matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins after losing three in a row. Pittsburgh is 9-12-4 overall and 5-6-2 at home. The Penguins have conceded 96 goals while scoring 65 for a -31 scoring differential. Calgary is 12-8-4 overall and 3-5-4 in road games. The Flames have a 4-7-1 record in games they serve more penalty minutes than their opponents. The matchup Saturday is the second time these teams meet this season. The Flames won 4-3 in a shootout in the previous meeting. TOP PERFORMERS: Sidney Crosby has eight goals and 16 assists for the Penguins. Bryan Rust has four goals and three assists over the last 10 games. Story continues below video Rasmus Andersson has five goals and nine assists for the Flames. Mikael Backlund has scored three goals and added one assist over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Penguins: 4-4-2, averaging 2.3 goals, four assists, 3.4 penalties and 7.1 penalty minutes while giving up 3.7 goals per game. Flames: 5-3-2, averaging 2.1 goals, 3.4 assists, 3.9 penalties and 9.5 penalty minutes while giving up 2.2 goals per game. INJURIES: Penguins: None listed. Flames: None listed. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Intech Investment Management LLC Sells 5,531 Shares of AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN)

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — Two people were rescued when a California pier partially collapsed and fell into the ocean Monday as the state's central coast was pounded by heavy surf from a major storm expected to bring hurricane-force winds to the seas off the Pacific Northwest. Residents were warned to stay away from low-lying areas near the beaches around the Santa Cruz Wharf, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of San Francisco. “You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water,” the National Weather Service's Bay Area office said on the social platform X. Lifeguards rescued two people from the water and a third person was able to swim to safety, the Santa Cruz Fire Department said on Instagram. Their conditions were unknown. Coastal roads in Santa Cruz were closed following the pier's partial collapse, city officials said. Gov. Gavin Newsom's has been briefed and the state's Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local officials, his office said. Ocean swells along California's central coast could reach 26 feet (8 meters) as the Pacific storm gains strength through Monday, the weather service said. “A rapidly developing storm will bring hurricane force winds to the areas well offshore of the Pacific Northwest tonight,” the weather service's Ocean Prediction Center said on X. Winds off Oregon and Washington could peak near 80 mph (130 kph) and seas will build over 30 feet (9.1 meters), forecasters said. The Santa Cruz Wharf collapse Monday came about a year after the Seacliff State Beach pier just down the coast was battered beyond repair by a heavy winter storm.Ahead of his second $1million tournament championship on Friday night, Impa Kasanganay is only going to make one big purchase with his winnings. The PFL star is taking on his fifth fight since the beginning of last year, and has transformed his life from homelessness to becoming a millionaire by winning last season’s light-heavyweight title. Between seasons, he took on Bellator champion Johnny Eblen in a lucrative Saudi Arabian bout this February. And now he is set for his second world title final on Friday night back in the Kingdom’s capital city of Riyadh. He takes on Dovlet Yagshimuradov, and insists he could have fought even more during his unprecedented period of activity. ALL ELBOWS: PFL announces major rule change three days before $1million world championship tournament finals Impa Kasanganay maintains a connection to homeless past after winning $1million prize In a recent video with on PFL social media, Impa Kasanganay returned to the area where he used to camp after going broke when he was released from the UFC . And he insists it is vitally important that he maintain a link to his difficult past now that he has found success. “There’s a verse I like that says ‘be joyful when you face trials of any kind’, so that breeds perseverance and endurance,” he told Bloody Elbow in an exclusive chat. “I believe people need that and someone told me once ‘fighters are the entertainer’s entertainer’. “Fighters help people, you watch us go into battle and everyone has felt something like that kind of during their life, right? They’re battling with something and they can relate to that. “I think God made me go through those trials. Did I choose to go through that? Did I really want to live in my car for a year? The year was cool and the car was alright but I think when you go through moments like that it’s not just about you. “God uses you to reflect him and work on your life. Now people get to use that moment as an inspiration and it’s a great honor to get to fight in Riyadh, the United States, Africa and beyond. I take that as a great responsibility. Impa Kasanganay will buy a motorcycle with second $1million PFL prize With his first $1million title win, Kasanganay invested in a media company as well as finally achieving his dream of opening a gym. ‘Impa’s Refinery’ in Florida allows beginners and professionals to train in top facilities, and was his biggest purchase after taking home the check. A second victory would appear to allow him some more flexibility with his spending, particularly after already taking a big money fight in February. But he promises that he won’t let himself get carried away after spending the past year learning about business in Harvard during his time off training. “No stupid purchases,” he insisted. “You learn a lot in a year! But I have a team, we’re building out a media company and we’re entering a film festival. I’ve got a lot of great people around and we’re doing a lot of great things. “I think you take on different challenges with success, things you plan for and things you don’t, you learn along the way. The Refinery, I put a lot back into that with trainers and a full staff, I take care of my family, bring everyone around each other. “If I win this year, I’d like a new motorcycle, that’d be about it. Anything I want to do from now on I can build, and it’s cool watching different companies and how they overcame different challenges... I want to invest in my education, maybe a new motorcycle and then hit new heights.” Impa Kasanganay plots Johnny Eblen rematch after world title clash While Kasanganay insists that he will ‘probably disappear for a little bit’ after the finals, he already has one eye on a particular rematch. The sole red mark on his record in the ten bouts since the summer of 2022 is Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen , against whom he wants to avenge his loss. The pair’s ‘Battle of the Champions’ showdown in February saw Eblen emerge victorious by a hair in a razor-close split decision. But the PFL star is confident that he did enough to win, and believes their paths may cross again some day. “I saw Johnny fight Fabian Edwards , he’s a champion and he’s a warrior,” Kasanganay continued. “He brought it to Fabian and then Fabian brought it to him at the end, then Johnny found a way to win. “I know I won that fight, I claim victory, and I’m always grateful for that. Without that fight I don’t believe I’d be the person and the fighter that I am today, this is no shot at him, we’ve had a private conversation and there’s respect. “I respect the fact that he has called me out, so soon enough that fight will come. Right now on Friday I’ll claim this victory and that’s my focus, but after that see me in January and I’m ready to go.” Who is Francis Ngannou? Inside the former UFC heavyweight champion’s journey from poverty to combat sports superstardom

Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and WembyAn animated game, anyway. The real game takes place at Madison Square Garden, where Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs face the New York Knicks in a game televised on ABC and ESPN and streamed on Disney+ and ESPN+. The special alt-cast, the first animated presentation of an NBA game, will be shown on ESPN2 and also stream on Disney+ and ESPN+. Madison Square Garden is a staple of the NBA's Christmas schedule. Now it merges with a bigger home of the holidays, because the "Dunk the Halls" game will be staged at Disney, on a court set up right smack in the middle of where countless families have posed for vacation photos. Why that location? Because it was Mickey Mouse's Christmas wish. "Basketball courts often have the ability to make a normal environment look special, but in Disney it can only turn out incredible," Wembanyama said in an ESPN video promoting his Christmas debut. The story — this is Disney, after all — begins with Mickey penning a letter to Santa Claus, asking if he and his pals can host a basketball game. They'll not only get to watch one with NBA players, but some of them will even get to play. Goofy and Donald Duck will sub in for a couple Knicks players, while Mickey and Minnie Mouse will come on to play for the Spurs. "It looks to me like Goofy and Jalen Brunson have a really good pick-and-roll at the elite level," said Phil Orlins, an ESPN vice president of production. Walt Disney World hosted real NBA games in 2020, when the league set up there to complete its season that had been suspended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those games were played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. The setting for the Christmas game will be Main Street USA, at the entrance of the Magic Kingdom. Viewers will recognize Cinderella's castle behind one baseline and the train station at the other end, and perhaps some shops they have visited in between. Previous alternate animated broadcasts included an NFL game taking place in Andy's room from "Toy Story;" the "NHL Big City Greens Classic" during a game between the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers; and earlier this month, another NFL matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys also taking place at Springfield's Atoms Stadium as part of "The Simpsons Funday Football." Unlike basketball, the players are helmeted in those sports. So, this telecast required an extra level of detail and cooperation with players and teams to create accurate appearances of their faces and hairstyles. "So, this is a level of detail that we've never gone, that we've never done on any other broadcast," said David Sparrgrove, the senior director of creative animation for ESPN. Wembanyama, the 7-foot-3 phenom from France who was last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, looks huge even among most NBA players. The creators of the alternate telecast had to design how he'd look not only among his teammates and rivals, but among mice, ducks and chipmunks. "Like, Victor Wembanyama, seeing him in person is insane. It's like seeing an alien descend on a basketball court, and I think we kind of captured that in his animated character," said Drew Carter, who will again handle play-by-play duties, as he had in the previous animated telecasts, and will get an assist from sideline reporter Daisy Duck. Wembanyama's presence is one reason the Spurs-Knicks matchup, the leadoff to the NBA's five-game Christmas slate, was the obvious choice to do the animated telecast. The noon EST start means it will begin in the early evening in France and should draw well there. Also, it comes after ABC televises the "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade" for the previous two hours, providing more time to hype the broadcast. Recognizing that some viewers who then switch over to the animated game may be Disney experts but NBA novices, there will be 10 educational explainers to help with basketball lingo and rules. Beyond Sports' visualization technology and Sony's Hawk-Eye tracking allow the animated players to make the same movements and plays made moments earlier by the real ones at MSG. Carter and analyst Monica McNutt will be animated in the style of the telecast, donning VR headsets to experience the game from Main Street, USA. Other animated faces recognizable to some viewers include NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who will judge a halftime dunk contest among Mickey and his friends, and Santa himself, who will operate ESPN's "SkyCam" during the game. The players are curious how the production — and themselves — will look. "It's going to be so crazy to see the game animated," Spurs veteran Chris Paul said. "I think what's dope about it is it will give kids another opportunity to watch a game and to see us, basically, as characters."

Canadian freestyle skier star Mikael Kingsbury is juggling both moguls and fatherhood. The 32-year-old Olympic and world champion from Deux-Montagnes, Que., opens his World Cup season Saturday in Ruka, Finland, with partner Laurence Mongeon and their infant son Henrik in tow. Henrik was born Aug. 25. “It changes your life, that’s for sure,” Kingsbury said Tuesday from Ruka in a media conference call. “Get used to waking up in the middle of the night, but at the same time, it is the most beautiful thing in the world. “It brings a beautiful balance to my career.” While Kingsbury acknowledges there are great hockey players named Henrik, he says the inspiration for the name was his niece liking a boy named Henrik in her kindergarten class. “I always liked the name anyway,” Kingsbury said. “Laurence and I agree it fits his face. “I didn’t ski as much this summer because I wanted to be home and I wanted to be present. We’re five weeks on the road for the start of this season, so I couldn’t see myself doing five weeks without seeing my kid. “I would have missed my family too much, so I brought them on the road for three weeks.” Regarded as the most dominant moguls skier of all time, the Canadian achieved another significant milestone last season when he surpassed Swedish alpine skier Ingemar Stenmark for the most all-time World Cup victories by a male athlete in any ski discipline. Kingsbury embarks on his 16th World Cup season with a career 90 victories. He’s finished in the medals in 129 of 151 career World Cup starts. But while Kingsbury claimed last season’s dual moguls crown, Japan’s Ikuma Horishima challenged Kingsbury’s reign by claiming his first crystal globe in moguls. “The mindset is still the same. The goals are still the same,” Kingsbury said. “Coming into the season, I want to focus on one race at a time. That’s how you get to a crystal globe. “The main focus is being consistent, staying healthy to start the season, try to get the momentum of the start and stay healthy until the end of this season. “I usually start strong, and I can finish very strong, and that’s how you win crystal globes.” Kingsbury won an Olympic moguls gold medal in 2018 and silver in both 2014 and 2022. Dual moguls makes its Olympic debut in 2026 in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Kingsbury has swept both moguls and dual moguls gold medals in three straight world championships. He’ll attempt the double a fourth time March 18-21 in Engadin, Switzerland. “Henrik and my family now are my priority and skiing comes second, but I know I can still win,” Kingsbury said. “It’s going to be different. My family is going to be home and it might be a bit more difficult, but at the same time I see a lot of positive in being a dad. I feel way more relaxed on the mountain.” One secret to Kingsbury’s success has been his durability. His only major injury hiccup so far was fracturing two vertebrae in his back training in Ruka ahead of the 2020-21 season. Kingsbury sat out the first three World Cups and won the fourth upon return to action. He’s closer to the end of his career than the beginning, so quality training, not quantity, is important to him. “As I get older, I cannot do too much, but I’ve got to do the right amount and make sure I can peak in 2026,” he explained. “The challenge is going to be the best dad I can and the best skier I can and try to manage in the middle. It’s never going to be perfect, but I’m to do as best as I can and make sure I’m ready in 2026. “I feel fortunate for all the team (members) that I have around me, teammates, and all the coaches and staff that are working with me. They’re going to make my life easy when it’s going to be difficult.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press

