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For lessons on societal unhappiness and immigration, Crikey readers turn to Karl Marx and John HowardPM forms panel to resolve issues with PPPUnited Airlines travelers with lost luggage have a new tool to track their bags. If the lost bag has an Apple AirTag in it, that information can now be passed directly to United, the airline announced Thursday. The new feature, called Share Item Location, allows travelers with an AirTag or other Find My network accessory to share the location with the airline’s customer service team to help locate their luggage in the event it’s misplaced. United says more than 99% of its customers pick up their luggage without a hitch. The feature is now available with iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 or macOS 15.2. “Apple’s new Share Item Location feature will help customers travel with even more confidence, knowing they have another way to access their bag’s precise location with AirTag or their Find My accessory of choice,” said David Kinzelman, United’s chief customer officer. People are also reading... Spreading kindness one butterfly at a time At the courthouse, Dec. 7, 2024 Camper total loss after fire north of Beatrice BPS receives a "good" classification Stabler scores 22 in Lady O's season opening win Holiday lights travel through downtown Beatrice for annual parade Hubbell native, Gage County Fair performer hosting Christmas concert Orangemen open season with win over Nebraska City P.E.O. sponsors Holiday Tour of Homes Early names to know as Nebraska begins early shopping in the open transfer market Lonnie Meyer 27-year-old Beatrice man sentenced for May assault Amie Just: This recruiting class marks the beginning of a new era — one without walk-ons Traffic enforcement campaigns net safety reminders, citations Orangemen wrestlers get their season started Travelers on United whose bags do not arrive at their destination can file a delayed baggage report with United and share the link to the item’s location either through the United app or via text message. After the report has been submitted, customer service agents will be able to locate the item on an interactive map alongside a timestamp of a recent update. The shared location will be disabled after a customer has the bag, and customers can also stop sharing the location of the item at any time on their own. The location link will also automatically expire after seven days. Using AirTags or other tracking devices on luggage is increasingly popular among frequent travelers, with a significant boom following the 2022 Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown , which displaced thousands of travelers over Christmas and into 2023, alongside much of their belongings. United says lost bags are rare, with more than 99% of its customers arriving with their bags. It says the new technology will help those with lost bags to recover them more quickly because the airline will have more information about them. Apple previously announced the new service will also be integrated at other air carriers, including Delta Air Lines. Others include Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Vueling. 4 tips to help you experience exceptional cruise dining | PennyWise podcast Nat CardonaLee Media Studio Frontier Airlines introducing ‘first class-style’ seats By Marnie Hunter, CNN US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems? DAVID KOENIGAssociated Press Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!

Hylton urges Gov’t to reduce cost to wire houses to improve legal connections to electricity grid

Bashar al-Assad's government has been accused of carrying out torture, rape, summary executions and other abuses since since Syria's civil war started in 2011. UN investigators have said that accountability must be taken at the highest level after the downfall of the hardline ruler on Sunday. Here is what we know about the extent of the abuses committed: In 2013 a former Syrian army photographer known by the codename "Caesar" fled the country, taking with him some 55,000 graphic images taken between 2011 and 2013. The photos, authenticated by experts, show corpses tortured and starved to death in Syrian prisons. Some people had their eyes gouged out. The photos showed emaciated bodies, people with wounds on the back or stomach, and also a picture of hundreds of corpses in a shed surrounded by plastic bags used for burials. Assad's Syrian government said only that the pictures were "political". But Caesar testified to a US Congress committee and his photographs inspired a 2020 US law which imposed economic sanctions on Syria and judicial proceedings in Europe against Assad's entourage. In Germany and Sweden eight people suspected of crime against humanity were arrested in July in an operation codenamed "Caesar". Germany, the Netherlands and France have since 2022 convicted several top officials from the Syrian intelligence service and militias. UN investigators say they have lists with the names of 4,000 government officials and operatives responsible for abuses. Human Rights Watch (HRW) in 2012 spoke of a "torture archipelago" in which the "use of electricity, burning with car battery acid, sexual assault and humiliation, the pulling of fingernails, and mock execution" were practised in government prisons. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in 2022 more than 100,000 people had died in the prisons since 2011. In 2023, the UN's top court, the International Court of Justice, ordered Syria to stop "inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". In 2020, seven Syrian refugees filed a complaint in Germany saying that they had been victims of torture and sexual violence, including rape, electric shocks on the genitals, forced nudity or forced abortion between 2011 and 2013. The UN said in 2018 there had been systmatic rape and sexual violence against civilians by soldiers or pro-Assad militias. It said an investigation had found rebels had committed similar crimes, but fewer. On November 25, 2024, the Syrian Human Rights Network (SNHR) said there had been at least 11,553 incidents of sexual violence against women, including girls aged under 18, by the warring parties since March 2011. Some 8,024 could be blamed on the Assad government and the others mainly on the jihadist Islamic State. In 2016 UN investigators said Syrian authorities were responsible for acts which came down to "extermination" and could be compared to "crimes against humanity". It pointed to the Saydnaya prison outside Damascus, which was described in 2017 by Amnesty International as a human slaughter house carrying out a "policy of extermination". The United States said there was a "crematorium" at the prison which was used to dispose of the bodies of thousands of inmates. In 2022 the Syrian Observatory for Human Righs said around 30,000 people had been killed at Saydnaya, some of them after being tortured. In April 2020, the chemical weapons watchdog OPCW accused the Syrian army of chemical weapons attacks in Latamne in northern Syria in 2017. In November 2023 France issued international arrest warrants against Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher and two generals on suspicion of complicity in the chemical attacks in August 2013 near Damascus, which according to US intelligence left 1,000 dead. Assad's forces have also been accused of using sarin gas on the rebel town of Khan Sheikhun in April 2017, and also of chlorine gas attacks. Assad's government denied using chemical weapons. Israel says it has staged strikes on some chemical weapons sites this week to stop supplies falling into the hands of extremists. acm-lc/jmy/tw

"The View" co-host Sunny Hostin claimed that President-elect Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign didn't discuss high egg prices during the latest episode of the daytime ABC talk show. While expressing frustration over voters prioritizing kitchen table issues over Trump’s alleged threat to democracy, Hostin declared that Trump didn’t even talk about core economic issues – such as the price of eggs – during his campaign. "Most people are saying, ‘Well this was a kitchen table issue, this was about the cost of eggs.' Donald Trump never talked about the price of eggs," Hostin said on Tuesday.' Despite Hostin’s allegation, Trump spoke about the high cost of eggs multiple times during his campaign. He shared an infographic to Truth Social in September showing how various grocery staples were more expensive under the Biden administration than they were under Trump.' In addition to showing that milk prices were up, as well as the price of ham and chicken, Trump’s graphic pointed out that the price of a case of eggs was up $2 from during his administration. During a campaign stop at a Pennsylvania grocery store that same month, then-vice presidential candidate JD Vance lamented about the price of eggs to reporters, stating, "Eggs, when Kamala Harris took office, were short of $1.50 a dozen. Now, a dozen eggs will cost you around $4 thanks to her inflationary policies." Both Trump and personal finance expert and radio host Dave Ramsey discussed "$8 eggs, $5 gas, 7% interest rates and a house they can’t afford, with wages not going up as fast as house prices," during an October interview. High grocery prices and inflation in general were a key topic throughout the campaign. Hostin’s complaint came while discussing Special Counsel Jack Smith dismissing the federal charges against Trump in his Washington, D.C., case over the president-elect’s alleged 2020 election interference. The co-host argued that throwing out the case dashed the hopes of voter groups like Black female voters who viewed democracy as a top issue. She added, "But when the exit polls were taken, the 92% of Black women that voted for the vice president said that the number one issue for them was January 6 and the fall of democracy. So, there were some voters that felt that was very, very important to them." All six of the co-hosts of "The View" voted for Kamala Harris. Originally published as ‘The View’ co-host Sunny Hostin claims Trump 'never talked about' egg prices during campaignAP News in Brief at 6:04 p.m. ESTEmmanuel Macron met with key politicians Friday in an effort to cobble together a new administration, a day after the French president vowed to serve out the remainder of his term. “The mandate you gave me democratically is for five years and I will exercise it fully,” Macron, whose term ends in 2027, said in a televised speech Thursday evening. He said he will appoint a new premier in the coming days who will be tasked with forming a government of general interest representing all the political forces committed to not censuring it. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

new casino games free download Finding the can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. Bear with me: The new set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. The , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. The could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. Fujifilm’s smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. The appropriately named is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. Related Articles If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40.SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — After three straight losses, including back-to-back blowouts , the San Francisco 49ers needed a get-right game. The Chicago Bears helped provide just that. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

These mid-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio? Lemonade, Inc. LMND shares jumped 47.99% after the company’s Investor Day event. Several analysts raised the price forecast on the stock . Archer Aviation Inc. ACHR shares escalated 46.96%. Needham analyst initiated coverage on Archer Aviation with a Buy rating and a price target of $11 . C3.ai, Inc. AI stock zoomed 43.98% after the company announced a strategic alliance with Microsoft Corp MSFT and expanded its partnership with Capgemini . Oklo Inc. OKLO stock rocketed 40%. The stock may have gained in response to its acquisition target Atomic Alchemy which signed an MOU with Zeno Power to provide fuel for commercial radioisotope power systems. Applied Digital Corporation APLD stock increased 36.24%. Unity Software Inc. U shares rose 35.70%. Nebius Group N.V. NBIS shares were up 33.47% after the company announced an expansion to its AI infrastructure in the U.S. with the Kansas City GPU cluster and three new offices . NuScale Power Corporation SMR stock surged 31.29%. Hims & Hers Health, Inc. HIMS shares jumped 31.11%. The company launched meal replacement bars and shakes to enhance personalized weight loss plans . Also Read: Target, Alibaba And Temu Parent PDD Are Among Top 10 Large-Cap Losers Last Week (Nov 18-Nov 22): Are The Others In Your Portfolio? Super Micro Computer, Snowflake And MicroStrategy Are Among Top 10 Large-Cap Gainers Last Week (Nov 18-Nov 22): Are The Others In Your Portfolio? Image via Walmart © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:25 p.m. EST

Ludhiana: A minor fight between two children in a posh housing society at Pakhowal road led to a violent clash when parents of one of the kids attacked the mother of another on Sunday. The accused also attacked a neighbour who tried to intervene, leaving him with a head injury. Rahul Singla, husband of the injured woman, said that his son called him saying that some people were beating his mother. He rushed home to find his wife injured. He added that their neighbour, Vishal Bhatia, tried to rescue his wife and sustained a severe head injury. Singla said that the dispute started when two groups of children fought with each other while playing. Matters escalated when parents of a few children went to Singla’s house and attacked his wife. Bhatia said, “I heard screams of the children and Rahul Singla’s wife and saw a group of people attacking her. Had I not intervened, they would have torn her clothes. When I tried to stop them, the accused assaulted me.” ASI Balbir Singh, in charge, Lalton Kalan Police Post, said that the police have received a written complaint. tnn We also published the following articles recently When Prince Harry said Meghan Markle and his late mother Princess Diana would have been thick as thieves Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 2017 engagement was marked by a touching tribute to Princess Diana. Harry incorporated diamonds from his mother's jewelry into Meghan's ring, symbolizing Diana's presence on their journey. Meghan expressed gratitude for this thoughtful gesture, feeling connected to Diana through the ring and those who knew her. Man asks estranged wifes neighbour to fix a meet with her, kidnaps his son A 25-year-old laborer, Varun, was arrested in Gurgaon for abducting a 10-year-old boy. He demanded his estranged wife, residing in the same locality, meet him as a condition for the boy's release. The boy's father, also a laborer, received the call from Varun after his son disappeared from a local park. All about David Perdue's family: Meet his wife Bonnie Dunn, children and grandchildren Former Georgia Senator David Perdue has been appointed by Donald Trump as the next US Ambassador to China. Trump highlighted Perdue's Asian business experience and Senate committee work. Perdue, a businessman and politician, previously served as a US Senator from 2015-2021 and unsuccessfully ran for Georgia governor in 2022. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Coach Brian Callahan is sticking with Mason Rudolph at quarterback for a second straight game to see if the Tennessee Titans can build on the veteran who's played in four of their highest scoring games this season. Callahan said Tuesday that he thinks Rudolph earned another chance to play despite a 38-30 loss to Indianapolis. “Obviously the one interception was probably his only really poor moment," Callahan said. "The rest of it was pretty well executed on his part and operated in a drop-back passing game and had to fight his way back through it. And it was good to see, so we’ll let him take another crack at it.” Rudolph is 2-4 in the six games he's played in this season. That includes coming in for an injured Will Levis on Sept. 30 in a 31-12 win at Miami , and he tried to rally the Titans in a turnover-plagued 37-27 loss to Cincinnati before being selected as the starter last week. Rudolph, who is in Tennessee on a one-year deal, was 23 of 34 for 252 yards with two touchdown passes and three interceptions. One went off running back Tony Pollard's hands with the final pick coming on the last play of the game after Rudolph led a rally from a 38-7 deficit in the final 18 minutes. Rudolph's ability to avoid sacks is a key piece of sticking with him over Levis, the 33rd pick overall in the 2023 draft. The quarterbacks' stats are similar with Rudolph having eight TD passes and eight interceptions, completing 63.8% of his passes with a 78.8 passer rating. That’s similar to Levis completing 63.7% of his passes with 12 TD passes and 12 interceptions. But Levis has been sacked 40 times compared to just seven for Rudolph. “He’s got the ability to avoid the negative play when it comes to sacks," Callahan said of Rudolph. “He gets the ball out. He knows where to go with it quickly.” That means Rudolph gets a chance Sunday when the Titans (3-12) visit the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12) to see if he can guide the offense to more than the six points Levis managed against their AFC South rival in a 10-6 loss on Dec. 8 in Nashville. Rudolph said he knows he put the Titans defense in a bad spot with some turnovers. "I’m ready to prove that I can take care of the ball better and keep scoring points,” Rudolph said. Holiday adjustment The Titans held a walk-through Tuesday with Callahan giving the team Wednesday off for Christmas. An injury report won't be released until Wednesday, and Callahan said it'll likely be lengthy. RG Dillon Radunz, who was knocked out of last week's game with an injury, will be on that report. Lineman Jaelyn Duncan, who hurt a hamstring badly enough early in his first start at right tackle Oct. 20 that he wound up on injured reserve , will be available. Callahan said he is excited to see Duncan play. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press

FCS championship game moving to Nashville for 2 yearsThe 49ers' playoff hopes are still teetering even after get-right game against the Bears

All financial figures are approximate and in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. This news release refers to certain financial measures that are not specified, defined or determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), including adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“adjusted EBITDA”). For more information see “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” herein. CALGARY, Alberta — Pembina Pipeline Corporation (“Pembina” or the “Company”) (TSX: PPL; NYSE: PBA) announced today its 2025 financial guidance and provided a business update. Pembina anticipates a record setting financial year in 2024 reflecting the positive impact of recent acquisitions, growing volumes in the WCSB, and a strong contribution from the marketing business. As expected, volumes in the conventional pipelines business have strengthened in the fourth quarter relative to the first three quarters of the year. In 2024, the Company meaningfully advanced its strategy through the full consolidation of Alliance Pipeline and Aux Sable (the “Alliance/Aux Sable Transaction”), and by reaching a positive final investment decision on the Cedar LNG Project. These two accomplishments highlight Pembina’s focus on strengthening the existing franchise, increasing exposure to resilient end-use markets, and accessing global market pricing for Canadian energy products. In addition, Pembina Gas Infrastructure (“PGI”) announced transactions with Veren Inc. and Whitecap Resources Inc., creating opportunities with attractive economics that are expected to enhance asset utilization, capture future volumes, and benefit Pembina’s full value chain. Through these two transactions, we are realizing the vision set forth with the creation of PGI in 2022. Other accomplishments over the past year include the completion of the $430 million Phase VIII Peace Pipeline Expansion and the $90 million NEBC MPS Expansion, on time and under budget; sanctioning $210 million (net to Pembina) of new projects, including the Wapiti Expansion and K3 Cogeneration Facility; and entering into long-term agreements with Dow Chemical Canada to supply up to 50,000 barrels per day (“bpd”) of ethane for their Path2Zero Project (the “Dow Supply Agreement”). Through its extensive asset base and integrated value chain, Pembina can provide a full suite of transportation and midstream services across multiple hydrocarbons – natural gas, crude oil, condensate, and NGL. This uniquely positions the Company to benefit from a robust, multi-year growth outlook for the WCSB driven by transformational developments that include the recent completion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion, new West Coast liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) and NGL export capacity, and the development of new petrochemical facilities creating significant demand for ethane and propane. Growing production and demand for services in the WCSB continues to provide opportunities to increase utilization on existing assets and pursue expansion opportunities. As attention turns to 2025, Pembina is focused on several key priorities including: The CER initiated a review of Alliance Pipeline’s tolls, which were previously approved by the CER. As such, the CER has ordered Alliance Pipeline to submit for approval a detailed toll application justifying why the current tolling methodology remains compliant with the or a new tolling methodology application. Likewise, the CER has ordered that the current tolls shall be deemed interim tolls until resolution of the above. Alliance Pipeline’s tolls for the Canadian segment of the pipeline are approved by the CER, while its tolls for the United States segment are approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Alliance Pipeline’s Canadian long-term firm service tolls have remained level since they were approved by the CER in 2015, while its full path tolls to Chicago have declined by approximately 15 percent. In comparison, tolls on alternative systems have increased by approximately 30 percent. Likewise, Alliance Pipeline has operated at an industry leading reliability rate. Furthermore, Alliance Pipeline remains an ‘at-risk’ commercial model where returns and cost recovery are squarely driven by the customer demand for its service and Alliance Pipeline’s ability to efficiently provide such service. By contrast, the competitive alternatives and the majority of CER regulated Group 1 natural gas pipelines’ returns are not materially exposed to volume or cost recovery risk. Alliance Pipeline is working collaboratively with its stakeholders through the CER review process and will remain focused on delivering the highest standards of service that customers have come to expect. Pembina will work expeditiously throughout 2025 with shippers towards a negotiated solution, in accordance with all CER direction. Approximately 60 percent of the adjusted EBITDA contribution from Alliance Pipeline is generated from the Canadian portion of the pipeline. Pembina’s 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance, discussed below, assumes the existing toll is in effect for the full year. Pembina is pleased to announce that Mr. Alister Cowan has been appointed to the board of directors effective December 3, 2024. Mr. Cowan has over 20 years of experience in the energy industry and has significant financial executive level experience at various public companies. In 2023, he was Executive Advisor of Suncor Energy Inc. (“Suncor”) and was previously Chief Financial Officer of Suncor from 2014 to 2023 where he oversaw financial operations, accounting, investor relations, treasury, tax, internal audit, and enterprise risk management. Prior to joining Suncor, Alister was Chief Financial Officer of Husky Energy Inc. from 2008 to 2014. Before that, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority. Mr. Cowan is a non-executive director of The Chemours Company and of Smiths Group PLC. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Finance from Heriot-Watt University and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. Mr. Cowan has also been appointed to the audit committee. “The board of directors is excited to welcome Alister, and we look forward to working with him. Alister is a seasoned financial executive with extensive experience in Canadian energy. We are sure to benefit from his contribution as we work together to ensure Pembina’s continued success during a transformational period of growth in the Canadian oil and gas industry,” said Henry Sykes, Chair of the Board. Pembina is anticipating 2025 adjusted EBITDA of $4.2 billion to $4.5 billion. Relative to the midpoint of Pembina’s adjusted EBITDA guidance range for 2024, the major factors driving the outlook for 2025 adjusted EBITDA include: Pembina has hedged approximately 32 percent of its 2025 frac spread exposure. For 2025, the weighted average price of Pembina’s frac spread hedges, excluding transportation and processing costs, is approximately C$36 per barrel, which compares to the prevailing 2025 forward price at the end of November 2024 of approximately C$37 per barrel. The mid-point of the 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance range includes a forecasted contribution from the Marketing & New Ventures segment of $550 million. Excluding the contribution from the Marketing & New Ventures segment, the midpoint of the 2025 guidance range reflects an approximately 5.5 percent increase in fee-based adjusted EBITDA, relative to the forecast for 2024. Further, Pembina remains on-track to achieve four to six percent compound annual growth of fee-based adjusted EBITDA per share from 2023-2026. The lower and upper ends of the guidance range are framed primarily as a function of (1) commodity prices and the resulting contribution from the marketing business; (2) interruptible volumes on key systems; and (3) the U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate. Current income tax expense in 2025 is anticipated to be $415 million to $470 million as Pembina will continue to benefit from the availability of tax pools from assets recently placed into service. Pembina’s 2025 adjusted EBITDA may be directly impacted by market-based prices as follows: Pembina’s 2025 capital program is expected to be allocated as follows: Pipelines Division capital expenditures primarily relate to sustaining capital, a terminal expansion within the conventional pipeline system, development spending on potential future projects, including the Fox Creek-to-Namao Peace Pipeline Expansion, and investments in smaller growth projects, including various laterals and terminals. Capital expenditures in the Facilities Division primarily relate to construction of the RFS IV Expansion, smaller growth projects, and sustaining capital spending. Capital expenditures within the Marketing and New Ventures Division and the Corporate segment are primarily targeted at information technology enhancements to further the Company’s continuous improvement aspirations. Contributions to Equity Accounted Investees includes approximately $200 million of contributions to Cedar LNG to fund the construction of the Cedar LNG Project, and contributions to PGI to fund development of the Wapiti Expansion, K3 Cogeneration Facility, as well as development activities related to the previously announced agreements with Veren Inc. and Whitecap Resources Inc. The Company’s 2025 capital program includes: In addition to the 2025 capital investment program detailed above, Pembina is in development of potential additional projects that, if sanctioned, would increase the 2025 capital program by up to $200 million. These projects primarily include pipeline and terminal upgrades in support of volume growth in NEBC, the Fox Creek-to-Namao Peace Pipeline Expansion, investments related to the Dow Supply Agreement, including the addition of a de-ethanizer tower at RFS III within the Redwater Complex, and optimization of the Prince Rupert Terminal to allow for the use of larger vessels, which would reduce per unit costs. Pembina continues to execute its strategy within a fully funded model and consistent with its financial guardrails. Within the 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance range, Pembina expects to generate positive free cash flow with all 2025 capital investment program scenarios being fully funded by cash flow from operating activities, net of dividends. Under prevailing market and economic conditions, Pembina expects to prioritize the use of excess free cash flow to debt repayment in 2025. As has been our approach since 2021, Pembina will continue to evaluate the merits of debt repayment relative to share repurchases while considering expected future funding requirements along with prevailing market conditions and the risk-adjusted returns of the associated alternatives. Pembina expects to exit 2025 with a proportionately consolidated debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio of 3.4 to 3.7 times. Excluding the debt related to the construction of the Cedar LNG project this ratio would be 3.2 to 3.5 times. Pembina Pipeline Corporation is a leading energy transportation and midstream service provider that has served North America’s energy industry for 70 years. Pembina owns an integrated network of hydrocarbon liquids and natural gas pipelines, gas gathering and processing facilities, oil and natural gas liquids infrastructure and logistics services, and an export terminals business. Through our integrated value chain, we seek to provide safe and reliable energy solutions that connect producers and consumers across the world, support a more sustainable future and benefit our customers, investors, employees and communities. For more information, please visit . Purpose of Pembina: We deliver extraordinary energy solutions so the world can thrive. Pembina is structured into three Divisions: Pipelines Division, Facilities Division and Marketing & New Ventures Division. Pembina’s common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under PPL and PBA, respectively. For more information, visit . For further information: Pembina Investor Relations (403) 231-3156 1-855-880-7404

