y888
Ford government defends tripling spending on ads after searing auditor general's reportPLATINUM EQUITY INVESTS IN HVAC/R DISTRIBUTOR GLOBAL, THE SOURCE
Global stocks mostly rose Thursday following strong earnings from artificial intelligence leader Nvidia as bitcoin prices zoomed near $100,000 and oil prices rose. Nvidia itself had a volatile day, finishing modestly higher after several reversals. The chip company reported a whopping $19 billion in profits, although investors wondered if its current rate of stupendous growth is sustainable. But stocks rose as a "relief trade" after the Nvidia report, said Briefing.com analyst Patrick O'Hare, who noted that investors had feared a disappointing Nvidia announcement would spark a tech sell-off. All three major US indices rose, led by the Dow, which won more than one percent. The pickup on US markets also helped European bourses shake off early weakness. O'Hare called Thursday's rally a "broad-based move," noting nine of 11 US sectors rose and adding that investors are hopeful about a year-end rally. But worsening tensions between Russia and Ukraine also loom as a risk. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the conflict in Ukraine had characteristics of a "global" war and did not rule out strikes on Western countries. Putin spoke out after a day of frayed nerves, with Russia test-firing a new generation intermediate-range missile at Ukraine. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky branded the strike a major ramping up of the "scale and brutality" of the war by a "crazy neighbor", while Kyiv's main backer the United States said that Russia was to blame for escalating the conflict "at every turn". The tension helped push oil prices up around two percent and played a role in lifting natural gas prices to their highest level in a year. The dollar also continued to push higher, boosted by the falling odds of further Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, as well as the greenback's status as a haven currency. But the day's most impressive action may have been bitcoin, which soared above $99,000. The cryptocurrency has been lifted by expectations that Donald Trump, spurred by cryptocurrency cheerleader Elon Musk, will bring it further into everyday use upon re-entering the White House in January. "Will Americans be able to use crypto to pay their taxes in the future? There is a bigger possibility of this happening now than before the election," said Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB. In Asia, shares in Indian conglomerate Adani Group tanked after US prosecutors charged its owner Gautam Adani with handing out more than $250 million in bribes for key contracts. Flagship operation Adani Enterprises dived almost 20 percent, while several of its subsidiaries -- from coal to media businesses -- lost 10 to 20 percent. Among other companies, Google parent Alphabet tumbled 4.6 percent after the Justice Department asked a federal court to order Google to sell its widely used Chrome browser in a major antitrust crackdown. DOJ also asked the court to ban deals for Google to be the default search engine on smartphones and prevent it from exploiting its Android mobile operating system. New York - Dow: UP 1.1 percent at 43,870.35 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.5 percent at 5,948.71 (close) New York - Nasdaq: UP less than 0.1 percent at 18,972.42 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.8 percent at 8,149.27 (close) Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.2 percent at 7,213.32 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: UP 0.7 percent at 19,146.17 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.9 percent at 38,026.17 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.5 percent at 19,601.11 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.1 percent at 3,370.40 (close) Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0476 from $1.0544 on Wednesday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2587 from $1.2652 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 154.54 yen from 155.44 yen Euro/pound: DOWN at 83.20 pence from 83.33 pence Brent North Sea Crude: UP 2.0 percent at $74.23 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: UP 2.0 percent at $70.10 per barrel bur-jmb/mdBank of Canada preparing for more uncertain, shock-prone future
The Canadian Armed Forces Recruitment CrisisNoneComcast Premieres "Our Blues Makes Us Gold," A Compelling Documentary Celebrating North Carolina A&T's Global Impact and Historic Legacy
Whether Soto tops Ohtani's record deal may depend on math
Warner Bros. Discovery in October did something very ambitious , announcing that the company’s current U.S. ad-sales chief, Jon Steinlauf would leave — just as soon as the company found his successor. Two months later, Steinlauf is still leading Warner’s efforts to win money from Madison Avenue. Meanwhile, Warner initially reached out to prominent sales executives at direct rivals to see if they might be interested in the role, according to four people familiar with discussions. Recruiters representing Warner approached senior sales executives from at least three of the company’s direct rivals, according to these people, but the efforts were turned down each time. Warner Bros. Discovery has evaluated “dozens” of potential candidates, according to a person familiar with the process, which is being managed by Bruce Campbell , the company’s chief revenue and strategy officer, with some insight being offered by Steinlauf. Warner has narrowed its consideration set to a small group of finalists, this person says, and feels no pressure to rush its efforts. Warner Bros. Discovery declined to make executives available for comment. In years past, selling ads for Warner TV networks such as CNN, TNT and Food Network would have represented one of the most attractive jobs in U.S. media, one that would come with access to sports events such as the NCAA men’s basketball championship and proximity to celebrities including Anderson Cooper, Conan O’Brien and Charles Barkley. In 