ISLAMABAD: In a landmark step toward judicial reform, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Yahya Afridi chaired a pivotal meeting at the Supreme Court’s Peshawar Branch Registry the other day. The meeting resolved to form a sub-committee dedicated to reforming prison systems in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and drafting a comprehensive package of reforms, said a press release issued on Saturday. The sub-committee, led by Justice Ijaz Anwar Khan of the Peshawar High Court, includes retired Justice Qalandar Ali Khan, social worker Ms. Ayesha Bano and members from both government and opposition, alongside representatives from the Inspector General of Prisons and the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP). This committee will assess prison conditions, address issues of under-trial prisoners, and propose rehabilitative programs like vocational training, mental health support, and education to prepare inmates for reintegration into society. These efforts aim to align provincial reforms with a forthcoming National Jail Reform Policy, ensuring a fairer, more humane criminal justice system nationwide. Justice Yahya Afridi praised the Peshawar High Court for releasing 1,289 prisoners involved in petty crimes and lauded the bravery of KP Police in countering terrorist threats. He also emphasized the urgent need to upgrade forensic science facilities to strengthen evidence-based investigations. The meeting, attended by prominent judicial and administrative leaders, including KP Advocate General Shah Faisal Utmankhel and Inspector General Police Akhtar Hayat Khan, also prayed for victims of a recent tragedy in Kurram. The National Jail Reform Policy aims to establish a rehabilitative, transparent, and constitutionally compliant correctional framework aligned with international standards. This collaborative initiative marks a significant step towards addressing inefficiencies in Pakistan’s criminal justice system. Read More: CJP Yahya Afridi chairs Judicial Commission’s maiden session Earlier on November 5, the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) meeting held today with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi in chair, ARY News reported on Tuesday. Senior Puisne Judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, and Justice Aminuddin Khan were among the Supreme Court judges attended the session. The meeting was also attended by Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Pakistan Bar Council’s representative Advocate Akhtar Hussain, People’s Party’s Farooq H Naik, PML-N’s Shaikh Aftab Ahmed and Roshan Khurshid Barrucha. The meeting discussed the agenda items, including formation of Constitutional Benches and the setup of the Judicial Commission’s Secretariat. Chief Justice Yahya Afridi had summoned the maiden Judicial Commission of Pakistan meeting on November 5 (today). Earlier, the Supreme Court’s full court had vowed to decide around 60,000 pending cases at the earliest.711bet 。

An orphaned well sits in a field near Red Deer, Alta., on May 24, 2023. GEOFF ROBINS/Getty Images The oil and gas sector in Alberta spent close to $770-million to clean up inactive wells in 2023, but the industry is not doing anywhere near enough to address the full scale of environmental liabilities around the province, according to one expert. Combined with the cash from the government’s site-rehabilitation program and the industry-funded Orphan Well Association, spending on cleaning up inactive wells surpassed $1-billion in 2023. But that massive outlay barely made a dent, reducing the number of inactive wells in the province by only about 5 per cent, according to the Alberta Energy Regulator ’s annual liability monitoring report released Thursday. The oil and gas sector in Alberta is required to spend a certain amount each year on cleaning up inactive wells and pipelines. Last year, the AER set that number at $700-million. But the scale of environmental liabilities in the province dwarfs the spending quota set by the AER, says Martin Olszynski, an associate professor and Chair in Energy, Resources and Sustainability at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law. The AER has attached a $33.3-billion price tag to the cost of cleaning up the province’s hundreds of thousands of oil and gas wells, but Prof. Olszynski believes that number is off by a huge margin. Indeed, internal AER documents suggest the province’s environmental liability could be nearly triple the estimate the agency announced earlier this year. Those documents pegged the total cost of well cleanup to be about $88-billion. Prof. Olszynski said the industry isn’t spending enough to tackle the problem, and would like the AER to force the sector’s hand. “The point is the AER has no plan to get that money for those liabilities from profitable companies,” Prof. Olszynski said. He pointed to Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., which has about 20,000 of Alberta’s 80,000 inactive wells. The company is making “making money hand over fist” right now, he said, “but when are you ever going to be able to start chipping away at that massive liability they have?” Prof. Olszynski would instead like to see the AER require that a company put enough money aside to cover reclamation costs when it is issued a well licence. And he would like the regulator to institute a time limit on how long companies have to clean up a well once it is no longer active. “It can’t just be applied against when your company is distressed, because that’s just backwards. That’s counterproductive. You’re just going to spiral out those companies into more distress, and then they’re not paying their taxes or not paying their vendors, and it becomes essentially a zero-sum game between unpaid vendors, service providers, municipalities and landowners,” he said. “This isn’t rocket science.” While the vast majority of oil and gas companies met spending requirements in 2023 set by the AER, 54 of them didn’t. Mostly smaller companies, they represented a mere $5-million in missed quotas. Anita Lewis, the regulator’s senior adviser of liability management, said companies that don’t meet their cleanup obligations and other regulatory requirements are monitored through a licensee management program. It will take compliance action that can include anything from a warning letter to having the Orphan Well Association step in and take over management of their sites. However, she said the AER doesn’t share data on how many of the small companies that are failing to meet their cleanup quotas are also deemed at high risk of struggling to meet their financial obligations. Such companies have a total of about $2-billion of environmental liabilities on their books. The remainder is held by companies deemed to have low or medium financial risks.

(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Brazil isn’t the only big emerging market struggling with the dollar’s relentless strength. Indonesia, so often depicted as a rising star and gifted with an abundance of natural resources that the global economy desires, is busy propping up its currency. Officials have described their interventions as particularly bold. They need to be: Few things are as totemic in the vast archipelago as the standing of the rupiah. It has lost about 6% against the greenback this quarter and recently weakened beyond the psychologically important 16,000 level. Aside from being a big, round number, the slide resonates for a couple of reasons. The collapse of the currency during the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s ushered in more than a deep recession — it was midwife to sectarian strife and a re-ordering of the state. The new president, Prabowo Subianto, a former top army commander, has just taken office with plans to turbocharge the economy. Indonesia’s contemporary performance has generally been praised by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The nation is often depicted as a comer — thanks to a huge population and vast mineral wealth — a nation that will share the limelight in coming years with India, China and the US. But Prabowo has expressed dissatisfaction and, during his campaign, targeted an annual rate of growth in the vicinity of 8%. He wants the government to play a bigger role in driving the economy and has made skeptical comments about laws that curtail deficits. More spending would tend to weaken the rupiah, hardly desirable right now. The rules are there for good reason. History explains the high degree of sensitivity to fluctuations. A former finance minister once likened watching a drop in the rupiah to a national trauma. Prabowo is now challenged in a manner a military career didn’t prepare him for. The ultimate check on power is what the market will bear. When EMs shine, Indonesia does well. When they are on the nose, as they are today, assessments are less hagiographic. As rough a patch as this is, Jakarta can take some comfort from being part of the pack. The dollar's advance has many central banks on the defensive. Brazil's travails have grabbed most of the headlines, but the retreat has been broad. The real is down 12% over the past three months and more than 20% this year. The yen is taking a beating and the Malaysian ringgit's bumper third quarter has given way to a slide. The South Korean won has taken a drubbing since the president briefly declared martial law, a grave mistake that backfired and led to his impeachment. Bank Indonesia's intervention has prevented a steeper decline. Also significant is what hasn’t happened. The central bank passed on an interest-rate cut this month that would have been justified by contained inflation — were that the only consideration. With the rupiah under pressure, there was little choice other than to demur. The bank will also buy government bonds in the secondary market. Indonesia is in a much sounder economic position than its South American counterpart. Inflation is under control, while Brazil is braced for price advances next year that exceed the central bank's target. Thanks to rules enacted by Jakarta after the 1990s collapse, fiscal deficits are limited to 3% of gross domestic product. Brazil's shortfall is approaching 10% of GDP. Prabowo has occasionally chafed at budget constraints and desires an economy that would grow faster than any other, up from the respectable average of around 5% recorded under his predecessor. If a quarter-point rate cut is on pause, tossing out these strictures should be off the agenda. (A probe of the central bank by the anti-corruption agency may also be weighing on sentiment. Bank Indonesia’s governor has vowed to cooperate.) They do share a common problem, though: The muscular greenback. Donald Trump's election in November, has most currencies on the defensive. The difficulty is acute for emerging markets, which enjoyed much demand in the late 20th century and the early years of the current one. The coming era was said to belong to them; it was easy to dismiss the West as yesterday's hero. EMs are, however, no longer so in vogue. A big part of the diminished allure has been China's disappointing economic run after the rapid expansion of the 1980s that lifted living standards dramatically. To a large extent, the appeal of developing countries in their heyday was a bet on China's march to commercial and financial supremacy. That assumption is now questionable, to say the least. A closely watched JPMorgan Chase & Co. currency index is heading for a seventh successive year of losses. In the weeks leading up to his inauguration in October, Prabowo looked like he was going to be the beneficiary of a favorable environment. Inflation was coming down around the world and rate cuts by major central banks would make it easier for local authorities to juice growth. Bank Indonesia began what was considered likely to be a series of reductions in September — hours before the Federal Reserve undertook its first trim since the early days of the pandemic. Luck may still shine upon the new president. Prabowo already made a shrewd call in retaining the highly respected finance minister, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, who has served since 2016. Prabowo has big plans. He’s finding out early, though, that power can come in many shapes and forms. Not least of which is that flickering screen on the trading floor. More From Bloomberg Opinion: This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Daniel Moss is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asian economies. Previously, he was executive editor for economics at Bloomberg News. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion ©2024 Bloomberg L.P.