The Oscars. The Met Gala. The Olympics. Wearing a wardrobe's worth of pink and green ensembles, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have gone far and wide to promote the new "Wicked" movie . But one interview the pair gave with Out magazine appeared to unexpectedly defy gravity. In a clip of the filmed conversation , journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist told the "Wicked" stars about an observation she's made among queer fans regarding the Broadway-musical-turned-film's signature song: "I've seen this week people are taking the lyrics of 'Defying Gravity' and really holding space with that and feeling power in that." "I didn't know that was happening," Erivo replied. "I've seen it, yeah," Gilchrist confirmed. "That’s really powerful," Erivo said softly. "That’s what I wanted." After a brief pause, Erivo repeated: "I didn't know that was happening." Gilchrist shrugged and gently explained: "I’ve seen it on a couple of posts. I don’t know how widespread it is, but you know I am in queer media." Grande said nothing, but nodded approvingly and reached over to hold Erivo's pointer finger, which she grasped throughout the course of the exchange. A somber string rendition of the song played softly over the video of the, at times, socially fragile interaction. The clip has been seen over 2 million times on Instagram since the LGBTQ magazine posted it last week. Somewhat inexplicably, it has elicited a tsunami of memes on social media. In a meme he posted to X on Friday, Vanity Fair staff writer Chris Murphy poked fun at both the viral interview and internet punching bag Carrie Bradshaw, the main character of the hit HBO show "Sex and the City." The meme shows the tragically romantic Bradshaw, a writer, typing on her laptop and reads: “I couldn’t help but wonder... if Big could hold space for the lyrics of Defying Gravity, why couldn’t he hold space for me?” The official X accounts for Merriam-Webster and New York City’s Empire State Building also weighed in on the matter. "The 103rd floor of the Empire State Building was originally built to hold space for the lyrics of Defying Gravity," the account for the iconic art deco building posted Saturday. (The building only has 102 floors.) And on Sunday, the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus shared a video on TikTok and Instagram, showing dozens of its members singing and harmonizing to what appears to be a song made out of quotes from the interview. “Really holding space with that and feeling power in that. Really holding space with that and feeling power in that,” the men sang. “I’ve seen it on a couple of posts, I don’t know how widespread it is, but you know I am in queer media.” The viral interview managed to also grab the attention of traditional media. ABC News' "The View" dedicated an entire panel Tuesday to dissecting the viral clip and the cultural moment it is arguably spawning. “Are we supposed to hold space for Trump supporters now?” co-host Joy Behar joked. Gilchrist said in an interview that she was shocked by the response. "In a meeting, someone said that I am a meme now, and I was like, 'What?' So, I had no idea," she said. Later, "I was at lunch with a friend and my phone, everything just started blowing up." Within the last week, search interest for "holding space" was beating out the newly declared word of the year "demure," according to Google Trends. Gilchrist said the term originated from a friend. “For me, ‘holding space’ means being in the moment, taking time to really listen, to be in a conversation,” Gilchrist said. “The irony is, to me, ‘holding space’ is not being immersed in the internet.” Gilchrist said she believes the viral moment was a result of having built a rapport with Erivo from a prior story this year and because it occurred in the days after the election. "She knew what I meant. Ariana knew what I meant," Gilchrist said. "And I think because it was in the wake of the election, it was serious." “It’s funny because that’s kind of the definition of high camp. Camp is sincere. Real camp is sincere,” Gilchrist added. “It’s campy the way it all happened and it’s authentic.” Neither Grande nor Erivo has commented on the viral interview publicly. However, Grande sent Out a laughing emoji in response to an Instagram story the magazine posted about the viral interview, Gilchrist said. The musical "Wicked" hit Broadway in 2003 and was an adaptation of the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West," which was based off of L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel and later film "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." The film adaptation of "Wicked" by Universal Pictures was made in two parts, with the first part having premiered Friday and the second part to be released in November of next year. (Comcast is the parent company of both NBC News and Universal Pictures.) Gilchrist said that "Wicked" resonates with queer people because the story of Erivo's green-skinned character, Elphaba, "is the story of an 'other,' someone who is treated differently because of something that is innate." The song "Defying Gravity" is about a decision facing Elphaba to either join forces with Oz's tyrannical Wizard or follow her heart and challenge authority. In the finale of part one, fans find out whether Elphaba decides to "hold space" for her values.Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of CAVA Group, Inc. ( NYSE:CAVA – Free Report ) by 262.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 516,092 shares of the company’s stock after acquiring an additional 373,835 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. owned approximately 0.45% of CAVA Group worth $63,918,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CAVA. American International Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of CAVA Group by 194.2% in the first quarter. American International Group Inc. now owns 709 shares of the company’s stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 468 shares during the period. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio grew its stake in shares of CAVA Group by 171.8% during the 1st quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 18,381 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,288,000 after purchasing an additional 11,618 shares during the period. California State Teachers Retirement System grew its stake in shares of CAVA Group by 54.6% during the 1st quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 35,861 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,512,000 after purchasing an additional 12,660 shares during the period. Comerica Bank increased its position in shares of CAVA Group by 14.9% during the 1st quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 12,105 shares of the company’s stock valued at $848,000 after purchasing an additional 1,567 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers bought a new position in shares of CAVA Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $2,455,000. 73.15% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. CAVA Group Stock Performance CAVA stock opened at $140.94 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $16.15 billion, a PE ratio of 306.39 and a beta of 3.23. The company’s fifty day moving average price is $135.37 and its 200-day moving average price is $108.99. CAVA Group, Inc. has a one year low of $31.47 and a one year high of $172.43. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages recently issued reports on CAVA. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on shares of CAVA Group from $94.00 to $117.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, August 23rd. Robert W. Baird boosted their price objective on shares of CAVA Group from $125.00 to $148.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Monday, November 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on CAVA Group from $90.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a report on Wednesday, November 13th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on CAVA Group from $118.00 to $175.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, November 13th. Finally, Citigroup upped their price target on CAVA Group from $140.00 to $163.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 13th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, CAVA Group currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $143.80. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on CAVA Insider Activity at CAVA Group In other news, Director Karen Kochevar sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $142.23, for a total value of $2,133,450.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 1,307 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $185,894.61. This represents a 91.99 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link . 12.10% of the stock is owned by insiders. About CAVA Group ( Free Report ) CAVA Group, Inc owns and operates a chain of restaurants under the CAVA brand in the United States. The company also offers dips, spreads, and dressings through grocery stores. In addition, the company provides online and mobile ordering platforms. Cava Group, Inc was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Washington, the District of Columbia. Featured Stories Five stocks we like better than CAVA Group 3 Warren Buffett Stocks to Buy Now The Latest 13F Filings Are In: See Where Big Money Is Flowing The Most Important Warren Buffett Stock for Investors: His Own 3 Penny Stocks Ready to Break Out in 2025 What Investors Need to Know About Upcoming IPOs FMC, Mosaic, Nutrien: Top Agricultural Stocks With Big Potential Receive News & Ratings for CAVA Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CAVA Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .CHICAGO — It took 32 seconds of national embarrassment for George McCaskey, Kevin Warren and Ryan Poles to finally concede what everyone else already knew. And even when the Chicago Bears brain trust decided they no longer could justify keeping Matt Eberflus as head coach of their team, they still waited until he conducted one more news conference — telling us everything was fine and he was preparing for next week’s game against the San Francisco 49ers — before they actually pulled the trigger. Remember, this is an operation worth an estimated $6.4 billion, not a local hardware business trying to decide whether a store clerk should be let go for putting the wingnuts and screws in the wrong aisle. Fittingly, the Bears were the Bears until the last drop. “It’s been a normal operation,” Eberflus said Friday morning on a Zoom call with reporters before being Zoomed out of the NFL. The sad part is the Bears truly believe they are a normal operation when it’s quite obvious they’re the laughingstock of football. Who else would let Eberflus continue to fail time and time again after he repeatedly proved he wasn’t fit for the job. His .304 winning percentage was third-worst in Bears history, ahead of only John Fox (.292) and Abe Gibron (.274). And at least Abe had Melody to help take our minds off all the losing. (Google it, kids.) Eberflus’ days had been numbered since the Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders. The 19-3 loss to the lowly New England Patriots on Nov. 10, in which he and his team were booed off the field, would’ve been a perfect time to say sayonara. The Bears had eight games remaining to try to salvage the season, and at 4-5 there was still some hope it could be done. But, no, the McCaskeys don’t fire head coaches in season, we’ve been told a thousand times. Instead they got rid of the sacrificial goat, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who was replaced by Thomas Brown. Fans would have to suffer through three more brutal endings before George McCaskey finally got it into his head that this marriage was not going to work. The Thanksgiving Day clock blunder will be remembered as the fatal blow, of course, because we all watched in a collective stupor as the clock ticked down and Caleb Williams kept barking out signals, seemingly oblivious to the fact the game was about to end. Even your Aunt Martha, who doesn’t know a football from a drumstick, was yelling: “What is he doing, for crying out loud?” It made for an unforgettable Thanksgiving, with everyone in the living room calling for Eberflus’ head. Then came the “everything is fine” news conference Friday morning that made it appear as though the Bears were actually trying to gaslight their fans. I’m not sure what made McCaskey agree to change the long-standing policy — whether it was Jimmy Johnson’s rant or a tweet by The Wieners Circle — but whoever it was should get a medal of valor for saving the city from a mass mental breakdown. We all saw this coming, except perhaps the Three Amigos: McCaskey, Warren and Poles. That still doesn’t make it any more palatable. The Thanksgiving hangover firing bookends the most famous “hiring” in Bears history, when Mike McCaskey told the media Dave McGinnis would be the head coach before actually informing McGinnis, thus losing both the coach and the rest of his own dwindling credibility. That embarrassing moment would be the lowlight of Mike McCaskey’s career, just as this will be remembered as George’s unshining moment. How will Eberflus be remembered? Was he a poor man’s Pedro Grifol or a poorer man’s Jim Boylen? Until Thursday’s debacle, perhaps the moment that best epitomized the Eberflus era was, during a lopsided loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in October 2023, when he threw the red challenge flag after the Bears scored a meaningless touchdown late in the game. He meant to throw it before the play, but Eberflus was never one to react quickly to any situation. And because there wasn’t any video replay of the actual touchdown, it was no harm, no foul. What comes next for Bears fans is the hard part. Do they trust these executives to hire the right replacement? Almost as much as they trust Mayor Brandon Johnson to manage the city budget. The easiest solution is to throw money at Bill Belichick and see if he bites. If Williams is truly a game-changing quarterback then it makes sense to give the keys to the guy who coached the greatest quarterback of his generation. But making sense is not really the Bears’ thing, so expect them to go for someone they don’t have to give any real power to and will be blander than their last five coaches combined. Someone disposable by 2027. It’s just normal operating procedure at Halas Hall. ©2024 Chicago Tribune. Visit chicagotribune.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Washington: President-elect Donald Trump on Monday threatened to impose a 100 percent tariff on the BRICS group nations if they undercut the US dollar. "We require a commitment... that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty US Dollar or, they will face 100 percent Tariffs," Trump wrote on his Truth Social website, referring to the grouping that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and others. The statement comes after a BRICS summit held last month in Kazan, Russia, where the countries discussed boosting non-dollar transactions and strengthening local currencies. The BRICS group has expanded significantly since its inception in 2009, and now includes countries such as Iran, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Altogether the BRICS coalition accounts for a significant minority of the world's economic output. At the Kazan summit in October, Moscow secured a joint declaration encouraging the "strengthening of correspondent banking networks within BRICS and enabling settlements in local currencies in line with BRICS Cross-Border Payments Initiative." Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) ChatGPT Mastery from Zero to Hero: The Complete AI Course By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Office Productivity Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By - Study At Home, Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere View Program Marketing Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Django & PostgreSQL Mastery: Build Professional Web Applications By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, Author | Speaker | Thought Leader | Branding Consultant View Program Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Finance A2Z Of Finance: Finance Beginner Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Leadership Validating Your Startup Idea: Steps to Ensure Market Fit By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Web Development Master RESTful APIs with Python and Django REST Framework: Web API Development By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Leadership Building Your Winning Startup Team: Key Strategies for Success By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI for Everyone: Understanding and Applying the Basics on Artificial Intelligence By - Ritesh Vajariya, Generative AI Expert View Program Finance Startup Fundraising: Essential Tactics for Securing Capital By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program But at the end of the summit Putin indicated that little progress had been made on launching a possible competitor to the Belgium-based SWIFT financial messaging system. "As for SWIFT and any alternatives, we have not created and are not creating any alternatives," Putin told reporters at the end of the summit. He added: "As for a unified BRICS currency, we are not considering that question at the moment." Trump has vowed to pursue a protectionist agenda, threatening hefty tariffs on neighbors and rivals. If BRICS countries continue with their plans, Trump warned, they "should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US Economy," he wrote. "They can go find another 'sucker!' There is no chance that the BRICS will replace the US Dollar in International Trade, and any Country that tries should wave goodbye to America." (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — Two people were rescued when a California pier partially collapsed and fell into the ocean Monday as the state's central coast was pounded by heavy surf from a major storm expected to bring hurricane-force winds to the seas off the Pacific Northwest. Residents were warned to stay away from low-lying areas near the beaches around the Santa Cruz Wharf, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of San Francisco. “You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water,” the National Weather Service's Bay Area office said on the social platform X. Lifeguards rescued two people from the water and a third person was able to swim to safety, the Santa Cruz Fire Department said on Instagram. Their conditions were unknown. Coastal roads in Santa Cruz were closed following the pier's partial collapse, city officials said. Gov. Gavin Newsom's has been briefed and the state's Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local officials, his office said. Ocean swells along California's central coast could reach 26 feet (8 meters) as the Pacific storm gains strength through Monday, the weather service said. “A rapidly developing storm will bring hurricane force winds to the areas well offshore of the Pacific Northwest tonight,” the weather service's Ocean Prediction Center said on X. Winds off Oregon and Washington could peak near 80 mph (130 kph) and seas will build over 30 feet (9.1 meters), forecasters said. The Santa Cruz Wharf collapse Monday came about a year after the Seacliff State Beach pier just down the coast was battered beyond repair by a heavy winter storm.

Evans 6-10 0-0 15, Mitchell 7-10 1-2 16, Withers 6-14 1-4 17, Pinzon 6-15 6-6 22, Timberlake 3-8 3-4 9, Cramer 5-5 2-2 12, Farris 2-5 0-0 6. Totals 35-67 13-18 97. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — A man died Monday after a large wave trapped him beneath debris on a California beach, likely related to the storm pummeling the West Coast that brought high surf and flooding to central California, officials said. First responders were called to Sunset State Beach, a state park, around 11:30 a.m. Monday. The man was pronounced dead at a hospital. Other details were not immediately available and his name has not been released. The storm’s high surf also likely pulled a man into the Pacific Ocean around noon Monday at Marina State Beach along the Monterey Bay, authorities said. Strong currents and high waves forced searchers to abandon their efforts roughly two hours later as conditions worsened. The man remained missing Monday evening. In Santa Cruz, a pier under construction partially collapsed and fell into the ocean, taking three people with it. Two people were rescued by lifeguards and a third swam to safety. No one was seriously injured, Mayor Fred Keeley said. Residents were warned to stay away from low-lying areas near the beaches around the Santa Cruz Wharf, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of San Francisco, as the storm rapidly gained strength. The mayor said that section of the wharf had been damaged over time. The structure was in the middle of a $4 million renovation following destructive storms last winter. “It’s a catastrophe for those down at the end of the wharf,” said David Johnston, owner of Venture Quest Kayaking, who was allowed onto the pier to check on his business. Tony Elliot, the head of the Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department, estimated that about 150 feet (45 meters) of the end of the wharf fell into the water around 12:45 p.m. It was immediately evacuated and will remain closed indefinitely. Some of the wharf’s pilings are still in the ocean and remain “serious, serious hazards” to boats, the mayor said. Each piling weighs hundreds of pounds and is being pushed by powerful waves. “You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water,” the National Weather Service’s Bay Area office said on the social platform X. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s has been briefed and the state’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local officials, his office said. In the city of Capitola, police ordered guests at a waterfront hotel to evacuate if they had ocean-facing units. The county sheriff’s office ordered beachfront residents in nearby Rio Del Mar to evacuate as well. Forecasters warned that storm swells will continue to increase throughout the day. “We are anticipating that what is coming toward us is more serious than what was there this morning,” the mayor said. Ocean swells along California’s central coast could reach 60 feet (18 meters) as the Pacific storm gains strength through Monday, the weather service said. “A rapidly developing storm will bring hurricane force winds to the areas well offshore of the Pacific Northwest tonight,” the weather service’s Ocean Prediction Center said on X. The end of the pier that broke off had been shut down during renovations. The portion, which included public restrooms and the closed Dolphin restaurant, floated about half a mile (0.8 kilometers) down the coast and wedged itself at the bottom of the San Lorenzo River. Those who fell into the water were two engineers and a project manager who were inspecting the end of the wharf, officials said. No members of the public were in the area. Building inspectors were now looking at the rest of the Santa Cruz Wharf’s structural integrity. Monday’s collapse came about a year after the Seacliff State Beach pier just down the coast was battered beyond repair by a heavy winter storm. Further up the West Coast, dangerous surf conditions and waves up to 30 feet (9.1 meters) were expected from the central Oregon coast up through southwestern Washington. Winds could peak near 80 mph (130 kph) and a high surf warning in effect until 10 p.m. Monday night, forecasters said. In a post on X, the National Weather Service office in Portland, Oregon, said “it will likely go down as some of the highest surf this winter.” ___ Dazio reported from Los Angeles.Iroha hails Elegbeleye over positive impact on NPFL