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Equities research analysts at StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Reed’s ( NYSE:REED – Get Free Report ) in a research note issued to investors on Thursday. The firm set a “sell” rating on the stock. Reed’s Stock Down 17.1 % REED stock opened at $0.72 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.01 million, a PE ratio of -0.18 and a beta of 1.10. Reed’s has a 52 week low of $0.51 and a 52 week high of $2.42. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $1.23 and a 200 day moving average of $1.37. Reed’s Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Reed's Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Reed's and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .NEW YORK — Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster, died from cancer, according to a statement from family released by CBS on Friday. He was 78. "He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten," his wife, Marcy Gumbel, and daughter Michelle Gumbel said in a statement. In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 because of what he said at the time were family health issues. Greg Gumbel, left, watches April 3, 2011, as then-Connecticut head coach Jim Calhoun talks to Butler head coach Brad Stevens, right, prior to taping a television interview for the men's NCAA Final Four college basketball championship game in Houston. Gumbel was the studio host for CBS since returning to the network from NBC in 1998. He signed an extension with CBS last year that allowed him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties. In 2001, he announced Super Bowl XXXV for CBS, becoming the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship. David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, described Greg Gumbel as breaking barriers and setting standards for others during his years as a voice for fans in sports, including in the NFL and March Madness. "A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time," said Berson. Dallas Cowboys cornerback Deion Sanders, left, and running back Michael Irvin (88) share the Vince Lombardi trophy Jan. 28, 1996, as NBC commentator Greg Gumbel interviews the two after Super Bowl XXX in Tempe, Ariz. Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving the network for NBC when it lost football in 1994 and returning when it regained the contract in 1998. He hosted CBS' coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during its four-year run broadcasting the national pastime. But it was football and basketball where he was best known and made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS' NFL studio show, "The NFL Today" from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004. He also called NFL games as the network's lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowl XXXV and XXXVIII. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005, leaving that role after the 2022 season. Photos: Notable deaths in 2024 Andreas Brehme Germany players celebrate after Andreas Brehme, left on ground, scores the winning goal in the World Cup soccer final match against Argentina, in the Olympic Stadium, in Rome, July 8, 1990. Andreas Brehme, who scored the only goal as West Germany beat Argentina to win the 1990 World Cup final, died Feb. 20, 2024. He was 63. Brian Mulroney Brian Mulroney, the former prime minister of Canada, listens during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the Canada-U.S.-Mexico relationship, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Mulroney died at the age of 84 on Feb. 29, 2024. The Rev. James Lawson Jr. The Rev. James Lawson Jr. speaks Sept. 17, 2015, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Lawson Jr., an apostle of nonviolent protest who schooled activists to withstand brutal reactions from white authorities as the Civil Rights Movement gained traction, has died, his family said Monday. He was 95. His family said Lawson died on Sunday after a short illness in Los Angeles, where he spent decades working as a pastor, labor movement organizer and university professor. Lawson was a close adviser to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who called him “the leading theorist and strategist of nonviolence in the world.” Lawson met King in 1957, after spending three years in India soaking up knowledge about Mohandas K. Gandhi’s independence movement. King would travel to India himself two years later, but at the time, he had only read about Gandhi in books. Jerry West Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Jerry West, representing the 1960 USA Olympic Team, is seen Aug. 13, 2010, during the enshrinement news conference at the Hall of Fame Museum in Springfield, Mass. Jerry West, who was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three times in a storied career as a player and executive, and whose silhouette is considered to be the basis of the NBA logo, died June 12, the Los Angeles Clippers announced. He was 86. West, nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his late-game exploits as a player, was an NBA champion who went into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1980 and again as a member of the gold medal-winning 1960 U.S. Olympic Team in 2010. He will be enshrined for a third time later this year as a contributor, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called West “one of the greatest executives in sports history.” Ron Simons Actor and director Ron Simons, seen Jan. 23, 2011, during the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, died June 12. Simons turned into a formidable screen and stage producer, winning four Tony Awards and having several films selected at the Sundance Film Festival. He won Tonys for producing “Porgy and Bess,” “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” and “Jitney.” He also co-produced “Hughie,” with Forest Whitaker, “The Gin Game,” starring Cicely Tyson and James Earl Jones, “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations,” an all-Black production of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” the revival of "for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf" and the original work “Thoughts of a Colored Man.” He was in the films “27 Dresses” and “Mystery Team,” as well as on the small screen in “The Resident,” “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “Law & Order: SVU.” Bob Schul Bob Schul of West Milton, Ohio, hits the tape Oct. 18, 1964, to win the 5,000 meter run at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Schul, the only American distance runner to win the 5,000 meters at the Olympics, died June 16. He was 86. His death was announced by Miami University in Ohio , where Schul shined on the track and was inducted into the school’s hall of fame in 1973. Schul predicted gold leading into the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and followed through with his promise. On a rainy day in Japan, he finished the final lap in a blistering 54.8 seconds to sprint to the win. His white shorts were covered in mud at the finish. He was inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1991. He also helped write a book called “In the Long Run.” Willie Mays San Francisco Giants superstar Willie Mays poses for a photo during baseball spring training in 1972. Mays, the electrifying “Say Hey Kid” whose singular combination of talent, drive and exuberance made him one of baseball’s greatest and most beloved players, died June 18. He was 93. The center fielder, who began his professional career in the Negro Leagues in 1948, had been baseball’s oldest living Hall of Famer. He was voted into the Hall in 1979, his first year of eligibility, and in 1999 followed only Babe Ruth on The Sporting News’ list of the game’s top stars. The Giants retired his uniform number, 24, and set their AT&T Park in San Francisco on Willie Mays Plaza. Mays died two days before a game between the Giants and St. Louis Cardinals to honor the Negro Leagues at Rickwood Field in Birmingham , Alabama. Over 23 major league seasons, virtually all with the New York/San Francisco Giants but also including one in the Negro Leagues, Mays batted .301, hit 660 home runs, totaled 3,293 hits, scored more than 2,000 runs and won 12 Gold Gloves. He was Rookie of the Year in 1951, twice was named the Most Valuable Player and finished in the top 10 for the MVP 10 other times. His lightning sprint and over-the-shoulder grab of an apparent extra base hit in the 1954 World Series remains the most celebrated defensive play in baseball history. For millions in the 1950s and ’60s and after, the smiling ballplayer with the friendly, high-pitched voice was a signature athlete and showman during an era when baseball was still the signature pastime. Awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2015, Mays left his fans with countless memories. But a single feat served to capture his magic — one so untoppable it was simply called “The Catch.” Donald Sutherland Actor Donald Sutherland appears Oct. 13, 2017, at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, Calif. Sutherland, the Canadian actor whose wry, arrestingly off-kilter screen presence spanned more than half a century of films from “M.A.S.H.” to “The Hunger Games,” died June 20. He was 88. Kiefer Sutherland said on X he believed his father was one of the most important actors in the history of film: “Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that.” The tall and gaunt Sutherland, who flashed a grin that could be sweet or diabolical, was known for offbeat characters like Hawkeye Pierce in Robert Altman's "M.A.S.H.," the hippie tank commander in "Kelly's Heroes" and the stoned professor in "Animal House." Before transitioning into a long career as a respected character actor, Sutherland epitomized the unpredictable, antiestablishment cinema of the 1970s. He never stopped working, appearing in nearly 200 films and series. Over the decades, Sutherland showed his range in more buttoned-down — but still eccentric — roles in Robert Redford's "Ordinary People" and Oliver Stone's "JFK." More, recently, he starred in the “Hunger Games” films. A memoir, “Made Up, But Still True,” is due out in November. Bill Cobbs Actor Bill Cobbs, a cast member in "Get Low," arrives July 27, 2010, at the premiere of the film in Beverly Hills, Calif. Cobbs, the veteran character actor who became a ubiquitous and sage screen presence as an older man, died June 25. He was 90. A Cleveland native, Cobbs acted in such films as “The Hudsucker Proxy,” “The Bodyguard” and “Night at the Museum.” He made his first big-screen appearance in a fleeting role in 1974's “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three." He became a lifelong actor with some 200 film and TV credits. The lion share of those came in his 50s, 60s, and 70s, as filmmakers and TV producers turned to him again and again to imbue small but pivotal parts with a wizened and worn soulfulness. Cobbs appeared on television shows including “The Sopranos," “The West Wing,” “Sesame Street” and “Good Times.” He was Whitney Houston's manager in “The Bodyguard” (1992), the mystical clock man of the Coen brothers' “The Hudsucker Proxy” (1994) and the doctor of John Sayles' “Sunshine State” (2002). He played the coach in “Air Bud” (1997), the security guard in “Night at the Museum” (2006) and the father on “The Gregory Hines Show." Cobbs rarely got the kinds of major parts that stand out and win awards. Instead, Cobbs was a familiar and memorable everyman who left an impression on audiences, regardless of screen time. He won a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding limited performance in a daytime program for the series “Dino Dana” in 2020. Kinky Friedman Independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman speaks with the media Nov. 7, 2009, at his campaign headquarters in Austin, Texas. The singer, songwriter, satirist and novelist, who led the alt-country band Texas Jewboys, toured with Bob Dylan, sang with Willie Nelson, and dabbled in politics with campaigns for Texas governor and other statewide offices, died June 27. He was 79 and had suffered from Parkinson's disease. Often called “The Kinkster" and sporting sideburns, a thick mustache and cowboy hat, Friedman earned a cult following and reputation as a provocateur throughout his career across musical and literary genres. In the 1970s, his satirical country band Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys wrote songs with titles such as “They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in Bed.” Friedman joined part of Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue tour in 1976. By the 1980s, Friedman was writing crime novels that often included a version of himself, and he wrote a column for Texas Monthly magazine in the 2000s. Friedman's run at politics brought his brand of irreverence to the serious world of public policy. In 2006, Friedman ran for governor as an independent in a five-way race that included incumbent Republican Rick Perry. Friedman launched his campaign against the backdrop of the Alamo. Martin Mull Martin Mull participates in "The Cool Kids" panel during the Fox Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour on Aug. 2, 2018, at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Mull, whose droll, esoteric comedy and acting made him a hip sensation in the 1970s and later a beloved guest star on sitcoms including “Roseanne” and “Arrested Development,” died June 28. He was 80. Mull, who was also a guitarist and painter, came to national fame with a recurring role on the Norman Lear-created satirical soap opera “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” and the starring role in its spinoff, “Fernwood Tonight." His first foray into show business was as a songwriter, penning the 1970 semi-hit “A Girl Named Johnny Cash” for singer Jane Morgan. He would combine music and comedy in an act that he brought to hip Hollywood clubs in the 1970s. Mull often played slightly sleazy, somewhat slimy and often smarmy characters as he did as Teri Garr's boss and Michael Keaton's foe in 1983's “Mr. Mom.” He played Colonel Mustard in the 1985 movie adaptation of the board game “Clue,” which, like many things Mull appeared in, has become a cult classic. The 1980s also brought what many thought was his best work, “A History of White People in America,” a mockumentary that first aired on Cinemax. Mull co-created the show and starred as a “60 Minutes” style investigative reporter investigating all things milquetoast and mundane. Willard was again a co-star. In the 1990s he was best known for his recurring role on several seasons on “Roseanne,” in which he played a warmer, less sleazy boss to the title character, an openly gay man whose partner was played by Willard, who died in 2020 . Mull would later play private eye Gene Parmesan on “Arrested Development,” a cult-classic character on a cult-classic show, and would be nominated for an Emmy, his first, in 2016 for a guest run on “Veep.” Robert Towne Screenwriter Robert Towne poses at The Regency Hotel, March 7, 2006, in New York. Towne, the Oscar-winning screenplay writer of "Shampoo," "The Last Detail" and other acclaimed films whose work on "Chinatown" became a model of the art form and helped define the jaded allure of his native Los Angeles, died Monday, July 1, 2024, surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles, said publicist Carri McClure. She declined to comment on any cause of death. Vic Seixas Vic Seixas of the United States backhands a volley from Denmark's Jurgen Ulrich in the first round of men's singles match at Wimbledon, England, June 27, 1967. Vic Seixas, a Wimbledon winner and tennis Hall of Famer who was the oldest living Grand Slam champion, has died July 5 at the age of 100. The International Tennis Hall of Fame announced Seixas’ death on Saturday July 6, 2024, based on confirmation from his daughter Tori. James Inhofe In this June 30, 2020, file photo, Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., speaks to reporters following a GOP policy meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington. Former Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma died July 9. He was 89. The family says in a statement that the Republican had a stroke during the July Fourth holiday and died Tuesday morning. Inhofe was a powerful fixture in state politics for decades. He doubted that climate change was caused by human activity, calling the theory “the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people.” As Oklahoma’s senior U.S. senator, he was a staunch supporter of the state’s military installations. He was elected to a fifth Senate term in 2020 and stepped down in early 2023. Joe Bonsall The Oak Ridge Boys, from left, Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban, Duane Allen and William Lee Golden hold their awards for Top Vocal Group and Best Album of the Year for "Ya'll Come Back Saloon", during the 14th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Los Angeles, Calif., May 3, 1979. Bonsall died on July 9, 2024, from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Hendersonville, Tenn. He was 76. A Philadelphia native and resident of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Bonsall joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1973, which originally formed in the 1940s. He saw the band through its golden period in the '80s and beyond, which included their signature 1981 song “Elvira.” The hit marked a massive crossover moment for the group, reaching No. 1 on the country chart and No. 5 on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100. The group is also known for such hits as 1982’s “Bobbie Sue." Shelley Duvall Shelley Duvall poses for photographers at the 30th Cannes Film Festival in France, May 27, 1977. Duvall, whose wide-eyed, winsome presence was a mainstay in the films of Robert Altman and who co-starred in Stanley Kubrick's “The Shining,” died July 11. She was 75. Dr. Ruth Westheimer Dr. Ruth Westheimer holds a copy of her book "Sex for Dummies" at the International Frankfurt Book Fair 'Frankfurter Buchmesse' in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007. Westheimer, the sex therapist who became a pop icon, media star and best-selling author through her frank talk about once-taboo bedroom topics, died on July 12, 2024. She was 96. Richard Simmons Richard Simmons sits for a portrait in Los Angeles, June 23, 1982. Simmons, a fitness guru who urged the overweight to exercise and eat better, died July 13 at the age of 76. Simmons was a court jester of physical fitness who built a mini-empire in his trademark tank tops and short shorts by urging the overweight to exercise and eat better. Simmons was a former 268-pound teen who shared his hard-won weight loss tips as the host of the Emmy-winning daytime “Richard Simmons Show" and the “Sweatin' to the Oldies” line of exercise videos, which became a cultural phenomenon. Jacoby Jones Former NFL receiver Jacoby Jones died July 14 at age 40. Jones' 108-yard kickoff return in 2013 remains the longest touchdown in Super Bowl history. The Houston Texans were Jones’ team for the first five seasons of his career. They announced his death on Sunday. In a statement released by the NFL Players Association, his family said he died at his home in New Orleans. A cause of death was not given. Jones played from 2007-15 for the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers. He made several huge plays for the Ravens during their most recent Super Bowl title season, including that kick return. Shannen Doherty The "Beverly Hills, 90210" star whose life and career were roiled by tabloid stories, Shannen Doherty died July 13 at 53. Doherty's publicist said the actor died Saturday following years with breast cancer. Catapulted to fame as Brenda in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” she worked in big-screen films including "Mallrats" and "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" and in TV movies including "A Burning Passion: The Margaret Mitchell Story," in which she played the "Gone with the Wind" author. Doherty co-starred with Holly Marie Combs and Alyssa Milano in the series “Charmed” from 1998-2001; appeared in the “90210” sequel series seven years later and competed on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2010. James Sikking Actor James Sikking poses for a photograph at the Los Angeles gala celebrating the 20th anniversary of the National Organization for Women, Dec. 1, 1986. Sikking, who starred as a hardened police lieutenant on “Hill Street Blues” and as the titular character's kindhearted dad on “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” died July 13 of complications from dementia, his publicist Cynthia Snyder said in a statement. He was 90. Pat Williams Pat Williams chats with media before the 2004 NBA draft in Orlando, Fla. Williams, a co-founder of the Orlando Magic and someone who spent more than a half-century working within the NBA, died July 17 from complications related to viral pneumonia. The team announced the death Wednesday. Williams was 84. He started his NBA career as business manager of the Philadelphia 76ers in 1968, then had stints as general manager of the Chicago Bulls, the Atlanta Hawks and the 76ers — helping that franchise win a title in 1983. Williams was later involved in starting the process of bringing an NBA team to Orlando. The league’s board of governors granted an expansion franchise in 1987, and the team began play in 1989. Lou Dobbs Lou Dobbs speaks Feb. 24, 2017, at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Oxon Hill, Md. Dobbs, the conservative political pundit and veteran cable TV host who was a founding anchor for CNN and later was a nightly presence on Fox Business Network for more than a decade, died July 18. He was 78. His death was announced in a post on his official X account, which called him a “fighter till the very end – fighting for what mattered to him the most, God, his family and the country.” He hosted “Lou Dobbs Tonight” on Fox from 2011 to 2021, following two separate stints at CNN. No cause of death was given. Bob Newhart Bob Newhart, center, poses with members of the cast and crew of the "Bob Newhart Show," from top left, Marcia Wallace, Bill Daily, Jack Riley, and, Suzanne Pleshette, foreground left, and Dick Martin at TV Land's 35th anniversary tribute to "The Bob Newhart Show" on Sept. 5, 2007, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Newhart has died at age 94. Jerry Digney, Newhart’s publicist, says the actor died July 18 in Los Angeles after a series of short illnesses. The accountant-turned-comedian gained fame with a smash album and became one of the most popular TV stars of his time. Newhart was a Chicago psychologist in “The Bob Newhart Show” in the 1970s and a Vermont innkeeper on “Newhart” in the 1980s. Both shows featured a low-key Newhart surrounded by eccentric characters. The second had a twist ending in its final show — the whole series was revealed to have been a dream by the psychologist he played in the other show. Cheng Pei-Pei Cheng Pei-pei, a Chinese-born martial arts film actor who starred in Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” died July 17 at age 78. Her family says Cheng, who had been diagnosed with a rare illness with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, passed away Wednesday at home surrounded by her loved ones. The Shanghai-born film star became a household name in Hong Kong, once dubbed the Hollywood of the Far East, for her performances in martial arts movies in the 1960s. She played Jade Fox, who uses poisoned needles, in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” which was released in 2000, grossed $128 million in North America and won four Oscars. Abdul 'Duke' Fakir Abdul “Duke” Fakir holds his life time achievement award backstage at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 8, 2009, in Los Angeles. The last surviving original member of the Four Tops died July 22. Abdul “Duke” Fakir was 88. He was a charter member of the Motown group along with lead singer Levi Stubbs, Renaldo “Obie" Benson and Lawrence Payton. Between 1964 and 1967, the Tops had 11 top 20 hits and two No. 1′s: “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and the operatic classic “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” Other songs, often stories of romantic pain and longing, included “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “Standing in the Shadows of Love,” “Bernadette” and “Just Ask the Lonely.” Bernice Johnson Reagon Sculptress Elizabeth Catlett, left, then-Washington D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt Dixon, center, and then-curator, division of community life, Smithsonian institution Bernice Johnson Reagon chat during the reception at the Candace awards on June 25, 1991 in New York. Reagon, a musician and scholar who used her rich, powerful contralto voice in the service of the American Civil Rights Movement and human rights struggles around the world, died on July 16, 2024, according to her daughter's social media post. She was 81. John Mayall John Mayall, the British blues musician whose influential band the Bluesbreakers was a training ground for Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood and many other superstars, died July 22. He was 90. He is credited with helping develop the English take on urban, Chicago-style rhythm and blues that played an important role in the blues revival of the late 1960s. A statement on Mayall's official Instagram page says he died Monday at his home in California. Though Mayall never approached the fame of some of his illustrious alumni, he was still performing in his late 80s, pounding out his version of Chicago blues. Erica Ash Erica Ash, an actor and comedian skilled in sketch comedy who starred in the parody series “Mad TV” and “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” has died. She was 46. Her publicist and a statement by her mother, Diann, says Ash died July 28 in Los Angeles of cancer. Ash impersonated Michelle Obama and Condoleeza Rice on “Mad TV,” a Fox sketch series, and was a key performer on the Rosie O’Donnell-created series “The Big Gay Sketch Show.” Her other credits included “Scary Movie V,” “Uncle Drew” and the LeBron James-produced basketball dramedy “Survivor’s Remorse.” On the BET series “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” Ash played the ex-wife of Kevin Hart’s character. Jack Russell Jack Russell, the lead singer of the bluesy '80s metal band Great White whose hits included “Once Bitten Twice Shy” and “Rock Me” and was fronting his band the night 100 people died in a 2003 nightclub fire in Rhode Island, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. He was 63. Chi Chi Rodriguez Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez, a Hall of Fame golfer whose antics on the greens and inspiring life story made him among the sport’s most popular players during a long professional career, died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. Susan Wojcicki Susan Wojcicki, the former YouTube chief executive officer and longtime Google executive, died Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, after suffering with non small cell lung cancer for the past two years. She was 56. Frank Selvy Frank Selvy, an All-America guard at Furman who scored an NCAA Division I-record 100 points in a game and later played nine NBA seasons, died Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. He was 91. Wally Amos Wallace “Wally” Amos, the creator of the cookie empire that took his name and made it famous and who went on to become a children’s literacy advocate, died Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, from complications with dementia. He was 88. Gena Rowlands Gena Rowlands, hailed as one of the greatest actors to ever practice the craft and a guiding light in independent cinema as a star in groundbreaking movies by her director husband, John Cassavetes, and who later charmed audiences in her son's tear-jerker “The Notebook,” died Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. She was 94. Peter Marshall Peter Marshall, the actor and singer turned game show host who played straight man to the stars for 16 years on “The Hollywood Squares,” died. Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024 He was 98. Alain Delon Alain Delon, the internationally acclaimed French actor who embodied both the bad guy and the policeman and made hearts throb around the world, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. He was 88. Phil Donahue Phil Donahue, whose pioneering daytime talk show launched an indelible television genre that brought success to Oprah Winfrey, Montel Williams, Ellen DeGeneres and many others, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, after a long illness. He was 88. Al Attles Al Attles, a Hall of Famer who coached the 1975 NBA champion Warriors and spent more than six decades with the organization as a player, general manager and most recently team ambassador, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. He was 87. John Amos John Amos, who starred as the family patriarch on the hit 1970s sitcom “Good Times” and earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the seminal 1977 miniseries “Roots,” died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. He was 84. James Darren James Darren, a teen idol who helped ignite the 1960s surfing craze as a charismatic beach boy paired off with Sandra Dee in the hit film “Gidget,” died Monday, Sept. 2, 2024. He was 88. James Earl Jones James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen has died. He was 93. His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Sept. 9 at home. Jones was a pioneering actor who eventually lent his deep, commanding voice to CNN, “The Lion King” and Darth Vader. Working deep into his 80s, he won two Emmys, a Golden Globe, two Tony Awards, a Grammy, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors and was given an honorary Oscar and a special Tony for lifetime achievement. In 2022, a Broadway theater was renamed in his honor. Frankie Beverly Frankie Beverly, who with his band Maze inspired generations of fans with his smooth, soulful voice and lasting anthems including “Before I Let Go,” has died. He was 77. His family said in a post on the band’s website and social media accounts that Beverly died Sept. 10. In the post, which asked for privacy, the family said “he lived his life with a pure soul, as one would say, and for us, no one did it better.” The post did not say his cause of death or where he died. Beverly, whose songs include “Joy and Pain,” “Love is the Key,” and “Southern Girl,” finished his farewell “I Wanna Thank You Tour” in his hometown of Philadelphia in July. Joe Schmidt Joe Schmidt, the Hall of Fame linebacker who helped the Detroit Lions win NFL championships in 1953 and 1957 and later coached the team, has died. He was 92. The Lions said family informed the team Schmidt died Sept. 11. A cause of death was not provided. One of pro football’s first great middle linebackers, Schmidt played his entire NFL career with the Lions from 1953-65. An eight-time All-Pro, he was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and the college football version in 2000. Born in Pittsburgh, Schmidt played college football in his hometown at Pitt. Chad McQueen Chad McQueen, an actor known for his performances in the “Karate Kid” movies and the son of the late actor and racer Steve McQueen, died Sep. 11. His lawyer confirmed his death at age 63. McQueen's family shared a statement on social media saying he lived a life “filled with love and dedication.” McQueen was a professional race car driver, like his father, and competed in the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona races. He is survived by his wife Jeanie and three children, Chase, Madison and Steven, who is an actor best known for “The Vampire Diaries.” Tito Jackson Tito Jackson, one of the brothers who made up the beloved pop group the Jackson 5, died at age 70 on Sept. 15. Jackson was the third of nine children, including global superstars Michael and Janet. The Jackson 5 included brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael. They signed with Berry Gordy’s Motown empire in the 1960s. The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and produced several No. 1 hits in the 1970s, including “ABC,” “I Want You Back” and “I’ll Be There.” JD Souther John David “JD” Souther has died. He was a prolific songwriter and musician whose collaborations with the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt helped shape the country-rock sound that took root in Southern California in the 1970s. Souther joined in on some of the Eagles’ biggest hits, such as “Best of My Love,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Heartache Tonight." The Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee also collaborated with James Taylor, Bob Seger, Bonnie Raitt and many more. His biggest hit as a solo artist was “You’re Only Lonely.” He was about to tour with Karla Bonoff. Souther died Sept. 17 at his home in New Mexico, at 78. In this photo, JD Souther and Alison Krauss attend the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual induction and awards gala on Thursday, June 13, 2013 in New York. Dan Evans Sen. Dan Evans stands with his three sons, from left, Mark, Bruce and Dan Jr., after he won the election for Washington's senate seat in Seattle, Nov. 8, 1983. Evans, a former Washington state governor and a U.S. Senator, died Sept. 20. The popular Republican was 98. He served as governor from 1965 to 1977, and he was the keynote speaker at the 1968 National Republican Convention. In 1983, Evans was appointed to served out the term of Democratic Sen. Henry “Scoop” Jackson after he died in office. Evans opted not to stand for election in 1988, citing the “tediousness" of the Senate. He later served as a regent at the University of Washington, where the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance bears his name. Mercury Morris Eugene “Mercury” Morris, who starred for the unbeaten 1972 Miami Dolphins as part of a star-studded backfield and helped the team win two Super Bowl titles, died Sept. 21. He was 77. The team on Sunday confirmed the death of Morris, a three-time Pro Bowl selection. In a statement, his family said his “talent and passion left an indelible mark on the sport.” Morris was the starting halfback and one of three go-to runners that Dolphins coach Don Shula utilized in Miami’s back-to-back title seasons of 1972 and 1973, alongside Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick. Morris led the Dolphins in rushing touchdowns in both of those seasons. John Ashton John Ashton, the veteran character actor who memorably played the gruff but lovable police detective John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” films, died Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. He was 76. Maggie Smith Maggie Smith, who won an Oscar for 1969 film “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” and won new fans in the 21st century as the dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey” and Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, died Sept. 27 at 89. Smith's publicist announced the news Friday. She was frequently rated the preeminent British female performer of a generation that included Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench. “Jean Brodie” brought her the Academy Award for best actress in 1969. Smith added a supporting actress Oscar for “California Suite” in 1978. Kris Kristofferson Kris Kristofferson, a Rhodes scholar with a deft writing style and rough charisma who became a country music superstar and an A-list Hollywood actor, died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. He was 88. Drake Hogestyn Drake Hogestyn, the “Days of Our Lives” star who appeared on the show for 38 years, died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. He was 70. Ron Ely Ron Ely, the tall, musclebound actor who played the title character in the 1960s NBC series “Tarzan,” died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at age 86. Dikembe Mutombo Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer who was one of the best defensive players in NBA history and a longtime global ambassador for the game, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, from brain cancer, the league announced. He was 58. Frank Fritz Frank Fritz, left, part of a two-man team who drove around the U.S. looking for antiques and collectibles to buy and resell on the reality show “American Pickers,” died Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. He was 60. He's shown here with co-host Mike Wolfe at the A+E Networks 2015 Upfront in New York on April 30, 2015. Pete Rose Pete Rose, baseball’s career hits leader and fallen idol who undermined his historic achievements and Hall of Fame dreams by gambling on the game he loved and once embodied, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. He was 83. Cissy Houston Cissy Houston, the mother of Whitney Houston and a two-time Grammy winner who performed alongside superstar musicians like Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin, died Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in her New Jersey home. She was 91. Ethel Kennedy Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, who raised their 11 children after he was assassinated and remained dedicated to social causes and the family’s legacy for decades thereafter, died on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, her family said. She was 96. Liam Payne Former One Direction singer Liam Payne, 31, whose chart-topping British boy band generated a global following of swooning fans, was found dead Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, local officials said. He was 31. Mitzi Gaynor Mitzi Gaynor, among the last survivors of the so-called golden age of the Hollywood musical, died of natural causes in Los Angeles on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. She was 93. Fernando Valenzuela Fernando Valenzuela, the Mexican-born phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired “Fernandomania” while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. He was 63. Jack Jones Jack Jones, a Grammy-winning crooner known for “The Love Boat” television show theme song, died, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. He was 86. Phil Lesh Phil Lesh, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, died Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at age 84. Teri Garr Teri Garr, the quirky comedy actor who rose from background dancer in Elvis Presley movies to co-star of such favorites as "Young Frankenstein" and "Tootsie," died Tuesday, Oct 29, 2024. She was 79. Quincy Jones Quincy Jones, the multitalented music titan whose vast legacy ranged from producing Michael Jackson’s historic “Thriller” album to writing prize-winning film and television scores and collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and hundreds of other recording artists, died Sunday, Nov 3, 2024. He was 91 Bobby Allison Bobby Allison, founder of racing’s “Alabama Gang” and a NASCAR Hall of Famer, died Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. He was 86. Song Jae-lim Song Jae-lim, a South Korean actor known for his roles in K-dramas “Moon Embracing the Sun” and “Queen Woo,” was found dead at his home in capital Seoul, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. He was 39. Timothy West British actor Timothy West, who played the classic Shakespeare roles of King Lear and Macbeth and who in recent years along with his wife, Prunella Scales, enchanted millions of people with their boating exploits on Britain's waterways, died Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024. He was 90. Bela Karolyi Bela Karolyi, the charismatic if polarizing gymnastics coach who turned young women into champions and the United States into an international power in the sport, died Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. He was 82. Arthur Frommer Arthur Frommer, whose "Europe on 5 Dollars a Day" guidebooks revolutionized leisure travel by convincing average Americans to take budget vacations abroad, died Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. He was 95. Bob Love Former Chicago Bulls forward Bob Love, a three-time All-Star who spent 11 years in the NBA, died Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. He was 81. Chuck Woolery Chuck Woolery, the affable, smooth-talking game show host of “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection” and “Scrabble” who later became a right-wing podcaster, skewering liberals and accusing the government of lying about COVID-19, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. He was 83. Barbara Taylor Bradford Barbara Taylor Bradford, a British journalist who became a publishing sensation in her 40s with the saga "A Woman of Substance" and wrote more than a dozen other novels that sold tens of millions of copies, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. She was 91. Rickey Henderson Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, the brash speedster who shattered stolen base records and redefined baseball's leadoff position, died Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. He was 65. Will these predictions come true in 2025? | The Ethical Life podcast Sign up to get the most recent local obituaries delivered to your inbox.