Medirom Healthcare Technologies' ADRs Surge Following Investment from M3We’ve all seen the PC builds that go all out, relying on the most expensive components to guarantee the best performance possible. But it doesn't require best-in-slot PC parts to have a little fun with most games, and usually there’s a point of diminishing returns as you invest in ever more powerful and expensive hardware. If you’re trying to build or upgrade a rig within a moderate budget, there's plenty of hardware that strikes a great balance between performance and value in the Intel Core CPU and Intel Arc GPU lines. Intel has been known for strong gaming CPUs for years. From the 12th Gen onward, many of the Core i5 and Core i7 CPUs are more than up to the task. 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel Core CPUs have some big perks for gamers, with potent Performance Cores that can wrangle most games you throw at them. And they back those up with Efficient Cores that help handle your system’s background tasks, thereby freeing up the P-Cores to focus on ensuring consistent gaming performance. With older games, a single fast core can be all it takes to get good performance, and most of Intel’s recent Core processors will give you a handful, so even newer games that leverage more cores have plenty of system resources. Even going back to the Intel Core i5-12600K, you’d be looking at a 10-core CPU with ample speed to handle most games, and recent pricing makes it easy to pick up for well below $200. This chip would give you six of those Performance cores and four Efficient Cores. This is a consistent story for Intel CPUs, which can often be found with compelling deals. There are plenty that even help you kickstart your build or upgrade by combining a CPU and motherboard into a bundle that helps you get both at a discount. It’s not just Intel CPUs delivering value for budget-minded PC upgrades and builds. The Intel Arc A-series and newly launched B-series GPUs can also give you a chunk of performance for a fraction of the price of the competition. Intel’s recent integrated graphics have proven quite impressive and can often handle lighter games and lower resolutions, but if you need some extra graphical muscle to render more complex 3D games or push to higher resolutions like 1440p, Intel Arc graphics cards can support you while playing into your budget. Acer, ASRock, and Sparkle all make some good-looking and capable graphics cards built around the Intel Arc A770, A750 and the new B580 GPUs. These are almost all available for under $300, sitting them solidly in the budget price range for new graphics cards. Impressively, they come with a decent chunk of VRAM, which helps with running games at higher resolution and with higher quality settings. Even for demanding titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla at 1440p Ultra, the A770 can offer smooth gameplay. It even supports low level ray tracing for more realistic lighting and reflections. And now, Intel has a new generation of GPU available with the first Intel Arc B-series graphics cards. These continue to provide value for gamers who want more performance, with improved ray tracing and features such as XeSS 2 upscaling, frame generation and latency reduction. If you want to see what kind of system you can build out with Intel Arc and Intel Core components, you can find all sorts of deals, bundles, and complete builds available at Newegg here .

( ) shares are rising on Monday morning. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 tech stock is up 1% to $258.00. This has been driven by the release of another . ASX 200 tech stock rises on contract win This morning, the leading health imaging company announced its fourth major contract win in just over a month. As readers may be aware, at the end of November, the ASX 200 tech stock announced a $24 million deal with NYU Langone Health and a with Trinity Health. It then followed this up with the signing of a $30 million deal with Duly Health and Care last week. Today the company has announced another win. And while it is the smallest of the four, it is with an existing client and is a transaction-based model with potential upside. According to the release, the ASX 200 tech stock has signed an additional $15 million, five-year contract with Duke University Health System. It is a leading North American academic medical centre. The release notes that the contract, which is based on a transaction-based licensing model, will see the Visage 7 Open Archive supplement the existing Visage 7 Viewer contract signed with Duke University Health System in May 2019. What is Visage 7 Open Archive? Visage 7 Open Archive is a native, optional module of Visage 7. The company notes that it is designed for optimal interoperability, excelling in modular, multi-system, multi-vendor environments by enabling efficient workflows, integration, and consolidation of disparate systems. As part of the deal, Duke's current on-premise instance of Visage will be deployed to the cloud along with Visage 7 Open archive. The Visage 7 Viewer contract has been extended for a further two years to the end of 2029, as part of the deal. Pro Medicus advised that planning for the rollout is to commence immediately and will involve the migration of Duke University Health System's current archive to the Visage 7 Open Archive. The ASX 200 tech stock's CEO, Dr Sam Hupert, was pleased with the deal and believes it is another positive sign for the future. He said: This deal that confirms our belief that there is a material opportunity for us to sell Visage 7 Open Archive to our existing base of "viewer only" clients. Not only does this provide clients with a highly performant, highly scalable solution, it is a key step in facilitating their transition from on-premise to cloud, a trend we see continuing.Mutual of America Capital Management LLC lessened its holdings in shares of Eversource Energy ( NYSE:ES – Free Report ) by 0.9% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 44,000 shares of the utilities provider’s stock after selling 421 shares during the period. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC’s holdings in Eversource Energy were worth $2,994,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in ES. Public Sector Pension Investment Board raised its stake in Eversource Energy by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 3,385,281 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $191,979,000 after acquiring an additional 20,207 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its holdings in Eversource Energy by 12.7% in the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 3,135,652 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $177,823,000 after purchasing an additional 354,429 shares during the period. Zimmer Partners LP grew its position in Eversource Energy by 730.4% in the 1st quarter. Zimmer Partners LP now owns 2,537,095 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $151,642,000 after buying an additional 2,231,585 shares in the last quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC raised its position in shares of Eversource Energy by 26.9% during the 2nd quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 1,765,481 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $100,110,000 after buying an additional 374,458 shares in the last quarter. Finally, M&G Plc lifted its stake in shares of Eversource Energy by 16.8% in the 2nd quarter. M&G Plc now owns 1,626,685 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $92,721,000 after acquiring an additional 234,361 shares during the period. 79.99% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Eversource Energy Price Performance ES opened at $63.37 on Friday. Eversource Energy has a 12-month low of $52.09 and a 12-month high of $69.01. The company has a quick ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.73. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.22 billion, a P/E ratio of -40.36, a PEG ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 0.61. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $64.68 and a 200-day moving average of $62.90. Eversource Energy Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 23rd were given a $0.715 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 23rd. This represents a $2.86 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.51%. Eversource Energy’s payout ratio is -182.17%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In ES has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Eversource Energy from $69.00 to $75.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Friday, August 23rd. Barclays upped their price objective on Eversource Energy from $69.00 to $72.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a report on Tuesday, October 15th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Eversource Energy from $72.00 to $79.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Scotiabank upped their price target on shares of Eversource Energy from $57.00 to $66.00 and gave the company a “sector perform” rating in a report on Tuesday, August 20th. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price objective on shares of Eversource Energy from $67.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $70.46. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on ES Eversource Energy Company Profile ( Free Report ) Eversource Energy, a public utility holding company, engages in the energy delivery business. The company operates through Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution, and Water Distribution segments. It is involved in the transmission and distribution of electricity; solar power facilities; and distribution of natural gas. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ES? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eversource Energy ( NYSE:ES – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Eversource Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eversource Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