BRYANT (4-3) Evans 6-10 0-0 15, Mitchell 7-10 1-2 16, Withers 6-14 1-4 17, Pinzon 6-15 6-6 22, Timberlake 3-8 3-4 9, Cramer 5-5 2-2 12, Farris 2-5 0-0 6. Totals 35-67 13-18 97. TENNESSEE ST. (3-5) Langlais 3-6 1-4 7, C.Williams 7-12 1-1 16, Jackson 2-9 2-2 6, Nkrumah 1-7 1-1 3, Weston 7-18 9-12 24, Lorick 7-9 1-1 16, Wood 4-9 4-5 13, Ogundele 0-3 0-0 0. Totals 31-73 19-26 85. Halftime_Bryant 46-40. 3-Point Goals_Bryant 14-26 (Pinzon 4-5, Withers 4-9, Evans 3-5, Farris 2-5, Mitchell 1-2), Tennessee St. 4-19 (Lorick 1-1, C.Williams 1-2, Weston 1-5, Wood 1-5, Jackson 0-3, Nkrumah 0-3). Fouled Out_Timberlake. Rebounds_Bryant 44 (Mitchell 13), Tennessee St. 25 (Lorick 7). Assists_Bryant 18 (Timberlake 5), Tennessee St. 13 (Jackson 4). Total Fouls_Bryant 17, Tennessee St. 17. A_268 (10,928).Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby

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Protesters end five-day blockade of KKH MANSEHRA: Muttahida Kohistan Jirga on Sunday announced to end the five-day-long blockade of Karakoram Highway (KKH) as a goodwill gesture after the unconditional release of its member Maulana Kareemdad who was arrested under Section-3 of the maintenance of public order last week. “We are united for the prosperity of all the three Kohistan districts. Though we have decided to end the blockade of the KKH as a goodwill gesture, we wouldn’t allow installations of transmission lines from Dasu dam to the national grid until the Wapda honours its 2022 agreement,” MPA Sajadullah Baqi told the protesters. He said that the commissioner Hazara division and deputy commissioners of Upper Kohistan, Lower Kohistan and Kolai-Pals were the guarantors. “As transmission line execution has been stopped, we are wrapping up our week-long blockade of KKH. We will hold talks with Wapda for free electricity supply, reconstructions of roads and buildings of schools and health facilities,” Baqi said. Earlier, the protesters gathered at RMP Chowk in the Pattan area of Lower Kohistan around 11 am resumed the blockade of the Karakoram Highway to traffic on the fifth consecutive day after the overnight suspension. The protesters warmly received Maulana Kareemdad after he reached the protest site upon release from the jail. “The Kohistanis setting aside their political affiliations and sympathies struggled peacefully for their rights and time is not far away when this region will emerge as one of the developed areas of the country,” he added. The other leaders and committee members of Muttahida Kohistan Jirga also addressed the protesters and termed the release of Maulana Kareemdad a big success of their ongoing agitation.Fifty five million people will be drinking purified recycled water in the next 25 years. or signup to continue reading Research by the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) shows more than 100 cities could be using purified recycled water as part of their drinking supplies and the number of people consuming it is expected to double by 2050. WSAA's Danielle Francis said the research considered how different water utilities were managing the " ". "When you look around the world, what you see is that pretty much all the water utilities are facing the same challenges," she said. "They've all got growing populations and they all have varying rainfall to different degrees. "So they're all working out how to best address that ... we're finding that we're in a bit of a transition period." Australia has always been reliant on rivers and dams for its water which Ms Francis said will "always be the backbone of our water supplies". "We've kind of realised that can leave you quite vulnerable in times of low rainfall because you're really depending on rain." Rain-independent solutions have begun to be adopted around the world to create . "You're seeing a lot of places adopt desalination and purified recycled water to help complement their traditional sources of supply. "It's a philosophy of we don't put all our eggs in one basket by having a diverse water supply." The purification process for recycled water involves three additional treatment processes. Ultrafiltration removes micro-organisms, suspended particles, and large molecules, reverse osmosis removes viruses, and most chemicals before UV disinfection and advanced oxidation eliminates any remaining chemicals. The water is then blended with raw water in natural waterways and flows into dams and reservoirs. Eighty per cent of Sydney's water supply now comes from dams but introducing a desalination plant and a new purified recycled water discovery centre was a nod to the future. "I think it's a great thing for communities to be aware of this option and realise how well proven it is around the world, it's incredibly safe," Ms Francis said. There are now 35 cities worldwide with purified recycled water schemes in place with a full map . "If you hear your water utility is doing their planning, make that they're including this option," she said. Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, covering the local community. Got a tip? Send it through to me at joel.ehsman@austcommunitymedia.com.au. He/Him Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, covering the local community. Got a tip? Send it through to me at joel.ehsman@austcommunitymedia.com.au. He/Him DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. 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CLEVELAND – For the second time in three games since the team acquired Mike Williams, wide receiver Scotty Miller was deemed a gameday inactive by the Pittsburgh Steelers for Thursday night’s game at the Cleveland Browns. A six-year veteran who won a Super Bowl ring playing with Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, Miller generally has served as the WR4 during his first season with the Steelers. But the Nov. 5 trade for Williams made him expendable. The Steelers instead have chosen to deploy Ben Skowronek, mostly for his special-teams prowess. Miller played seven snaps during Sunday’s win against the Baltimore Ravens. He has two catches on four targets for 31 yards this season. The Steelers announced Wednesday that outside linebacker Alex Highsmith would miss a second consecutive game because of an ankle injury suffered 10 days prior late in a win at the Washington Commanders. Highsmith was the only player on the active roster who was unavailable because of injury. Veteran running back Jonathan Ward and interior offensive lineman Max Scharping were healthy scratches. As usual, Kyle Allen served as the “emergency” No. 3 quarterback. Ifedi at LT for Browns With Jedrick Wills out because of a knee injury, veteran German Ifedi made his first start of the season with the Browns. Ifedi is in his first year with Cleveland but was a starter in the NFL from 2016-22. The only other player on Cleveland’s active roster who could not play Thursday because of injury was reserve tight end Geoff Swaim. Veteran running back D’Onta Foreman and reserve cornerback Chigozie Anusiem were healthy inactives for the Browns. Veteran Bailey Zappe, who beat the Steelers as a starter for New England less than a year ago, was designated the No. 3 QB.

While homelessness across the United States increased by a dramatic 18% in 2024 compared to a year earlier, the Los Angeles region was among a handful of areas bucking the national trend — with a 5% drop in unsheltered homelessness over the same period, the first such drop in seven years, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development reported Friday. HUD’s 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report: Part 1: Point-in-Time Estimates — an annual snapshot of the number of people in shelters, temporary housing or unsheltered settings — found more than 770,000 people nationwide were experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2024, an 18% increase from 2023. According to HUD, the nationwide increase in homelessness in 2024 was tied to migration, displacement by natural disasters such as the Maui fire, and rising costs of housing. However, Los Angeles was among jurisdictions, including as Dallas and Chester County, Pennsylvania, marked by a decrease in people experiencing homelessness, HUD data found. Struggling with a high-cost rental market, Los Angeles increased the availability of housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, combining federal, state, county and city funds, according to the federal agency. “This crisis has been decades in the making, but after years of increases, we’ve turned the corner with the first decrease in street homelessness in years, by acting with innovative solutions that have resulted in thousands more people inside and more housing being built throughout the city,” Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement. “There’s still more work to do and this urgent work will continue in 2025.” The Los Angeles region, meanwhile, remained at the top continuums of care in California with people experiencing homelessness — an overall 71,201 homeless individuals, consisting of both sheltered and unsheltered, according to HUD data. Moreover, California, the state with the country’s highest population, also led the U.S. in the number of homeless people, followed by New York, Washington, Florida and Massachusetts. The city and county of San Diego stood at 10,605, followed by San Jose/Santa Clara at 10,394; Oakland, Berkeley/Alameda County at 9,450; San Francisco at 8,323; and Santa Ana, Anaheim/Orange County at 7,322. Nationwide, family homelessness increased by 39% compared to 2023. The homelessness count was done during a period of significant increases in rental costs, as a result of the pandemic and nearly decades of under-building of housing, HUD said. The Maui fire, among other natural disasters, led to an increase in homelessness. In Hawaii, more than 5,200 people were sleeping in disaster emergency shelters on the night of the count. Meanwhile, veterans experiencing homelessness decreased nearly 8% nationwide from 35,574 in 2023 to 32,882 in 2024, according to HUD’s data. The figure for unsheltered veterans dropped nearly 11% — from 15,507 in 2023 to 13,851 in 2024. In the LA region, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority’s 2024 homelessness count showed a 22.9% decrease in veteran homelessness. Bass’ office cited several initiatives — in partnership with federal leaders — that led to this decline, such as boosting participation in a veteran housing voucher program, HUD-VASH and making changes policy changes regarding veterans’ benefits.

Better Fintech Stock: PayPal vs. SoFi TechnologiesTUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Aden Holloway made eight 3-pointers and scored 26 points off the bench, and No. 5 Alabama overwhelmed South Dakota State with 19 made 3-pointers in a 105-82 victory on Sunday. Labaron Philon added 21 points, six assists and two steals for Alabama (11-2), while Mark Sears had 20 points and five assists. Grant Nelson scored 17 points. Oscar Cluff scored 21 points and Isaac Lindsey had 11 for South Dakota State (9-6). South Dakota State: Cluff entered Sunday averaging 16.6 points and 10.8 rebounds, but had failed to hit double digits in either category in either of his last two games before returning to form Sunday with 21 points and 15 rebounds. Alabama: Holloway’s 8-for-19 performance was a welcome sight after making four of his 15 attempts in his previous three games. Holloway, in his first season at Alabama after transferring from Auburn, saw his scoring average dip under 9 points per game before 13 points in the previous game and 26 on Sunday. Sears and Holloway hit 3-pointers less than 30 seconds apart just past the midway point of the first half, completing a 17-0 run and putting Alabama up by 23 points. The Jackrabbits never got the deficit lower than 14 after that. Alabama committed six turnovers, after having committed at least 14 in six of its last seven games. Alabama begins Southeastern Conference play at home against Oklahoma on Saturday; South Dakota State beings Summit League play on Thursday at home against Denver. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballLate kickoff return TDs by Turpin and Thomas spark the Cowboys as they end their 5-game skid

(Bloomberg) — The founder of the troubled device rental startup Grover who was forced out of the company a year ago is trying to stage a comeback by fighting a restructuring effort that may wipe out the value of investors’ equity. Michael Cassau, who created Grover in 2015 and left his post as chief executive officer last year after investors lost confidence in his leadership, is asking shareholders to now hand him their stakes in the German company so he can build a majority position, according to a presentation reviewed by Bloomberg. In exchange, he’s promising to issue them a deferred payment that values the startup at as much as €900 million ($945 million) if he can turn it around and achieve certain growth targets, the documents show. Cassau is looking to head off a plan by the startup’s current management team to restructure Grover’s debt in a way that he says would wipe out the value that existing equity holders have in the company, according to the presentation and people familiar with the situation, who asked not to be identified because the information is not public. Grover has used up half of its share capital, the money a company raises by issuing stock in its business, and plans to give investors an update on the state of restructuring efforts at a Dec. 17 meeting, a company notice reviewed by Bloomberg shows. Helge Reich, an attorney representing Grover, didn’t respond to multiple requests for comment on Cassau’s proposal. The company declined to provide comment on its restructuring efforts. “Due to the usual confidentiality obligations, I cannot comment on any correspondence regarding my involvement in the company,” Cassau, who currently owns 12.5% of Grover, said by email. “I still consider Grover to be a company with enormous potential and believe that under my leadership, Grover can be one of the leading startups in Germany, Europe and worldwide.” Grover’s financial troubles echo many startups in Germany that achieved massive valuations when low interest rates at the start of the decade helped fuel cash-burning operations. Grover said in 2021 it was valued at over $1 billion, before false starts like a failed push into the US market and rising interest rates left it with a heavy debt burden. German-speaking countries are on track to have fewer technology unicorns this year for the first time since 2015, according an October report by boutique investment bank Clipperton. Grover has hired US investment bank Houlihan Lokey Inc. to advise on restructuring its debt, according to documents reviewed by Bloomberg and people familiar with the matter. Consultants McKinsey & Co. and AlixPartners are also advising the startup, according to the presentation and a person familiar with the situation. Spokespeople for Houlihan Lokey, AlixPartners and McKinsey declined to comment. The company has raised at least €800 million in debt funding in Europe and $250 million in the US, according to a press release Grover issued in September 2022. It identified M&G and Fasanara Capital in statements as among its lenders. A spokesperson for M&G declined to comment. Fasanara didn’t respond to multiple requests for comment. Cassau is calling for votes at the Dec. 17 meeting to dismiss interim Chief Executive Officer Linda Rubin and Chairman Franco Danesi and reinstate himself at the company’s helm, according to documents reviewed by Bloomberg. By German law, these items must be added to the agenda. Under Cassau’s plan, Grover would raise $150 million with a new convertible loan and restructure asset-backed debt in the first quarter of 2025 while cutting payroll, general and administrative expenses by at least 75%, the presentation shows. The size of the payment to current equity holders who sign on to Cassau’s program is contingent on Grover improving its valuation, according to the proposal. Since Cassau left, Rubin has taken several cost-saving measures, including pulling the company out of the US market, scrapping new products and slashing staff by about one-third to 300 workers, according to press releases and local media reports. Grover said it raised money in July with €50 million in a bridge financing round from investors including Circularity Capital, Energy Impact Partners and Korelya. German newspaper Handelsblatt reported at the time that the funding deal cut the company’s valuation to less than $1 billion. —With assistance from Libby Cherry.North Ridgeville author Thomas Walker pens first book, ‘Tommy and the Flying Mattress’