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MLS Season Pass on Apple TV - How to watch NYC FC vs. New York RB matchup for the 2024 MLS Cup PlayoffsGreg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster, has died from cancer, according to a statement from family released by CBS on Friday. He was 78. “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” his wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said in a statement. In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 due to what he said at the time were family health issues. Gumbel was the studio host for CBS since returning to the network from NBC in 1998. Gumbel signed an extension with CBS last year that allowed him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties. In 2001, he announced Super Bowl XXXV for CBS, becoming the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship. David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, described Gumbel as breaking barriers and setting standards for others during his years as a voice for fans in sports, including in the NFL and March Madness. “A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time," said Berson. Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving the network for NBC when it lost football in 1994 and returning when it regained the contract in 1998. He hosted CBS’ coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during its four-year run broadcasting the national pastime. In 1995, he hosted the World Figure Skating Championships and the following year hosted NBC’s daytime coverage of the Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta. But it was football and basketball where he was best known and made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio show, “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004. He also called NFL games as the network’s lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowl XXXV and XXXVIII. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005, leaving that role after the 2022 season. “Like all who knew and loved him, I too am saddened by his death, yet also so very grateful to have known him in my life,” Clark Kellogg, a CBS Sports college basketball game and studio analyst, said in a statement. “What a gift to be touched by such a good man and partner.” Gumbel, the older brother of sportscaster Bryant Gumbel, grew up in Chicago and graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967 with a degree in English. He won local Emmy Awards during his long career and was the recipient of the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting. Outside of his career as a sportscaster, he was affiliated with the March of Dimes for three decades, including as a member of its board of trustees. He also was a member of the Sports Council for St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for 16 years. Associated Press reporter Mike Sisak contributed.