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ST MIRREN 2 RANGERS 1 This time Clement's men have no-one to blame but themselves After a week of finger-pointing, Ibrox side are architects of their own downfall against Saints ... and are now 12 points behind Celtic Smyth scored penalty opener following Butland blunder, only for Danilo to pull Rangers level But Boyd-Munce's stunning late winner condemned visitors to first league defeat in Paisley in 13 years Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport By STEPHEN MCGOWAN Published: 21:41 GMT, 26 December 2024 | Updated: 21:50 GMT, 26 December 2024 e-mail View comments If Rangers are seeking accountability for their first league defeat in Paisley for 13 years, they should look no further than the nearest mirror. In a week when the Ibrox club wrote to the SFA pointing fingers over the non-award of a penalty in the Premier Sports Cup final, there was no conceivable way of deflecting blame elsewhere for last night’s loss. It left Philippe Clement’s team trailing Celtic at the summit of the Premiership by 12 points. The last time they lost a game to St Mirren in the league was Christmas 2011, Aaron Mooy hitting the winner on a night of wind and rain. By Clement’s own admission, he didn’t see this one coming after four leagues wins in a row. Even a half-time hairdryer failed to fix it. Oisin Smyth opened the scoring from the penalty spot after a rush of blood to the head for Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland. Thereafter, Saints were forced to weather another festive storm when Danilo pulled the visitors level after 61 minutes. Kudos to Stephen Robinson. On a night of outstanding game management, the St Mirren boss will never make three better substitutions than he did here. Danilo's dejection sums up the whole Rangers team after their disastrous loss in Paisley Caolan Boyd-Munce scores the late winner for St MIrren Philippe Clement cuts a lonely figure after the dramatic 2-1 defeat His replacements combined for the winner in the third minute of stoppage time. Jonah Ayunga set the ball rolling by picking the pocket of Dujon Sterling deep in the opposition half. Galloping down the flank, he did brilliantly to steer a low ball towards Evan Mooney. The 17-year-old laid up the ball up perfectly for Caolan Boyd-Munce to smash a superb drive low into the bottom corner for the winner. A word of praise, too, for another 17-year-old sub, Callum Penman, his late cushioned header back to Ellery Balcombe so laid back he could have been lying on his sofa watching Gavin and Stacey. Only the fifth meeting of these teams on Boxing Day, Rangers had won the previous four by an aggregate score of 9-1. Defeat here will raise questions over Clement’s decision to rest Danilo and Nico Raskin during an abysmal first half when the home side deservedly claimed the lead. Narrowing the gap on Celtic to nine points last weekend, momentum was lost on a day when the league title surely went the same way. A lack of sleep offered the only logical explanation for the manner in which Butland surrendered the opener. Back in goal after missing the 1-0 win over Dundee to attend the birth of his baby daughter, he was guilty of blind panic when he rushed from his line to clatter Greg Kiltie after half an hour. Chasing an up-and-under long-ball clearance from Saints keeper Balcombe, Kiltie had been careful to stay onside, doing enough to put his body between Butland and ball. The Rangers No1 took the bait. VAR took a look for offside before deciding the original decision stood. Smyth sent Butland the wrong way and St Mirren had a lead. Only Celtic had scored more first-half goals than St Mirren this season. Strike No 16 offered another problem for a Rangers side who had failed to win any of the three games when they’d conceded the opening goal away from home in the Premiership. So it would prove again here. Adding fuel to the fire is a deepening defensive crisis ahead of the Old Firm clash on January 2. Oisin Smyth gave the Buddies the perfect start with his converted penalty after half an hour Danilo pulled Rangers level after firing home in the 61st minute The Ibrox forward wheels away in delight after making it 1-1 in Paisley Leon Balogun started alongside Dujon Sterling at the heart of defence, lasting just 16 minutes before pulling up with a calf or Achilles muscle injury in a race with Toyosi Olusanya. Balogun held it together well enough to prevent the striker taking full advantage of his discomfort, before tumbling to the deck in obvious pain. With John Souttar sidelined for a number of weeks and Neraysho Kasanwirjo’s season already over, Balogun’s loss was a set-back Clement could do without. Sterling and Robin Propper are now the last men standing, the former culpable for St Mirren’s winner. After an underwhelming first-half display, Clement made two changes. Danilo and Raskin had come out the team for Nedim Bajrami and Connor Barron in a well-intentioned attempt to give them some rest. In hindsight, it was evident that this squad simply isn’t good enough to give the better players a break. Raskin, in particular, moved the ball quicker, getting things moving. Rangers now carried more threat. A thumping, dipping James Tavernier free kick from 20 yards sailed a yard wide. Danilo’s deflected strike gave Balcombe a save to make. The visitors’ situation was now urgent. The St Mirren crossbar is probably still shaking from Vaclav Cerny’s thundering strike and, when Balcombe denied Danilo at the back post, the pressure increased.Substitute Boyd-Munce was to have the last laugh when he scored in stoppage time Sub Boyd-Munce lapped up the adoration of St Mirren fans after his stoppage time winner The dam finally burst shortly after the hour. St Mirren couldn’t clear their lines and, when Raskin failed to finish from eight yards, Danilo pounced to finish the job. Pressing subs Ayunga and Alex Iacovitti into action, Robinson got his team back to posing a threat on the break. Rangers’ momentum began to ebb and slide. The home side struck the woodwork when a corner swung in on top of the unconvincing Butland, provoking a panicked flap before Propper turned the ball against his own crossbar. When Boyd-Munce fired home a brilliant winner, the SMISA Stadium erupted in festive joy. They’d waited a long time for another night like this. Celtic Rangers Share or comment on this article: ST MIRREN 2 RANGERS 1 This time Clement's men have no-one to blame but themselves e-mail Add comment

China to cut import tariffs on certain goods to expand domestic demand

By MARC LEVY HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania conceded his reelection bid to Republican David McCormick on Thursday, as a statewide recount showed no signs of closing the gap and his campaign suffered repeated blows in court in its effort to get potentially favorable ballots counted. Casey’s concession comes more than two weeks after Election Day, as a grindingly slow ballot-counting process became a spectacle of hours-long election board meetings, social media outrage, lawsuits and accusations that some county officials were openly flouting the law. Republicans had been claiming that Democrats were trying to steal McCormick’s seat by counting “illegal votes.” Casey’s campaign had accused of Republicans of trying to block enough votes to prevent him from pulling ahead and winning. In a statement, Casey said he had just called McCormick to congratulate him. “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last,” Casey said. The Associated Press called the race for McCormick on Nov. 7, concluding that not enough ballots remained to be counted in areas Casey was winning for him to take the lead. As of Thursday, McCormick led by about 16,000 votes out of almost 7 million ballots counted. That was well within the 0.5% margin threshold to trigger an automatic statewide recount under Pennsylvania law. But no election official expected a recount to change more than a couple hundred votes or so, and Pennsylvania’s highest court dealt him a blow when it refused entreaties to allow counties to count mail-in ballots that lacked a correct handwritten date on the return envelope. Republicans will have a 53-47 majority next year in the U.S. Senate. Follow Marc Levy at twitter.com/timelywriter2024 sure had somewhere to go, didn’t it? And with so little time left in the year, it’s time to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished, and all we’re looking to accomplish in the next year. For many, that includes, getting your finances in order (i.e. building generational wealth), scaling your business, or finally launching that dream project that you’ve been sitting on all year (or many years now). And while all of these can seem daunting, time consuming, or just straight up confusing because you don’t know where to start — just know you’re not alone. 2025 isn’t just going to be year — it’s all of our year, sis. One thing that has proven tried and true for me when I need a reset, and I’m trying to level up my game, is looking into resources of those who have paved the way. So if you’re like me, and looking to level up next year, these seven books by Black women entrepreneurs and leaders offer more than motivation — they provide practical blueprints for success, authored by women who’ve walked the walk. The former Netflix CMO and marketing powerhouse delivers a masterful guide on transforming challenges into opportunities. Saint John’s approach to executive presence and brand building is particularly relevant for today’s digital-first business environment. Kathryn Finney, the founder of Genius Guild, combines her sharp wit with proven strategies for entrepreneurs starting from scratch. From securing funding to building sustainable networks, Finney’s advice cuts through the noise and equips readers with the tools to create thriving businesses. Known for her political acumen, Stacey Abrams is also a seasoned entrepreneur. In this book, she offers a roadmap for business success, with practical advice on planning, overcoming self-doubt, and managing growth. Abrams’ candid approach makes this book an invaluable resource for women aiming to take their ventures to the next level. The founder of The Budgetnista draws from her experience of rebuilding after the 2009 recession to deliver a comprehensive financial roadmap. Her practical approach to wealth building and business finance makes this essential reading for entrepreneurs looking to master both personal and business finances. As one of Silicon Valley’s first Black female CEOs, Shellye Archambeau shares her playbook for success. Her advice on risk-taking, strategic networking, and achieving balance makes this an essential read for those navigating high-pressure industries. Selina Flavius delivers a practical guide to mastering personal and business finances with clarity and purpose. With actionable strategies for wealth building and sustainable business growth, this book is a must-read for entrepreneurs seeking financial independence and long-term success. Karen Arrington provides an empowering roadmap for achieving personal and professional success. With insights on cultivating confidence, mastering your personal brand, and building global networks, this book is a practical guide for ambitious women ready to reach the next level. Reading any of these transformative books is a powerful first step, but the true impact lies in applying the lessons they offer. These women have laid out the paths they’ve forged, but it’s up to us to take the journey. Let 2025 be the year you actually go after those goals you’ve been sitting on, and what better way to start than being equipped with the wisdom of those who have already paved the way?