Donald Trump asks Supreme Court to hold off TikTok ban so he can 'negotiate a resolution'As the new year dawns, investors will be awaiting eagerly to see if Lalatech, the parent of on-demand logistics and delivery platform Lalamove, goes ahead with a mega Hong Kong initial public offering after applying to list for a fourth time amid improved market sentiment. The company, which operates under the Huolala brand in mainland China, submitted its listing application in October, following previous attempts in April this year as well as November and March of 2023, after shifting its US$1 billion (HK$7.8 billion) listing plan from the US to Hong Kong in 2021. Founded in Hong Kong in 2013, Lalatech mainly operates as a marketplace, especially in intra-city freight markets, connecting merchants with carriers through an asset-light business model, meaning it does not own the vehicles used by carriers. Entering China and other markets in 2014, the company now is the world's largest logistics transaction platform by closed-loop freight gross transaction value or GTV in the first half of this year, with a market share of 53.9 percent, according to its preliminary prospectus, citing data from consultancy Frost & Sullivan. Mainland power Lalatech facilitated about 338 million orders with a freight GTV of US$4.6 billion in the first six months of the year. It had an average of 15.2 million monthly active merchants and 1.4 million monthly active carriers on its platform during this period. Despite its global presence in over 400 cities across 11 markets, over 90 percent of Lalatech's revenue still comes from mainland China. Its revenue grew 18 percent in the first half of 2024 to US$709 million, building on a 28.8 percent increase to US$1.3 billion for the full year in 2023. It has turned profitable after years of losses, which swung to a net profit of US$972.7 million in 2023, followed by a US$183.7 million net profit in the first half of 2024. The company attributed its profitability to an improved hybrid monetization model for its freight platform services, which accounted for 61.8 percent of its revenue in the first half of 2024. Initially reliant on carrier membership fees for revenue, Lalatech introduced commission fees in 2018 as its carrier base expanded. In Shenzhen, for example, it offers three membership tiers for carriers operating specific vehicle types. First-tier members, paying 239 yuan per month, enjoy a reduced commission rate of 14 percent compared to the 18 percent rate for non-members. The second tier, with a 539 yuan monthly fee, faces an 11 percent commission rate, while third-tier members, paying 789 yuan per month, see their rate drop to 8 percent. This hybrid monetization model has helped drive profitability by converting GTV growth into revenue growth, according to the company. Commissions as a percentage of freight platform services revenue in China increased from 11.7 percent in 2021 to 57 percent in 2023, rising further to 58.5 percent in 2024. However, questions remain about the sustainability of its model. Mainland regulators have summoned the company a dozen times in recent years over complaints related to payment delays for carriers, arbitrarily adjusted pricing rules, and high commission rates and membership fees, according to mainland media reports Lalatech's other revenue streams include a range of diversified logistics services like solutions to large enterprise merchants or home-moving services, which contributed 32 percent of revenue in the first half. The company has raised a total of US$2.66 billion in 11 financing rounds from big-name investors including Hillhouse Capital and HongShan, formerly known as Sequoia China. Other investors, such as Tencent (0700) hold small stakes. ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT Founder and chairman Chow Shing-yuk, retains about 25 percent of Lalatech's shares along with his family trust, despite selling US$165 million worth of shares to investors in 2021 and 2022. Born in Guangdong province, Chow moved to Hong Kong as a child. Despite growing up in a humble wooden house as Chow recalled in an interview, he excelled academically, winning a scholarship to study in the US, where he studied economics at Stanford University. After university, Chow joined Bain & Company as a consultant but quickly left the corporate world to pursue an unconventional path, becoming a professional Texas Hold'em poker player. Chow was said to have amassed nearly HK$30 million in winnings during his time as a poker player, which provided part of the capital for his entrepreneurial ventures, which he described as "the biggest gamble of his life." Lalatech also repurchased US$65.2 million worth of shares from Chow in February last year, and based on that price, the company would be valued at US$9.8 billion, according to The Standard's calculation, down from a valuation of nearly US$13 billion for its 11th financing completed in early 2022. Whether Lalatech can maintain the latest valuation remains in doubt as peers such as GoGoX (2246) and Full Truck Alliance have both performed disappointingly after going public. Its smaller rival GoGoX shares prices have plunged by nearly 98 percent since its IPO in June 2022, resulting in a market capitalization of HK$282.82 million, compared to over HK$10 billion before listing. Its US-listed competitor Full Truck Alliance, which mainly focuses on inter-city freight services, also posted a 53 percent decline in prices since its listing in 2021. Full Truck's market cap now stood at US$9.3 billion. Lalatech plans to use the proceeds from the IPO to grow its core business and expand service offerings in China, accelerate global expansion, enhance technology infrastructure, and support working capital. Goldman Sachs, BofA Securities, and JP Morgan are joint sponsors for the proposed offering.

MSNBC's Hayes: Proposed Bill Could Transfer $100B From Taxpayers To Bitcoin OwnersTrump’s tariff wars To be fair to American president-elect, Trump is not first one to implement tariffs US President Donald Trump's reliance on tariffs as a key policy tool took centre stage during his first presidential term. Initially framed as a way to safeguard American industries and correct trade imbalances, tariffs soon became a cornerstone of his broader geopolitical strategy. Now, poised for a potential return to the global stage, Trump’s recent declarations about imposing sweeping tariffs on major trading partners indicate not just a continuation but an escalation of this approach – one that could have far-reaching domestic and international consequences. To be fair to the American president-elect, Trump is not the first one to implement tariffs. Historically, the US, like many other nations, has used tariffs to protect emerging industries and generate revenue. However, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act 1930 of the US is a stark reminder of the risks associated with tariffs. This law raised duties on numerous imports and is widely believed to have worsened the Great Depression by curbing global trade. During his first term, Trump's tariff policies echoed those earlier measures but had unique political implications. He imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, citing national security concerns. These actions aimed to revitalise US domestic production but also increased costs for manufacturers reliant on imported materials, leading to higher prices for consumers. Trump also targeted countries that had substantial trade surpluses with the US, particularly China, imposing 10 per cent tariffs on key sectors associated with China's ‘Made in China 2025’ initiative. The latter initiative sought to position China as a leader in advanced technology industries, making it a focal point of US concerns over global competition. In response, Beijing retaliated by imposing tariffs on American agricultural products and diversifying trade partnerships to reduce reliance on US markets. The tit-for-tat moves between the US and China over trade relations did not stop there. The European Union was a key target of Donald Trump’s trade policies during his first presidency. Threats of tariffs on automotive exports provoked sharp criticism, leading the EU to retaliate with tariffs on iconic American goods like bourbon and motorcycles. By targeting products linked to Trump’s political base, the EU aimed to exert maximum leverage. These trade skirmishes, compounded by legal challenges at the World Trade Organization (WTO), significantly strained US-EU economic relations during Trump’s tenure. Adding to the tension, the WTO’s trade dispute settlement mechanism became dysfunctional under Trump. His administration blocked the appointment of new judges to the WTO Appellate Body (WAB), effectively rendering it inoperative. Justifying the move, the administration accused the WTO of bias against American interests. This paralysis has persisted in Biden’s presidency, with the US continuing to obstruct new appointments. As a result, countries have increasingly turned to unilateral, often retaliatory, measures like tariffs, further destabilising the global trade system. The issue extends beyond the continued dysfunction of the WTO Appellate Body under a potential second Trump administration; the more troubling development lies in his declared plans to dramatically escalate his tariff strategy. Trump appears intent on wielding tariffs not only as economic tools but also as instruments of geopolitical leverage. A striking example is his proposal to impose 100 per cent tariffs on BRICS nations if they pursue alternatives to the US dollar. While the emergence of alternatives to the dollar is widely seen as vital for fostering a multipolar world, BRICS is unlikely to establish its own reserve currency in the near term. However, such aggressive tariff threats from Trump are certain to intensify the bloc's resolve to accelerate efforts toward this objective. Even if blanket tariffs on BRICS member countries are not imposed, the potential tariff hike specifically targeting China will still have significant repercussions on global markets. For example, China accounts for 20 per cent of the global aeronautics market. Any retaliatory tariffs from Beijing on US Boeing jets would severely impact Boeing's profitability and further destabilize the industry. Trump's tariff threats are not limited to adversaries; they extend to America's closest allies and partners too. He proposed a 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico, citing concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded with calls for dialogue, stressing the importance of maintaining economic cooperation, while also hinting at the possibility of excluding Mexico from North America’s free trade agreement if deemed necessary. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, in contrast, cautioned that such measures would lead to inflation and job losses on both sides of the border, remarking, “To one tariff will come another, and so on, until we put our common businesses at risk.” The mere announcement of Trump’s tariff threat, effectively jeopardising the US-Mexico free trade agreement, sent the Mexican peso tumbling against the dollar. Brussels, too, is preparing to face Trump’s anticipated tariffs. It is determined to open new markets for its car makers and other industrial companies. A practical step forward in this regard is the long-awaited trade deal (which was under negotiation for the last 25 years) that was signed between the EU and MERCOSUR (a customs union made up of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) few days ago. Once enforced the EU companies will save $4.2 annually on export duties. Trump’s renewed focus on tariffs coincides with the ongoing retreat of globalisation, often described as ‘slobalisation’. The once-thriving era of seamless international trade and interconnected supply chains is steadily giving way to fragmented trade blocs, regional alliances, and rising protectionism. By imposing sweeping tariffs and undermining multilateral trade norms, Trump risks accelerating this shift. His tariffs could erect additional barriers that dampen cross-border investment, restrict market access, and stifle the innovation fueled by global collaboration. Developing nations, which depend heavily on the efficiencies of global trade, are likely to bear the greatest burden, facing reduced export opportunities and deepening economic fragmentation. Meanwhile, the absence of a functional WTO Appellate Body deprives countries of a neutral forum for resolving trade disputes, encouraging unilateral actions and retaliatory measures. This prolonged paralysis has left the global trading system in disarray, exacerbating uncertainties in international trade and straining economic partnerships worldwide. The effect of Trump’s tariff policy could not have been explained better than South Korea’s Central Bank Governor Rhee Changyong. Commenting on the South Korean president’s failed attempt to impose martial law he said that South Korea’s export-oriented economy is in greater jeopardy from Donald Trump’s trade policies than from the political crisis at home. The world is watching intently to see whether Trump's renewed tariff strategy will achieve its geopolitical aims or worsen economic divisions and global tensions. With US businesses and consumers facing increased costs, and developing countries, allies, and rivals dealing with the destabilising effects of these policies, the future of the global trade system hangs in the balance in an era already marked by ‘slobalisation’. The writer heads the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and is a member of the COP29 International Advisory Committee. He tweets/posts @abidsuleri

Terre Haute pitching great Tommy John has been a candidate for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown 20 times, and much to his hometown's chagrin, hasn’t yet gotten the call. On Sunday night, John was passed over again for induction into the Hall at Cooperstown, New York. The lefthanded pitching great didn’t receive the minimum of 75% of the votes cast by the Classic Baseball Era Committee, a 16-member panel that included six Hall of Fame players, big-league executives and veteran media and historians. Seven other players were on the ballot. The committee chose instead former Phillies and White Sox slugger Dick Allen, and powerful former Pittsburgh Pirate and Cincinnati Red Dave Parker. Their selections were announced live on the "MLB Tonight" program on the MLB Network on Sunday evening. Parker was named on 14 of the 16 committee members' ballots, while Allen was on 13 voters' ballots. John received seven votes, third most but five shy of the necessary 12. John, now 81, lives with his wife in Florida. "I thought I had a great chance," he said Sunday night by phone from Florida. John didn't offer a comment on the choices of Allen and Parker, but pointed out that Allen had missed induction by one vote in the last veterans balloting. Also on the ballot were Ken Boyer, Steve Garvey and Luis Tiant, as well as former Negro Leagues star John Donaldson and manager Vic Harris. Boyer, Donaldson, Garvey, Harris and Tiant each received less than five votes on Sunday. John had connections with several fellow candidates. He played in the majors with Boyer, Garvey and Tiant, faced Allen and Parker on the mound. John also played against Allen in the minor leagues, and both entered the majors in 1963. John and Tiant — best known for his years as a Red Sox pitcher — were both officially rookies in the Cleveland rotation in 1964. In head-to-head matchups, Allen was 2-for-4 at bat against John for a .500 batting average, with one homer and one strikeout. Parker went 7-for-28 against John, a .250 average, with two homers. John struck out Parker a hefty nine times. The 16-member Classic Era Committee gathered at the MLB winter meetings Sunday in Dallas. The eight-person ballot was comprised of candidates whose primary contribution to the game came prior to 1980. Modern-era greats could join Allen and Parker in the Class of 2025, which will be inducted in ceremonies at Cooperstown on July 27. Parker, now 73, and the late Allen, who died in 2020, will be joined by any former players or managers elected in the Baseball Writers’ Association of America voting, to be announced on Jan. 21. John was unsure if he'll be considered again in future Hall of Fame votes by veterans committees. "I have no idea what they're going to do," he said Sunday night. Later Sunday, Craig Muder — National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum director of communications — told the Tribune-Star, "Tommy John remains eligible in the future. Next election would be fall of 2027 for Class of 2028." John was on the primary Hall of Fame ballot in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America 15 times and never made the cut. He was back on the ballot by veteran panels to reconsider overlooked players, but also missed those cuts 2011, 2014, 2018 and 2020. Two recent developments seemed to strengthen John’s chances. First, one of John’s contemporaries — fellow former lefty pitcher Jim Kaat — was inducted last year with a similar career resume. Kaat finished a 25-year career from 1959 to ‘83 with a 283-237 record, a 3.45 earned-run average and three All-Star appearances. Kaat endorsed John for Hall induction. And, an upcoming, new documentary will soon shine a global spotlight on John’s life story. Winter State Entertainment has been crafting “Tommy John: The Bionic Man” since 2023 and prime elements of the upcoming 90-minute movie were filmed in Terre Haute. But only Allen and Parker received the necessary votes on Sunday. Allen played 15 seasons for the Phillies, Cardinals, Dodgers, White Sox and Athletics, totaling 351 home runs and 1,119 RBI. He won the 1964 National League Rookie of the Year Award with the Phillies and was named the 1972 American League Most Valuable Player with the White Sox. Parker was named to seven All-Star Games in his 19 seasons, winning back-to-back NL batting titles in 1977-78 while earning league MVP honors in the latter year. He starred with the Pirates' World Series championship team in 1979 and played for the Athletics World Series title team 10 years later. Parker won the 1979 All-Star Game MVP Award, displaying his legendary throwing arm from right field. John was born May 22, 1943 and raised in Terre Haute, and played boyhood and Gerstmeyer High School games, including his last one in 1961, at Spencer F. Ball Park on Eighth Avenue. Fittingly, his hometown named one of the park’s diamonds for John in 2014. John signed with the Cleveland Indians right out of high school, and went on to pitch 26 seasons in the big leagues from 1963 to 1989. A first-of-its-kind elbow surgery in 1974 preserved his career, but caused John to miss a full season and a half. John recovered magnificently and played another 14 seasons, finishing his career with 288 wins and 231 losses and a 3.34 earned-run average. John won 20 or more games three times, all after his surgery. In fact, John got 164 of his career wins after Jobe replaced the ulnar collateral ligament in his left arm with a tendon from John’s right arm. It had never been performed before, and his rehabilitation was also groundbreaking and unprecedented. John retold the story in his book “TJ: My 26 Years in Baseball.” After high school, he signed in 1961 with the Indians and was sent to play for the Dubuque Packers in the Class D Midwest League. Within two seasons, the Indians called him up to the Cleveland club. He pitched for the Indians, White Sox, Dodgers, Yankees, Angels and Athletics. He started 700 games in his long career, the eighth-most in history. His 4,710.1 innings pitched ranks 20th all-time. He made four All-Star games, including three after his epic elbow surgery, conducted by Dr. Frank Jobe.Overhauls of ‘heritage brands’ raise the question: How important are our products to our identities?Some Atlantic City casino workers call on union boss to resign for opposing a smoking bancasino online games 。