Reliance Power shares will remain in focus on Wednesday after the company announced the establishment of its renewable energy business arm, Reliance NU Energies , and the appointment of Mayank Bansal as Chief Executive Officer and Rakesh Swaroop as Chief Operating Officer of the subsidiary. Both executives have joined the company from ReNew. Bansal was the Group President of ReNew Power's India RE Business, while Swaroop served as Vice President and Head of the Utility Business at ReNew Power. It has established a new subsidiary, Reliance NU Energies, for its renewable energy business, Reliance Power said in a statement. "The new subsidiary, Reliance NU, will innovate and seize opportunities in developing clean, affordable, and reliable energy solutions to meet India’s and the world’s growing demand for sustainability," it said. Reliance NU focuses on solar, wind, hybrid systems, and advanced energy storage to address these needs. Stock Trading ROC Made Easy: Master Course for ROC Stock Indicator By - Souradeep Dey, Equity and Commodity Trader, Trainer View Program Stock Trading Complete Guide to Stock Market Trading: From Basics to Advanced By - Harneet Singh Kharbanda, Full Time Trader View Program Stock Trading Technical Analysis Made Easy: Online Certification Course By - Souradeep Dey, Equity and Commodity Trader, Trainer View Program Stock Trading Algo Trading Made Easy By - Vivek Gadodia, Partner at Dravyaniti Consulting and RBT Algo Systems View Program Stock Trading Market 104: Options Trading: Kickstart Your F&O Adventure By - Saketh R, Founder- QuickAlpha, Full Time Options Trader View Program Stock Trading Stock Valuation Made Easy By - Rounak Gouti, Investment commentary writer, Experience in equity research View Program Stock Trading Renko Chart Patterns Made Easy By - Kaushik Akiwatkar, Derivative Trader and Investor View Program Stock Trading Technical Trading Made Easy: Online Certification Course By - Souradeep Dey, Equity and Commodity Trader, Trainer View Program Stock Trading RSI Made Easy: RSI Trading Course By - Souradeep Dey, Equity and Commodity Trader, Trainer View Program Stock Trading Macroeconomics Made Easy: Online Certification Course By - Anirudh Saraf, Founder- Saraf A & Associates, Chartered Accountant View Program Stock Trading Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By - Dinesh Nagpal, Full Time Trader, Ichimoku & Trading Psychology Expert View Program Stock Trading Technical Analysis for Everyone - Technical Analysis Course By - Abhijit Paul, Technical Research Head, Fund Manager- ICICI Securities View Program Stock Trading Stock Markets Made Easy By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Stock Trading Options Scalping Made Easy By - Sivakumar Jayachandran, Ace Scalper View Program Stock Trading Ichimoku Trading Unlocked: Expert Analysis and Strategy By - Dinesh Nagpal, Full Time Trader, Ichimoku & Trading Psychology Expert View Program On the appointment of CEO and COO, Reliance Power said the two energy sector veterans will helm Reliance Power's new initiative, Reliance NU Energies. Reliance Power, part of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group, is one of India's prominent power generation companies. Also Read: DLF Camellias' Rs 190 crore Gurugram apartment: How many Bitcoins would you need? With an installed capacity of 5,300 MW, it operates the 4,000 MW Sasan Ultra Mega Power Project in Madhya Pradesh, the world's largest integrated thermal power plant. On Tuesday, Reliance Power shares closed at Rs 44.6, up 0.7% on the BSE, while the benchmark Sensex ended flat. The stock has surged 86% so far in 2024 and 180% over the past two years, with the company’s market capitalization now at Rs 17,939 crore. Also Read: Vishal Mega Mart IPO opens today. Check GMP, review ( Disclaimer : Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times) (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel )the best casino games 。

No, six states are not banning the sale of RVs in 2025The cryptocurrency market is heating up again as a renowned Bitcoin analyst, famous for accurately predicting a 10,000% surge in the Dogecoin price during the 2021 bull run, hints at another massive rally. This time, the Bitcoin analyst predicts that the Dogecoin price will reach $20, and the innovative WallitIQ (WLTQ) will soar to $50. With the WallitIQ (WLTQ) presale offering an attractive entry price of $0.0171 , investors are rushing to secure their tokens in this promising WLTQ presale, opting to exit their positions in the Dogecoin price. WallitIQ (WLTQ): The Revolutionary Crypto Platform Investors Are Backing WallitIQ (WLTQ) is rapidly gaining attention for its groundbreaking features that redefine crypto trading and portfolio management. The project’s ongoing presale has seen many buyers eager to benefit from this security-first approach while locking in tokens at an incredibly low price of $0.0171. A key attraction is its automated portfolio rebalancing capability, which enables investors to maintain optimal asset allocation in real time. This feature improves profitability and minimizes risks, a significant factor driving presale enthusiasm for WallitIQ (WLTQ) tokens. Another standout aspect of WallitIQ (WLTQ) is its ability to bypass wallet security vulnerabilities , providing a robust and secure environment for storing and managing digital assets. With constantly evolving cyber threats, this feature resonates with novice and experienced investors. WallitIQ (WLTQ) provides traders with a competitive edge by combining Predictive Analytics technology with user-friendly tools. This innovation is one of the reasons experts believe WallitIQ (WLTQ) could surge to $50, and early investors are taking advantage of the presale to maximize their future gains. For those who prioritize decentralization, WallitIQ’s (WLTQ) ability to trade cryptocurrencies in fully DeFi mode is a significant draw. This feature aligns with the ethos of blockchain technology, enabling flawless, permissionless trading while maintaining complete control over funds. SolidProof’s successful audit adds a layer of trust and transparency to the project, further boosting investor confidence. Dogecoin Price Predictions and Market Trends Dogecoin (DOGE) remains a favorite among crypto enthusiasts, with the Dogecoin price at approximately $0.40 . Despite a significant drop in the Dogecoin price from its all-time high of $0.73 during the 2021 bull run, Dogecoin (DOGE) retains a loyal following and a market cap of nearly $10 billion. The Bitcoin analyst, who famously called the Dogecoin price surge in the past, now predicts that the price could skyrocket to $20 in the next bull cycle. 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Join the WallitIQ (WLTQ) presale and community: Join WallitIQ (WLTQ) Presale Join the WallitIQ (WLTQ) CommunityNEW YORK , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global last mile delivery market size is estimated to grow by USD 60.82 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.12% during the forecast period. Growing global e-commerce industry is driving market growth, with a trend towards strong focus on technological advances. However, operational challenges for last mile delivery companies poses a challenge. Key market players include Accenture Plc, CMA CGM SA Group, Deutsche Bahn AG, Deutsche Post AG, DSV AS, FarEye Technologies Inc., FedEx Corp., FM LOGISTIC CORP, Honeywell International Inc., Infosys Ltd., J B Hunt Transport Services Inc., Kuehne Nagel Management AG, Mara Labs Inc., Nippon Express Holdings Inc., Royal Mail Plc, Schneider Electric SE, SNCF Group, United Parcel Service Inc., Werner Enterprises Inc., and XPO Inc.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver The Last Mile Delivery market is experiencing significant trends as consumer expectations shift towards real-time tracking, on-demand services, and better customer experience. Urban congestion and sustainability considerations are driving the need for logistics process improvements, including route optimization, technology insights, and the use of autonomous vehicles and drones. E-commerce growth and the rise of peer-to-peer marketplaces are increasing the demand for efficient last mile logistics, from distribution centers to the customer's doorstep. Brick-and-mortar retailers are also embracing omnichannel retailing and cloud kitchens, requiring seamless product delivery services. Companies are exploring various delivery options, from ground delivery vehicles and delivery robots like Scout, to shipping cost and shipping option considerations. The logistics market is evolving, with freight transportation companies and supply chain activities integrating warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment services to meet the needs of customers and retailers. Skilled workers, IT standards, and system integration are crucial for managing the complexities of last mile delivery, including the postal address system and expected delivery times. Transport costs, inventories, and financial costs are key areas of focus for companies looking to optimize their last mile delivery operations. Poor infrastructure and logistics costs remain challenges, but advancements in autonomous technology and non-autonomous technology are helping to address these issues. Overall, the last mile delivery market is a dynamic and evolving landscape, driven by consumer behavior, technology, and the ongoing growth of the e-commerce industry. The last mile delivery market is witnessing a significant shift with the increasing use of advanced technology for real-time tracking and package management. Consumers can now easily modify their retail deliveries through user-friendly online tools, ensuring greater transparency and control. However, handling large or high-value packages poses a challenge as they cannot be delivered outside homes. To address this issue, delivery providers offer web and mobile applications for managing the delivery schedules of such packages, enabling customers to collect them at their convenience. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! • Last Mile Delivery: Overcoming Challenges in E-commerce and Retail Last mile delivery refers to the final leg of a product's journey from a distribution center or retail store to the customer's doorstep. This critical phase presents several challenges for businesses, especially in the context of evolving consumer expectations and emerging technologies. Consumer expectations for real-time tracking, on-demand services, and quick delivery are on the rise. Urban congestion and sustainability considerations add complexity to last mile logistics. Companies must balance the use of autonomous vehicles, drones, and non-autonomous technology to optimize costs and improve customer experience. Brick-and-mortar retailers and e-commerce businesses face similar challenges in last mile delivery. Omnichannel retailing, cloud kitchens, and food delivery platforms require efficient route optimization and skilled workers to meet consumer demands. Technology insights, such as mobile applications, transportation hubs, and warehousing, play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. However, poor infrastructure, logistics costs, and the postal address system can hinder progress. E-commerce industry growth, overseas market expansion, and trading activities add to the complexity of last mile delivery. Freight transportation companies and supply chain activities must adapt to meet the evolving needs of retailers and consumers. In conclusion, mastering last mile delivery is essential for businesses to remain competitive in today's market. By addressing challenges related to consumer behavior, technology, logistics costs, and infrastructure, companies can provide better delivery services and enhance the overall customer experience. • Last mile delivery operations present unique challenges for businesses, requiring transparency, efficiency, and profitability. While long-distance transportation costs are lower due to economies of scale, last mile delivery involves numerous individual deliveries within a region, leading to increased logistics costs. Major expenses include labor and fuel costs. Intense competition in the market is driven by pricing and delivery time, making cost reduction a priority for customers. Effective last mile delivery strategies focus on optimizing routes, leveraging technology, and collaborating with multiple delivery providers to minimize expenses and enhance customer satisfaction. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! This last mile delivery market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 B2C 1.2 B2B 2.1 FMCG 2.2 E-commerce 2.3 Retails 2.4 Others 3.1 APAC 3.2 North America 3.3 Europe 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America 1.1 B2C- The last mile delivery market refers to the transportation of parcels and goods from transportation hubs to consumers' homes in a B2C context. This segment primarily deals with small and lightweight products, distinguishing it from B2B last mile delivery. With the in e-commerce sales, the significance of last mile delivery has escalated. For instance, US e-commerce sales as a percentage of total retail sales grew by 10% year-over-year from 2012 to 2021. However, the B2C last mile delivery sector poses challenges for operators due to the lack of large-volume deliveries and low-priced products, resulting in potentially low margins per delivery. Additionally, returns of goods may incur extra transportation costs. Despite these challenges, the global last mile delivery market has experienced growth in recent years, with the B2C segment leading the way. To cater to residential customers, last mile delivery services have introduced next-day, same-day delivery, and parcel return options. Real-time shipment tracking and package delivery status updates are also available to consumers. Major players in the market focus on improving the consumer experience through faster deliveries, easy returns, and data-driven strategies. DHL, for example, utilizes big data and real-time traffic information to optimize delivery routes for quicker deliveries, while others leverage historical consumer purchase data to dispatch forward inventory. These strategies enable lower fuel consumption and more efficient delivery routes, driving the growth of the B2C segment and the global last mile delivery market. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Last Mile Delivery Market: Bridging the Gap between Retailers and Customers Last Mile Delivery (LMD) refers to the final leg of the supply chain, delivering goods from a transportation hub or distribution center to the customer's doorstep. This critical phase of the logistics process faces unique challenges, including urban congestion, consumer expectations, and sustainability considerations. Consumer expectations for real-time tracking, on-demand services, and seamless experiences are shaping the LMD landscape. E-commerce and on-demand services are driving growth, with companies exploring various technologies such as autonomous vehicles, drones, and mobile applications to optimize routes and reduce costs. Urban congestion poses a significant challenge, with companies implementing route optimization and transportation hub strategies to mitigate delays. Sustainability considerations are also crucial, with companies focusing on reducing carbon emissions and adopting green logistics practices. Brick-and-mortar retailers and omnichannel retailers are leveraging cloud kitchens and food delivery platforms to streamline operations and meet customer demands. Peer-to-peer marketplaces and technology insights are disrupting traditional LMD models, while non-autonomous and autonomous technologies coexist to address various market needs. Company costs and shipping costs are critical factors influencing the LMD market, with companies constantly seeking innovative solutions to improve efficiency and reduce expenses. The LMD landscape is evolving rapidly, with a focus on enhancing the customer experience and ensuring timely, cost-effective, and sustainable delivery solutions. The Last Mile Delivery Market refers to the final leg of the supply chain, where products are transported from a distribution center or transportation hub to the customer's doorstep or retail store. Consumers expect fast, reliable, and cost-effective delivery, leading to the growth of on-demand services and real-time tracking. Urban congestion and sustainability considerations are driving the adoption of autonomous vehicles, drones, and non-autonomous technology like Scout delivery robots. The logistics process involves distribution centers, warehouses, and delivery vehicles, with route optimization and mobile applications streamlining the last mile delivery experience. E-commerce, food delivery platforms, and brick-and-mortar retailers are leveraging omnichannel retailing and cloud kitchens to meet customer demands. Technology insights, such as autonomous technology and IT standard system integration, are crucial for efficient last mile logistics. Company costs, shipping costs, and transport infrastructure are key factors influencing the market, with poor infrastructure and logistics costs posing challenges. The e-commerce industry's growth, expected delivery times, and shipping options are shaping consumer behavior and trading activities, both domestically and overseas. Freight transportation companies and supply chain activities play a vital role in the last mile delivery market, with fulfillment services and skilled workers ensuring seamless product delivery services. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Service B2C B2B Application FMCG E-commerce Retails Others Geography APAC North America Europe Middle East And Africa South America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio

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KYTX Investors Have Opportunity to Lead Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: KYTX) Securities Fraud LawsuitDo you often find yourself in bed, endlessly scrolling, not remembering what you were supposed to do before you got distracted? Do you ever feel more overwhelmed and stressed after checking your phone? These are signs that it may be time to declutter your social media . Although social media is essential in today’s digital age to stay connected with loved ones, for productivity, and to stay up-to-date with news, it can also be overwhelming. Decluttering can be a way to regain control of your digital environment, allowing you to remain connected but be more intentional about its use. The Problem With Digital Clutter Digital clutter is having overwhelming notifications, irrelevant content, and unused apps on your phone. Too much overwhelming content online can have potentially negative mental health effects . Social media can cause anxiety because it offers too much content, constantly swaying your emotions as you scroll. One way to tell that social media affects your mood is if you continually feel overwhelmed, anxious, or negative after viewing content. It can be challenging to let go of social media use or minimize it. Social media is the modern way to keep up with family and friends. Letting go can mean experiencing some FOMO (fear of missing out), but it may be for the better if it impacts your daily life. Benefits of Decluttering Your Social Media After decluttering the content seen online, you may have better mental clarity. Beyond digital apps, ads, and notifications being distracting, online content can no longer make you feel down after using it. Additionally, limiting social media use may improve sleep , further improving your cognition. Smartphones are incredibly useful tools. They allow us to be productive on the go, provide us with essential daily functions, and keep us in touch with people. However, we often become distracted by something else on the phone other than what we should be doing. Decluttering your digital world can lead to better time management, so your attempts to be productive are productive. A Guide to Decluttering Your Feeds First, audit any accounts you are following. Go through each account and ask, “Does this bring value to my life?” Or “Do I care about keeping up with them?” Removing harmful, unhelpful, distracting, or useless accounts can better align what you see online with your interests. Blocking ads on social media or any other website can prevent you from falling into a digital rabbit hole. Popups and ads often redirect us to interesting websites but don’t necessarily add value to our time. Turn off any unnecessary notifications. Every ding you hear, and every numbered icon on your app reminds you of something else you could be doing. With intentional actions, there’s no time like the present. Streamlining your feeds can help remove emotionally charged content. It doesn’t feel good to turn off your phone after watching a video that made you sad, angry, anxious, or stressed. Using tools like Instagram’s favorites or TikTok’s “not interested” can help streamline your feed to only show content relevant to your interests. Setting strict boundaries about when, where, and how long you can use social media is important. Yes, these platforms are addictive, so placing strict time limits can help you not become immersed for too long. Setting up screen time limit apps can hold you accountable for the time spent online. Maintaining a Decluttered Digital Space Periodically check in so your feeds, notifications, and ads are relevant and manageable. As your life evolves, so should your digital space. Ensure your online content is serving you rather than the other way around. Having a healthy relationship with the online world is essential in an increasingly digital world. Decluttering your digital space has clear positive effects: more time, mental clarity, and peace of mind. Starting small is all it takes to make a meaningful change. Consider using these tips to create a more intentional and fulfilling online experience. DISCLAIMER: No part of this article was written by The Signal editorial staff.Trump team signs agreement to allow Justice to conduct background checks on nominees, staff

The Philippines once again failed in the pass-or-fail corruption benchmark needed to secure grant assistance from the United States aid arm Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC). MCC's fiscal year 2025 Country Scorebook released on Nov. 21, which listed down the possible compact and threshold program beneficiaries for next year, showed that the Philippines passed 14 out of the 20 annual indicators across three categories. In particular, the country garnered green marks in the following indicators: inflation, regulatory quality, trade policy, gender in the economy, land rights and access, access to credit, and employment opportunity (in the area of "economic freedom"); political rights, civil liberties, government effectiveness, and freedom of information (in "ruling justly"); as well as health expenditures, girls' lower secondary education completion rate, and child health (in "investing in people"). However, the Philippines' garnered red marks in fiscal policy (in economic freedom); control of corruption and rule of law (in ruling justly); and also in education expenditures, natural resource protection, and immunization rates (in investing in people). Under MCC's rules, a compact or multi-year funding can only be extended to countries that passed at least half of the yearly indicators, which the Philippines did, as well as pass what are regarded as "hard hurdles" for eligibility—the civil liberties and political rights (that both measure democratic rights), and control of corruption indicators. As in recent years, the country continued to fail in the control-of-corruption indicator, which, alongside the rule-of-law indicator that also got a red mark, is based on both the Washington-based multilateral lender World Bank and non-profit Brookings Institution's latest Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI). The Philippines landed in the 41st percentile for controlling corruption, whose passing score must be above the 50th percentile. In MCC's fiscal year 2024 country scorebook that came out last year, the Philippines actually garnered fewer green marks—in only 11 indicators, and similarly got a red mark in control of corruption. Still, the Philippines had been chosen by MCC for a smaller threshold grant together with Tanzania, as these two countries "experienced set-backs, but are now on a positive governance trajectory." Threshold programs are being developed with countries which "demonstrate a significant commitment to meeting the eligibility criteria but do not qualify for MCC compact assistance." In the case of the Philippines, MCC had noted that the President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier "committed to advancing critical reforms, pledged to increase transparency, and strengthened judicial independence and the prosecution of human rights violations." "By selecting the Philippines for a threshold program, MCC can support the government to undertake policy and institutional reforms to address the country's development needs while also encouraging further progress on advancing labor and human rights and combating corruption," the aid agency said in December 2023. The Philippine program is aimed at "supporting the government's efforts to reduce poverty and encourage economic growth, while continuing to strengthen just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and social investment" through institutional and policy reforms, MCC subsequently said last February. MCC chief executive officer (CEO) Alice Albright likewise visited the Philippines in February 2024, during which she met with Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, as well as Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick D. Go. Last September, Manila Bulletin already asked for updates on this MCC threshold program for the Philippines, but Department of Finance (DOF) officials did not provide any. It was also in September when the Philippines was included among MCC's 62 candidate-countries for its 2025 fiscal year. The Philippines joined 58 other candidates in the low-income country category, while three countries were short-listed as potential lower middle-income beneficiaries. Following a $20.7-million threshold program from 2006 to 2009, the Philippines in 2011 received its maiden MCC compact grant worth $434 million, which funded the construction of roads in Samar island, reformed revenue administration, and supported social services delivery to the poor. After the first compact in ended 2016, the MCC deferred a new one for the Philippines as the country had been "subject to a further review of concerns around rule of law and civil liberties" under then-US president Barack Obama, who had been critical of former president Rodrigo R. Duterte's deadly war on drugs. As such, the Philippines in 2017 also withdrew from the planned second MCC grant to build roads along the coast of Eastern Luzon.

