Can AI make vacations easier?By David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Republicans in the U.S. Congress are discussing a two-step plan to push ahead on President-elect Donald Trump's agenda when they take control of both chambers next year, potentially starting with border security, energy and defense before turning to tax cuts. Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune, whose Republicans will hold a 53-47 majority, laid out a plan in a closed-door party meeting on Tuesday that included a call from Trump himself. It aims to use a parliamentary maneuver to bypass the chamber's "filibuster" rule that requires 60 senators to agree to advance most legislation. According to the Senate plan, the first bill would focus on Trump's agenda for border security, energy deregulation and defense spending, while the second would extend tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed during the first Trump presidency, which are due to expire next year. Thune told reporters that the plan amounted to "options, all of which our members are considering." To enact Trump's agenda, the Senate will have to work closely with the president-elect and the House of Representatives, which is expected to have a razor-thin Republican majority. "We were always planning to do reconciliation in two packages. So we're discussing right now how to allocate the various provisions, and we're making those decisions over the next couple of days," said House Speaker Mike Johnson, who joined Senate Republicans at their meeting. "There are different ideas on what to put in the first package and what in the second, and we're trying to build consensus around those ideas," Johnson told reporters. The speaker also said that he believes Congress in coming weeks will pursue a continuing resolution, or CR, that would fund federal agencies into March. Current funding is set to expire on Dec. 20. Before moving a first reconciliation bill, the House and Senate will need to agree on a budget resolution to unlock the "reconciliation" tool they plan to use to bypass the filibuster. Aides said senators hope to do that by the end of January and then move quickly to complete the first bill by March 31. "We have the trifecta for two years. About 18 months is all we're really going to have to really get things done," Republican Senator Mike Rounds told reporters. Democrats also leaned heavily on reconciliation to pass legislation when they held control of both chambers during the first two years of President Joe Biden's term. Republican Senator Rand Paul, a fiscal hawk, raised concerns about the plan's cost. "This is not a fiscally conservative notion," Paul said. "So at this point, I'm not for it, unless there are significant spending cuts attached." Extending Trump's tax cuts for individuals and small businesses will add $4 trillion to the current $36 trillion in total U.S. debt over 10 years. Trump also promised voters generous new tax breaks, including ending taxes on Social Security, overtime and tip income and restoring deductions for car loan interest. The tab is likely to reach $7.75 trillion above the CBO baseline over 10 years, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a non-partisan fiscal watchdog group. (Reporting by David Morgan; Editing by Scott Malone, Stephen Coates and Shri Navaratnam) Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .
Irish Government doubted UK campaign to ‘save David’ TrimbleGuest Opinion: The fights over culturally divisive issues in schools? They cost billions that could be spent helping kids
QU To Host Gulf 'Three-Minute Thesis' CompetitionIrish Government doubted UK campaign to ‘save David’ Trimble
Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin Out 4-6 Weeks with Fractured FibulaLAS VEGAS — Players Era Festival organizers have done what so many other have tried — bet their fortunes in this city that a big payoff is coming. Such bet are usually bad ones, which is why so many massive casino-resorts have been built on Las Vegas Boulevard. But it doesn't mean the organizers are wrong. They're counting on the minimum of $1 million in guaranteed name, image and likeness money that will go to each of the eight teams competing in the neutral-site tournament that begins Tuesday will create a precedent for other such events. EverWonder Studios CEO Ian Orefice, who co-founded Players with former AND1 CEO Seth Berger, compared this event to last year's inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament that played its semifinals and final in Las Vegas by saying it "did really well to reinvigorate the fan base at the beginning of the year." "We're excited that we're able to really change the paradigm in college basketball on the economics," Orefice said. "But for us, it's about the long term. How do we use the momentum that is launching with the 2024 Players Era Festival and be the catalyst not to change one event, but to change college basketball for the future." Orefice and Berger didn't disclose financial details, but said the event will come close to breaking even this year and that revenue is in eight figures. Orefice said the bulk of the revenue will come from relationships with MGM, TNT Sports and Publicis Sport & Entertainment as well as sponsors that will be announced later. Both organizers said they are so bullish on the tournament's prospects that they already are planning ahead. Money made from this year's event, Orefice said, goes right back into the company. "We're really in this for the long haul," Orefice said. "So we're not looking at it on a one-year basis." Rick Giles is president of the Gazelle Group, which also operates several similar events, including the College Basketball Invitational. He was skeptical the financial numbers would work. Giles said in addition to more than $8 million going to the players, there were other expenses such as the guarantees to the teams. He said he didn't know if the tournament would make up the difference with ticket