Franklin Resources Inc. raised its holdings in Merchants Bancorp ( NASDAQ:MBIN – Free Report ) by 85.3% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 33,338 shares of the company’s stock after acquiring an additional 15,342 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc.’s holdings in Merchants Bancorp were worth $1,504,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Raymond James & Associates boosted its holdings in Merchants Bancorp by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 55,365 shares of the company’s stock worth $2,244,000 after buying an additional 414 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Merchants Bancorp by 75.4% in the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 142,553 shares of the company’s stock worth $5,779,000 after acquiring an additional 61,292 shares during the period. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank grew its position in shares of Merchants Bancorp by 79.2% in the second quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 4,755 shares of the company’s stock valued at $193,000 after purchasing an additional 2,101 shares in the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Merchants Bancorp by 11.7% during the 2nd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 15,108 shares of the company’s stock valued at $612,000 after purchasing an additional 1,580 shares during the period. Finally, nVerses Capital LLC lifted its holdings in Merchants Bancorp by 650.0% during the 2nd quarter. nVerses Capital LLC now owns 1,500 shares of the company’s stock worth $61,000 after purchasing an additional 1,300 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 24.57% of the company’s stock. Analyst Ratings Changes MBIN has been the subject of several analyst reports. Morgan Stanley started coverage on Merchants Bancorp in a research note on Monday, September 9th. They issued an “equal weight” rating and a $54.00 target price for the company. Raymond James cut their price objective on shares of Merchants Bancorp from $58.00 to $55.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 29th. Finally, Piper Sandler upped their target price on shares of Merchants Bancorp from $48.00 to $52.50 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Tuesday, November 26th. Merchants Bancorp Price Performance NASDAQ:MBIN opened at $36.34 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.02 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.40, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 1.15. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $39.40 and a 200 day moving average of $42.20. Merchants Bancorp has a 52-week low of $35.56 and a 52-week high of $53.27. Merchants Bancorp ( NASDAQ:MBIN – Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 28th. The company reported $1.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.42 by ($0.25). The business had revenue of $355.67 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $156.13 million. Merchants Bancorp had a net margin of 21.33% and a return on equity of 22.36%. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.68 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Merchants Bancorp will post 5.74 EPS for the current fiscal year. Merchants Bancorp Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 13th will be paid a $0.09 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 13th. This represents a $0.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.99%. Merchants Bancorp’s dividend payout ratio is presently 5.96%. Insider Transactions at Merchants Bancorp In other news, Director Patrick D. O’brien acquired 40,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 18th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $25.00 per share, for a total transaction of $1,000,000.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 40,000 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,000,000. This trade represents a ∞ increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link . Insiders own 39.70% of the company’s stock. About Merchants Bancorp ( Free Report ) Merchants Bancorp operates as the diversified bank holding company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Multi-family Mortgage Banking, Mortgage Warehousing, and Banking. The Multi-family Mortgage Banking segment engages in the mortgage banking, which originates and services government sponsored mortgages, including bridge financing products to refinance, acquire, or reposition multi-family housing projects, and construction lending for multi-family and healthcare facilities. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MBIN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Merchants Bancorp ( NASDAQ:MBIN – Free Report ). 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Adele says it is time to ‘move on’ after completing her Las Vegas residency

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck announced Saturday that he will forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the 2025 NFL Draft. Beck, 22, led the Southeastern Conference with 28 touchdown passes and finished third in the SEC with 3,485 passing yards. He also led the conference in interceptions, however. Beck will be a spectator for the Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff after undergoing surgery Monday to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right (throwing) elbow. Gunner Stockton is in line to guide No. 2 seed Georgia into the CFP, starting with the Bulldogs' quarterfinal game against No. 7 seed Notre Dame at the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday in New Orleans. "There's unfinished business still this season and I'll be here to support however I can, finish strong!" Beck said in a statement posted on social media. Beck, a fifth-year senior, finished with a 24-3 record in his career with Georgia. "The past five years at the University of Georgia have been nothing short of a dream come true and I will forever cherish the memories that have been made. Thank you Dawg Nation for the time I've been here and to those who've supported and believed in me, thank you," Beck wrote on social media. "It's been an incredible journey and all these moments have ultimately led me to take the next step in my football career. With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. Go Dawgs!" Beck, the Bulldogs' starter all year, was replaced in the second half of the SEC title game with the injury. Stockton helped to guide the Bulldogs to a 22-19 overtime win over Texas and clinch a first-round bye in the first 12-team playoff. --Field Level Media'Bashar al-Assad, family in Moscow' after ouster from power Russian news agencies say ousted Syrian president and his family granted asylum on humanitarian grounds MOSCOW: Syria's Bashar al-Assad and his family have arrived in Russia and have been granted asylum by the Russian authorities, Russian news agencies reported on Sunday, citing a Kremlin source. The Interfax news agency quoted the unnamed source as saying: "President Assad of Syria has arrived in Moscow. Russia has granted them (him and his family) asylum on humanitarian grounds." Earlier, two Syrian sources said the disappearance of the Assad’s plane from tracking could indicate it had been shot down, or that it had switched off its transponder. Syria rebel fighters raced into Damascus unopposed on Sunday, overthrowing President Bashar al-Assad and ending nearly six decades of his family's iron-fisted rule after a lightning advance that reversed the course of a 13-year civil war. In one of the most consequential turning points in the Middle East for generations, the fall of Assad's government wiped out a bastion from which Iran and Russia exercised influence across the Arab world. Moscow gave him and his family asylum. His sudden overthrow, at the hands of a Turkish-backed revolt, limits Iran's ability to spread weapons to its allies and could cost Russia its Mediterranean naval base. It also may pave the way for millions of refugees scattered for more than a decade in camps across Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan to finally return home. For Syrians, it brought a sudden unexpected end to a war that had been in deep freeze for years, with hundreds of thousands dead, cities pounded to dust, an economy hollowed out by global sanctions and seemingly no resolution in sight. "How many people were displaced across the world? How many people lived in tents? How many drowned in the seas?" the top rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani told a huge crowd at the medieval Umayyad Mosque in central Damascus, referring to refugees who drowned trying to reach Europe. "A new history, my brothers, is being written in the entire region after this great victory," he said. It would take hard work to build a new Syria which he said would be "a beacon for the Islamic nation". The Assad police state — known since his father seized power in the 1960s as one of the harshest in the Middle East with hundreds of thousands of political prisoners in its gulag — melted away overnight. Bewildered and elated inmates poured out of jails after rebels blasted away the locks on their cells. Reunited families wept and wailed in joy. Newly freed prisoners were filmed at dawn running through the Damascus streets holding up the fingers of both hands to show how many years they had been in prison. "We toppled the regime!" a voice shouted and a prisoner yelled and skipped with delight. As the sun set in Damascus without Assad for the first time, the roads leading into the city were mostly empty, apart from motorcycles carrying armed men and rebel vehicles caked with brownish mud as camouflage. Some men could be seen looting a shopping centre on the road between the capital and the Lebanese border, stuffing goods into plastic bags or into pick-up trucks. The myriad checkpoints lining the road to Damascus were empty. Posters of Assad had been torn at his eyes. A burning Syrian military truck was parked diagonally on the road out of the city. A thick column of black smoke billowed out from the Mazzeh neighbourhood, where Israeli strikes earlier had targeted Syrian state security branches, according to two security sources. Throughout the evening, intermittent gunfire rang out throughout the city in apparent celebration. Shops and restaurants closed early in line with a curfew imposed by the rebels. Just before it came into effect, people could be seen briskly walking home with stacks of bread. Earlier, the rebels said they had entered the capital with no sign of army deployments. Thousands of people in cars and on foot congregated at a main square in Damascus waving and chanting "Freedom". People were seen walking inside the Al-Rawda Presidential Palace, with some leaving carrying furniture from inside. A motorcycle was parked on the intricately-laid parquet floor of a gilded hall. Golani, whose group was once Syria's branch of al Qaeda but has since softened its image to reassure members of minority sects and foreign countries, said there was no room for turning back. "The future is ours," he said in a statement read on state TV. The Syrian rebel coalition said it was working to complete the transfer of power to a transitional governing body with executive powers. "The great Syrian revolution has moved from the stage of struggle to overthrow the Assad regime to the struggle to build a Syria together that befits the sacrifices of its people," it added in a statement. Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, prime minister under Assad, called for free elections and said he had been in contact with Golani to discuss the transitional period. Jubilant supporters of the revolt stormed Syrian embassies in a number of cities around the world, lowering red, white and black Assad-era flags and replacing them with the green, white and black flag flown throughout the war by his opponents. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Assad's fall was a direct result of blows Israel had dealt to Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, once the lynchpin of Assad's security forces but pounded by Israel over the last two months. French President Emmanuel Macron said "the barbaric state has fallen" and paid tribute to the Syrian people. When the celebrations fade, Syria's new leaders will face the daunting task of trying to deliver stability to a diverse country that will need billions of dollars in aid to rebuild. During the civil war, which erupted in 2011 as an uprising against Assad, his forces and their Russian allies bombed cities to rubble. The refugee crisis across the Middle East was one of the biggest of modern times and caused a political reckoning in Europe when a million people arrived in 2015. President Joe Biden's administration was monitoring developments but has not adjusted the positioning of the US troops, officials told Reuters. The biggest strategic losers were Russia and Iran, which had intervened in the war's early years to rescue Assad, helping him recapture most territory and all major cities. The front lines were frozen four years ago under a deal Russia and Iran reached with Turkey. Even after Assad had fled, Israel continued to strike targets associated with his government and its Iranian-backed allies, including one in Damascus where Israel had previously accused Iran of developing missiles. Netanyahu said the toppling of Assad could make it easier for Israel to reach a ceasefire deal to free hostages in Gaza. On Sunday rebels stormed Iran's embassy, Iran's English-language Press TV reported. Iran's foreign ministry said Syria's fate was the sole responsibility of the Syrian people. Hezbollah had pulled all its remaining forces from Syria on Saturday, two Lebanese security sources said. Syria's insurgency led by former al Qaeda chief Abu Mohammed al-Golani topples Assad’s regime Russia says Assad has left Syria as curfew announced in rebels-taken Damascus World reacts as Assad's 24-year rule ends in Syria Rebels declare end of Assad rule in Syria; prime minister seeks free electionsHusband’s excessive manners leave wife feeling left behind

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Penn State has won a closely watched trademark fight over an online retailer's use of its vintage sports logos and images. A Pennsylvania jury awarded Penn State $28,000 in damages on Wednesday over products made and sold by Vintage Brand and Sportswear Inc., two firms co-founded by former minor league baseball player Chad Hartvigson. Penn State accused them of selling “counterfeit” clothing and accessories, while the defendants said their website makes clear they are not affiliated with the university. At least a dozen other schools have sued the defendants on similar grounds, including Purdue, Stanford and UCLA, Penn State said in its 2021 lawsuit. However, the Penn State case was the first to go to trial and seen by some as a test case in the sports merchandising industry. “It addresses an important issue with trademark law — whether or not the mark owner is able to prevent third parties from using its marks on T-shirts and paraphernalia without permission,” said Tiffany Gehrke, a trademark lawyer in Chicago who was not involved in the case. The verdict, she said, maintains the status quo, while a victory for Vintage Brand “could have shaken things up.” It followed a six-day trial in federal court in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, overseen by Chief U.S. District Judge Matthew W. Brann. Defense lawyers declined to comment on the verdict and whether their clients planned to appeal. Penn State, in a statement, called its trademarks “critical” to the school's brand, and said it was grateful for the verdict. “The university appreciates this result as it relates to the many hundreds of licensees with whom the university works and who go through the appropriate processes to use Penn State’s trademarks," the statement said. Founded in 1855, Penn State adopted the Nittany Lion as its mascot in 1904 and has been using various images of the animal, along with the school's seal and other logos, for decades, the lawsuit said. The school now has more than 100,000 students at 24 campuses. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

A Pennsylvania jury awarded Penn State $28,000 in damages on Wednesday over products made and sold by Vintage Brand and Sportswear Inc., two firms co-founded by former minor league baseball player Chad Hartvigson. Penn State accused them of selling “counterfeit” clothing and accessories, while the defendants said their website makes clear they are not affiliated with the university. At least a dozen other schools have sued the defendants on similar grounds, including Purdue, Stanford and UCLA, Penn State said in its 2021 lawsuit. However, the Penn State case was the first to go to trial and seen by some as a test case in the sports merchandising industry. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts “It addresses an important issue with trademark law — whether or not the mark owner is able to prevent third parties from using its marks on T-shirts and paraphernalia without permission,” said Tiffany Gehrke, a trademark lawyer in Chicago who was not involved in the case. The verdict, she said, maintains the status quo, while a victory for Vintage Brand “could have shaken things up.” It followed a six-day trial in federal court in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, overseen by Chief U.S. District Judge Matthew W. Brann. Defense lawyers declined to comment on the verdict and whether their clients planned to appeal. Penn State, in a statement, called its trademarks “critical” to the school's brand, and said it was grateful for the verdict. “The university appreciates this result as it relates to the many hundreds of licensees with whom the university works and who go through the appropriate processes to use Penn State’s trademarks," the statement said. Founded in 1855, Penn State adopted the Nittany Lion as its mascot in 1904 and has been using various images of the animal, along with the school's seal and other logos, for decades, the lawsuit said. The school now has more than 100,000 students at 24 campuses.

HAMDEN, Conn. (AP) — Khaden Bennett's 23 points helped Quinnipiac defeat Sacred Heart 83-73 on Sunday. Bennett added five rebounds for the Bobcats (5-5, 2-0 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference). Amarri Tice added 19 points while shooting 6 for 16 (2 for 11 from 3-point range) and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line while they also had five rebounds and eight steals. Paul Otieno shot 5 of 9 from the field and 2 of 4 from the free-throw line to finish with 12 points, while adding three blocks. Amiri Stewart led the Pioneers (4-6, 1-1) in scoring, finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds and three steals. Anquan Hill added 15 points for Sacred Heart. Bryce Johnson also had 11 points. Quinnipiac plays Tuesday against Holy Cross at home, and Sacred Heart hosts Albany (NY) on Wednesday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Hollywood's kingmakers are no longer taking Meghan's phone calls as she and her husband Prince Harry continue to flounder in their attempts to make it big in the entertainment world, according to industry speculation. 'Polo' debuts on Netflix next Tuesday at a crucial moment for the Duke and Duchess' post-working royal careers. Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, produced the five-episode series under their Archewell banner as part of the Sussexes five-year, $100 million deal with the streaming giant, which is set to expire in 2025. Perhaps inspired by the Duke's real life, one of the major plot lines in the series will follow father-son polo players competing against each other. Hollywood rumours are swirling that Netflix executives are underwhelmed with the documentary’s laser focus on the Argentinian player Ignacio 'Nacho' Figueras instead of Harry. It comes amid a desolate year for the Sussexes, with the renegade royals having gone nearly a year without releasing a single book, TV show or podcast. The couple have dealt with high expectations since achieving early success with Netflix's 'Harry & Meghan' documentary, released in December 2022, and the Duke's memoir 'Spare'. Spotify axed the couple’s Archetypes podcast last year, and Harry’s Heart of Invictus documentary never cracked Netflix's top ten. Meghan has yet to release her cooking documentary, which is said to have been finished mid this year. It is expected to be released alongside the first products from her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which has been embroiled in series of trademark setbacks. Speaking to The Times on Sunday, NewsNation entertainment correspondent Paula Froelich cited "rumours" some "power players in Hollywood who were formerly enamoured of the couple will no longer take Meghan’s calls personally". "This is what happens when you haven't actually made money — you fall (down) the totem pole of importance. People in LA roll their eyes at them," Ms Froelich said. She said one silver lining is Harry’s signature Invictus Games Foundation, which will hold its winter edition in Vancouver in February. The Duke helped establish Invictus in 2014 as an Olympic-style international sporting event for injured and wounded service men and women worldwide. Ms Froelich said the Duke knows his popularity is linked to the charity, but more is needed to save the couple's careers. “The only story the world wants to see from them now is if they make nice with their families," she said.