"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.

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Every December, as it has since 1927 with Charles Lindbergh, Time magazine selects and features the most consequential Person of the Year (13 United States presidents, other world leaders, popes). Sometimes it has not been a person, as such, but a tectonic societal shift (the personal computer, the #MeToo movement). Donald Trump, just named Time’s 2024 Person of the Year , was first elevated to that title after his 2016 election victory. He is consequential because he has returned to power even after attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, even after supporting the insurrection on January 6, 2021, and notwithstanding being twice impeached and convicted of a felony. President-elect Donald Trump speaks during Time magazine’s Person of the Year announcement at the New York Stock Exchange. Credit: AP This year, no one else was on so many people’s minds as Trump. In Time’s judgment , Trump was “the person who had the greatest influence, for better or worse, on the events of the year”. Time might have conferred the accolade jointly on Trump and Elon Musk, given Musk’s astonishing fusion of more than $US250 million in campaign contributions with his dominance over his X platform to help make Trump president. If influence is power, Musk has it. With ceaseless hours at Trump’s side to help shape his presidency, and his establishment and funding of a Musk think tank that will generate edicts for Trump to impose to re-sculpt the government, Musk has effectively supplanted JD Vance to become Trump’s vice president. Musk’s power is second only to Trump’s. For the next two years, Trump will be at his zenith. He will never have to face the voters again, which means he can act with impunity as he makes decisions to advance Trumpism and all that he wants to accomplish. Trump’s Republican Party, which he now owns, controls both houses of Congress, so there will be no more impeachments. His attorney-general and chief of the FBI will go after his political enemies . His secretary of defence will ensure that his generals follow his orders – overseas and in the streets of America’s cities. Loading Public servants will take loyalty oaths or be purged. Trump will take money appropriated by the Congress away from programs he does not like and divert it to his priorities. On the world stage, Trump will present more like Putin, Xi and Orban than Starmer, Macron and Albanese. Trump has already broken the norm of the US having “one president at a time” with his pre-inaugural threats to Mexico, Canada and China on trade and his forays into concluding the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East on his terms. His first inaugural address eight years ago featured the dystopian theme of “American carnage”. We will see how deep he wallows in that dark pool on January 20, 2025. Immediately after his address, when he arrives in the Oval Office, Trump’s march through the first 100 days will formally begin.Sr Bancorp executive chair David Orbach buys $117,467 in stock

Watchdog finds FBI missteps before Jan. 6 riot, but no undercover agents were present

Move over, William Nylander. Your little brother has arrived with the Maple Leafs. The Leafs on Friday afternoon announced the signing of forward Alexander Nylander to a one-year contract that carries an average annual value of $775,000 US. Nylander was recalled from the Toronto Marlies, and in a corresponding move, the Leafs placed forward Matthew Knies (upper-body) on injured reserve, retroactive to Nov. 20. In July, the Marlies signed Alex Nylander to a one-year American Hockey League contract. Not long after, he told the ’s Lance Hornby that it would be “a dream come true” to possibly get a chance to play with his older brother (by just under two years) with the Leafs. “I can’t wait for that chance to come,” Alex told Hornby in August. “But I know I have to prove myself first.” A veteran of 121 National Hockey League games with Buffalo, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Columbus — in which he had 25 goals and 24 assists — he did just that with the Marlies. In 14 games, the 26-year-old Nylander scored eight goals and recorded four assists for the Leafs’ farm team. How Nylander lines up at practice on Saturday at the Ford Performance Centre, and then ostensibly used against the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday, remains to be seen. Many in Leafs Nation would love to see him get a shot on a line with his brother, but there’s another rather viable option for coach Craig Berube. In recent games with the Marlies, Nylander was on a line with Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin. The latter two already are with the Leafs, given the club’s long list injuries at forward, and were sharp in the win against Vegas on Wednesday. Either way, the younger Nylander will be eager to make an impact immediately. X: @koshtorontosunBJP builds a broad caste coalition, garnering Maratha and OBC votes

The concept of a sociopolitical "culture war" has become so expansive that it feels, at times, reductive. It's both broad enough to cover everything, from coffee chains to cookie commercials, yet predictable enough for the factions' opinions to fall roughly along well-worn partisan lines. But now, a new kind of culture war is brewing among the creative class — one that cuts deeper into professional and personal identities. At its center is debate over the use of generative artificial intelligence, the technology behind tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E and MidJourney. While some hail AI as a breakthrough, enabling near click-of-the-button speed and innovation in industries ranging from marketing to medicine, many see it as a profound threat to creative industries. The debate over AI's role in creative work has surfaced in unexpected ways over the past year and reached a fever pitch in recent months. Last fall, Zelda Williams, daughter of the late Robin Williams, denounced AI recreations of her father's voice, calling them exploitative and made without consent. Over the summer, the Grammy-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band apologized to fans after discovering that one of their tour posters — sold as merchandise — had been generated by AI. In October, CNN reported on the rise of AI-powered virtual K-pop bands in South Korea, while some U.S.-based crowdfunding platforms introduced rules banning campaigns relying entirely on AI-generated content. Amid this growing divide, Coca-Cola entered the conversation with a bold move: the release of a new Christmas commercial created using generative AI, thrusting the global brand into the heart of this contentious debate. Festive flashpoint The Coca-Cola commercial in question, released earlier this month, features all the hallmarks of holiday nostalgia: families exchanging warm smiles, people in cozy knit scarves and gloves clutching the iconic glass bottles, big red trucks rumbling through snowy streets. The imagery is an... Ashlie D. StevensThe Place 2 Be evicted from Hall of Fame in Springfield

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Eagles look extra healthy ahead of Week 15 Steelers gameA judge has once again rejected Musk’s multi-billion-dollar Tesla pay package. Now what?KYTX Investors Have Opportunity to Lead Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: KYTX) Securities Fraud Lawsuit

Strictly Come Dancing star Chris McCausland delivered the alternative speech on Channel 4 on Christmas Day where he highlighted abelism in the UK. The 47-year-old blind comedian - who won Strictly alongside professional dancer Dianne Buswell earlier this month - delivered a rousing speech which was broadcast at the same time as King Charles III. During his speech, Chris shared his favourite Christmas snack while also shining a light on the inadequacies of social help available to those with disabilities. Addressing the nation, Chris said: "Oh um sorry. You um caught me with a mouth full of mince pie there. I umm. I love mince pies. I love mince pies so much. I love minced pies so much that I've had to enforce a rule that says I'm not allowed to eat any until my last day of work before Christmas and well, as you may know, it’s been quite full on this year. My feet have barely touched the ground and it has gone right up to the wire and I am just making up for lost time really. "I don't care if they're the posh ones or the cheap ones, I don’t care if they’re the big ones or those tiny little dinky ones. Weather it’s got a solid top or a lattice crown. I will never discriminate against any sort of mince pie, all of them are equal to me and will no doubt meet the same undignified end as I try and fit it all in my mouth in one go. Oh, that’s quite an alcohol-y one." He went on: "Discrimination is never a good thing. Well, I mean sometimes I suppose. Many, many years ago before I got into comedy, I applied to be a spy for MI5. I got down to the last 30 out of 3,000 applicants. The top 1 per cent of potential spies that this country had to offer before they decided no, a blind spy wasn’t what they were looking for but, you know, I think they had a point. I think sometimes discrimination can be vital for the safety of the nation, but usually, we can do better. I feel very lucky to be born into one of the most developed, relatively accepting and progressive countries in the world . But why is it that it’s a country where 50 per cent of disabled people of working age are without employment, that's twice the national average. Why is it that 75 per cent of blind and partially sighted people of working age are without employment. That's three times the national average. Is that discrimination? Well, I would argue it is, so let’s try and fix it eh? I think the government can commit to something better than what they already do." He continued: "Access to Work is a vital government service that provides workplace support and access technology to disabled people. It is wonderful that it exists, but I believe it’s under-resourced. I’ve heard too many stories of disabled people securing employment, to then only have to wait far too long to obtain the support that they need. The national average is 43 days. This needs to be shorter. I want to see this wait time brought down to under four weeks. That seems fair, doesn’t it?" Chris explained: "Delays to this service strip away our confidence, our dignity, and our purpose in the workplace and I think, probably, also risk an employer’s desire to recruit anybody else in the future who may require adjustments. Disabled people are often some of the most resilient, creative and determined people you will ever likely meet. We have to be in daily life and that makes us valuable people to have on the team. We can even win national dance competitions, just saying!" He said: |Disability is everywhere. It’s just something that happens. It could happen to friends, family, loved ones. It could happen to you. I mean after all; you know what us disabled people say. There are only really two types of people in this world. Those of us that are disabled, and those of us that aren't disabled.... yet." He concluded: "So let me raise a toast and say, you know, do unto others as you would want done unto yourself under similar circumstances, or something like that, and treat everyone equally, the way I do my minced pies. Merry Christmas!" Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.Sangamo Therapeutics (NASDAQ:SGMO) Shares Gap Down – Here’s What HappenedKim on target as Bayern pile on Champions League misery for misfiring PSGcasino games gambling 。

Top Coach, our unique monthly feature, highlights advice from real estate experts across the nation. These contributors offer pertinent advice for the ever-changing market. And it’s never too late to learn. Check out the most-read Top Coach columns from 2024. 1. 5 AI techniques for generating real estate leads Wes Snow, president of Dallas-based Ascendix Technologies, shares tips for utilizing artificial intelligence. 2. Prepare your real estate business marketing for the market shift post-NAR settlement Author, executive and strategic planning expert Jonathan H. Lack reflects on the NAR settlement. 3. Three things that hold back real estate agents, and how to avoid them Fred Wilson, author and CEO of Fred Wilson Coaching, shares the concept of “now-modeling.” 4. Stop asking people about buying or selling — a new paradigm in real estate engagement Jeffrey Scott Stanton, senior vice president of learning and career development for Douglas Elliman, discusses the mover’s mindset. 5. The power of teamwork: How to build a successful real estate team Katie Morrell, a Nashville-based agent, talks teams.

AMMAN, Jordan — President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced Israel and Lebanon have reached a ceasefire agreement meant to pause fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah. The 14-month conflict has left more than 3,000 people dead. “Effective 4 a.m. tomorrow local time the fighting across the Lebanese-Israeli border will end. Will end,” Biden said from the White House. “This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities. I applaud the courageous leaders of Lebanon and Israel end the violence.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier Tuesday he had recommended that this government approve the agreement. Though the deal does not involve the separate conflict in Gaza Strip, Biden administration officials said they hoped it would lead to an agreement to end fighting there, too. Even as the deal was finalized, Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes across Lebanon, striking areas in the country’s southern and eastern regions, along with the suburbs of the capital — areas where Hezbollah holds sway. Several airstrikes also hit the heart of Beirut, killing at least 10 people, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. In a televised address on Tuesday evening local time, Netanyahu said he would present the outline of the proposal to the government, pushing his ministers to accept the move despite reservations from far-right leaders who are integral members of his coalition. “The length of the ceasefire will depend on what happens in Lebanon,” Netanyahu said. He added that Israel would maintain freedom to act against violations. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and seeks to arm itself, we will attack,” he said. The agreement would not immediately affect the fighting in Gaza Strip with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Netanyahu pushed his ministers to accept the agreement, arguing it would allow Israel to focus its attention on the threat from Iran, give Israeli troops an opportunity to replenish their stocks and isolate Hamas. The agreement will initiate a 60-day truce that would see both sides withdraw: Israeli troops out of south Lebanon to Israeli territory, and Hezbollah to areas north of the Litani River, some 18 miles north of the Lebanese-Israeli border. During the truce, a monitoring mechanism would be established that would ensure Hezbollah is not able to reconstitute itself or wage attacks on Israel from southern Lebanon. A U.S.-led committee would oversee implementation of the withdrawal. Lebanese officials say some 5,000 soldiers from Lebanon’s army — which has remained neutral during the conflict — would then enter south Lebanon, along with U.N. peacekeeping forces. Lebanon’s caretaker government is set to meet Wednesday morning to discuss the proposal; it is widely expected to be approved. Despite the optimism, many elements of the ceasefire proposal — which came about after vigorous negotiations brokered by the U.S. and France — remain unclear. One of the larger sticking points is whether Israel would be able to continue striking Hezbollah throughout Lebanon if the group attempts to reestablish a presence south of the Litani River, or if it continues to wage attacks on Israel or smuggle weapons. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz told the U.N.’s Lebanon envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert on Tuesday that Israel would act “forcefully” against any breach of the ceasefire agreement. “If you do not act, we will do it, forcefully,” Katz said in a statement. “Any house rebuilt in south Lebanon and used as a terrorist base will be destroyed, any rearming or terrorist organization will be attacked, any attempt at transferring arms will be foiled, and any threat against our forces or our citizens will be immediately eliminated.” Lebanese leaders have dismissed such an agreement as an unacceptable breach of Lebanon’s sovereignty. The ceasefire would officially be an agreement between Israel and Lebanon. It includes a Lebanese lawmaker who has been negotiating on Hezbollah’s behalf. But Hezbollah, a paramilitary faction and political party which is backed by Iran, is not officially a party to the agreement. Another question is the fate of Hezbollah’s weapons. Before the war, the group was considered one of the world’s premier paramilitary factions, with an arsenal more powerful than that of the Lebanese army. The ceasefire agreement, which is based on a U.N. resolution that established a ceasefire in the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel, has provisions that would force the group to surrender its arms. A ceasefire would end a 13-month conflict that began a day after Hamas attacked southern Israel, when Hezbollah initiated a rocket campaign in northern Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. In the months of tit-for-tat strikes that followed, some 60,000 people from northern Israel and approximately 100,000 Lebanese from southern Lebanon were displaced. In September, Israel escalated its attacks, conducting thousands of airstrikes on Hezbollah-dominated parts of the country and starting an invasion that saw Israeli troops enter southern Lebanon for the first time since 2006. It also assassinated Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah . Since Oct. 8, 2023, more than 3,823 people have been killed in Lebanon and 15,859 injured, according to Lebanese government data, the majority of them in the last two months. More than 25% of those killed were women and children, according to the government data, which do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Meanwhile, some 1.2 million people — almost a quarter of Lebanon’s population — have been displaced, with wide swaths of the country destroyed. The Israeli government said on Tuesday that 78 Israelis have been killed in attacks by Hezbollah and its allies, including 47 civilians. Even as senior Israeli ministers were meeting at Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israeli warplanes launched some 180 airstrikes across the country, according to a statement from Israel’s military. It issued evacuation warnings for some cities. The military said it was targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure, including the group’s financial arm. Among the targets were four neighborhoods of central Beirut with which had previously been spared from the fighting. One raid hit Hamra, a popular shopping district in the capital which in recent months has become a sanctuary for hundreds of thousands displaced from the Dahieh, the constellation of suburbs south of Beirut where many of Hezbollah’s offices are headquartered. The Dahieh too was pounded by an intense barrage of more than 20 airstrikes, leaving the area obscured by a curtain of smoke and rocking buildings in adjacent neighborhoods. “The hysterical Israeli aggression this evening on Beirut and various Lebanese regions, which specifically targets civilians, confirms once again that the Israeli enemy does not respect any law or consideration,” said Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in a statement on Tuesday. He called on the international community “to act quickly to stop this aggression and implement an immediate ceasefire.” Meanwhile, Hezbollah continued its barrage against northern Israel, lobbing dozens of projectiles across the border. ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Protecting sensitive data nowadays should be a top priority for businesses of all sizes. Data breaches and cyber threats are no longer occasional occurrences but constant risks that require ongoing attention. The global cost of cyberattacks is expected to hit $9.5 trillion in 2024, largely fueled by ransomware, phishing, and data breaches. To combat these threats, companies need robust, continuous security measures that adapt as threats evolve. Traditional security measures, while effective to an extent, often involve manual processes that can be inconsistent, leaving gaps in protection. Automation is changing the landscape as it allows businesses to protect data more effectively through real-time encryption and automated security audits. Automating data security processes means sensitive information is consistently protected, and security status is constantly monitored without relying solely on human effort. 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Unlike traditional methods, ML algorithms can learn from data over time, recognizing what constitutes typical behaviour and quickly spotting anomalies that could signal unauthorized access or suspicious actions. This type of real-time detection helps teams stay aware of issues that may otherwise go unnoticed in large datasets. Incorporating ML into security audits enables businesses to gain a proactive approach to data protection. As soon as an anomaly is detected, ML-powered tools can alert the security team to investigate before any real damage is done. This level of insight is especially valuable in industries handling sensitive data, where even minor incidents could have serious consequences. Automated anomaly detection keeps teams informed, enabling swift action and strengthening the overall security framework. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Improving Data Access Control Statistics show that over 70% of organizations with access control experience fewer than five major incidents annually. Access control is a fundamental element of data security as it determines who can view or modify sensitive information within an organization. Automated access control systems make this process more secure by continuously monitoring and adjusting permissions based on predefined rules. For instance, when an employee changes roles or leaves the company, automated systems can immediately update or revoke access rights, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Automating access control brings consistency and reduces human error, which can often lead to accidental exposure of sensitive information. By leveraging automated systems, companies create a more adaptable and secure environment where access is restricted to those who genuinely need it. This method also simplifies compliance with regulatory standards that require strict access controls. In this way, businesses can manage data access dynamically and respond quickly to personnel or organizational changes. Automated Reporting Automated reporting is a powerful tool for maintaining a clear view of an organization’s security health. With real-time data feeding directly into dashboards and reports, security teams gain immediate insights into the status of various security measures, compliance levels, and potential risks. Instead of spending hours manually compiling data for reports, automated systems handle this work, generating up-to-date summaries that decision-makers can access at any time. Automated reports not only save time but also improve the quality of information used in decision-making. These reports are frequently customizable, allowing teams to focus on specific metrics or risks that are most relevant to their organization. This flexibility makes it easier to make informed decisions, as leaders have a continuous, accurate view of security issues and trends. Automating data encryption and security audits has transformed the way businesses approach data protection. With tools like robotic process automation , machine learning, and automated reporting, companies can create a dynamic, secure environment that operates around the clock. These methods bring real-time data security and compliance monitoring within reach, helping organizations respond to risks proactively rather than reactively. 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Quarterbacks in spotlight when No. 6 Miami visits SyracuseLess than a month after winning the World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers are spending big again to add one of baseball's best pitchers to their star-studded roster. Blake Snell and the Dodgers have agreed to a $182 million, five-year contract, according to a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday night because the deal is subject to a successful physical. The two-time Cy Young Award winner broke the news personally by posting a photo of himself on social media in a Dodgers uniform — No. 7. Snell would join two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and fellow Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto atop Los Angeles' rotation, giving the Dodgers the first mega deal of this offseason following Ohtani's $700 million, 10-year contract and Yamamoto's $325 million, 12-year deal last winter. Ohtani didn't pitch this year while recovering from right elbow surgery but is expected back on the mound in 2025. He won his third MVP award — first in the National League — following a huge season at the plate exclusively as a designated hitter. Yamamoto went 7-2 with a 3.00 ERA in 18 starts as a rookie, then won twice in four October outings. Down to three healthy starting pitchers during the postseason, Los Angeles overcame a string of injuries to its projected rotation in winning the franchise's second World Series title in five years. San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Blake Snell delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Sept. 17, 2024, in Baltimore. Credit: AP/Stephanie Scarbrough Right-handers Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler then became free agents this fall, creating more voids on the staff. But the addition of Snell would fill a big one at the top with a legitimate ace. Snell's $36.4 million average salary would rank as the fifth-highest among active deals next year behind Ohtani ($70 million), Philadelphia pitcher Zack Wheeler ($42 million), New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge ($40 million) and Texas pitcher Jacob deGrom ($37 million). Among expired contracts, it also was exceeded by pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander (both $43.33 million) under deals they agreed to with the New York Mets. ESPN first reported the details of Snell's contract. Earlier this month, Snell opted out of his deal with San Francisco to become a free agent for the second consecutive offseason after he was slowed by injuries during his lone year with the Giants. San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Blake Snell throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Sept. 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. Credit: AP/Charlie Riedel The left-hander agreed in March to a $62 million, two-year contract that included a $17 million signing bonus payable on Jan. 15, 2026, a $15 million salary for 2024 and a $30 million salary for 2025, of which $15 million would have been deferred and payable on July 1, 2027. Snell, who turns 32 next week, went 5-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts this year, throwing a no-hitter at Cincinnati on Aug. 2 for one of only 16 individual shutouts in the major leagues this season. He struck out 145 and walked 44 in 104 innings. He was sidelined between April 19 and May 22 by a strained left adductor and between June 2 and July 9 by a strained left groin. Snell won Cy Young Awards in 2018 with Tampa Bay and 2023 with San Diego. He is 76-58 with a 3.19 ERA in nine seasons with the Rays (2016-20), Padres (2021-23) and Giants. Because he turned down a qualifying offer from San Diego last November, the Giants were not eligible to give Snell another one and won’t receive draft-pick compensation. Los Angeles expects All-Star right-hander Tyler Glasnow and three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw back in the rotation next year. Other starting candidates if healthy include right-handers Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin. Ohtani is coming off right elbow surgery in September 2023 and left shoulder surgery on Nov. 5. Glasnow didn’t pitch after Aug. 11 because of right elbow tendinitis. Kershaw, who turns 37 in March, had foot and knee surgeries on Nov. 7. May is coming back from Tommy John surgery in July 2023 and for an operation this past July to repair a tear in his esophagus. Gonsolin spent 2024 rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. Yamamoto was sidelined by right triceps tightness between June 15 and Sept. 10, then returned and went 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA in four postseason starts to cap the first season of his $325 million contract. ___ AP Baseball Writers Janie McCauley and Mike Fitzpatrick contributed to this report.