sales, broadcast rights and sponsorship money. The top bowl of the MGM Grand Garden Arena will be curtained off. "The math is highly challenging," Giles said. "Attendance and ticket revenues are not going to come anywhere close to covering that. They haven't announced any sponsors that I'm aware of. So it all sort of rests with their media deal with Turner and how much capital they want to commit to it to get these players paid." David Carter, a University of Southern California adjunct professor who also runs the Sports Business Group consultancy, said even if the Players isn't a financial success this year, the question is whether there will be enough interest to move forward. "If there is bandwidth for another tournament and if the TV or the streaming ratings are going to be there and people are going to want to attend and companies are going to want to sponsor, then, yeah, it's probably going to work," Carter said. "But it may take them time to gain that traction." Both founders said they initially were met with skepticism about putting together such an event, especially from teams they were interested in inviting. Houston was the first school to commit, first offering an oral pledge early in the year and then signing a contract in April. That created momentum for others to join, and including the No. 6 Cougars, half the field is ranked. "We have the relationships to operate a great event," Berger said. "We had to get coaches over those hurdles, and once they knew that we were real, schools got on board really quickly." The founders worked with the NCAA to make sure the tournament abided by that organization's rules, so players must appear at ancillary events in order to receive NIL money. Strict pay for play is not allowed, though there are incentives for performance. The champion, for example, will receive $1.5 million in NIL money. Now the pressure is on to pull off the event and not create the kind of headlines that can dog it for years to come. "I think everybody in the marketplace is watching what's going to happen (this) week and, more importantly, what happens afterwards," Giles said. "Do the players get paid on a timely basis? And if they do, that means that Turner or somebody has paid way more than the market dictates? And the question will be: Can that continue?" CREIGHTON: P oint guard Steven Ashworth likely won’t play in the No. 21 Bluejays’ game against San Diego State in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. Ashworth sprained his right ankle late in a loss to Nebraska on Friday and coach Greg McDermott said afterward he didn’t know how long he would be out. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Nagpur: As the sun dipped below the horizon, a crisp December breeze swept through the city, carrying with it the clink of glasses, dazzling live music, and the tantalising aroma of sizzling delicacies marking the inauguration of the 11th Nagpur Wine and Food Festival on Saturday. Organised by the Nagpur Wine Club and Tranquillo in association with The Times of India and Maharashtra Times, the event was also supported by Ushakal and Money Yields, which transformed a quaint corner of the city into a vibrant tapestry of flavours, laughter, and camaraderie. Under twinkling lights, wine enthusiasts swirled ruby reds and golden whites in delicate glasses, while food stalls bustled with activity, serving hot, comforting fare that perfectly complemented the chilly winds. It wasn't just the taste of fine wines or the zing of freshly prepared food that drew the crowd — it was the celebration of life itself, bringing together young groups, couples, and even elderly pairs, their shared joy filling the air like a favourite melody. For many, this festival is a much-anticipated tradition. Air Force Officer Rahul Rai, a three-year attendee, beamed with enthusiasm. "It's really one of its kind. Every year, we wait for the event. The event is just fantastic and should continue its legacy for years purely for the sake of Nagpurkars." Another attendee, Snehal Parekar, said, "I have been coming to this event for the past 10 years along with my husband. It has been an awesome experience so far, and I would not miss it for anything else. There are many activities to engage with the public, such as this grape stomping event, group dancing, and more." With each sip and every bite, the festival promised more than indulgence — it offered an experience, one that spoke of Nagpur's growing love for the finer things and its knack for hosting a warm, unforgettable soirée. What made the event truly special was its diverse audience. Youngsters mingled in groups, couples enjoyed romantic moments, and middle-aged and older patrons relished the experience, some in pairs and others in larger social circles. Vinod Rajput, a regular for over seven years, admired the festival's growth while pointing out a challenge. "The fest is very well managed. It's gaining popularity every year, and I think even this space has started falling short as the public demand keeps on increasing every year," he said. Anu Srita, attending the festival for the first time, shared her excitement, "This was a truly unique experience for me. The atmosphere is delightful, and the variety of wines offered at each stall is impressive. I'm already looking forward to coming here again next year." Adding to the chorus of praise was another loyal visitor, Roshan Sumbhate, a regular attendee for the past 7-8 years, who said, "The location changes over the years have been positive, matching the growing enthusiasm for the event. The atmosphere and overall environment are perfectly tailored to meet the public's expectations." The event featured live music that set the mood, with soulful melodies complementing the vibrant buzz of conversations. As glasses clinked and plates emptied, the festival served as a celebration of not just culinary and oenological delights but also of community spirit. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .
Is Enron back? If it's a joke, some former employees aren't laughingTrudeau calls violence in Montreal 'appalling' as NATO protest continues
OTTAWA - Dave Cameron and his players once again found themselves in an uncomfortable position. Coming off a stunning, embarrassing loss to Latvia some 48 hours earlier at the world junior hockey championship, Canada led another of the sport’s lesser lights by a single goal late in regulation Sunday. The tournament hosts would get the job done in the end. It wasn’t pretty. Oliver Bonk, Caden Price and Mathieu Cataford, into the empty net, scored as the wobbly Canadians picked up an unconvincing 3-0 victory over Germany. “We’re snake-bitten,” Cameron, at his third world juniors as the country’s head coach, said of the roster’s toothless attack. “We’re getting chances. That’s all you can do ... it’ll break.” Carter George made 25 saves to register the goaltender’s second straight shutout for Canada, which was coming off Friday’s 3-2 upset loss to Latvia in a shootout. “I just want to go out there and do my part to get this team a win,” said George, who took a shot at the empty net that dribbled wide. “We all pitch into the system.” Nico Pertuch stopped 33 shots for Germany, which dropped its Group A opener at the men’s under-20 tournament 10-4 to the United States before falling 3-1 to Finland. Canada, which entered with a 17-0 record all-time and a combined 107-26 score against Germany at the world juniors, went more than 120 minutes against a pair of hockey minnows without scoring a goal at 5-on-5. “It gets a little tense there when it was 1-0 with five minutes left,” said defenceman Tanner Molendyk. “But I thought we handled it well.” “A little tighter than maybe we would have expected,” added fellow blueliner Sam Dickinson. Despite another sub-par performance, the victory sets up a mouth-watering New Year’s Eve matchup against the U.S. for first place in the pool after the Americans fell 4-3 to the Finns in overtime earlier Sunday. Canada suffered one of the worst defeats in the program’s history when Latvia — outscored 41-4 in four previous meetings at the event — shocked the hockey world. And while the plucky Europeans were full marks for their victory, the Canadians were largely disjointed and surrendered the middle of the ice for long stretches despite firing 57 shots on goal. There was more of the same Sunday through the two periods. “It’s a quick turnaround, maybe, from (the Latvia loss),” said Canadian forward Berkly Catton. “That hurt, but we’ve got to be ready.” Cameron made a couple of changes to his lineup — one out of necessity and another for tactical reasons. With star defenceman Matthew Schaefer, who could go No. 1 at the 2025 NHL draft, out of the world juniors after suffering an upper-body injury Friday, Vancouver Canucks prospect Sawyer Mynio drew in. Cameron also sat forward Porter Martone for Carson Rehkopf. Canada opened the scoring on the power play, which also had a new look after going 1-for-7 through two games, when Bonk scored from his normal bumper position in the slot at 9:40 of the first period. “Great feeling,” said the Ottawa native and son of former NHLer Radek Bonk. “Fans have been awesome.” Dickinson then chimed a one-timer off the post on another man advantage before George, who was in goal for Canada’s 4-0 opener against Finland, made a couple of stops on the penalty kill inside a red-clad Canadian Tire Centre. “He’s been unbelievable,” Catton said of the netminder. “He held us in that game when we weren’t playing great. He’s been the heart and soul of our team.” Petruch made a big save off Tanner Howe in the second before also denying Calum Ritchie from the slot on a power play, but the Canadians again looked out of sorts against a decidedly inferior opponent on paper. “You need different clubs in your bag to win this tournament,” Cameron said. “Right now our defence and our goaltending are leading the pack. They’re the clubs we’re using the most. “The offence in this group’s going to get going.” Catton hit another post for Canada early in the third as a group with 11 first-round NHL draft picks finally started to flex its muscles. Molendyk then also found iron against Germany, set to meet Latvia in a crucial Monday matchup at the bottom of the Group A standings. “It was a lot better,” Bonk said of the overall effort. “We didn’t score as much as we should have or wanted to. It happens, but the goals will come.” Price finally broke the 5-on-5 goose egg with 4:58 left in regulation on a shot that caromed off the end boards, Pertuch and in before Cataford fired into the empty net on another nervy night for the 20-time gold medallists. “Win a hockey game,” Catton said of the feeling on the bench. “That’s all that really matters — 1-0, 3-0, 10-0 — it’s all the same. “We need the wins and we got it.” Canada’s biggest rival is now on deck. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 29, 2024. Read more on the World Junior Hockey Championship at thestar.com
Players Era Festival organizers betting big NIL is future of college tourneysTimeline: Jimmy Carter, 1924-2024None
Hidalgo leads No. 6 Notre Dame over JuJu Watkins and third-ranked USC 74-61 in big matchup out West