In response to an ultimatum from the Pinellas County (Fla.) Commission last week, Tampa Bay Rays ownership said in a letter Monday that its deal to build a new $1.3 billion ballpark is still "in effect." The letter was the latest salvo in a verbal back-and-forth between the MLB franchise and the county. Rays presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman wrote to the County Commission on Nov. 19 and suggested the team would not agree to a deal for a new stadium. The Rays claimed they had spent more than $50 million toward building that new stadium, but the county had allegedly "suspended work on the entire project," making its targeted 2028 opening unfeasible. Last Monday, Pinellas County Court Commission Chairperson Kathleen Peters replied in a letter to Auld and Silverman requesting they declare by Dec. 1 whether they are in or out. "In response to your question regarding the status of the various agreements, they are in effect until a party terminates or outside dates are reached," Silverman responded Monday, with Dec. 1 now past. "The Rays have fulfilled its obligations to date and continue to wait for decisions and actions by the City of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County." "We would not have gone forward with the project if a future Pinellas County Commission had the ability to revoke the approval we all celebrated in July or to unilaterally delay the project's completion into 2029." Silverman also fired back at Peters for bringing up a conversation Auld had with Pinellas County Commissioner Brian Scott last month, prompting the county to allege that Auld was not committed to following through on the project. "The conversation primarily concerned the near-term challenges to our business given the damage to Tropicana Field as well as the dynamics related to the location of our home games in 2025," Silverman wrote Monday. "Brian Auld did not waver from our commitment to the new ballpark project." It is unclear how the county will proceed. The Pinellas County Commission already voted 6-1 last month to put off its final decision on whether to approve bonds until Dec. 17. Regardless of what happens in the Rays' long-term planning, the club will not play its 2025 home games in St. Petersburg after Tropicana Field was heavily damaged by Hurricane Milton in early October. The team will instead welcome opponents to Tampa's George M. Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the New York Yankees. --Field Level MediaE-Ink Screen Combined With Analog Dial Is Epic Win

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Sunday that the sudden collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad is a “fundamental act of justice” after decades of repression, but it was “a moment of risk and uncertainty” for the Mideast. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $14.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Sunday that the sudden collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad is a “fundamental act of justice” after decades of repression, but it was “a moment of risk and uncertainty” for the Mideast. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Sunday that the sudden collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad is a “fundamental act of justice” after decades of repression, but it was “a moment of risk and uncertainty” for the Mideast. Biden spoke at the White House hours after after rebel groups completed a takeover of the country after more than a dozen years of violent civil war and decades of leadership by Assad and his family. The outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump were working to make sense of new threats and opportunities across the Middle East. Biden credited action by the U.S. and its allies for weakening Syria’s backers — Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. He said “for the first time” that they could no longer defend Assad’s grip on power. “Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East,” Biden said, after a meeting with his national security team at the White House. Trump said Sunday that Assad had fled his country, which his family had ruled for decades, because close ally Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, “was not interested in protecting him any longer.” Those comments on Trump’s social media platform came a day after he used another post to decry the possibility of the U.S. intervening militarily in Syria to aid the rebels, declaring, “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT.” The Biden administration had no intention of intervening, according to Biden’s national security adviser. The U.S has about 900 troops in Syria, including forces working with Kurdish allies in the opposition-held northeast to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State group. Biden said he intended those for troops to remain, adding that U.S. forces on Sunday conducted “dozens” of what he called “precision air strikes” on IS camps and operations in Syria. The Syrian opposition that brought down Assad is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The Biden administration has designated the group as a terrorist organization and says it has links to al-Qaida, although Hayat Tahrir al-Sham says it has since broken ties with al-Qaida. “We will remain vigilant,” Biden said. “Make no mistake, some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human rights abuses.” He added that the groups are “saying the right things now.” “But as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words, but their actions,” Biden said. Assad’s fall adds to an already tense situation throughout much of region on many fronts, including Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza and its fragile cease-fire with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Trump, who takes office Jan. 20, 2025, made a connection between the upheaval in Syria and Russia’s war in Ukraine, noting that Assad’s allies in Moscow, as well as in Iran, the main sponsor of Hamas and Hezbollah, “are in a weakened state right now.” Vice President-elect JD Vance, a veteran of the U.S.-led war in Iraq, wrote on own social media Sunday to express skepticism about the insurgents. “Many of ‘the rebels’ are a literal offshoot of ISIS. One can hope they’ve moderated. Time will tell,” he said, using another acronym for IS. Trump has suggested that Assad’s ouster can advance the prospects for an end to fighting in Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia in February 2022. Trump wrote that Putin’s government “lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine” and the Republican called for an immediate cease-fire, a day after meeting in Paris with the French and Ukrainian leaders. Daniel B. Shapiro, a deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, said the American military presence will continue in eastern Syria but was “solely to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and has nothing to do with other aspects of this conflict.” “We call on all parties in Syria to protect civilians, particularly those from Syria’s minority communities to respect international military norms and to work to achieve a resolution to include the political settlement,” Shapiro said. “Multiple actors in this conflict have a terrible track record to include Assad’s horrific crimes, Russia’s indiscriminate aerial bomb bombardment, Iranian-back militia involvement and the atrocities of ISIS,” he added. Shapiro, however, was careful not to directly say Assad had been deposed by the insurgents. “If confirmed, no one should shed any tears over the Assad regime,” he said. As they pushed toward the Syrian capital of Damascus, the opposition freed political detainees from government prisons. The family of missing U.S. journalist Austin Tice renewed calls to find him. “To everyone in Syria that hears this, please remind people that we’re waiting for Austin,” Tice’s mother, Debra, said in comments that hostage advocacy groups spread on social media. “We know that when he comes out, he’s going to be fairly dazed & he’s going to need lots of care & direction. Direct him to his family please!” Tice disappeared in 2012 outside Damascus, amid intensification of what became a civil war stretching more than a decade. We’ve remained committed to returning him to his family,” Biden said at the White House. “We believe he’s alive, we think we can get him back but we have no direct evidence to that yet. And Assad should be held accountable.” The president added: “We have to identify where he is.” ___ Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Manama, Bahrain, and AP White House Correspondent Zeke Miller contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement

Today’s news highlights includes the EFF’s extensive “offensive” to expose former president and uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) leader Jacob Zuma for his past sins for which he had not accounted. Meanwhile, at least 10 people have been confirmed dead after a taxi collided with a large truck in yet another horror crash in the Free State this weekend. Furthermore, a message pertaining to a new R700 Sassa grant for people under the age of 65 are currently doing the rounds. Weather tomorrow: Monday, 9 December 2024 Take a look at what to expect on the weather front here . Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. EFF’s Thambo questions Jacob Zuma’s ‘history of pursuing black unity’ EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo posted a flurry of tweets taking aim at Jacob Zuma and his association with convicted killers. Thambo cited the alleged 17 months detention, torture and poisoning of the late MK cadre Thami Zulu by ANC Mbokoto unit — a counter-intelligence unit of the ANC — in exile. Thambo also posted a video of Zulu’s parents testifying before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearing about their son’s ordeal in Zambia at the behest of Mbokodo, which Thambo claimed was then headed by Jacob Zuma. CONTINUE READING Transport minister orders swift investigation after 10 die in Free State taxi crash Several passengers of a minibus taxi have been killed in an accident on the N1. At least 10 people have been confirmed dead after the taxi collided with a large truck roughly 90km from Kroonstad. Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy and her deputy Mkhuleko Hlengwa have since instructed the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to compile a preliminary report within 48 hours. CONTINUE READING True or false? Sassa set to introduce ‘new R700 grant’ A message urging South Africans under the age of 65 to apply for a new R700 grant from the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) have spread like wildfire on WhatsApp and Facebook, causing widespread confusion among grant beneficiaries. Many individuals have been led to believe that they can apply for this supposed new lifeline to assist the needy and vulnerable in our society. CONTINUE READING Namib Mills cleared of wrongdoing in Eastern Cape food poisoning case Namib Mills’ instant porridge product was blamed for the death of three children but tests have proven the food to be clean. Namib Mills’ Top Score vanilla instant porridge was removed from shelves in late September after it was blamed for the death of three children in Mdantsane. CONTINUE READING Blitzboks win Cape Town Sevens The South African Sevens team, the Blitzboks, have hit back in style by winning the Cape Town Sevens tournament on Sunday, beating France 26-14 in a thrilling final played at the Cape Town Stadium. It is the first win on home soil by South Africa since the 2015/16 season. Also, it was the 11th time in a row that the Blitzboks beat the French Sevens team in South Africa. CONTINUE READING Here are five more stories of the day: ‘If ANC wants to survive, it must show in practical actions’, Mbeki says [VIDEO] SACP expresses disappointment over Janusz Waluś’ deportation Does the world really want another Du Plessis, Strickland fight? What we know about the fall of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad Can we just pull the plug on SAA, already? Yesterday’s News recap READ HERE : SAA pilots strike | Ramaphosa owes explanation on Simelane | heatwaveSports on TV for Monday, Dec. 9Darnold delivers for Vikings with career-high 347 yards and 5 TDs to beat Falcons, Cousins 42-21

Saturday, December 28, 2024 As 2024 comes to a close, the year has been marked by several transformative and significant developments in the travel industry. These changes promise to leave a lasting imprint on how people travel, interact with destinations, and experience the world. Innovations in technology, such as biometric systems for visa-free travel and the rise of self-driving taxis, alongside efforts to combat overtourism, have been among the most talked-about stories. Looking back at 2024, we see a year in which the dream of easier, faster, and more sustainable travel seems to have moved closer to becoming a reality. Airline Mergers and Expansions A major milestone for the aviation sector was the merger of Air India and Vistara, which officially completed in November 2024. The integration of the two airlines, which were jointly owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, aimed at increasing Air India’s competitiveness in the global market. With an expanded network covering over 90 destinations, this merger helped Air India cement its position as a dominant player in international aviation, a crucial development for India’s connectivity with the world. The Rise of Passport-Free Travel In September 2024, Singapore introduced a revolutionary biometric passport-free travel system, reducing immigration processing times from 25 seconds to a mere 10 seconds. This biometric system, based on facial and iris recognition, had a significant impact, benefiting over 1.5 million travelers within the first 15 days. This move, signaling a shift toward frictionless travel, has the potential to change how airports around the world process passengers, enhancing convenience and reducing waiting times. Visa-Free Travel: A Global Trend Visa-free travel gained significant traction in 2024, with several countries adopting or expanding visa-waiver programs. China, for instance, extended visa-free entry to several countries, while South Asian nations like Sri Lanka and Thailand also introduced visa exemptions for various countries. For travelers from these regions, the increasing availability of visa-free access simplifies the logistics of international travel, encouraging more spontaneous travel and boosting tourism. Gopi Thotakura: India’s First Space Tourist In May 2024, Indian entrepreneur Gopi Thotakura made history as the first Indian tourist to venture into space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft. This moment marked a significant milestone in the evolution of space tourism, which is expected to grow in the coming years. Thotakura’s journey also highlights how space travel is becoming more accessible to private citizens, offering a new frontier for adventure tourism. Self-Driving Cars and Robotaxis: The Future of Urban Mobility The development of self-driving cars and robotaxis has continued to make waves in major cities. In Wuhan, China, and San Francisco, the rollout of robotaxis, operated by Baidu’s Apollo Go and Waymo respectively, became more widespread. In Wuhan, robotaxis account for 3% of the city’s taxis, while in California, Waymo’s service has been growing rapidly, with 312,000 rides delivered monthly by mid-2024. These developments in autonomous transportation are reshaping urban mobility, particularly in cities that aim to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Tourism and Overtourism: The Ongoing Battle The issue of overtourism has been front and center in several popular destinations worldwide. In 2024, cities like Rome, Venice, Barcelona, and Kyoto took concrete steps to manage visitor numbers. Rome, for instance, introduced a reservation system for the Trevi Fountain, while Venice banned large group tours. These moves indicate a growing recognition of the need for sustainable tourism practices, with many destinations seeking to balance the benefits of tourism with the need to preserve their cultural and environmental heritage. The Maldives and RuPay: A Seamless Payment Experience for Indian Tourists In a significant development for Indian travelers, the Maldives introduced the RuPay payment system for visitors from India in October 2024. This move aims to simplify payment processes for Indian tourists, making it easier for them to pay for services and experiences. This is particularly important as Indian tourism to the Maldives continues to grow, with the introduction of RuPay expected to streamline spending for millions of visitors. The Reopening of Notre Dame: A Symbol of Resilience One of the most poignant moments in the travel sector in 2024 was the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on December 8, more than five years after it was severely damaged by a fire. The restoration of this iconic landmark, a symbol of French culture and history, captured global attention and rekindled the emotional connection many had to the cathedral. This reopening not only boosted Paris’s tourism appeal but also signified a broader global theme of resilience and hope. The Launch of Sindalah: A New Luxury Destination in Saudi Arabia The opening of Sindalah Island in Saudi Arabia, part of the futuristic NEOM project, marked a significant addition to the global luxury travel scene. Sindalah, with its luxury resorts, golf courses, and yacht clubs, is positioning itself as a prime destination for high-end travelers, setting a new standard for luxury in the Middle East. This development is expected to drive significant interest from affluent travelers, reshaping the region’s tourism industry. A Changing Climate: The Great Barrier Reef’s Struggles The Great Barrier Reef, a major tourism draw in Australia, suffered the worst coral loss in decades due to rising ocean temperatures. The northern region of the reef saw a staggering 67% mortality rate in just nine months. This environmental crisis is a reminder of the importance of sustainable tourism practices. Australia has since intensified efforts to protect the reef, which remains one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. The Future of Travel: More Airlines and New Routes Several new airlines were announced in 2024, setting the stage for more connectivity in 2025. Air Kerala and Alhind Air, two new airlines based in Kerala, India, plan to operate within South India and to the Gulf region. These new carriers will provide more options for domestic and international travelers, further boosting the aviation industry in South Asia. A New Era of Travel As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that travel is evolving in unprecedented ways. Technological advancements, new travel policies, and the rise of sustainable tourism are shaping the future of the industry. These trends promise to make travel more accessible, efficient, and responsible. However, the global travel landscape remains dynamic, with new challenges and opportunities emerging every year. For the travel industry, this means adapting to new demands, staying ahead of technological advancements, and ensuring a balance between tourism growth and environmental preservation.