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30 jili casino games Unlocking Gaming’s Future! The Surge of Nvidia Stock in 2023NEW YORK — I’ll get you, my pretty! And your little pygmy hippo, too! Forgive us the shameless attempt to link the fantasy hit “Wicked” to the delightful Moo Deng . But, hear us out — there’s something the two have in common as the year draws to a close. Escapism. Whether we found it on the yellow brick road, or in videos from a Thailand zoo, or perhaps in unlikely Olympic heroes , we gravitated toward fantasy and feel-good pop culture moments this year. There were new trends, as always. “Brat summer” became a thing, as did “demure, mindful.” And for some inexplicable reason, we became obsessed with celebrity lookalike contests. There were breakups — Bennifer is, again, a thing of the past — and reunions: Oasis, please try to stay together for the tour. Yet some things stayed, remarkably, the same: Taylor Swift and Beyoncé kept on breaking records and making history. So, after a year where much changed but some things held steady, here’s our annual, very selective trip down pop culture memory lane: Lily Gladstone poses in the press room Jan. 7 with the award for best performance by an actress in a motion picture, drama for "Killers of the Flower Moon" at the 81st Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. January It starts as a cheery tweet from a beloved “Sesame Street” figure: “ ELMO is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” The answers hint at something deeper and more worrisome. “Not great, Elmo. Not great,” says one milder reply. Doing much better is the viral phenomenon called “BARBENHEIMER,” which makes its awards season debut at the GOLDEN GLOBES . But perhaps the most poignant moment comes from neither film: LILY GLADSTONE , first Indigenous winner of best actress in a drama for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” begins her remarks in the language of her tribe, Blackfeet Nation. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) kisses Taylor Swift on Feb. 11 after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game in Las Vegas. February Valentine’s Day — a perfect time to settle into a sweet love saga via TikTok. Only that’s not quite what we get with “Who TF Did I Marry?,” REESA TEESA ’s depressing, fascinating, 50-part account of her disastrous marriage with a man who lied about absolutely everything. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a single week that encapsulates peak SWIFT cultural dominance , try this: she begins with the Grammys in Los Angeles (becoming the first artist to win album of the year four times AND announcing a new album), then heads to Tokyo for four tour dates, then jets back just in time for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas — where she shares a passionate smooch with boyfriend TRAVIS KELCE on the field of victory. Ryan Gosling performs the song "I'm Just Ken" from the movie "Barbie" on March 10 during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. March “What was I made for?” BILLIE EILISH sings at the OSCARS, channeling BARBIE . And what was KEN made for? Not entirely clear — but it's clear RYAN GOSLING was made to play him. His singalong version of “I’m Just Ken” is one of the most entertaining Oscar musical moments in years. Still, Christopher Nolan's “OPPENHEIMER” prevails, a rare case of the top prize going to a blockbuster studio film. Will it happen again in 2025? CYNTHIA ERIVO and ARIANA GRANDE sure hope so; as presenters, they make a sly reference to their upcoming juggernaut, “WICKED.” Speaking of marketing, people are obsessed with that bizarre “DUNE” popcorn bucket. Beyonce And BEYONCÉ carves her space in country music with “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” which will make her the first Black woman to top the Billboard country chart. Taylor Swift performs June 21 at Wembley Stadium in London as part of her Eras Tour. April Tennis, anyone? The game’s been around for centuries, but it’s having a cultural moment right now, helped mightily by “CHALLENGERS,” the sweaty romance triangle starring ZENDAYA, MIKE FAIST and JOSH O'CONNOR (40-love? More like 40-sex.) Elsewhere, a new era dawns: At midnight, SWIFT drops “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT," then drops another 15 songs two hours later. The fascinating and disturbing “BABY REINDEER,” the story of a struggling comedian’s extended encounter with a stalker, debuts on Netflix. Ben Affleck, left, and Jennifer Lopez arrive Feb. 13 at the premiere of "This Is Me ... Now: A Love Story" at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. May It’s MET GALA time — or as it's known in 2024, another early marketing moment for “WICKED.” ERIVO and GRANDE make fashion waves on the carpet and then musical ones at dinner, with a soulful performance of “When You Believe.” If the “Wicked” tour is in full force, another one stops in its tracks: JENNIFER LOPEZ cancels her summer tour amid reports of both poor ticket sales and trouble in her marriage to BEN AFFLECK . It’s been an eventful year for J.Lo, who's released an album and movie called “THIS IS ME ... NOW" — both reflections on her renewed love with Affleck. June Welcome to BRAT SUMMER ! CHARLI XCX releases her hit “Brat” album , with its lime green cover, and launches a thousand memes. Collins Dictionary defines “brat,” its word of the year, as “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” At the celeb-heavy SWIFT shows in London, we see PRINCE WILLIAM shaking it off, which is either charming or cringe, you decide. Even better: KELCE dons a top hat and tux and performs for one night. At another stadium across the pond, METS infielder JOSE IGLESIAS delights the crowd with his cheery number “OMG.” Stephen Nedoroscik is introduced June 29 at the United States Gymnastics Olympic Trials in Minneapolis. July Bonjour, it’s OLYMPICS time! In Paris! An audacious opening ceremony along the Seine is punctuated by a fabulous CELINE DION , perched on the EIFFEL TOWER , singing her heart out — in the rain, too. Controversy swirls over a scene critics feel mocks Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (organizers say it does not). Olympic stars are born — including French swimming superstar LEON MARCHAND , rugby player ILONA MAHER , and bespectacled “Pommel Horse Guy” gymnast STEPHEN NEDOROSCIK , who nets two bronze medals and comparisons to Clark Kent. Baby pigmy hippo Moo Deng plays with a zookeeper Sept. 19 in the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand. Also capturing hearts: yep, MOO DENG , born this month. Her name means “bouncy pork.” Australia's Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes Aug. 9 during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. August This is them ... now: BENNIFER is no more. After two decades, two engagements and two weddings, J.Lo files for divorce. One union dissolves, another returns: OASIS announces a reunion tour. Everyone seems to want to get in on TikToker JOOLS LEBRON 's “ DEMURE, MINDFUL ” act — even the WHITE HOUSE press team. Back at the Olympics, in the new sport of breaking, we meet Australia’s RAYGUN , arguably neither demure nor mindful with her “kangaroo” move. Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani brings his dog Decoy to the mound Aug. 28 before Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles in Los Angeles. Cute animal alert: SHOHEI OHTANI ’s perky pooch DECOY does a great “first pitch” in his Major League Baseball debut. Chappell Roan performs "Good Luck, Babe" on Sept. 11 during the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. September One of the year’s biggest breakout artists, CHAPPELL ROAN , withdraws from a music festival after speaking out about frightening fan interactions. And more on the price of fame: In an excruciating moment, “Bachelorette” JENN TRAN , the franchise’s first Asian American lead, is forced to sit through a painful viewing of her proposal to her chosen suitor, after tearfully explaining how he’d later dumped her over the phone. Tran is keeping busy though — she’s announced as part of the new “Dancing with the Stars” lineup. Also on the list: rugby player Maher, and Pommel Horse Guy! Also, ANNA SOROKIN , dancing with an ankle monitor. Online fandom, meanwhile, is shaken when X is temporarily suspended in Brazil and celebrity stan accounts post tearful farewells, revealing to many across the globe that their favorite accounts are run by Brazilians. Miles Mitchell, 21, wins of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest Oct. 27 near Washington Square Park in New York. October “Dune” Chalamets! “Wonka” Chalamets! Thousands gather in Manhattan for a TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET lookalike contest, and things really get interesting when Chalamet himself shows up. He doesn’t enter the contest, though, and with his mustache, he may not even have won. The trend continues with contests for JEREMY ALLEN WHITE, ZAYN MALIK and — in a very Washington version — Kennedy scion JACK SCHLOSSBERG , who's been gathering a following with some interesting social media posts. New York Liberty Kennedy Burke dances with the mascot, Ellie the Elephant, during an Oct. 24 ceremony after a parade in honor of the Liberty's WNBA basketball championship at City Hall in New York. Turning to basketball, who’s that dancing with USHER ? Why it’s ELLIE THE ELEPHANT , the now-viral NEW YORK LIBERTY mascot. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, appears Nov. 2 with Maya Rudolph on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in New York. November MAYA RUDOLPH does a pretty good KAMALA HARRIS laugh on “Saturday Night Live,” but you know who does it better? HARRIS herself. The Democratic candidate makes a surprise cameo three days before the U.S. presidential election, following in the footsteps of HILLARY CLINTON , SARAH PALIN and others. Elsewhere in television, Bravo announces that “VANDERPUMP RULES,” the Emmy-nominated reality show that has lived through countless scandals, is entirely recasting its 12th season — apart from namesake LISA VANDERPUMP . As for MOO DENG , she doesn't have her own TV series yet, but our favorite pygmy hippo is generating plenty of merch . And THAT brings us back to ... Ariana Grande, left, and Cynthia Erivo pose for photographers Nov. 11 prior to the premiere of "Wicked" at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City. December “WICKED” ! Director JON M. CHU ’s emerald-hued fantasy remains very very popular, to quote one of its buzzy show tunes, dancing through life and defying gravity at the multiplex. Moviegoers also come for “GLADIATOR II” and, in a veritable tidal wave, Disney's “MOANA 2,” which beckons us back to the seas of Oceania. Once again, 2024 seems to be telling us: Give people some whimsy, a place to escape, maybe some catchy tunes — and no one knows how far they’ll go. The stories and images that defined 2024. Searching for something? From queries about U.S. politics to cricket in India, Wikipedia has become a source of information for millions of people across the globe. From the Paris Olympics to the Super Bowl. From Simone Biles to Shohei Ohtani. And, of course, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. These are the sp... AP photographers assembled a visual catalog of our civilization as life in 2024 hurtled directly at us at every speed and in every imaginable ... In 2024, photographers captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election, to hurricanes and fires that ravag... Associated Press photographers captured voters with raw emotions of joy, excitement, contemplation or sorrow. See entertainment's biggest moments in 2024, through the lens of Associated Press photographers. It beat five other finalists: demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy and lore. News anchors, politicians and other public figures in the U.S. struggled with these words the most this year. Is it any surprise Merriam-Webster's word of the year is "polarization"? Here are the other words that rounded out the top 10 for 2024. 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Who Owns the World’s Biggest Gold Mines?Bulls On Tap Tasting Flight: Chicago Bulls News for Nov. 22, 2024Shohei Ohtani wins 3rd AP Male Athlete of the Year award, tying Michael Jordan for 1 shy of recordWASHINGTON D.C., DC — 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 Middle East. Biden spoke at the White House hours after after rebel groups completed a takeover of the country following more than a dozen years of violent civil war and decades of leadership by Assad and his family . Biden said the United States was monitoring reports of the whereabouts of Assad, with Russian state media saying he had fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally. 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. Trump said Sunday that Assad had fled 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 said it had no intention of intervening. 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 for those troops to remain, adding that U.S. forces on Sunday conducted “precision air strikes" on IS camps and operations in Syria. U.S. Central Command said the operation hit more than 75 targets. “We’re clear-eyed about the fact that ISIS will try and take advantage of any vacuum to reestablish its credibility, and create a safe haven," Biden said, using a different acronym for the group. "We will not let that happen.” The Syrian opposition that brought down Assad is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham , which the U.S. says is a terrorist organization with links to al-Qaida, although the group 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. A senior Biden administration official, when asked about contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leaders after Assad's departure, said Washington was in contact with Syrian groups of all kinds. The official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the situation and spoke on condition of anonymity, also said the U.S. has focused over the past several days on chemical weapons that had been controlled by the Assad government, aiming to ensure they were secured. Still, 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. Like Biden, Trump, who takes office in five-plus weeks, 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 the group. 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. The president-elect 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." The U.S. has no new evidence that Tice is alive but continues to operate under the assumption that he is, according to a U.S. official. The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly, added that the U.S. will continue to work to identify Tice's whereabouts and to try to bring him home . ___ Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Manama, Bahrain, and Aamer Madhani and AP White House Correspondent Zeke Miller contributed to this report.

How to watch Florida vs. Florida State: TV channel, streaming infoAnother week, another game where the Green Bay Packers will be cautious with cornerback Jaire Alexander . Even though he practiced the entire week as a full participant, the former All Pro won't be available against the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football, according to NFL Network's insider Tom Pelissero. Sources: #Packers CB Jaire Alexander will be inactive tonight against the #Saints . He’s played just 10 snaps since October with what the team has called a knee injury. He was listed as a full participant this week in practice. But he’s not himself. They’ll reevaluate next week. pic.twitter.com/y6R67EP5yN Alexander hurt his knee on October 27 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He tried to return against the Chicago Bears on November 17, but aggravated the issue. It's a PCL injury . The cornerback will miss his sixth game out of the last seven. This season, the former All-Pro cornerback has played only seven of the team's 15 games — he had already missed two games earlier in the season because of a groin injury. Jaire is probably close to being ready. But as the Packers have virtually clinched a playoff spot, it makes sense to make sure he will be 100% before putting him in action again. And Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings is certainly more important for the Packers’ season. Depth Even without Jaire Alexander, the Packers decided not to elevate any cornerback from the practice squad. This means the cornerback group available for the Saints game has Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine, and Robert Rochell. The Packers are extremely thin at safety too, because Javon Bullard (who also plays in the slot) is out with an ankle injury, and Evan Williams is questionable with a quad issue. Because of this, the team elevated rookie safety Omar Brown from the practice squad for gameday. Packers inactives LB Quay Walker WR Malik Heath S Javon Bullard CB Jaire Alexander S Evan Williams OL Jacob Monk Other side Week 16 Inactives vs. Green Bay QB Derek Carr WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling RB Alvin Kamara DT Nathan Shepherd DT Khristian Boyd #Saints | @LaMachinery https://t.co/a9nqnD3juZ This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

The defamation lawsuit against Rebel Wilson over claims she made about producers of her directorial debut The Deb survived a key hurdle this week after a judge denied Wilson’s motion to toss the case. The Deb producers Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron, and Vince Holden sued Wilson back in July, days after the actress posted a video on social media accusing them of embezzlement and sexual harassment. She further claimed that the producers were trying to sabotage the film’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. In their suit, Ghost, Cameron and Holden called Wilson “a bully who will disregard the interests of others to promote her own.” Wilson’s team had argued that the defamation case should be dismissed because Wilson’s claims were in the public interest. But in a ruling published Thursday, Judge Thomas Long rejected that argument, saying the video Wilson shared was not “protected activity.” Bryan Freedman, Wilson’s attorney, said in a statement that they would appeal Long’s decision. “The Court’s ruling defies well-established law,” Freedman said. “Posting a video addressing the highly anticipated premiere of The Deb at the Toronto International Film Festival and widespread misconduct in the entertainment industry, which are unmistakably ‘matters of public interest,’ constitutes a protected activity.’ Similarly, a demand letter addressing the same and related topics that was allegedly distributed after litigation has started is also protected activity. A Notice of Appeal will be filed today. We are more than confident that the court of appeals will rule in our favor.” Trending Stories Shaboozey Deserves More Than What the CMA Awards Gave Him — Including an Apology Kendrick Lamar's Surprise New Album 'GNX' Is Here Billy Preston Was Beloved by the Beatles and Stones. His Fall From Grace Was a Rock Tragedy Tesla Has Highest Rate of Deadly Accidents Among Car Brands, Study Finds In a statement, Ghost, Cameron and Holden’s attorney Camille Vasquez said they were “gratified” by the court’s ruling. “Defendant Rebel Wilson’s anti-SLAPP motion was a cynical attempt to stifle a valid legal claim after she launched a public attack against three hardworking professionals,” Vasquez said. “We are grateful to the court for reaching the correct legal result and allowing that claim to proceed. We look forward to seeing Ms. Wilson in court.” Along with trying to get the defamation suit dismissed, Wilson filed a countersuit against Ghost, Cameron and Holden in October . That complaint repeated many of her initial claims, while also accusing the producers of breach of contract, false imprisonment, fraudulent inducement, and inflection of emotional distress.The AP Top 25 women’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Nyla Harris had 14 points and Jayda Curry scored 10 of her 14 points in the fourth quarter to help No. 24 Louisville get past Colorado 79-71 on Saturday. The Cardinals led 56-55 after three quarters before pulling away in the fourth by scoring 16 unanswered points, capped by a fast-break layup by Curry, before Colorado made its first field goal of the frame with 2:48 left. Colorado scored the next six points to get within single digits at 72-63, but freshman Tajianna Roberts banked in a jumper in the lane at the other end. Izela Arenas sealed it on two free throws with 24.9 seconds left for a nine-point lead. Roberts finished with 13 and Arenas had 11 for Louisville (5-2). Frida Formann scored 25 points for Colorado (6-2). Jade Masogayo added 12 points, Nyamer Diew scored 10 and Kindyll Wetta matched her career-high with 10 assists. Formann went on a personal 8-0 run to give Colorado a 43-37 lead with 7:38 left in the third. She reached 20 points during the run, while no other player had scored in double figures. Louisville plays No. 8 Oklahoma on Wednesday in the SEC/ACC Challenge. Colorado continues a five-game homestand against Tennesse Tech on Tuesday. ___ 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

‘Small caps are going to become more in favor in 2025:' VettaFi's research head doubles down on winning groupTweet Facebook Mail A Victorian snake catcher has warned people to beware of snakes seeking indoor shelter as the days get hotter and longer. Wyndhamvale-based Stewy the Snake Catcher wrote on Facebook that snakes were at risk of overheating during summer, because they cannot regulate their body temperature. "A snake's optimum temperature range is anywhere between 18 degrees to 30 degrees. Any hotter than that and they can really struggle," he said. READ MORE: Where is Assad? Russia solves the mystery of the Syrian dictator's escape  Victoria-based Stewy the Snake Catcher posted this picture on Facebook to show how snakes squeeze under doors. (Stewy the Snake Catcher/Facebook) "When the temperature is too hot for snakes, they will enter houses, garages, warehouses, shops etc in order to cool down." Alongside the post, the snake catcher uploaded a photo of a red-bellied black snake flattening itself out to sneak under a closed door. "If you have your air conditioner going, a snake can sense the cooler air seeping from underneath your door, and they are absolutely amazing at squeezing into tight places," he said. READ MORE: Court blocks unions from striking after Sydney Trains talks break down  Watch your fingers - can you spot the snake in the box? View Gallery "A (snake) can squeeze through a gap of about one-third of its body circumference." And, he said, if a snake can't squeeze through the gap, it can lie against the crack and absorb the cooler air that way. "So please always look down before you step out," Stewy wrote. Anybody who comes into contact with a snake is urged to call a snake catcher for advice and a possible relocation. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .

Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams

A campaign manager and advisor for President-elect Donald Trump has spoken about the moment Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, as the pair sat in the Republican 's office. Chris LaCivita, who has worked in and around Trump's campaigns over the past eight years, was speaking on David Axelrod 's podcast The Axe Files, with the former advisor to President Barack Obama asking about the GOP's slump in the 2022 midterms. LaCivita agreed with Axelrod that the election that year was seen as a repudiation of Trump, but said it was important to look at the U.S. Supreme Court 's Dobbs decision earlier that summer. The strategist was sitting in Trump's office at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, when the news broke that the right to an abortion had been swept aside. "My phone went off, the alert went off and I went 'Oh boy!' and he's like 'What?' and I read it to him, he just looked at me and said: 'Well we're going to have a problem'," LaCivita said. "He instinctively knew immediately the political issue that was going to pose." While Trump took credit for the overturning of Roe v. Wade during his 2024 campaign, having appointed three conservative judges during his presidency, LaCivita's account of his initial reaction suggests he understood there could be backlash against the Republican Party in the midterms. Axelrod and LaCivita discussed the polling ahead of that November 2022 vote, along with the results, which despite the GOP's takeback of the House of Representatives was seen as somewhat of a loss for the party. "It was viewed as an immediate repudiation of Trump and it was because of the Dobbs decision, in part, it was because the party was ready to move on," he said, adding that the rising stock of former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also threatened Trump's 2024 chances. A few weeks later, Trump was embroiled in more controversy when right-wing podcaster Nick Fuentes and Ye, formerly known as Kanye, showed up at Mar-a-Lago. "That was a rough part, it was a low part," LaCivita told Axelrod. The advisor said the Trump campaign machine's ability to move through controversies and "survive it" marked it out as something different to other campaigns that had come before. He said there was also confidence going into the primaries earlier in 2024 that Trump would sweep through them, and that Haley and DeSantis would not be as much of a problem as they perhaps felt in 2022. As for the issue of abortion , while it did play a major role for voters in the 2024 election, Trump's ties to the Dobbs decision did not appear to have had such a negative effect as it perhaps did two years ago.Packham resigns as RSPCA president after animal cruelty claims at approved farmsWildlife TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham has resigned as president of the RSPCA after an investigation made allegations of animal cruelty at some of the charity’s approved abattoirs. Former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas has also resigned as vice-president of the animal welfare organisation, with both of them expressing their “sadness” over leaving the roles. It comes after an Animal Rising investigation made claims of cruelty at “RSPCA Assured” slaughterhouses in England and Scotland , with the campaign group sharing footage of alleged mistreatment. RSPCA Assured is a scheme whereby approved farms must comply with the organisation’s “stringent higher welfare standards”, according to its website. Mr Packham shared the news of his resignation on social media, saying: “It is with enormous sadness that I have resigned from my role as president of the RSPCA. “I would like to register my respect and admiration for all the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect animals from cruelty.” Ms Lucas said she and Mr Packham failed to get the charity’s leadership to act. She posted on X, formerly Twitter: “With huge sadness I’m resigning as VP of the RSPCA, a role I’ve held with pride for over 15 years. “But their Assured Schemes risk misleading the public & legitimising cruelty. “I tried with @ChrisGPackham to persuade the leadership to act but sadly failed.” In June, the RSPCA commissioned an independent review of 200 farms on its assurance scheme which concluded the scheme was “operating effectively” to assure animal welfare on member farms. Following Animal Rising’s release of footage last week, the charity said it was “appalled” by what was shown, adding that it launched an immediate investigation and suspended three slaughterhouses from the scheme. In the wake of Mr Packham and Ms Lucas’ resignations, an RSPCA spokesperson said it is “simply not true” that the organisation has failed to take urgent action. They said: “We agree with Chris and Caroline on so many issues and have achieved so much together for animals, but we differ on how best to address the incredibly complex and difficult issue of farmed animal welfare. “We have discussed our work to drive up farmed animal welfare standards openly at length with them on many occasions and it is simply not true that we have not taken urgent action. “We took allegations of poor welfare incredibly seriously, launching an independent review of 200 farms which concluded that it was ‘operating effectively’ to improve animal welfare. “We are taking strong steps to improve oversight of welfare, implementing the recommendations in full including significantly increasing unannounced visits, and exploring technology such as body-worn cameras and CCTV, supported by £2 million of investment.” The charity insisted that while 94% of people continue to choose to eat meat, fish, eggs and dairy, it is the “right thing to do” to work with farmers to improve the lives of animals. “RSPCA Assured visit all farms on the scheme every year, but last year just 3% of farms were assessed for animal welfare by state bodies,” the spokesperson continued. “No-one else is doing this work. We are the only organisation setting and regularly monitoring animal welfare standards on farms. “We have pioneered change through RSPCA Assured, which has led to improvements throughout the industry including CCTV in slaughterhouses, banning barren battery cages for hens and sow stalls for pigs, giving salmon more space to swim and developing slower growing chicken breeds who have better quality of life.”

When the snow is falling and hot chocolate is piping, few activities are more refreshing and relaxing than plopping down on the couch and turning on the television. Some will watch live Christmas events from Rockefeller Center, while others will tune into a bowl game. But if you’re of a certain age, you clearly remember the excitement when Nickelodeon began to roll out its litany of timeless Christmas specials. From Kenan & Kel in the 1990s to Danny Phantom in the late 2000s, Nickelodeon has entered the pantheon of networks that have consistently rolled out classic holiday specials. While Nickelodeon’s legacy is cemented, the ranking of its best holiday season episodes is and will always be hotly contested. Not to start a debate at the holiday dinner table, but here are the 10 best classic Nickelodeon holiday specials.Deion Sanders, Colorado land in Alamo Bowl against fellow Big 12 team BYUI don't like to look back on decisions I made in the past and think about how different things might be now if I had taken another path. For instance, I see little point in wondering how my life would have changed if I had attended a different university or not become a journalist. The same applies to economic policies. However, the timing of economic policy, as opposed to its content, is a different matter. In economic policies, timing is as important as, if not more important than, the content. We often see cases where well-designed policy measures fail to produce the desired effects, or even worsen the situation, because they are implemented too late or too early. Conversely, even poorly prepared measures can achieve better-than-expected results when implemented at the right time. Unfortunately, the Bank of Korea’s recent policy actions appear to fall into the former category. In October, the central bank lowered its policy interest rate for the first time in nearly four and a half years. This decision was based on inflation stabilizing, household debt growth slowing due to tightened government macroprudential policies, and risks easing in the foreign exchange market. The central bank also noted that, while the local economy was expected to continue its trend of moderate growth, uncertainties surrounding the growth outlook had heightened due to the delayed recovery in domestic demand. However, the effect of the rate cut on financial and economic conditions was very limited. Of course, market players agreed that the rate cut was better than nothing in the sense that policymakers were finally paying attention to weakening economic conditions. But the decision came too late to achieve its typical effect of encouraging people to invest more in riskier assets, such as equities, and spurring businesses to continue spending — even by increasing borrowing. In fact, most conventional indicators had pointed to the need for a rate cut much earlier in the year. Inflation was declining and poised to fall below the central bank’s 2 percent target, economic growth showed signs of missing expectations, and employment figures were disappointing. While acknowledging that the weakening macroeconomic conditions warranted a policy shift, the central bank refused to lower the interest rate earlier, citing concerns about rising real estate prices in Seoul and the surrounding region, high household debt levels and a volatile dollar-won exchange rate. However, these justifications were far from economically sound. First, real estate prices were not rising rapidly on a national level. Apartment prices were indeed climbing in the Seoul metropolitan area, but housing prices nationwide were largely flat -- or even declining when adjusted for inflation. Its concern over high household debt levels also appeared unfounded. While South Korea’s household debt is high by international standards and poses long-term risks to the financial system, it is not solely the central bank’s responsibility to address this issue. The underlying causes of high household debt include structural factors such as the country’s unique house rental system, underdeveloped banking practices and relatively limited household income sources beyond wages due to the underdeveloped local capital market. The central bank’s concerns about the volatile dollar-won exchange rate were also questionable. While some argue that lower interest rates could trigger capital outflows and weaken the local currency’s value, research shows that interest rates are just one of many factors influencing exchange rates. Eventually, the Bank of Korea decided to cut the policy rate at its October meeting. Yet this significant decision failed to alleviate public concerns or boost the economy as expected. As conditions deteriorated further, the central bank implemented another rate cut in November. It is highly unusual for the central bank to lower interest rates at two consecutive policy meetings in the absence of a crisis, such as the US subprime mortgage crisis or the COVID-19 pandemic. This move was clearly intended to signal to investors and other economic actors that policymakers were committed to supporting the economy. However, the financial markets reacted in an entirely unexpected way. Instead of increasing their holdings of stocks and other won-denominated assets, investors sold them off. Rather than conveying confidence that policymakers could turn the situation around, the successive rate cuts sent the opposite message -- that the economy might be in far worse condition than previously thought. Regrettably, the Bank of Korea’s monetary policy over the past two months will likely be remembered as a textbook example of well-intentioned policy implemented at the wrong time, forcing the entire economy to bear unnecessary costs. To make matters worse, the economy is now falling deeper into chaos due to political instability sparked by the president’s sudden failed attempt to impose martial law. The Bank of Korea may face no choice but to implement a third consecutive rate cut at its next policy meeting if the situation continues to hurt economic sentiment. It would definitely be a scenario the Bank of Korea could not have imagined when it continued to ignore signals from traditional macroeconomic indicators suggesting it was time to take action. The inconvenient truth is that someone will have to bear the cost. Yoo Choon-sik Yoo Choon-sik worked for nearly 30 years at Reuters, including as the chief Korea economics correspondent, and briefly worked as a business strategy consultant. The views expressed here are the writer’s own. -- Ed.

Catching up with Alexander: Syracuse alum ‘will forever be grateful’ for her basketball journey

MGPI Investors Have Opportunity to Lead MGP Ingredients, Inc. Securities Fraud Lawsuit

Wildlife TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham has resigned as president of the RSPCA after an investigation made allegations of animal cruelty at some of the charity’s approved abattoirs. Former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas has also resigned as vice-president of the animal welfare organisation, with both of them expressing their “sadness” over leaving the roles. It comes after an Animal Rising investigation made claims of cruelty at “RSPCA Assured” slaughterhouses in England and Scotland, with the campaign group sharing footage of alleged mistreatment. RSPCA Assured is a scheme whereby approved farms must comply with the organisation’s “stringent higher welfare standards”, according to its website. Mr Packham shared the news of his resignation on social media, saying: “It is with enormous sadness that I have resigned from my role as president of the RSPCA. “I would like to register my respect and admiration for all the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect animals from cruelty.” Ms Lucas said she and Mr Packham failed to get the charity’s leadership to act. She posted on X, formerly Twitter: “With huge sadness I’m resigning as VP of the RSPCA, a role I’ve held with pride for over 15 years. “But their Assured Schemes risk misleading the public & legitimising cruelty. “I tried with @ChrisGPackham to persuade the leadership to act but sadly failed.” In June, the RSPCA commissioned an independent review of 200 farms on its assurance scheme which concluded the scheme was “operating effectively” to assure animal welfare on member farms. Following Animal Rising’s release of footage last week, the charity said it was “appalled” by what was shown, adding that it launched an immediate investigation and suspended three slaughterhouses from the scheme. In the wake of Mr Packham and Ms Lucas’ resignations, an RSPCA spokesperson said it is “simply not true” that the organisation has failed to take urgent action. They said: “We agree with Chris and Caroline on so many issues and have achieved so much together for animals, but we differ on how best to address the incredibly complex and difficult issue of farmed animal welfare. “We have discussed our work to drive up farmed animal welfare standards openly at length with them on many occasions and it is simply not true that we have not taken urgent action. “We took allegations of poor welfare incredibly seriously, launching an independent review of 200 farms which concluded that it was ‘operating effectively’ to improve animal welfare. “We are taking strong steps to improve oversight of welfare, implementing the recommendations in full including significantly increasing unannounced visits, and exploring technology such as body-worn cameras and CCTV, supported by £2 million of investment.” The charity insisted that while 94% of people continue to choose to eat meat, fish, eggs and dairy, it is the “right thing to do” to work with farmers to improve the lives of animals. “RSPCA Assured visit all farms on the scheme every year, but last year just 3% of farms were assessed for animal welfare by state bodies,” the spokesperson continued. “No-one else is doing this work. We are the only organisation setting and regularly monitoring animal welfare standards on farms. “We have pioneered change through RSPCA Assured, which has led to improvements throughout the industry including CCTV in slaughterhouses, banning barren battery cages for hens and sow stalls for pigs, giving salmon more space to swim and developing slower growing chicken breeds who have better quality of life.”College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs, losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama of the SEC but one fewer loss. The inaugural 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta. Alabama left out of playoff as committee rewards SMU's wins over Crimson Tide's strong schedule The College Football Playoff committee took wins over strength of schedule, taking SMU over Alabama for the final at-large spot in the field. The field was expanded from four to 12 teams this season, but that didn’t save the committee from controversy. SMU showed it could compete against a traditional power, losing to Clemson 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal in the ACC title game on Saturday. Alabama had some ups and downs in its first season under coach Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide had quality wins against Georgia and South Carolina, but lost at Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Oklahoma. Big Ten wins playoff selection derby, followed by SEC despite notable Alabama omission College football’s conference shakeup left concerns about two super conferences dominating the playoff field. They weren’t totally unfounded, or 100% born out. The Big Ten, not the Southeastern Conference, was the biggest winner. The ACC scored, too. The Big Ten led the initial 12-team playoff field with four making the cut, topped by a No. 1 Oregon team that was part of the Pac-12 exodus. Then came the SEC — and one notable omission. ACC runner-up SMU got the nod over college football blue-blood Alabama, another blemish in Kalen DeBoer’s first season as Nick Saban’s championship-or-bust successor. Darnold delivers for Vikings with career-high 347 yards and 5 TDs to beat Falcons, Cousins 42-21 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for 347 yards and five touchdowns, both career highs, and the Minnesota Vikings pulled away from Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons 42-21 for their sixth straight victory. Darnold added another highlight to his brilliant first season with the Vikings following Cousins' departure in free agency to Atlanta with a 22-for-28 performance and no turnover-worthy plays despite heavy first-half pressure. Jordan Addison had eight catches for 133 yards and three scores and Justin Jefferson racked up seven receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Cousins threw two more interceptions without a touchdown in his return to Minnesota. Saquon Barkley sets Eagles season rushing record and has Dickerson's NFL mark in his sights PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley has broken LeSean McCoy's Eagles franchise record for rushing yards in a season. Barkley has 1,623 yards. He surpassed McCoy's mark of 1,607 yards with a 9-yard run in Sunday's 22-16 win over Carolina. Barkley finished the game with 124 yards, within a yard of his season average. He has four games left and is on pace to break Eric Dickerson's 40-year-old NFL record of 2,105 yards. Dickerson set that record in a 16-game season and Barkley has one more game. Eagles fans serenaded Barkley with “MVP!” chants and McCoy congratulated him on social media. Saints QB Derek Carr injures left hand on dive in 4th quarter of win over Giants EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr injured his left hand late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 14-11 victory over the New York Giants when he went airborne while trying for a first down and crashed to the turf. Carr tried to leap over a Giants tackler and landed at the New Orleans 39-yard line, extending his non-throwing hand to break his fall. He was on the turf for a minute or two before walking to the medical tent. He was examined and slowly walked to an area where X-rays are done. The injury could hurt the already slim playoff hopes of the Saints. Tamar Bates scores 29 points to help Missouri beat No. 1 Kansas 76-67 COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Tamar Bates had 29 points and five steals to help Missouri beat Hunter Dickinson and No. 1 Kansas 76-67. Mark Mitchell scored 17 points in Missouri’s first win over Kansas since a 74-71 victory on Feb. 4, 2012. Anthony Robinson II had 11 points and five steals for the 8-1 Tigers. Dickinson had 19 points and 14 rebounds, but he also committed seven turnovers. The 7-2 Jayhawks have lost two straight on the road after falling 76-63 against Creighton on Wednesday night. Scottie Scheffler ends his big year in the Bahamas with his 9th victory NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Scottie Scheffler ended his biggest year with another victory. Scheffler was coming off a two-month break and looked as good as ever. He shot 63 in the Hero World Challenge and set tournament records at Albany with a 72-hole total of 263 and a six-shot victory. Tom Kim was the runner-up and Justin Thomas finished third. Scheffler ends his year with nine victories in 21 tournaments. That includes the holiday tournament in the Bahamas and the Olympic gold medal in Paris. It's the third-highest winning percentage in the last 40 years. Tournament host Tiger Woods had two better years. Lindsey Vonn is encouraged by how close she is to being competitive in ski racing return at age 40 COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) — Lindsey Vonn is encouraged by how close she is to being competitive again in her ski racing return at 40 years old. Vonn is still getting her ski equipment dialed in and getting used to going full speed again on her new titanium knee. That’s why all that she's reading into being more than two seconds behind in a pair of lower-level super-G races Sunday is that she’s right there. This after nearly six years away from ski racing and an abbreviated prep period. She was 2.19 seconds behind in the first race and 2.06 in the second. Both were won by her American teammate Lauren Macuga. Plane circles MetLife Stadium with message to co-owner John Mara to fix the Giants' 'dumpster fire' EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — A small plane circled MetLife Stadium roughly 90 minutes before New York was to play host to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, asking Giants co-owner John Mara to overhaul the team that has made the playoffs twice since winning the Super Bowl in February 2012. “Mr. Mara, enough. Please fix this dumpster fire!” the message read as it was towed behind the rear of a small plane.Trump trolls Jill Biden as he hawks new perfume: ‘A fragrance your enemies can’t resist’