Teladoc Health's international president sells $60,948 in stockIn 2023, East Central University announced the launch of a campaign that would see the construction of a new STEM Center on the ECU campus that would also house the ECU Nursing Program. The groundbreaking for this new state-of-the-art facility was over the summer with representatives from the State of Oklahoma, City of Ada, Valley View Foundation and Chickasaw Nation in attendance. ECU is pleased to announce that this newest addition to the university’s campus will be named in honor of Chickasaw citizen Dan Hays. “We are pleased East Central University is honoring Chickasaw citizen Dan Hays, whose generosity and vision of the future has had a powerful impact on education throughout the Ada area, the Chickasaw Nation and beyond,” said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. “It is fitting that ECU’s new STEM center should bear the Hays name as a tribute and testament to his commitment to lifelong learning and education.” Hays, who possessed an allotment of 320 acres of land across what is now Ada, recognized the significance of establishing what was then named East Central State Normal School in the region. Following approval for the normal school by Gov. Charles N. Haskell in 1909, Hays quickly stepped forward to donate 16 acres of his land, his only stipulation being that he be allowed to remain in his home, which was also located on the 16-acre allotment. The chosen acreage, allotted by Hays, allowed for ECU’s first building, Science Hall, to be constructed at the end of Ada’s Main Street. An article featured in the May 6, 1909, edition of the Ada Evening News reported by Col. E.H. Lucas stated, “The acceptance of the proposed site will mean that the normal school would be located in that magnificent location, avenue style, at the end of East Main Street. From this point, the view could not be more excellent. To stand in the center of the business section of Main Street and look at the point proposed for the location on the east side must bring from anyone an involuntary expression of approval, for it is the prettiest site I ever saw.” Construction quickly began and the students of East Central Normal School were blessed to begin their second year of classes in their very own building by the fall semester of 1910, thanks to the generous donation of Dan Hays. In honor of Hays significant contribution and the longstanding relationship that it helped forge between ECU and the Chickasaw Nation, ECU President Wendell Godwin has announced that the university’s newest addition will be named in honor of Hays himself. “We are proud to embrace the Native American legacy on our campus, and this is an excellent way to memorialize the original gift from the Hays family,” said Godwin. “The Chickasaw Nation has been a driving force in the region’s educational successes for decades. East Central University is excited to highlight the native theme and décor that will be illustrated throughout the Dan Hays STEM Center to further demonstrate our appreciation. Our community is excited to watch the construction over the next 18 months.” Among the highlights of this two-floor facility is a simulation center, more than 25 hands-on learning labs and STEM classrooms equipped with the latest technology to benefit both STEM and Nursing students. The construction of this new building and the expansion of the nursing program are expected to generate a 200% increase in nursing graduates from ECU. Historically, 84% of nursing graduates stay in Oklahoma five years after graduation and 75% of students are accepted into medical school. Nursing, Math and Computer Science are some of the university’s largest and fastest-growing degree programs. The average pass rate for the ECU School of Nursing on the registered nurses NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is 97% while the national average is 82%. This expansion will allow ECU to recruit a number of new staff and faculty as well as more than 200 new nursing students to the university and community. The new facility will serve to reaffirm ECU’s commitment to educating students and transforming students’ lives for generations to come.
Harry Kane becomes the fastest player to score 50 goals in the Bundesliga
Players Era Festival organizers betting big NIL is future of college tourneysUS Senate Republicans Eye Two-Step Trump Legislative Agenda
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins LLP reminds investors that a class action was filed on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) securities between November 16, 2023 and September 23, 2024. Visa operates one the largest digital payment platforms in the world. For more information, submit a form , email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003. The Allegations: Robbins LLP is Investigating Allegations that Visa Inc. (V) Misled Investors Regarding its Monopolization of the Debt Market According to the complaint, during the class period, defendants materially misled investors as to the risk of damaging antitrust investigations being conducted by federal regulators, choosing to downplay the risk despite its high likelihood of manifesting. On September 24, 2024, these risks came to fruition, as the United States Department of Justice sued Visa in federal court for monopolizing the debit card payment processing market. On this news, Visa’s stock price fell $1.48, or 5.38%, to close at $26.03 per share on September 24, 2024. What Now: You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Visa Inc. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their application to the court by January 20, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here . All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. About Robbins LLP: Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions; Robbins LLP does. A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. To be notified if a class action against Visa Inc. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/72ab9093-8695-4684-b894-67f423f3ed3c
Players Era Festival organizers betting big NIL is future of college tourneysDebenhams drops 40% off 'fabulous' £261 shower tower described as a 'splendid bit of kit'