2024, however, the Warner portfolio has seen some of its value eroded. Many of the company’s top cable networks suffer from continuing ratings declines. Warner Bros. Discovery will at the start of the next NBA season lose the U.S TV rights to the league’s games , which have buoyed the cable network TNT and drawn millions of dollars in ad support. Warner Bros. Discovery earlier this year took a $9.1 billion write-down on the value of its cable portfolio, which also includes TBS, HGTV and Discovery Channel. The Warner ad-sales job comes with other challenges, too. David Zaslav, the company’s CEO, has become known in recent years for inserting himself into negotiations between the company and some of the big media agencies that represent billions of dollars in ad spend from blue-chip clients. Zaslav, who has in recent years has tried to push advertisers to raise their advertising commitments, has in some cases alienated clients with deal terms he sought, and undermined his sales team’s work. None of the candidates being considered has expressed any concerns about how Warner Bros. Discovery manages its ad-sales efforts, according to the person familiar with the company’s process, and Campbell is known to have direct supervision of sales efforts. Warner Bros. Discovery secured $5.69 billion in TV-network advertising in the first nine months of 2024, according to the company’s earnings reports — representing a dip of about 10% from the same time period in 2023, when it secured around $6.39 billion. Sales jobs for major media companies have long come with high pressures and big expectations. In recent years, however, those concerns have magnified. The corporations involved need Madison Avenue support to thrive, and the rise of streaming giants like Amazon, Netflix and YouTube has diverted millions of dollars that would in the past have gone directly to traditional players such as Warner, Paramount Global and Walt Disney, among others. As a result, media conglomerates are more prone to change strategies quickly in a bid to chase advertisers. In recent months, Fox, Nexstar, Warner, Paramount, NBCUniversal and Netflix have all parted ways or announced separations with some of their most experienced ad-sales executives — and in some cases unveiled new structures in a bid to streamline relationships with key media buyers and clients. Netflix raised eyebrows in the midst of the industry’s “ upfront ” sales season by ousting Peter Naylor , a respected veteran of NBC, Hulu and Snapchat, spurring speculation that the streaming giant wasn’t meeting its goals for the annual sales session. The company has since hired a new executive , Nicolle Pangis, to take on his duties., There is some speculation that Warner might consider internal candidates as well. One executive said to have expressed interest in the job is Ryan Gould, who oversees digital ad sales. Gould has oversight of the one of the hottest areas in the company’s portfolio — ad sales on the Max streaming hub. Advertisers are getting placement in content there that has previously been kept away from them, including popular HBO series such as “Game of Thrones” or “Girls.” Sponsors can also experiment with new technologies that spur streaming subscribers to shop for products like the ones seen in their favorite programs and series. Another Warner sales executive could be poised to get new duties if the company chooses to rely on internal candidates. Robert Voltaggio, an executive vice president, doesn’t have a typical sales background. He has largely focused on crucial back-of-the-house operations, such as ad pricing and implementation of sales strategies. But he has developed credibility over time with Warner’s top executives, according to people familiar with the matter, and has often demonstrated an ability to speak candidly with Zaslav, the CEO. That could make life easier for whoever is awarded the top sales role.Bring Home 2025's Cottage Chic Trend With The Tile Shop's Newest Collaboration With Laura Ashley
Hearts' January transfer plans as a speedy forward comes into contentionDES MOINES — Gov. Kim Reynolds named Sen. Chris Cournoyer as her new lieutenant governor Monday, filling the role that was left open since former Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg resigned from the position in September. The governor said Cournoyer, a LeClaire Republican who has served as a state senator since 2019, was her choice after months of consideration because of her work on issues like education and technology. “Her first instinct isn’t just to wonder ‘why’ something isn’t working right or to complain, it’s actually to get in there and fix the problem herself,” Reynolds said. “She takes responsibility, she gets her hands dirty and she does the work. And the people of Iowa couldn’t ask for more in a lieutenant governor, and neither can I.” Cournoyer took the oath of office Monday, administered by Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen, officially taking the position as lieutenant governor. She thanked Reynolds for appointing her to the position, and said she was ready to help serve the state from the executive branch. “It’s an honor, and somewhat surreal, to be standing at this podium as Iowa’s lieutenant governor,” Cournoyer said. “... This is a humbling responsibility for me, and Iowans can be confident that I will always approach it with the seriousness that it deserves. That’s why I want to thank you, Governor. Reynolds, for placing your trust in me.” In addition to serving in the Iowa Senate, Cournoyer was formerly president of the Pleasant Valley Community School District School Board, member of Governor’s STEM Advisory Council and previously worked as a senior consultant in the technology division of the Chicago-based Andersen Consulting — a firm that later became Accenture. Reynolds praised Cournoyer’s experience in these roles, saying she will play an important role as lieutenant governor in tackling issues like artificial intelligence and expanding STEM opportunities in Iowa schools. “Chris’ qualifications go far beyond an impressive resume,” Reynolds said at the news conference held in the governor’s office Monday. “In fact, I believe they get to the heart ... of what it takes to be a lieutenant governor. First and foremost, she’s someone that Iowans can trust to serve as governor if I were ever unable to. I have complete confidence in her character, her judgment and her ability. It’s these same qualities that also make her ideally suited to serve as a member of my team.” Cournoyer will serve as Reynolds’ second-in-command for the remainder of the governor’s current term of office, until 2026 — the time of the next Iowa gubernatorial election. Though Reynolds has not made any announcement regarding another reelection campaign, she is expected to run for another term in the next election. Iowa Republicans and state leaders sent congratulations to Cournoyer for her appointment to the position. Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver released a statement Monday saying Cournoyer had “proven herself over the last 6 years as a smart, capable conservative” as a member of the Iowa Senate Republicans. “During her tenure in the Iowa Senate, she was a leading advocate for legislation to secure Second Amendment rights, protections for law enforcement, historic income tax relief, and every other common sense conservative priority the Senate has advanced,” Whitver said. “She will be missed, but I am happy for her and I look forward to watching her succeed in her new role as Lieutenant Governor.” Alongside her role in the gubernatorial line of succession, the lieutenant governor is also assigned duties by the governor. For Gregg, that meant initiatives like the Empower Rural Iowa Initiative. Gregg, who became the Iowa Bankers Association’s president and CEO in September after resigning as lieutenant governor, said that he chose to leave public office to spend more time with his family. He had held the position since Reynolds took office in 2017 after former Gov. Terry Branstad vacated the governor seat to serve as U.S. ambassador to China during President-elect Donald Trump’s first term in office. When Gregg was appointed to serve as the state’s executive second-in-command by Reynolds in May 2017, his role was limited. Former Attorney General Tom Miller issued a legal opinion in 2017 that Reynolds had technically not vacated her position as Branstad’s lieutenant governor when she ascended to the governorship, meaning that she could not formally appoint her own lieutenant governor. Gregg did not officially take the position until he and Reynolds won reelection in 2018. Reynolds did not face the same challenges appointing a person to fill Gregg’s position in 2024, as Reynolds, who won reelection in 2022, has the power as governor to fill the vacancy for the remainder of her term. Additionally, Iowans approved a constitutional amendment in the 2024 general election that changed language in the Iowa State Constitution to clarify that a vacancy is created in the lieutenant governor’s position when a lieutenant governor takes the position of governor. The largest difference in being officially appointed to the lieutenant governor’s position lies in the gubernatorial line of succession. When Gregg held the position unofficially prior to the 2018 election, Whitver, then-Senate president, would have become governor if Reynolds vacated the governor’s office at that time. For the past few months without a sitting lieutenant governor, Senate President Amy Sinclair has been next in line to serve as Iowa governor. Reynolds will need to call a special election to fill Cournoyer’s seat in the Iowa Senate. The governor’s office has not yet shared details about their plans to fill the vacancy.
10 popular public high schools in New Jersey one can consider for quality education
Trump to name hedge fund manager Scott Bessent as Treasury chief: US media
Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. Invests $565,000 in Urban Edge Properties (NYSE:UE)
DETROIT (AP) — Starting in September of 2027, all new passenger vehicles in the U.S. will have to sound a warning if rear-seat passengers don't buckle up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday that it finalized the rule, which also requires enhanced warnings when front seat belts aren't fastened. The agency estimates that the new rule will save 50 lives per year and prevent 500 injuries when fully in effect, according to a statement. The new rule will apply to passenger cars, trucks, buses except for school buses, and multipurpose vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds. Before the rule, seat belt warnings were required only for the driver's seat. Under the new rule, outboard front-seat passengers also must get a warning if they don't fasten their belts. Front-center seats will not get a warning because NHTSA found that it wouldn't be cost effective. The agency said most vehicles already have warnings for the outboard passenger seats. The rule also lengthens the duration of audio and visual warnings for the driver's seat. The front-seat rules are effective starting Sept. 1 of 2026. Rear passengers consistently use seat belts at a lower rate than front passengers, the agency says. In 2022, front belt use was just under 92%, while rear use dropped to about 82%. About half of automobile passengers who died in crashes two years ago weren’t wearing belts, according to NHTSA data. The seat belt rule is the second significant regulation to come from NHTSA in the past two months. In November the agency bolstered its five-star auto safety ratings to include driver assistance technologies and pedestrian protection. Safety advocates want the Department of Transportation, which includes NHTSA, to finish several more rules before the end of the Biden administration, because President-elect Donald Trump has said he’s against new government regulations. Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, urged the department to approve automatic emergency braking for heavy trucks and technology to prevent impaired driving.
Special counsel moves to drop federal cases against Trump