Daniel Grizelj Opendoor Technologies: Minimal Recovery Catalysts - More Uncertainties In The Near-Term We previously covered Opendoor Technologies (NASDAQ: OPEN ) in October 2024, discussing its stock underperformance compared to its peers/wider market, despite the potential tailwinds from the Fed's recent Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. The analysis is provided exclusively for informational purposes and should not be considered professional investment advice. Before investing, please conduct personal in-depth research and utmost due diligence, as there are many risks associated with the trade, including capital loss. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.Daughter of murdered Jeffrey Hannan, 19, in plea for justice

You want your home to look beautiful, inside and out, during the holidays, especially if you’re trying to sell it and want to help potential buyers imagine their life in the space. This often means climbing ladders to hang wreaths, garlands, and tinsel. Unfortunately, it also means that accidents can happen. One false move, and you may find yourself falling off the ladder and landing in the emergency room. "The most common injuries we see come from falling off outside ladders that are not stable as you're putting up your lights," says Daniel Ritter, MD, assistant professor of Emergency Medicine at MUSC Department of Emergency Medicine. "People also climb ladders inside the house to decorate. There are plenty of lacerations from trying to open boxes and wrapping presents and a litany of cooking injuries as well." According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission , on average, there are about 160 Christmas decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season, with over 40% of the incidents involving falls. In the 2022 holiday season, the CPSC reported that about 14,800 people were treated in hospital emergency departments due to holiday decorating-related injuries. "We see sprained and broken ankles and broken wrists," says Ritter. "Sometimes, the best-case scenario is just some bumps and bruises and hurt pride. Even decorating particularly tall areas of your home, I see similar injuries to what we see outside with ankle and forearm injuries." Dr. Ritter cautions anyone who takes blood thinners to be extra cautious around the holidays. "We would never recommend anyone on those medications get up on ladders," he says. "Find someone else to do it or hire someone to do it. It's just too dangerous. Internal bleeding is the main concern, especially bleeding around the brain. It can happen even from minor falls for people who are on blood thinners." If you do suffer a fall, no matter how minor, Dr. Ritter suggests getting checked out by a physician. According to Dr. Ritter, another common injury comes from opening boxes, whether from toys you're putting together or deliveries. "You see a few of those every holiday," says Ritter. Someone opens a box, and the knife goes through it into their hand." Dr. Ritter explains that the ER is pretty quiet on Christmas morning. "Then people start opening their gifts and take out a hoverboard or a new bike and crash it, and the injuries show up in the afternoon," he says. Finally, one more common injury Ritter sees is a result of baking and cooking. "Especially with the littles who want to help, and they grab a hot tray and get burned," says Ritter. Others cut their food up too fast. I've done it to myself with a mandolin that quickly slices things." To prevent injuries, Dr. Ritter says that before you even begin hanging decorations, make sure that the ground underneath the ladder is stable. "Don't decorate when it's wet, cold, or icy outside," he says. "Make sure you know how to use the equipment and never go higher than the recommended highest step on your ladder. That step at the top isn't meant to carry people, so it might break when you're trying to stand on it." Dr. Ritter also suggests that you do not carry any sharp objects while climbing the ladder. "Have a spotter, too," he says. "If something gets tangled or the ladder starts to become shaky or unstable, having someone can be very helpful." Keep in mind that all of your beautiful twinkling lights must be plugged in somewhere, and Dr. Ritter says that electronics can pose problems. "First, make sure that your lights are not damaged and there are no exposed wires," he says. "Make sure you're following manufacturer recommendations about how much load an outlet or an extension cord can carry so you're not at risk of receiving an electrical shock or starting a fire. I do not want to see any Charlestonians in the emergency room because of a house fire from bad wiring and too many Christmas lights." Visit CPSC's Holiday Safety Information Center for more holiday safety tips.Saturday, December 21, 2024 In March 2025, the UK is set to introduce its first-ever all-electric river ferry, named the Orbit Clipper. This new vessel will provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional forms of river transport along the Thames, offering a cleaner and greener way to commute for London residents and tourists alike. The ferry will operate seven days a week, offering both speed and accessibility, alongside a significant reduction in carbon emissions compared to current ferry services. Introduction of the Orbit Clipper The Orbit Clipper is expected to make a notable impact on the city’s transportation landscape. With a capacity of 150 passengers and room for 100 bicycles, the vessel will serve as a key sustainable transport option along the Thames. The ferry will replace the existing cross-river ferry service, providing commuters with a faster and more eco-friendly means of travel across the water. The operator behind the Orbit Clipper is Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, a company already well-known for its water-based travel services in the city. This all-electric ferry will not only meet the daily needs of passengers but will also help reduce the environmental impact of the existing transport services. By replacing older, more polluting ferry options, the Orbit Clipper aligns with the UK’s ongoing efforts to transition to greener, more sustainable forms of public transport. The Environmental Benefits The decision to operate the Orbit Clipper on electric power is a clear indication of the UK’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and meeting its sustainability targets. As electric-powered ferries produce zero emissions, this shift is expected to improve air quality around the Thames and in surrounding areas, benefiting both commuters and residents. The use of electric power will help minimize noise pollution as well, offering a quieter travel experience for those living along the river. Additionally, the Orbit Clipper will replace the current ferry service, which has relied on more traditional, fossil-fuel-powered vessels. This change underscores the trend across various sectors in the UK, from public transport to shipping, to embrace clean energy solutions in order to reduce the nation’s overall carbon emissions. The ferry’s introduction, therefore, represents a significant milestone in London’s journey toward a more sustainable and green future. The Technological Advancements The Orbit Clipper is also a product of innovative technological design, and its introduction is expected to be an exciting development for both the travel industry and the tech sector. The electric ferry will be able to offer faster travel times compared to older, more traditional ferries, helping to improve the efficiency of cross-river commutes. As the Orbit Clipper will be fully electric, it will also benefit from the advanced battery technology that allows for efficient, long-distance travel without the need for frequent recharging. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is also investing in upgrading the existing infrastructure to accommodate this new, fully electric ferry. Specifically, the operator plans to modify the ferry terminal at Canary Wharf, ensuring it is suitable for the new electric-powered vessel. This move highlights the company’s commitment to maintaining both sustainability and operational efficiency. The new electric ferry service will be integrated into the larger Thames Clippers network, enhancing the overall public transport options available along the Thames. Benefits for Commuters For commuters, the Orbit Clipper promises to offer a more accessible and environmentally friendly way to travel up and down the Thames. With its spacious design, accommodating up to 150 passengers, and the ability to carry 100 bicycles, the ferry is poised to cater to a wide range of commuters, including those who cycle as part of their daily journey. The Orbit Clipper will run seven days a week, making it a reliable transportation option for both tourists and locals. Notably, the introduction of the Orbit Clipper will likely help ease congestion in other parts of London’s transportation network, such as buses and trains, by providing an additional, efficient mode of travel for those traveling across the river. The service will likely attract more people to use river transport, reducing reliance on private cars, which is a significant step toward alleviating traffic congestion and further lowering the city’s carbon footprint. Broader Global Impact The introduction of the Orbit Clipper is not just a local development; it is part of a broader global movement toward sustainable travel and transport solutions. Many cities around the world are exploring electric ferries and boats as alternatives to polluting transport options. As one of the world’s major metropolitan cities, London’s adoption of the Orbit Clipper will likely serve as a model for other cities looking to adopt similar sustainable travel solutions. The move to electrify public transport also aligns with global trends focusing on carbon neutrality. The success of the Orbit Clipper could inspire other cities with major waterways to follow suit, implementing similar green technology in their public transport systems. In addition, the expansion of electric vessels across the globe could have a significant impact on the travel and tourism sectors, providing more sustainable options for tourists who wish to explore urban waterfronts without contributing to environmental degradation. The Future of Electric Transport on the Thames Looking ahead, the Orbit Clipper marks the first of what is expected to be many electric-powered transport services in the future. As the city continues to invest in sustainable solutions, there may be further upgrades to the ferry fleet, including the development of additional electric vessels designed to carry more passengers or provide even more sustainable solutions, such as solar-powered boats. The introduction of the Orbit Clipper will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for further developments in electric transport across the UK, especially in cities that rely on water transport. The model of integrating electric ferries into public transport systems offers a compelling blueprint for other cities worldwide that are seeking cleaner and more efficient ways to move people around.Trump, the world and coming war in the Pacific

casino games for fun No. 10 Georgia scores nearly at will, destroys UMassThe recent increase in popularity of cryptocurrency has raised the need for privacy. Most blockchain networks allow transparency and decentralization, but most of them lack proper privacy features, thereby making their users prone to tracking and surveillance. This is where privacy coins come in. This article looks at some of the best privacy-based cryptocurrencies like Monero and Zcash and delves into some other alternatives which ensure that user anonymity is maintained. Privacy coins are digital currencies that are developed to increase user anonymity and transaction confidentiality on the blockchain. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, where transactions are recorded on a public ledger, privacy coins obscure the sender, receiver, and transaction amount to varying degrees. This means third parties cannot trace or monitor financial activities, making privacy coins ideal for users seeking enhanced financial privacy. Monero, or XMR for its short form, is one of the safest and private cryptocurrencies in circulation today. Monero was launched in 2014, and it works by keeping the details involved in the transactions masked through an integration of technologies. Its landmark feature is Ring Signatures that combine a user's transaction with others to render the real identity of the sender unknown; in doing so, the original source of the transaction cannot be traced. Monero uses Stealth Addresses, meaning that it has one-time addresses per transaction; hence, no one is able to trace an individual's history of transactions. RingCT, or Ring Confidential Transactions, hides the amount of cryptocurrency being transferred in this wallet. All these make Monero the most suitable option among all users seeking full anonymity for financial activities. Monero has maintained a strong position in the market due to its commitment to privacy, often considered the gold standard in privacy coin technology. Zcash (ZEC) is another prominent privacy coin launched in 2016. Zcash uses a different approach to privacy compared to Monero. It employs zk-SNARKs (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge), a cryptographic technique that enables fully private transactions without revealing any transaction details on the blockchain. Zcash provides the user with the option of choosing between shielded and transparent transactions. In this respect, it enables transparent transactions similar to Bitcoin but, for anonymity, shields the amount of transaction and who is involved in transactions. This will give flexibility within Zcash in supporting users who may require different levels of privacy within different use cases. Although Zcash has superior technology, the opt-in privacy feature has been largely condemned in the public domain, especially where most users favor transactions which are transparent. For its kind, Zcash remains one of the strongest competitors in the marketplace for those appreciating cryptography innovation and flexibility. There have been numerous privacy coins over the years which each had its distinct way of addressing issues in matters of privacy and security. For example, Dash is so often thought of as a coin of privacy when, in fact, it operates on a feature called PrivateSend that blends coins between parties, hindering the chances of tracing it. It lacks the much privacy centrism of either Monero and Zcash but still somewhat anonymous in nature. But then again, tools like Tor and I2P have anonymity features, which enable the hiding of users' IP addresses, and they exist for XVG too. However, although it gives good security and anonymity particularly, Verge was in various controversies involving such cases, and adoption rates got influenced by these. Horizen focuses on the aspect of privacy besides scaling up its capabilities with sidechains along with features of privacy. The sidechains with Zcash and the use of zk-SNARKs in keeping transactions away from public visibility while retaining privacy but then enabling interconnectedness in any network. Different Privacy coins would provide different approaches toward providing privacy solutions. Depending on the number of users who want their transactions to be anonymous fully, their preferred needs would possibly be met by one category of privacy coin over others. Although privacy coins are growing in popularity, they do come with several challenges. The biggest challenge remains regulatory scrutiny. Governments all over the world are now targeting cryptocurrencies, especially privacy coins, because of their link to illicit activities such as money laundering and tax evasion. Other technical challenges include balancing privacy and scalability. Monero, for instance, prioritizes privacy and, thus, generates larger transaction sizes that can slow down the network. Zcash, which relies on zk-SNARKs, requires huge computational resources. However, with time, privacy coins will evolve and improve scalability, security, and usability. The more people want privacy in financial transactions, the more high in demand the privacy coins are going to be. The crypto space needs solutions like Monero and Zcash for persons looking to find financial privacy. Coins using strong cryptographic techniques ensure the anonymity and confidentiality of users during transactions. The list of regulatory challenges and technical hurdles is too long; however, the bright future for coins in case privacy becomes mainstream in this digital age.

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Carson Beck completed 20 of 31 passes for 297 yards and four touchdowns as No. 10 Georgia pummeled UMass 59-21 on Saturday in Athens, Ga. Nate Frazier ran for career highs of 136 yards and three touchdowns, while Arian Smith caught three passes for 110 yards and a score as the Bulldogs (9-2) won their second straight game and 30th straight at home, dating back to 2019. AJ Hairston completed 7 of 16 passes for 121 yards and a score for the Minutemen (2-9), who dropped their third straight. Jalen John ran for 107 yards and a score and Jakobie Keeney-James caught three passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. Peyton Woodring kicked a 53-yard field goal to extend Georgia's lead to 31-14 on the first drive of the third quarter. But UMass wasted little time responding, as Hairston hit Keeney-James for a 75-yard touchdown to get the deficit down to 10. Georgia then finished its sixth straight drive with a score, as Frazier's 9-yard run up the middle gave the Bulldogs a 38-21 lead at the 8:44 mark of the third quarter. After UMass punted, Georgia played add-on in its next possession, with Frazier scoring from 15 yards out with 1:39 left in the third to lead 45-21. Frazier stamped his career day with his third touchdown run, a 2-yarder with 6:33 left, before Georgia capped the scoring with Chris Cole's 28-yard fumble return with 3:28 remaining. UMass took the game's opening drive 75 yards down the field -- aided by Ahmad Haston's 38-yard run -- and scored on CJ Hester's 1-yard run with 9:15 left. Georgia answered on its ensuing drive, as Beck's 17-yard passing touchdown to Oscar Delp tied the game at the 5:05 mark of the first quarter. Following a short punt by UMass, Beck connected with Smith for 49 yards, and a roughing-the-passer penalty put the ball at Minutemen's 14-yard line. Facing a fourth-and-4 from the 8-yard line, Beck found Cash Jones for a touchdown to take a 14-7 lead with 10:30 left in the second quarter. On UMass' next play from scrimmage, Raylen Wilson recovered John's fumble on the Minutemen's 28-yard line. Three plays later, Beck connected with Dominic Lovett for a 15-yard touchdown with 8:56 remaining. UMass then scored after a 14-play, 75-yard drive, finished off with John's 3-yard rushing score with 1:55 left in the first half. Georgia answered quickly, as Beck's 20-yard pass to Cole Speer set up a 34-yard touchdown pass to Smith with 43 seconds remaining, giving the Bulldogs a 28-14 halftime lead. --Field Level Media

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The Analyst Verdict: Ooma In The Eyes Of 4 ExpertsHardline activist who raised the idea of jailing women for abortions gets top policy job in Trump administrationLONDON, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As decentralized finance (DeFi) continues to disrupt traditional financial systems, Definder Global is emerging as a high-potential platform bridging blockchain innovation with real-world applications. With over $235'000 successfully raised for a Real World assets throught a fully operational decentralized lending platform, Definder is positioning itself to meet the growing demand for accessible, asset-backed investments. Redefining Finance with Decentralized Lending Definder's innovative platform leverages blockchain smart contracts to directly connect investors with businesses seeking funding. By removing traditional intermediaries, the platform offers faster, more transparent, and cost-effective solutions for both lenders and borrowers. "Definder Global is not just another DeFi project-it's a fully operational platform solving real financial challenges,” said Max Kolyada, CEO of Definder Global. "Our vision is to build a decentralized financial system that bridges the gap between blockchain and real-world assets, unlocking opportunities for businesses and investors.” For example, a small real estate developer in Eastern Europe recently accessed $25,000 through Definder's platform to fund an affordable housing project. This enabled the developer to bypass lengthy bank approval processes while investors gained exposure to a high-yield, asset-backed opportunity, earning returns secured by blockchain technology. A Shared Vision with Industry Leaders Definder's commitment to advancing real-world asset financing aligns with industry leaders like DigiShares and Propchain, both of which have pioneered tokenization solutions for real estate and fractional property ownership. What sets Definder apart is its focus on peer-to-peer lending rather than pure tokenization. By integrating decentralized loans with DAO-style governance, Definder offers a unique blend of transparency and community control. "Decentralized finance has the potential to revolutionize how we think about investment and lending,” said Eric Kadyrov, an advisor to Definder and former UBS Head of Credit. "What excites me about Definder is its ability to deliver real impact through innovative yet practical applications of blockchain technology.” The Rise of Real-World Asset Financing in DeFi With a 46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in 2024, DeFi remains one of the fastest-growing industries globally, according to McKinsey. Within this ecosystem, real-world asset (RWA) financing has emerged as a transformative segment, offering investors a secure and accessible entry point to asset-backed opportunities. Platforms like Definder are tapping into this trend by enabling investments in tangible assets such as real estate and infrastructure. A recent market analysis shows that RWA financing is expected to surpass $100 billion annually by 2030, driven by demand for scalable, decentralized solutions. "Real-world asset financing through DeFi is where blockchain meets real impact,” added Kadyrov. "It's not just about innovation-it's about solving real-world problems for businesses and investors alike.” An Invitation to Investors: Join the DFIND Token Presale Definder Global is currently conducting its DFIND token presale, offering investors the chance to join a project with significant growth potential. With 74% of the previous funding round already raised, the presale offers access to the DFIND token at competitive pricing ahead of its token generation event (TGE) and planned Tier 1 exchange listings. "This is an exciting moment for both Definder and the DeFi sector as a whole,” added Max Kolyada, CEO of Definder Global. "With the support of our advisors and the success of our early projects, we're positioned to drive real growth and innovation in decentralized finance.” About Definder Global Definder Global is an emerging decentralized finance platform focused on real-world asset financing. By leveraging blockchain technology, Definder provides businesses and investors with secure, efficient, and transparent financial solutions, aligning itself with leading projects in the space such as DigiShares and Propchain. Backed by seasoned financial experts, Definder bridges the gap between traditional finance and blockchain innovation. Learn more about the project on the official website: https://definder.global Follow the latest updates on X: https://x.com/definder_global Media Contact: Maxim Kolyada, CEO [email protected] Disclaimer: This content is provided by sponsor. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a14cdb27-a0a6-457c-ae41-540af6c0d5a7