Draymond Green turns profane hot mic moment into lesson in Warriors leadershipCONWAY, Ark. (AP) — Elias Cato scored 22 points as Central Arkansas beat Southwestern Christian 87-69 on Sunday night. Cato also contributed 11 rebounds and three blocks for the Bears (4-9). Layne Taylor scored 15 points while shooting 6 for 14, including 3 for 10 from beyond the arc and added three steals. Brayden Fagbemi had 13 points. The Eagles were led by Deondre Dunn, who posted 26 points, six rebounds and three steals. George McCurdy added 14 points for Southwestern Christian. Chris Fetuga had 13 points, seven rebounds and five steals. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

By MARC LEVY HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania conceded his reelection bid to Republican David McCormick on Thursday, as a statewide recount showed no signs of closing the gap and his campaign suffered repeated blows in court in its effort to get potentially favorable ballots counted. Casey’s concession comes more than two weeks after Election Day, as a grindingly slow ballot-counting process became a spectacle of hours-long election board meetings, social media outrage, lawsuits and accusations that some county officials were openly flouting the law. Republicans had been claiming that Democrats were trying to steal McCormick’s seat by counting “illegal votes.” Casey’s campaign had accused of Republicans of trying to block enough votes to prevent him from pulling ahead and winning. In a statement, Casey said he had just called McCormick to congratulate him. “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last,” Casey said. The Associated Press called the race for McCormick on Nov. 7, concluding that not enough ballots remained to be counted in areas Casey was winning for him to take the lead. As of Thursday, McCormick led by about 16,000 votes out of almost 7 million ballots counted. That was well within the 0.5% margin threshold to trigger an automatic statewide recount under Pennsylvania law. But no election official expected a recount to change more than a couple hundred votes or so, and Pennsylvania’s highest court dealt him a blow when it refused entreaties to allow counties to count mail-in ballots that lacked a correct handwritten date on the return envelope. Republicans will have a 53-47 majority next year in the U.S. Senate. Follow Marc Levy at twitter.com/timelywriterHumanoid robots poised to transform China's innovation landscape

7-bet TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Navitas Semiconductor (Nasdaq: NVTS) has announced that the company’s revenue growth has been acknowledged for the third consecutive year, by Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500TM . Navitas growth was driven by strong demand for its advanced, high-efficiency, wide-bandgap gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) power components, across a growing number of global markets and customers. Now in its 30th year, the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech companies — both public and private — in North America. Based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2020 to 2023, Navitas achieved 571% growth as GaN and SiC technology enabled efficient, sustainable applications and displaced legacy silicon chips. “As a ‘pure-play’, next-gen, semiconductor company, Navitas continues to outperform the overall power semiconductor market, with record sales into mobile fast chargers, now ramping AI data center revenues and a strong customer pipeline for EV opportunities,” said Gene Sheridan, CEO and co-founder. “Recent introductions like GaNSafeTM, Gen-3 ‘Fast’ SiC, and a newly-announced, 48V-focused range in partnership with Infineon, have built a strong foundation for further revenue growth in applications from 20W to 20MW, and with a market opportunity of over $22B per year.” About Deloitte Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500® and more than 8,500 U.S.-based private companies. At Deloitte, we strive to live our purpose of making an impact that matters by creating trust and confidence in a more equitable society. We leverage our unique blend of business acumen, command of technology, and strategic technology alliances to advise our clients across industries as they build their future. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Bringing more than 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte’s approximately 460,000 people worldwide connect for impact, at www.deloitte.com . About Navitas Navitas Semiconductor (Nasdaq: NVTS) is the only pure-play, next-generation power-semiconductor company, celebrating 10 years of power innovation founded in 2014. GaNFastTM power ICs integrate gallium nitride (GaN) power and drive, with control, sensing, and protection to enable faster charging, higher power density, and greater energy savings. Complementary GeneSiCTM power devices are optimized high-power, high-voltage, and high-reliability silicon carbide (SiC) solutions. Focus markets include AI datacenters, EV, solar, energy storage, home appliance / industrial, mobile and consumer. Over 300 Navitas patents are issued or pending, with the industry’s first and only 20-year GaNFast warranty . Navitas was the world’s first semiconductor company to be CarbonNeutral®-certified . Navitas Semiconductor, GaNFast, GaNSense, GeneSiC and the Navitas logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Navitas Semiconductor Limited and affiliates. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners. Contact Information Stephen Oliver, VP Investor Relations ir@navitassemi.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cffa5421-88e3-46de-8f52-2e8e1815b4edLiverpool boss Arne Slot talks up ‘special player’ Mohamed Salah