Vanna White’s ‘heartthrob’ son, Nikko, reacts to ‘thirsty’ comments from viral videoPublished 03:59 IST, December 9th 2024 The Government of India, on Sunday, confirmed that all Indian nationals in Syria are safe following the recent developments in the country Damascus: The Government of India, on Sunday, confirmed that all Indian nationals in Syria are safe following the recent developments in the country, where Islamist rebels captured power in Damascus and ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Indian embassy in Damascus confirmed that it remains operational and is in constant communication with Indian citizens in Syria. The Indian embassy, while issuing a statement, reaffirmed that the safety of Indians in Syria is being ensured as the top priority. Government sources reported that the embassy is actively reaching out to all 90 Indian nationals in Syria, including 14 individuals working with various UN organisations. The embassy has assured that it is fully operational and available to assist any Indians in need. The sudden collapse of the Syrian government took place on Sunday morning when rebel forces seized control of Damascus, marking the end of Assad's 50-year reign. Reports indicate that Assad fled the country for Russia with his family, where he sought and was granted asylum by the Russian government. Meanwhile, his departure, leaving behind a crumbling government, signalled a significant shift in Syria's political landscape. Despite the chaos, the Indian embassy in Syria has emphasized its continued presence and readiness to support Indian nationals. The embassy's swift response and communication with Indian citizens in Syria underscore the government's commitment to their well-being, even amid the uncertain political environment. The situation in Syria remains tense, and the collapse of Assad's regime has left many questions about the country's future. However, the embassy's assurance of safety provides some relief to the Indian community in the region, as it continues to monitor the developments closely and provide necessary assistance. Get Current Updates on India News , Entertainment News along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world. Updated 03:59 IST, December 9th 2024

(Source: Nasdaq) U.S. job growth surged in November after being severely constrained by hurricanes and strikes, but probably does not signal a material shift in labor market conditions that continue to ease steadily and gives the Federal Reserve leeway to cut interest rates again this month. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 227,000 jobs last month, above the 200,000 estimate of economists polled by Reuters, after rising an upwardly revised 36,000 in October, the Labor Department said on Friday. STOCKS: S&P 500 E-minis were up 9 points, or 0.15% BONDS: The yield on benchmark U.S. 10-year notes fell 4.5 basis points to 4.138%, the two-year note yield declined 6.5 basis points to 4.081% FOREX: After an initial decline, the dollar index was up 0.11% to 105.84 JACK MCINTYRE, PORTFOLIO MANAGER, BRANDYWINE GLOBAL, PHILADELPHIA (via email) “Employment reports are always important to both the markets and the Fed but in the hierarchy of economic data there has been a shift. Next week’s inflation report will be more impactful as inflation is back to being the critical variable. November’s labor release was as expected, resulting in no significant repricing of Fed expectations in 2025. It allows them to ease this month, but next week’s CPI release could change that outcome. “We think the Fed shifts to a more patient tone (think slow and steady) as there is no pressure for them to increase the scale of monetary easing going into 2025. The Fed’s terminal rate is going to be equally as important as the path of how they get to it.” RICK MECKLER, PARTNER, CHERRY LANE INVESTMENTS, NEW VERNON, NEW JERSEY “The report was pretty strong. The report does show the incredible resiliency of the U.S. economy but, then again, you’re at a point where we were already beginning to lower rates and easing some of the pressure higher short-term rates had on markets. “The change in the government and the upcoming new economic agenda is really overshadowing economic news. “The conclusion of the election took away some of the uncertainty that may have led businesses to think about adding employees or making plans for 2025. One big factor, though, will be is the government serious about a drastic reduction of federal jobs for cost-saving purposes, and what impact that will have on future job reports.” JAMIE COX, MANAGING PARTNER, HARRIS FINANCIAL GROUP, RICHMOND VIRGINIA “These data clear the path for the Federal Reserve to further reduce the policy rate in December–nothing in these jobs data supports a pause in normalization. “The labor market has stabilized and remains stronger than all of the naysayers have led people to believe. A stable labor market supports a strong consumer based economy, and that’s exactly what the data have shown all year long.” BRYON ANDERSON, HEAD OF FIXED INCOME, LAFFER TENGLER INVESTMENTS (via email) “After a prior month of hurricanes and worker strikes, we did get a bounce back in the headline payroll numbers plus positive revisions. The bigger trends of hourly earnings still increasing at a healthy rate and unemployment rate staying relatively flat gives us confidence in the overall economy. “Markets will react short term over small pieces of data, but we still feel the trends are stable enough for the underlying job market. There is a bifurcation of the consumer in the US, and the top quintiles have a greater share of income and wealth, and they are still spending which is buffeting this economy. Jobs creation may not be as robust as in the past years, but we are not seeing a disaster in the job market.” BRIAN JACOBSEN, CHIEF ECONOMIST, ANNEX WEALTH MANAGEMENT, MENOMONEE FALLS, WISCONSIN “A bigger bounce than expected. Payrolls recovered from the weak October reading. Wages increased at a healthy, but not alarming pace. Non-cyclical areas like healthcare and government are still the main drivers of payroll gains, but even cyclical areas are at least treading water. Overall, it looks like there’s no reason to worry about an imminent recession and there’s no reason for the Fed to take a pause on cuts quite yet.” PETER CARDILLO, CHIEF MARKET ECONOMIST, SPARTAN CAPITAL SECURITIES, NEW YORK “Job creation was in basically in line with market expectations, the (October) revisions of up 36,000 probably due to weather related situations. Wages were a little bit higher than we were looking for, but on a year to year it basically held steady. “These are basically good numbers, and it continues to show that the average nonfarm payrolls this year have been 205,000 to 210,000. It indicates that there’s no recession in sight. This (report) does not interrupt the Fed from lowering rates at the next FMOC meeting by 25 basis points.” GENNADIY GOLDBERG, HEAD OF U.S. RATES STRATEGY, TD SECURITIES, NEW YORK “The market is a little bit confused as to what to do with this particular payroll report. It wasn’t quite as strong as some of the whisper numbers were expecting, the market was already 220K, so it barely beat the headline. The upward revision didn’t seem to convince markets as well, I mean 56K for the last few months. And you’ve got the four-month trend, if you smooth over some of the recent volatility, running at around 143K, so basically just below 150k, and I think that’s really the trend pace here. “The unemployment rate rising is certainly keeping the market on their toes, so I think that’s not a positive here, but wage growth is strong. So, it’s a bit of a noisy report, but I think what it means is the Fed can safely deliver another rate cut in December and then maybe communicate a possible pause coming as soon as the January meeting. “A 150K or so run rate for payrolls, it’s not exactly a wonderful economy, but it’s also an economy that doesn’t seem to be decelerating as sharply as everyone expected a few months ago.” LINDSAY ROSNER, HEAD OF MULTI-SECTOR INVESTING, GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT (via email) “Data this morning was a Thanksgiving buffet with payrolls spot on, revisions positive, but unemployment ticking higher despite the participation rate falling. This print doesn’t kill the holiday spirit and the Fed remains on track to deliver a cut in December.” PAUL CHRISTOPHER, HEAD OF GLOBAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY, WELLS FARGO INVESTMENT INSTITUTE, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI “This is a pretty much in line report. What caught our eye was the tick higher in earnings. That’s going to help the economy remain strong heading into the New Year. Markets would’ve been looking for any sign of weakness. “It probably cements the Fed with another quarter point cut in December. The jobs number is not particularly outrageously strong. It’s more in line with averages. “The economy is fine. As long as the labor market doesn’t collapse the Fed is going to watch inflation really closely. Inflation is really kind of sticky right now, and that’s why I think we think there’s only this December cut and one more. “Going forward for the Fed, I think that (the Fed) will probably take a pause in the New Year, at least in January. The Fed is going to want to see what the new administration’s economic whether or not the new administration’s economic plan goes into full force.” Source: Reuters (Compiled by the Global Finance & Markets Breaking News team)Thomas Sorber collected 22 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks to pace Georgetown to an 83-53 win against shorthanded Coppin State on Saturday afternoon in Washington, D.C. The Hoyas pulled away from the Eagles with a 21-2 run early in the second half. Georgetown held Coppin State to 22 percent shooting in the second half and 18 percent from behind the arc. Georgetown (11-2) is off to its best start since the 2011-12 season. Drew Fielder recorded 20 points and 13 rebounds while Malik Mack had 15 points and 11 assists for the Hoyas. Georgetown played without its leading scorer Jayden Epps, who missed the game with a lower-body injury. Toby Nnadozie scored 22 points and Julius Ellerbe III added 12 to go along with six steals for the Eagles (1-13). The Hoyas' decisive second-half run started with Caleb Williams' steal that led to a Fielder lay up as Georgetown took 49-37 lead. Moments later, Fielder's turnaround in the lane put the Hoyas up 56-37. Sorber's jam with 6:36 left gave Georgetown a 67-41 advantage. The pesky Eagles rattled off a 7-0 run but got no closer than 19 points the rest of the game. The Eagles played without three of their top four scorers but forced 14 Georgetown turnovers in the first half and hit 5-of-8 3-pointers. Ellerbe corralled a loose ball near half court and distributed it to Nnadozie who converted a contested layup to pull CSU within 12-11. But the Hoyas held a 24-10 rebounding edge in the first half as Sorber and Fielder were a force inside the paint. The Hoyas created separation as Sorber worked the high-low game with a catch in the lane and a left finger roll for a 25-15 Hoyas' lead with 8:40 left in the first half. Zahree Harrison's 3-pointer kept the dogged visitors close and capped a 5-0 run that cut the Georgetown lead to 25-20. Nnadozie closed the first half with a 3-pointer and the Hoyas held a 37-30 lead. --Field Level Mediawww.casino plus 。

Saturday, December 28, 2024 Hawaii’s pristine beaches are a magnet for travelers worldwide, but they’re also susceptible to the raw power of nature. On Friday, high surf warnings led to the closure of numerous beaches across Kauai and Hawaii Island, affecting both local residents and the influx of tourists drawn to the islands’ scenic beauty. These measures were implemented to ensure public safety as the Pacific Ocean unleashed waves of remarkable magnitude, creating hazardous conditions along the shores. The picturesque north shore of Kauai, renowned for its serene beaches and dramatic landscapes, is under a high surf warning. Beaches from Ka‘aka‘aniu Beach, also known as Larsen’s Beach in Moloa‘a, to Kē‘ē Beach along the Na Pali Coast are closed to the public. Authorities have emphasized the importance of avoiding these areas as entering the water poses severe risks, including injury or death. For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter . The closures have not deterred the bravery and diligence of lifeguards, who are working tirelessly to prevent accidents. Nearly 3,500 preventative actions were carried out on Friday alone, highlighting the severity of the conditions. Visitors are strongly advised to adhere to warnings and stay clear of the shorebreak. On Hawaii Island, beaches such as Kahalu‘u, Magic Sands, and Mahukona Wharf are closed under directives from the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency. The closures reflect the dangerous nature of the surf, which has the potential to overwhelm even experienced swimmers and surfers. Despite the closures, the allure of massive waves continues to draw hundreds of visitors, particularly to Oahu’s North Shore. The spectacular sight has left many in awe, including tourists like Kunta Nagda from Texas, who described the waves as an unforgettable experience. For others, like Stephanie Shields of Ohio, seeing the ocean’s raw power firsthand has been a transformative experience. The high surf has also been a boon for Hawaii’s surf contests. Following the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, which captivated audiences with extraordinary waves, the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout in Memory of Duke Kanahamoku is set to hold its opening ceremony at Pipeline on Saturday. Organizers and participants are expressing gratitude for the exceptional surf conditions, attributing the waves to the Hawaiian god of water, Kanaloa. For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter . For locals, these events are more than just competitions; they are deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and spirituality. Witnessing the massive waves is not only a thrill but also an opportunity to honor the ocean’s majesty and its significance in Hawaiian heritage. As of Friday night, the National Weather Service reported that high surf warnings remain in effect for the north- and west-facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai, as well as the north-facing shores of Maui and west-facing shores of Hawaii Island. These warnings are expected to continue until at least 6 a.m. Saturday. These forecasts underscore the dangers of entering the water during such conditions. The combination of powerful waves, strong currents, and unpredictable surges can endanger even those standing on the shoreline. For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter . The dangers posed by these high surf conditions extend beyond the water. Beachgoers are warned to exercise extreme caution as large breaking waves can sweep across beaches, coastal benches, and lava flows. This can lead to significant impacts on coastal properties, roadways, and other infrastructure. For many tourists, the high surf presents a rare opportunity to witness the Pacific Ocean’s untamed beauty. “You hear about it, but until you’re here and see it firsthand, it’s a totally different story,” said one visitor, encapsulating the awe shared by many. While the closures and warnings are vital for safety, they also contribute to a deeper appreciation of Hawaii’s natural power. For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter . Hawaii’s high surf warnings highlight the delicate balance between nature’s majesty and its dangers. As beach closures and safety measures take precedence, both locals and visitors are reminded of the respect and caution required to coexist with the ocean’s immense power. For those fortunate enough to witness these waves, the experience is unforgettable, blending wonder with the sobering reality of nature’s might. Travelers to Hawaii in such conditions should prioritize safety while cherishing the unique memories created by the awe-inspiring Pacific Ocean. Read Travel Industry News in 104 different regional platforms Get our daily dose of news, by subscribing to our newsletters. Subscribe here . Watch Travel And Tour World Interviews here . 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xo jili casino FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Hailey Van Lith scored 17 points and Madison Connor made four 3-pointers and added 14 points on Sunday to help No. 11 TCU beat Brown 79-47. Van Lith added five assists, five rebounds and three steals and Taylor Bigby scored 11 points for the Horned Frogs. TCU (13-1) has won four games in a row since an 82-54 loss to No. 3 South Carolina on Dec. 8 at the Coast to Coast Challenge. Grace Arnolie hit three 3-pointers in the first five minutes and Olivia Young added another with 4:34 left in the first quarter to give Brown a 12-8 lead. The Horned Frogs responded with a 9-2 run to close the period, scored 12 of the first 14 second-quarter points to extend their lead to 13 points and took a 34-25 lead into the intermission. Bigby hit a 3 to open the scoring in the third quarter and TCU led by double figures the rest of the way. The Horned Frogs outrebounded Brown 54-28, including 20-6 on the offensive glass which led to TCU outscoring the Bears 27-5 in second-chance points. Isabell Mauricio led Brown with 17 points on 7-of-16 shooting Brown (6-7). The rest of the Bears players combined to made 10 of 41 (24.4%) from the field. Arnolie added 13 points. TCU made 11 3-pointers on 27 attempts (41%) and the Horned Frogs' 148 this season are the most in Division I. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