The New England Patriots entered Sunday’s matchup with the Miami Dolphins feeling like they were a team ready to turn a corner after a season’s worth of struggles. A 34-15 loss in Miami revealed just how much more work is left to do before they can make that pronouncement. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye struggled to make sense of things afterward but did make his own proclamation to his teammates. “I told some guys, just remember this feeling of really getting our butts whooped today, and it’s only up from here,” Maye said. There was plenty of bad football for the Patriots (3-9) to dwell on after losing for the third time in four games. It starts with self-inflicted mistakes, most notably committing 10 penalties for 75 yards, that left the team playing catch-up throughout the game. Maye completed 22 of 37 passes for 221 yards with 26 yards rushing but had a costly strip sack in the third quarter that led to a Miami score. It was his seventh turnover in three games. There also are big issues to work out for a Patriots defense that allowed Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to complete 29 of 40 passes for 317 yards and four touchdowns. RELATED COVERAGE Chiefs are no longer relishing close wins as the stress of the postseason push begins to mount Panthers’ close call against Chiefs has coach Dave Canales excited about the direction of the team Stroud accepts blame for Houston’s struggles after Texans lose to Titans New England coach Jerod Mayo said his team entered this week prepared for some tough film sessions with only Sunday’s matchup against Indianapolis left before its bye week. “Those are those hard meetings where you have to address the elephant in the room, but it’s no secret,” he said. “The good thing about the sport, it’s all recorded. You can go back and forth on it, but the film doesn’t lie.” What’s working It seems insignificant right now, but it was encouraging to see Maye end the game on some positive notes after Miami took a 31-0 lead. On the Patriots’ next possession, Maye connected on deep passes to Demario Douglas and Hunter Henry before capping the drive with a 38-yard TD pass to Austin Hooper. The AP Top 25 college football 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 . What needs help Offensive line. This week brought regression for a group that had found some consistency after starting Ben Brown (center), Vederian Lowe (left tackle), Michael Jordan (left guard), Mike Onwenu (right guard) and Demontrey Jacobs (right tackle) in consecutive games. It evaporated against a Dolphins defense that sacked Maye four times. For the day, New England’s O-line was whistled for seven of the team’s 10 penalties. Stock up DE Christian Barmore. In his second game of the season, he notched his first sack, dropping Tagovailoa for a 2-yard loss in the third quarter. It’s a big milestone for Barmore, who was diagnosed with blood clots shortly after the start of training camp. Stock down Lowe. He was whistled for four penalties in the first half on Sunday: three false starts and a hold. He also allowed Zach Sieler to beat him for a strip-sack on Maye late in the third quarter that set up the Dolphins’ final touchdown of the day. Injuries The Patriots didn’t announce any injuries on Sunday. However, Lowe did seem to be bothered by a shoulder injury that limited his practice availability leading up to the game. Key number 7 — The number of Dolphins’ offensive plays that went for 15 or more yards against the Patriots. Next steps The Patriots host the Colts on Sunday. ___ AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLEarlier this month, the Wallaroos fixtures for 2025 were announced, with Jo Yapp’s side set to play seven fixtures before they head to England to take part in the World Cup. However, while interacting on social media about the news, a question came up about a particular player who is likely to play the Wallaroos when they take the field against the USA Eagles in Canberra. “Who’s Ilona Maher?” Now, obviously, I recognise that as an editor on an Australian rugby site, a question like this might not be out of the ordinary. Rugby is a massive game internationally with a rapidly growing women’s game, and with hundreds of teams and competitions, someone will inevitably get missed. With this particular question though, I think it is important to sit down and write this. To those who may not know, Maher has become more than just a rugby player over 2024 – so providing context for those unfamiliar is probably needed. The landscape of women’s sports is changing rapidly. Keyboard warriors might say, for example, that the Matildas are a fad after the success of last year’s World Cup – 16 matches sold out in a row suggests otherwise. Even when the Matildas have not been playing well, the side is still drawing tens of thousands of fans, and is the most supported national side in the country right now. Truth be told, this whole situation is just the world finally becoming round – female athletes are being increasingly recognised for what they are: quality, professional sportspeople – and while different sports are progressing at different paces, the change is coming – and you shouldn’t ignore it or downplay it. More Rugby This brings us back to rugby. So, if you don’t know, who is Ilona Maher? And why should you care? This may sound hyperbolic – but she is going to transform professional rugby. It’s important that you pay attention to her – you may not know her but if you have sons or daughters online, they sure do. A US Sevens rugby player, she is the most followed rugby personality in the world – amassing a gargantuan 4.7 million followers on Instagram and 3.4 million followers on TikTok. For reference, the most followed male rugby player, Siya Kiolisi, has 1.4 million followers. Even by 2024 standards, her growth has been huge: four months ago she overtook the All Blacks (2.6 million) on Instagram. The news provoked a lot of praise, but also outrage online – with critical fans asking what has she done in world rugby compared to the likes of Kiolisi and Antoine Dupont. Anyone thinking that needs to put their ego aside. Secondly, let’s break that down. Those who have been following her on the Sevens circuit are more than aware of how great a player she is. Part of the side that ruined Australia’s medal hopes in Paris, Maher is a brutal contact player – she is fast, can bump off players at will, and best of all, her technique around the ruck is phenomenal. She’s been doing this for years. Her profile has been growing since the 2020 Olympics, but has been supercharged by a second, key reason: her online presence is unlike any other rugby star. On the surface, Maher is not that different to stars like Kolisi, with photos showing behind-the-scenes life and sponsorships. However, she also interacts with her audience. A lot. She talks about how much work is required to be a professional athlete. She talks diet, she talks work required to maintain being able to compete on that level. Carbs are life @paris2024 @Team USA @Olympics Seen yourself in these athletes @paris2024 @Team USA @Olympics #olympics However, she also has a personal goal – transforming conversations around body types and body image, especially for women. If you are a couch critic, good luck – she goes out of her way to take you down – such as an amazing video where someone criticised her BMI, where she reveals she has been considered overweight her entire life on the BMI scale – highlighting how outdated the system is and that even a professional athlete cannot escape being considered ‘overweight.’ A post shared by Ilona Maher (@ilonamaher) This particular discourse has really struck a chord with a lot of her audience, particularly around breaking down ideas that self-confidence doesn’t just come down to looking a certain way. Humans come in many shapes. Body positivity matters. Being comfortable in one’s skin matters. If anyone says, why does that matter anyway? Who cares about how they look? Usually, that’s the sign of someone who hasn’t had these pressures shoved down your throat from a young age. Maher’s rise also coincided with her performance on the USA version of Dancing with the Stars , where she put her money where her mouth is. In October, she revealed that many of the costume designers wished to ‘cover her up’ – and she demanded that if many of her competitors can show skin, why not her? A post shared by Ilona Maher (@ilonamaher) This moment, along with several of the dresses she went on to dance in, only added to the discourse around her focus on body positivity. If you haven’t had the chance to check out some of her dances, I strongly recommend you should. Not only does she put her physical strength to good use – lifting her male partner as much he lifts her (it’s small, but seeing things like this matters) – but she unapologetically shows her love of rugby. A post shared by Dancing With The Stars #DWTS (@dancingwiththestars) All of this has transformed her profile, but critically, it is set to transform rugby as a whole. In the past, rugby, despite it’s large international audience compared to the likes of Aussie rules or league has often lived in the shadow of sports like football. Much of it’s appeal comes from the famous national sporting teams like the All Blacks or Springboks. Football is a sport where it can be argued that clubs are the biggest brands, like your Arsenals, Barcelonas, Bayern Munichs etc, and even more so, specific players themselves. Fans may not be drawn to a club like Al Nassr, but they certainly will if they know Cristiano Ronaldo is playing for them. He sells the T-shirts, he sells the memberships, he gets bums on seats. Rugby has never had a player like that. Until now. Roar editor Christy Doran made the trip to Seattle with VisitSeattle.org, diving into the city’s electric sports vibe, outdoor adventures, and renowned food scene. Click here for his latest adventure in the Emerald City. Earlier this month, it was announced that Maher would sign up to the Bristol Bears on a three-month deal. Maher is making the transition to the fifteen-a-side game in the centres, and plans to be in the US squad for the World Cup next year. Within 24 hours of her announcement, the Bears had their ticket records smashed. When she runs out for her first match on January 5th, not only will she be welcomed by the largest crowd ever to witness a Bears Womens’ game – demolishing the modest 4,101 record that watched the Bears play Harlequins in 2022 – but she single-handedly changed the game’s location. The Bears Women’s side have had to relocate from Shaftsbury Park to the much-larger 27,000-seated Ashton Gate to keep up with demand. Of course, it’s no Ronaldo – but from little things, big things grow. When has any rugby player been able to create such a drastic change? A post shared by Ilona Maher (@ilonamaher) So, how does one respond to this? Honestly, embrace it. If, for whatever reason, someone reading this might look at this amazing athlete with trepidation – I ask, why? What she has done in 2024 is, on her own terms, turn people onto rugby who previously would not have. Rugby often does talk a big game about its values and that it is a sport of inclusivity – it prides itself on being a game for all with the moniker that ‘it’s a game for hooligans, played by gentleman.’ Even that quote exposes the reality – history will tell you that rugby is anything but an inclusive game – despite the ideals it preaches. Ilona Maher and the phenomenon around her represent a sign of the times, a sign that rugby needs to embrace if it aspires to be the sport it claims to be. Ilona Maher. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) When she takes the field in Canberra, it will likely contribute to one of the largest crowds the Wallaroos and the Brumbies will see in years – and I hope the Brumbies put the opportunity to good use with the biggest star in world rugby in town. I have seen the impact that Maher has had, not just on a large scale, but a personal one. My long-suffering partner has watched rugby games with me, taken me to Wallabies Tests, and tolerated my highs and lows, but purely out of love and tolerance for this crazy game I have. Ilona Maher has gotten her, and her friends, more into rugby in six months than I have been able to accomplish in ten years. She speaks their language. It might be different from the ‘traditional’ sense of a rugby fan – but we should recognise that it comes from the same place. I consider myself still very much a rookie in the greater scheme of journalists and people covering this crazy game since picking up the pen for the first time in 2016 – that passion came from years of watching stars like Matt Burke, Jonah Lomu, Michael Hooper, Kolisi and Dupont. I have never seen a player make an impact quite like Ilona Maher has in 2024. I think she’s only just getting started.

Patrick Mahomes ' wallet is taking a hit after the football star's recent gesture during a moment of celebration in the Kansas City Chiefs game against the Buffalo Bills was deemed "violent." During the football game on Sunday, Nov. 17, Mahomes threw a successful touchdown pass and took a second to celebrate, holding his first and middle fingers together and pointing them away from him. To some, Mahomes' gesture could have been interpreted to be emulating guns, although it's not clear what Mahomes' intention was. 🤩 📺 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter & get the scoop on the latest TV news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🤩 🎥 Either way, the NFL was not a fan, with sports journalist Tom Pelissero sharing a clip of the moment and writing, "The NFL fined #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes $14,069 for unsportsmanlike conduct (violent gesture) as he celebrated a touchdown pass last week in Buffalo." The news was also reported by CBS Sports . The NFL fined #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes $14,069 for unsportsmanlike conduct (violent gesture) as he celebrated a touchdown pass last week in Buffalo ... pic.twitter.com/dXgnmYJSYp Reactions to the call were generally negative, with those who disagreed with Mahomes' fine saying things like, "He’s literally pointing?" "So he was fined for striking a pose? Got it," and "I thought it was a bow and arrow. Chiefs hello." "I'm not even sure what the 'violent gesture' is supposed to be. It looks like a cross between two finger guns and the drawing back of a bow string," wrote another fan. Even people who aren't fans of the Chiefs questioned the serious call, with one declaring, "Let them celebrate however they want!" There were also some people who agreed with the call, voicing their support on social media. Last season, Mahomes faced a larger fine of $50,000 for "verbally abusing" game officials, while his coach Andy Reid earned a fine of $100,000 for publicly criticizing the officials ruling on the game. Next: Patrick Mahomes Speaks Out Following Backlash Over Wife Brittany’s Controversy With Taylor Swift and Donald TrumpHouston Astros welcome 1B Christian Walker to team; say negotiations with Bregman stalled

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Greens open door for housing billsMr David Yong of Tanjong Rhu Wanton Noodle uses less salt in his soup and wonton filling. SINGAPORE – In the past year or so, more hawkers have been selling less salty food, either by cutting down on the table salt they use or by switching to lower-sodium salt. And judging by the reaction – or lack of it – customers have not noticed. Owners of five hawker stalls that now serve less salty food say none of their customers have complained. Two of them say some customers help themselves to soya sauce, but for the most part, it is business as usual. Convincing hawkers to sell less salty food is part of the Health Promotion Board’s (HPB) war against salt. Nine in 10 people here bust the recommended daily limit for sodium. That recommended daily limit is 2,000mg, which is one teaspoon of table salt, kosher salt or rock salt, including Himalayan pink salt. But according to HPB’s 2022 National Nutrition Survey, which tracks the eating habits of adult Singapore residents, nine in 10 people here are averaging 3,620mg of sodium a day, compared with 3,480mg a day in 2019. The Health Ministry’s National Population Health Survey of 2022 shows that more than one-third of Singapore residents have hypertension, one of the consequences of a high-salt diet, and this proportion has nearly doubled from 2010. HPB has been fighting the battle on all fronts since 2011: getting sauce manufacturers, caterers, restaurants and other businesses to reduce sodium levels in their food, and getting people to cut down on salt when cooking. A spokesman says that in July, the board ramped up its efforts among hawkers, rolling out its Healthier Ingredient Promotion Programme to encourage them to use lower-sodium ingredients. “We are looking into how to better support them in this journey, as they may not be aware of available lower-sodium alternatives and where to get them,” the spokesman adds. “Given that hawker centres are a common eat-out option for many Singaporeans, supporting hawkers in reducing sodium content will enable us to increase the availability, accessibility and variety of affordable lower-sodium meal options.” So, the board sends promoters stall to stall to educate hawkers on why there is a need to reduce sodium in their food, hand out samples of lower-sodium ingredients and link them up with suppliers of these ingredients, among other things. Some 300 hawkers have made the switch to lower-sodium salt, sauces and seasonings as at September, and the board hopes to reach out to hawkers in 110 centres by the end of 2025. While some hawkers have reduced the amount of table salt they use in their food, others switched over to K-salt or potassium salt, which HPB says is at least 25 per cent lower in sodium than table salt. Potassium, which is found in food, is often blended with table salt to lower its sodium content. The mineral is said to help lower blood pressure. To find healthier hawker food, look for stickers on the stall that say “Lower-sodium options available here” or “Healthier options available here”. Extending self-care Where: 01-60 Geylang East Market & Food Corner, 117 Aljunied Avenue 2 Open: 6am to 2pm (Fridays to Wednesdays), closed on Thursdays Tanjong Rhu Wanton Noodle’s soup is made with pork bones, dried ikan bilis, peppercorns and rice grains for thickening, among other things, and 15 per cent less salt. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Wonton noodle seller David Yong, 49, began getting the occasional dizzy spell a few months ago. They were not severe, but he decided to get checked up at the polyclinic. Doctors told him the spells could be because he was not drinking enough water or it could be due to his elevated blood pressure. They advised him to cut down on salt in his diet. He did that and, three months ago, also cut down on the salt he uses for his wonton soup and wonton filling. Mr Yong has been selling wonton noodles for more than 20 years, with the last six years in Geylang East. He figured that what is good for him would also be good for his customers, many of whom are elderly. “I didn’t tell customers,” he says in Mandarin, of the lower-sodium move. “I have a lot of elderly customers and I noticed how some of them would now add soya sauce to their soup. Slowly, I think people will get used to the taste.” His wonton noodles, priced from $3.80 a serving, come with soup made with pork bones, dried ikan bilis, peppercorns and rice grains for thickening, among other things. The proportion of ingredients remains the same, but there is now 15 per cent less salt. Business has not dipped since he made the change, and he has ordered K-salt, a lower-sodium alternative, with a view to using it in the food he sells. He tried it at home after getting samples at an HPB roadshow. “At home, I tried the healthy salt in my cooking, and without MSG, it tastes good,” says the hawker, who has a 20-year-old son. “I find that when there is too much normal salt in soup, you just don’t want to finish it. And my son complains when the food is too salty.” More spices, less salt Where: 01-53 Albert Street Market & Food Centre, 270 Queen Street Open: 11am to 7pm daily What Da Duck co-owners (from left) James Sie, Metika Wisadrungjarend and Paxton Ong use lower-sodium alternative K-salt in their Thai duck noodles. ST PHOTO: TAN HSUEH YUN The rich, dark soup at this six-month-old stall that sells Thai-style duck noodles is simmered for more than six hours. The colour comes not from soya sauce, but from patience. That is because the four entrepreneurs behind the brand decided to halve the amount of soya sauce they use in the all-important broth, and replace it with K-salt, a lower-sodium alternative to table salt. To get the same rich flavour, Ms Metika Wisadrungjarend, 34, tweaked her mother’s recipe. She simmers the soup for longer, and uses more cinnamon and star anise, among other spices, to achieve the same flavour. “We cook it at a higher heat and cook it longer to strengthen the taste,” she says. The noodles are priced from $5.50 a serving. What Da Duck’s duck noodles are priced from $5.50 a serving. PHOTO: WHAT DA DUCK She runs What Da Duck with her husband Paxton Ong, 35, and Mr James Sie, 35, and his wife Metapiya Sriwanna, 30. They also run three-month-old Siam Munchies, which sells Thai fried bananas across from the noodle stall. K-salt has also replaced regular salt in the batter in the other stall. Mr Sie says: “We are in a silver zone. About half of our customers are elderly. When we see them, we are reminded of our parents. So when HPB came by our shop with K-salt, saying it has the same flavour of salt, but with less sodium, we thought, why not do something for our customers?” He adds that his father, who is in his 60s, has the “three highs” – high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol. “Some food that we find salty, to them, it’s not salty at all,” he says. “They complain there is no flavour in it.” His health-conscious maternal grandmother raised him, and he grew up eating food with less salt, he adds. Now, he hopes to convince his dad to cut down on salt in his diet. “If you have any ideas, tell me,” he says. Business bump Where: 01-108 Boon Lay Place Food Village, 221B Boon Lay Place Open: 11am to 9pm daily Mr Hisham Osman of Big Daddy’s Chicken & Noodles uses lower-sodium K-salt. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Since he swopped table salt for lower-sodium K-salt in the food he sells two months ago, Mr Hisham Osman, 50, has seen a 20 to 25 per cent increase in business. The Muslim-owned stall is getting more Chinese customers, who have started coming for his signature Roasted Chicken Rice ($5), Chicken Char Siew Rice ($5.50) and Roasted Chicken Noodle ($5). He thinks it is because the stall displays HPB’s “Lower-sodium options” sticker, which tells customers it uses lower-sodium alternatives to salt. “The sticker is helpful, especially for Chinese customers,” he says. “People think Malay food has a lot of MSG in it, but they now feel confident to give us a try. I have one Chinese uncle who eats my chicken rice every day.” He has a personal reason for switching to lower-sodium salt. One of his eight brothers is diabetic, while the others and his two sisters have hypertension. He has been cutting down on sugar and carbohydrates in his own diet, and in six months went from 135kg to 95kg. He sweetens his drinks with stevia, a sugar substitute. Some 80 per cent of his customers are elderly, and he sometimes tells them about the lower-sodium salt he uses. He is also looking for dark soya sauce and oyster sauce with less sugar. “I also recommend it to friends who run nasi padang and Western food stalls,” he says of the lower-sodium salt. “I tell them it’s good for health.” Less salt, less sugar Where: 01-16 112 Bukit Merah Market & Food Centre, 112 Jalan Bukit Merah Open: 3.30 to 10am (Mondays to Thursdays), 3.30am to 12.30pm (Fridays to Sundays) Ms Serene Teo of Jit Man Prawn Noodle & Lor Mee cut the amount of salt in her food in 1997. ST PHOTO: HEDY KHOO While most of the hawkers featured here cut down on the salt in their food recently, Ms Serene Teo, 60, has been doing it since 1997. The change was pretty drastic – she halved the amount of salt in her prawn broth. She says her mother, who was diabetic, died at age 70 in 1995, the year Ms Teo took over her father’s prawn noodle business. “She had to take medications every day,” she says of her mother. “I was afraid of getting diabetes too, so I started eating less salt and sugar. I want to be healthy and I want others to be healthy too.” There are no other changes to her father’s recipe for the prawn noodles, priced from $3.50 a serving. Even her laksa (from $3.50) and lor mee (from $3.50) have less sodium. The broth for Jit Man Prawn Noodle & Lor Mee's signature prawn noodles is made with less salt. ST PHOTO: HEDY KHOO About half her customers are elderly, and no one complained about the less salty food when she made the change. Then and now, she adds, about 10 per cent of customers help themselves to soya sauce. The changes she made to her own diet have paid off, as she has normal blood pressure and blood sugar. Her three children, aged 19 to 26, have also become accustomed to eating less salt and sugar. For health-conscious customers Where: 02-01 Jurong West Hawker Centre, 50 Jurong West Street 61 Open: 11am to 3pm, 4 to 9pm (Tuesdays to Sundays), closed on Mondays Mr Louis Lee and his son Marcus Lee run Nam Wah Heng Fish Head Steamboat. ST PHOTO: TAN HSUEH YUN Swopping table salt for lower-sodium salt was a no-brainer for Mr Marcus Lee, 32, who runs Nam Wah Heng Fish Head Steamboat with his father Louis Lee, 59. Every day, they would get eight to 10 customers asking for less oil and salt in their food. So, about four months ago, they made the switch. The stall, and two others in the hawker centre that they run – Mini Wok Zi Char and Old Street Hainanese Curry Rice – sport the “Lower-sodium options” sticker. The three stalls go through about 20kg of K-salt a month. The younger Mr Lee says: “A lot of our customers ask for less oil and salt, especially those in their mid-teens to early 20s.” For Nam Wah Heng Fish Head Steamboat’s signature fish steamboat stock, the cooks make a one-for-one swop with K-salt, and add more ginger and herbs to enrich the flavour. PHOTO: NAM WAH HENG FISH HEAD STEAMBOAT For the signature fish steamboat stock, the cooks make a one-for-one swop with K-salt, and add more ginger and herbs to enrich the flavour. Prices start at $28 for the Angoli (sea bream) steamboat and top out at $88 for a whole Red Grouper or Pomfret. Other popular dishes include Curry Fish Head ($28), Hotplate Oyster Omelette (from $12) and Ginger Paste Chicken ($18). All are made using lower-sodium salt. Mr Lee says: “When HPB came to introduce us to the lower-sodium salt, we gave it a try. We used it in the dishes and there was not much difference in taste, so we will continue to use it.” Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel nowAre you better value for money than AI?