Former Red Sox exec weighs in on controversial Aroldis Chapman signing: ‘I guess enough time has passed’

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Shakespeare® Marine, the world leader in marine antenna design, announces a record-breaking year for Asia, ahead of relocating its Chinese distribution centre, from Shanghai to Weihai, China. Shakespeare® Marine’s continued success within Asia has enabled the brand to grow by 20% this year, making it the most successful year in the region to date – now making it the brand’s biggest growth region globally. As a result of the record-breaking year, Shakespeare® Marine announces a new Chinese distribution centre. Previously located in Shanghai, the distribution hub for the region has relocated to Weihai. The new facility allows Shakespeare® to further support sales in its Asia and Australasia markets due to its larger square footage, enabling better access to more variety and quantities, as well as improved delivery and logistics. Stock will include the best-selling product lines, from industry-leading VHF, AIS, HDTV marine antennas and the brand’s QuickConnectTM range, to heavy-duty stainless-steel mounts. Shakespeare® Marine’s renowned 5912-DORSAL VHF antenna, V-Tronix Fibreglass VHF antenna and the Classic AIS antenna. Dave Manasseh, International Sales Manager for Shakespeare® Marine, comments, “This year has been incredible for Asia and is an area we’ve focused on growing via onboarding new distributors. Following a year of significant company growth and an ever-increasing global presence, the new warehouse will enable us to meet the demands of our customers at a much greater rate and widen our offering.” The new distribution warehouse is already proving to be successful with a recent record order for HF and VHF antennas being sold directly into Asia, including new territories for Shakespeare®. Dave adds, “The latest order in Asia is a testament to the quality and reliability of our products and further highlights our brand as a prestigious player in the Asian market.” Shakespeare® Marine is the leading, global antenna brand with a reputation for superior quality, performance and durability. Its award-winning products are stocked in 56 countries worldwide. Source: Shakespeare® MarineMental health disorders affect millions of people worldwide, yet they remain one of the most misunderstood aspects of human health. Too often, these conditions are stigmatised or dismissed as curses, leading to discrimination, neglect, and a lack of proper care. Such perceptions not only harm individuals but also hinder societal progress. The time has come to address this stigma and view mental health with the same importance as physical well-being. Neglecting mental health carries dire consequences. Individuals who suffer from untreated mental disorders often experience declining physical health, as chronic stress exacerbates conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Social isolation is another significant outcome, as stigma prevents people from seeking help, leaving them alienated and hopeless. This neglect also contributes to the high global suicide rate, with nearly 800,000 deaths annually, many of which could have been prevented with timely intervention. In Bangladesh, suicide remains a pressing issue, with a rate of 7.8 per 100,000 people. Beyond the personal toll, the neglect of mental health imposes significant societal and economic burdens, including reduced workplace productivity, increased crime, and strained family dynamics. One of the greatest barriers to addressing mental health issues is the persistence of cultural myths and superstitions. In many parts of South Asia, mental illnesses are still viewed as spiritual punishments or signs of moral failure. People often turn to traditional healers instead of seeking professional care, resulting in harmful practices that delay recovery or worsen the condition. Education and awareness campaigns are essential to dismantle these harmful beliefs and encourage communities to embrace evidence-based solutions. Research and policy advancements provide a glimmer of hope. Globally, initiatives like the Lancet Commission on Mental Health in 2023 have called for increased funding, integration of mental health into primary healthcare, and the use of community-based care models. In Bangladesh, the enactment of the Mental Health Act, 2018, marked a significant step forward. This legislation guarantees the rights of individuals with mental disorders, prohibits discrimination, and mandates the establishment of mental health facilities. Sections of the act specifically criminalise inhumane treatment and promote the dignity of those affected. However, gaps in implementation, resource allocation, and workforce availability continue to pose challenges. Technology offers new opportunities to bridge these gaps. Digital platforms like Moner Bondhu are expanding access to counselling services, particularly for rural and underserved populations. Telemedicine and artificial intelligence-powered tools can also provide preliminary assessments and guidance, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most. Addressing mental health requires a multifaceted approach. Family and community support are crucial in breaking the silence and encouraging affected individuals to seek help. Schools and workplaces must also play their part by promoting mental health awareness and creating inclusive environments. Governments must prioritise mental health in national budgets, increase the number of trained professionals, and ensure that laws protecting mental health rights are effectively enforced. Mental health disorders are not curses or weaknesses; they are health conditions that demand understanding, compassion, and action. By normalising conversations around mental health and dismantling the stigma, we can create a world where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength rather than shame. Mental health is a shared responsibility, and addressing it is essential for building a healthier, more inclusive society. The writer is from the Department of Law at the World University of Bangladesh. Email: [email protected] Mental health disorders affect millions of people worldwide, yet they remain one of the most misunderstood aspects of human health. Too often, these conditions are stigmatised or dismissed as curses, leading to discrimination, neglect, and a lack of proper care. Such perceptions not only harm individuals but also hinder societal progress. The time has come to address this stigma and view mental health with the same importance as physical well-being. Neglecting mental health carries dire consequences. Individuals who suffer from untreated mental disorders often experience declining physical health, as chronic stress exacerbates conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Social isolation is another significant outcome, as stigma prevents people from seeking help, leaving them alienated and hopeless. This neglect also contributes to the high global suicide rate, with nearly 800,000 deaths annually, many of which could have been prevented with timely intervention. In Bangladesh, suicide remains a pressing issue, with a rate of 7.8 per 100,000 people. Beyond the personal toll, the neglect of mental health imposes significant societal and economic burdens, including reduced workplace productivity, increased crime, and strained family dynamics. One of the greatest barriers to addressing mental health issues is the persistence of cultural myths and superstitions. In many parts of South Asia, mental illnesses are still viewed as spiritual punishments or signs of moral failure. People often turn to traditional healers instead of seeking professional care, resulting in harmful practices that delay recovery or worsen the condition. Education and awareness campaigns are essential to dismantle these harmful beliefs and encourage communities to embrace evidence-based solutions. Research and policy advancements provide a glimmer of hope. Globally, initiatives like the Lancet Commission on Mental Health in 2023 have called for increased funding, integration of mental health into primary healthcare, and the use of community-based care models. In Bangladesh, the enactment of the Mental Health Act, 2018, marked a significant step forward. This legislation guarantees the rights of individuals with mental disorders, prohibits discrimination, and mandates the establishment of mental health facilities. Sections of the act specifically criminalise inhumane treatment and promote the dignity of those affected. However, gaps in implementation, resource allocation, and workforce availability continue to pose challenges. Technology offers new opportunities to bridge these gaps. Digital platforms like Moner Bondhu are expanding access to counselling services, particularly for rural and underserved populations. Telemedicine and artificial intelligence-powered tools can also provide preliminary assessments and guidance, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most. Addressing mental health requires a multifaceted approach. Family and community support are crucial in breaking the silence and encouraging affected individuals to seek help. Schools and workplaces must also play their part by promoting mental health awareness and creating inclusive environments. Governments must prioritise mental health in national budgets, increase the number of trained professionals, and ensure that laws protecting mental health rights are effectively enforced. Mental health disorders are not curses or weaknesses; they are health conditions that demand understanding, compassion, and action. By normalising conversations around mental health and dismantling the stigma, we can create a world where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength rather than shame. Mental health is a shared responsibility, and addressing it is essential for building a healthier, more inclusive society. The writer is from the Department of Law at the World University of Bangladesh. Email: [email protected]

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Businesswoman from Uzbekistan included in BBC 100 Women 2024New Delhi: Seven Indians have been injured in the deadly car-ramming attack in the eastern German city of Magdeburg and the Indian embassy in Berlin is providing them all possible assistance, official sources said on Saturday night. A 50-year-old man drove his car into crowds at a Christmas market on Friday evening in Saxony-Anhalt state’s Magdeburg, leaving at least five people, including a nine-year-old, dead and nearly 200 injured, according to German authorities. Three out of seven injured Indians have been discharged from hospital, the sources cited above said. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), condemning the “horrific and senseless” attack, said the Indian mission in Germany is in contact with Indians injured. It, however, did not specify the number of injured Indians. The Indian embassy in Berlin said it is maintaining close contact with Indians who have been injured. In a statement, the MEA condemned the attack and said the Indian mission is rendering all possible assistance to the Indians injured in the incident. “We condemn the horrific and senseless attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. “Several precious lives have been lost and many have been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims.” “Our Mission is in contact with Indians who are injured, as well as their families, and rendering all possible assistance,” the MEA said.

Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson, the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player, leads fan balloting for the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games after one week of voting, the league announced on Monday. Ravens superstar Jackson set the overall pace with 44,681 votes followed by teammate Derrick Henry, the running back leader, in second overall at 40,729 votes. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

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CHICAGO (AP) — Cairo Santos had a field goal blocked — again. DeAndre Carter muffed a punt in the second half. And those were just the special teams mistakes for the struggling Chicago Bears. Santos' blocked field goal and Carter's turnover were part of another sloppy performance for Chicago in its fifth consecutive loss. The pair of miscues helped set up two of Minnesota's three touchdowns in a 30-27 overtime victory . The Bears (4-7) closed out a miserable three-game homestand after they won their first three games of the season at Soldier Field. They were in position to beat Green Bay last weekend before Santos' 46-yard field goal attempt was blocked on the final play of the Packers' 20-19 win . “It’s tough. ... When things just aren’t going your way, you gotta put your head down and just keep going to work,” tight end Cole Kmet said. “It’s not easy to do but that’s kind of where we’re at.” Chicago and Minnesota were tied at 7 when Caleb Williams threw incomplete on third-and-4 at the Vikings 30 early in the second quarter. Bears coach Matt Eberflus sent Santos out for a 48-yard attempt, but it was knocked down by defensive lineman Jerry Tillery. “I think it was the penetration with the trajectory of the ball,” Santos said. “Had the ball started 3 or 4 inches to the right of both those guys' hands, I think it still goes in through the uprights.” Brian Asamoah returned the blocked kick 22 yards to set the Vikings up with good field position. Sam Darnold then capped a six-play, 53-yard drive with a 5-yard TD pass to Jalen Nailor for a 14-7 lead with 6:29 left in the first half. It was the third blocked field goal for Santos this year, the most for Chicago in a single season since it also had three blocked in 2012. Santos also had a 43-yard try blocked in the fourth quarter of a 35-16 victory over Jacksonville on Oct. 13. The Bears became the first NFL team to allow three blocked field goals in a season since the Browns and Ravens each had three blocked in 2022. “Whenever that happens two games in a row we’ve got to make sure we take a hard look in terms of the protection, the technique and who we have in there,” Eberflus said. “So it's going to be a big thing to look at.” Chicago trailed 17-10 when it forced a Minnesota punt midway through the third quarter. Carter warned his teammates to get out of the way, but it hit the ground and bounced off the inside of his right leg before it was recovered by Bo Richter at the Bears 15. The Vikings turned the mental error into Aaron Jones' 2-yard touchdown run and a 24-10 lead. “Gotta get out of the way of the ball. That’s on me,” Carter said. “I let the team down today. Game shouldn’t have been in the situation it was in. I felt bad for the guys.” Santos and Carter both played a role in a late rally for Chicago. Carter had a 55-yard kickoff return, and Santos got an onside kick to work before making a tying 48-yarder on the final play of regulation. But the Bears stalled on the first possession of overtime, and Darnold drove the Vikings downfield to set up Parker Romo's winning 29-yard field goal. “We're losing in the most unreal situations,” Bears receiver DJ Moore said. “Now it's like the luck's got to go in our favor at some point.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

While there was high drama in Alexandra Palace on the first day back after the Christmas break, where Damon Heta threw a nine-dart finish, Humphries enjoyed a serene evening. He beat Nick Kenny 4-0 to set up a mouth-watering fourth-round meeting with two-time champion Peter Wright. THE WORLD NUMBER ONE KICKS ON! Luke Humphries comfortably books his spot in the Last 16 with a 4-0 whitewash victory over Nick Kenny, averaging 98.59! 📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/XAADalXD4Q — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 Kenny was unable to produce the form that saw him beat Raymond van Barneveld in the previous round and Humphries did not need to be anywhere near his best. “It was one of those games I didn’t want to take for granted,” he said. “I expected a tough game and I wasn’t firing, I felt there is so much more to give, I felt there was more to come out of me. “I didn’t want to give anyone an inch because they can take a mile. “I’m not going to give up this world title without a fight, I wasn’t at my best but when someone pushes me I know I can come up with the goods.” Earlier in the day Heta set the tournament alight on its resumption with a stunning nine-dart finish before bowing out. The Australian, seeded ninth, achieved darting perfection in the second set of his match with Luke Woodhouse to earn a cool £60,000 payday. However, his joy was short-lived as Woodhouse won a thrilling battle 4-3, having trailed 3-1. HEROIC HETA HITS THE NINE! 🔥 UNBELIEVABLE SCENES! 🤯 Damon Heta lands the second nine-darter of the tournament to raise the roof at Alexandra Palace! #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/DW6rhvFqez — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 Heta was millimetres away from throwing a nine-darter in the previous round when he missed the double 12, but he made no mistake this time in the first match after the Christmas break. Heta’s feat was the second time a nine-darter has been thrown in the 2025 tournament and the 16th of all time at the World Championship, following Christian Kist’s effort before Christmas. As well as landing the Australian a hefty payday, it also saw a lucky fan in Ally Pally win a £60,000, with £60,000 also being donated to Prostate Cancer UK. There were several other titanic battles, none better than Gerwyn Price’s sudden-death leg victory over Joe Cullen. Price looked like he was going to have an easy night when he coasted into a 3-0 lead, but Cullen hit back to send it to a decider, which went all the way. Cullen landed a ‘Big Fish’ 170 checkout to send the tie to a sudden-death leg on his throw but Price hit some big numbers to steal victory. “That was tough, I just wanted to get over the winning line,” he said during his on-stage interview. PRICE WINS A THRILLER! That might just be the game of the tournament so far! 💥 Gerwyn Price manages to break the Rockstars throw in the final leg of the game, and beats Joe Cullen 4-3 and books his place in the Last 16! 📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/VnjnJxP0T0 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 “He kept coming back, the crowd were way behind him. “I thought I was going to lose, but I kept in there right to the end and got the win. “He played some good darts at the right times. I put myself in that position, I got myself out of it and I’m still in.” Seventh seed Jonny Clayton also battled to victory after squandering a 3-0 lead against Daryl Gurney. Gurney then had six darts to send the decider to a tiebreaker but lost his nerve and Clayton stole a 4-3 win. Stephen Bunting and Peter Wright, who was suffering from a chest infection, enjoyed much more safe passages with routine wins over Madars Razma and Jermaine Wattimena respectively.

Orioles plan to evolve, but not overhaul, offensive philosophy in 2025