ANN ARBOR — Michigan blew out the Beach before heading to the beach. The Wolverines ended their five-game homestead with another blowout on Sunday afternoon, beating Long Beach State 111-56. Only twice in program history has Michigan scored more. Michigan’s next game will be in the Fort Myers Tip-Off in Florida on Friday. Eleven Wolverines played and they all scored. Freshman Olivia Olson scored 23 on 15 shots. Classmate Syla Swords scored 18. Yet another freshman, Te’Yala Delfosse, made her collegiate debut and impressed with 10 points, five rebounds, and two assists in nine minutes. Jordan Hobbs tallied 12 points, eight boards, and five assists, while Yulia Grabovskaia had 13 points in only 15 minutes. Since losing its season opener to No. 1 South Carolina, Michigan has won its five games by an average of 47 points, with the closest being 31 points. Michigan could reasonably get considered for the AP top-25 poll on Monday. On Sunday, Michigan once again got off to a hot start and played great defense throughout. The Beach shot just 36 percent and missed its first 15 3s (finishing 1 for 22). Swords got Michigan going with a pair of 3s, and Mila Holloway’s and-one made it 17-6. Michigan pumped its lead to 25 at halftime and 37 by the end of the third quarter. Michigan closed with an 11-0 run to sail past the century mark.Cavaliers plan to regroup vs. NBA-worst Wizards

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Subscribe to our newsletter Privacy Policy Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in. Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account. An account was already registered with this email. Please check your inbox for an authentication link. Support Independent Arts Journalism As an independent publication, we rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. If you value our coverage and want to support more of it, consider becoming a member today . Already a member? Sign in here. We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. If you value our coverage and want to support more of it, please join us as a member . Cameroonian curator Koyo Kouoh will be the first African woman to oversee the Venice Biennale for its 61st edition in 2026, the organization announced yesterday, December 3. Since May 2019, Kouoh has served as the executive director and chief curator of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town, South Africa, one of the continent’s largest contemporary art museums. During her tenure, she has organized solo shows centering on African and African diasporic artists like Otobong Nkanga, Mary Evans, and Tracey Rose. Prior to this role, she was the founding artistic director of RAW Material Company , an artist residency, exhibition space, and experimental study academy in Dakar, since 2008. In addition, she played a significant role in the development of the London and New York-based 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair when it initially launched in 2013, leading its curation for eight editions in a row. She was also the curator of the 37th EVA International, Ireland’s biennial of contemporary art, in 2016; titled Still (the) Barbarians , the exhibition centered on post-colonial legacies and the enduring impact of colonialism. Beyond her curatorial work, Kouoh has authored several books of art criticism and history centered on pan-African and Black art, including Word! Word? Word!: Issa Samb and the Undecipherable Form (2013) and When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting (2022), which accompanied an eponymous show she curated at Zeitz MOCAA. Get the latest art news, reviews and opinions from Hyperallergic. Daily Weekly Opportunities In a statement, Kouoh said it was a “once-in-a-lifetime honor and privilege” to lead the next Venice Biennale. “Artists are the visionaries and social scientists who allow us to reflect and project in ways afforded only to this line of work,” she added. Established in 1895, the Venice Biennale is the world’s longest-running contemporary art show. Its attendance peaked in 2022 when the festival drew over 800,000 visitors , and this year’s edition, curated by Brazilian museum director Adriano Pedrosa, saw another strong turnout of nearly 700,000 visitors . But in its roughly 130-year history, the Biennale has only had one other African-born artistic director: the late Nigerian curator Okwui Enwezor, who led the event in 2015. “The appointment of Koyo Kouoh as the director of the Visual Arts Sector is the acknowledgment of a broad horizon of vision at the dawn of a day profuse with new words and eyes,” the Biennale’s President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco said. We hope you enjoyed this article! Before you keep reading, please consider supporting Hyperallergic ’s journalism during a time when independent, critical reporting is increasingly scarce. Unlike many in the art world, we are not beholden to large corporations or billionaires. Our journalism is funded by readers like you , ensuring integrity and independence in our coverage. We strive to offer trustworthy perspectives on everything from art history to contemporary art. We spotlight artist-led social movements, uncover overlooked stories, and challenge established norms to make art more inclusive and accessible. With your support, we can continue to provide global coverage without the elitism often found in art journalism. If you can, please join us as a member today . Millions rely on Hyperallergic for free, reliable information. By becoming a member, you help keep our journalism free, independent, and accessible to all. Thank you for reading. Share Copied to clipboard Mail Bluesky Threads LinkedIn Facebook

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Chuck Woolery , whose game-show hosting career included tenures at Wheel of Fortune and Love Connection , has died at age 83. Mark Young, Woolery’s friend and podcast cohost, shared the news on X on Saturday. “It is with a broken heart that I tell you that my dear brother @chuckwoolery has just passed away,” Young wrote. “Life will not be the same without him. RIP, brother.” Young told TMZ he was at Woolery’s home in Texas when the former TV host reported not feeling well and went to lie down. When Young checked in later, Woolery was having trouble breathing, and despite a 911 call, Woolery died shortly thereafter. Woolery was born on March 16, 1941, in Ashland, Kentucky, to a business owner and a homemaker, according to The Hollywood Reporter . After stints at the University of Kentucky, in the U.S. Navy, and at Morehead State University, Woolery moved to Nashville to start a music career. He and singer Elkin “Bubba” Fowler formed the psychedelic pop duo The Avant-Garde, and their song “Naturally Stoned” peaked at No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968. Lorimar Television/ Everett Collection A singing performance on The Merv Griffin Show led Woolery to audition for a new game show, originally titled Shopper’s Bazaar , that Merv Griffin was developing at the time. After some tinkering, Wheel of Fortune debuted on NBC on January 6, 1975. Griffin earned a Daytime Emmy for his Wheel work and hosted the show until 1981, when a salary dispute led producers to replace him with Pat Sajak . Woolery moved on with a job hosting the syndicated dating game show Love Connection from 1983 to 1994, pulling in 4.5 million viewers a day at one point. He also emceed the game show Scrabble from 1984 to 1990, and between the two shows, he was earning $1 million a year by 1986, as People reported at the time. Woolery also hosted the game show Greed on Fox from 1999 to 2000 and Lingo on Game Show Network from 2002 to 2007. In recent years, Woolery stoked controversy with his political views, posting a tweet that sparked antisemitism accusations in 2017 and then claiming in 2020 that “everyone [was] lying” about the coronavirus pandemic , as Newsweek reported. He also argued that minorities didn’t need civil rights, according to the Associated Press . Woolery was married four times, and his ex-wives included actor Jo Ann Pflug. He had eight children and stepchildren, per THR . More Headlines:Nigerian Govt saved $20bn by removing subsidies – Finance minister, Edun

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BUENOS AIRES (AP) — Thiago Messi, the eldest son of the Argentina star, has made his debut in the “Newell’s Cup” tournament in the countryside city of Rosario. The 12-year-old Messi played with the No. 10 jersey of an Inter Miami youth team, which lost 1-0 on Monday to host Newell’s Old Boys in the traditional under-13 competition. The team also played Tuesday. Lionel Messi took his first steps as a footballer in the Argentinian club in Rosario, 300 kilometers (186 miles) northwest of capital Buenos Aires. Thiago's mother, Antonela Roccuzzo, and several members of his family, including grandparents Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini, were in the stands to watch him play. Lionel Messi did not attend. Thiago, who was substituted in the second half, played with his friend Benjamín Suárez, son of Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, Messi's teammate and close friend at Barcelona and now at Inter Miami. Messi and Suárez are in Rosario after Inter Miami’s early elimination in the MLS playoffs. On Sunday, they watched a friendly game of Inter Miami's U13 team against Unión at the same sports complex. The youth tournament in Argentina brings together eight teams from North and South America. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerAt least 6 dead in political protests in Pakistan’s capital

NoneBUENOS AIRES (AP) — Thiago Messi, the eldest son of the Argentina star, has made his debut in the “Newell’s Cup” tournament in the countryside city of Rosario. The 12-year-old Messi played with the No. 10 jersey of an Inter Miami youth team, which lost 1-0 on Monday to host Newell’s Old Boys in the traditional under-13 competition. The team also played Tuesday. Lionel Messi took his first steps as a footballer in the Argentinian club in Rosario, 300 kilometers (186 miles) northwest of capital Buenos Aires. Thiago's mother, Antonela Roccuzzo, and several members of his family, including grandparents Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini, were in the stands to watch him play. Lionel Messi did not attend. Thiago, who was substituted in the second half, played with his friend Benjamín Suárez, son of Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, Messi's teammate and close friend at Barcelona and now at Inter Miami. Messi and Suárez are in Rosario after Inter Miami’s early elimination in the MLS playoffs. On Sunday, they watched a friendly game of Inter Miami's U13 team against Unión at the same sports complex. The youth tournament in Argentina brings together eight teams from North and South America. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

He is the “Builder Governor.” The lasting impression of Eric Holcomb’s eight-year tenure as governor could be measured on what he built, and how he did so and with the steady assets he had at his command. He calls it the “new Indiana” emerging under his watch. He finished Interstate 69 to Evansville, including the hard part through suburban Johnson and Marion counties, with the new Ohio River bridge into Kentucky sited. He completed the $600 million double-tracking of the century old South Shore Line from Chicago to South Bend at the West Lake spur line. There’s the new $1.2 billion prison at Westville the state is paying cash for. There is the new combined $655 million Indiana Deaf and Blind School campus, the new Fall Creek Pavilion at the State Fairgrounds, the new State Archives Building, as well as the first new state park lodge being built in 85 years. There is the combined $300 million Gov. Holcomb is funneling into the 92 county health departments. There’s the amicable IUPUI divorce with twin campuses rising up just blocks from the state capital. As the governor drove from Culver to Potato Creek State Park this month to monitor the first new lodge since 1939 after the initial groundbreaking 14 months prior, Holcomb told Howey Politics, “I want to be graded and measured on the results, not the rhetoric. We don’t just want to build trails, we want to be the trail leader. We want to finish I-69. “We want to stay state-focused on always trying to do big things,” Holcomb continued. It will take a decade or so to fully know the impacts of Holcomb’s eight years in office. He spent a decade as an apprentice to Gov. Mitch Daniels, serving as deputy chief of staff. While running a campaign for U.S. Senate, Gov. Mike Pence plucked him from relative obscurity to replace Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann in March 2016. Four months later after Pence joined the Donald Trump presidential ticket, Holcomb won a second-ballot Republican Central Committee nomination, launching a 106-day come-from-behind victory over Democrat John Gregg. Holcomb had unusual assets. He’s the only Hoosier governor to serve with Indiana General Assembly supermajorities for both entire terms. Earl Goode, his only chief of staff, is finishing an unprecedented 14 years at that job. He signed the most far-reaching abortion restrictions in state history. Holcomb’s Indiana received a stunning $6.7 billion from the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $868 million for rural broadband expansion and $100 million for electric vehicle charging stations. He never had to deal with a recession. The state’s jobless rate was always below 5%. The Holcomb administration has, so far, been scandal free. The result is what Holcomb calls an emerging “New Indiana.” “For us, when you look at the progress we’ve made across the economic development front, the workforce development front and the community development front, Indiana is a new Indiana,” he said. “We have a New Albany, a New Haven, New Castle, New Carlisle and there truly is almost a new Indiana when you think about our health innovation industry, LEAP, manufacturing of isotopes and planned genetics and where we’re taking life sciences and the future of mobility being determined here. We’re working on small modular nuclear reactors. Being in a center of the country gives us an advantage of being in the core.” And there were galactic challenges. He faced two pandemics, the first was the opioid crisis and a triple-digit increase in overdoses. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in shutting down much of society in late March 2020 for several months. Two million Hoosiers were infected and 26,115 died during the most lethal public health episode in state history. There was no written pandemic plan on the shelf other than for the flu. “We were transparent and very accessible,” Holcomb said of the weekly web-streamed press conferences that he held with state health officials such as Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box and Dr. Lindsay Weaver. “It was like Indiana went to Oz and when the curtain was pulled back and they got to see their government, which was just like them,” Holcomb said. Despite the criticism from Republicans like Secretary of State Diego Morales, who said he had overstepped his authority during the pandemic, Holcomb won reelection with 1.7 million votes (56.5%). “I had all kinds of people tell me politically this is going to be the end of me and, lo and behold, we got more votes than anyone who has ever run for governor in the history of this state, still to this day, by the way,” he said. What was the most surprising or gratifying thing he witnessed or learned? “To learn of the innovation and ingenuity that comes off the family farm or the family factory floor or the small business that has been taken to scale by someone needing to solve a problem on a bigger scale,” he said. His biggest disappointment? “I would have liked to see pregnancy accommodations done for the state, not just state government,” Holcomb said. What wisdom would he impart to a future governor? “Approach with the attitude that every day you’re gonna learn if you stay connected to the ground,” he said, adding that in “remaining humble” he was “courageous and forward-looking, understanding you are not going to please everybody all the time.”

Former President Bill Clinton was discharged from a hospital on Tuesday one day after being admitted for the flu, his office said. “President Clinton was discharged earlier today after being treated for the flu. He and his family are deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by the team at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and are touched by the kind messages and well wishes he received. He sends his warmest wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season to all,” his office said in a statement. Clinton, 78, was admitted to the hospital on Monday afternoon for testing and observation after developing a fever. Since leaving the White House nearly a quarter-century ago, the 42nd president has endured several health scares. He had quadruple bypass heart surgery in New York in 2004 and experienced a partially collapsed lung the following year. He had another heart procedure in 2010, when two stents were inserted into a coronary artery. He was hospitalized in Los Angeles for six days in 2021 for a urological infection that spread to his bloodstream. Clinton spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August and was extraordinarily active on the campaign trail this fall. He has kept a robust travel schedule since the election with the release of his new book, “Citizen: My Life After the White House.” Flu activity is rising across the US, according to surveillance data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health care visits for flu-like illness have been above baseline levels since the end of November and hospitalization rates have doubled over the past two weeks; there were about 5 hospitalizations for flu for every 100,000 people during the second week of December. There have been at least 1.9 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations and 970 deaths from flu so far this season, the CDC estimates. Anyone can get the flu, but some people are more at risk for severe disease, including people aged 65 and older. Flu can be treated with prescription antiviral medicines such as Tamiflu. The medicine is most effective when it’s started within two days after symptoms and can lessen symptoms and reduce the amount of time people feel sick. This story has been updated with background information. CNN’s Deidre McPhillips and Jamie Gumbrecht contributed to this report.Jake Neighbours' shootout goal gives Blues 3-2 win over Sharks

NEW YORK, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of stock of Metagenomi, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGX) pursuant and/or traceable to the Company’s initial public offering conducted between February 9 and 13, 2024 (the “IPO”), of the important November 25, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Metagenomi stock you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Metagenomi class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=29254 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 25, 2024 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions. Rosen Law Firm does. Rosen Law Firm is a recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improving corporate governance structures, and holding company executives accountable for their wrongdoing. Since its inception, Rosen Law Firm has obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, Metagenomi introduced itself to investors during its IPO as a “genetic medicines company” having a long-standing business relationship with Moderna, one of the leading Covid-19 vaccine companies. Integral to Metagenomi’s collaboration with Moderna was the claim that the two companies had entered into a Strategic Collaboration and License Agreement on October 29, 2021, which included multiple four-year research programs and a subsequent licensed product-by-licensed product agreement. Metagenomi completed its initial public offering on February 13, 2024, selling 6.25 million shares at $15 per share. However, less than three months later, on May 1, 2024, Metagenomi announced that it and Moderna had “mutually agreed to terminate their collaboration” agreement. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Metagenomi class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=29254 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com

NBC Sports enters Madden video game universe with alternate broadcast on PeacockHOUSTON , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sterling Group, a Houston -based, operationally focused middle market private equity firm, is pleased to announce that John Griffin and Claudine Lussier have been promoted to Partner. "We are excited to recognize the extraordinary contributions of John and Claudine," said Brad Staller , Partner at The Sterling Group. "Each has played a critical part in Sterling's success to date. We are thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments and welcome them as Partners." John Griffin , Partner, joined Sterling in 2018 from McKinsey & Company's Houston office where he focused on strategic and operational initiatives for industrial and energy companies. John has been a leader on the PrimeFlight Aviation, West Star Aviation, Fencing Supply Group, Tangent Technologies, and Lynx FBO Network investment teams. John has also been a key member of the firm's Operations Committee, which drives continuous improvement in Sterling's own value creation capabilities. Claudine Lussier , Partner, Human Capital, joined Sterling in 2017 to lead Human Capital at Sterling and its portfolio companies. During Claudine's time at Sterling, she has contributed to a significant build-out of the team and has driven a dramatic improvement in Sterling's ability to drive value creation through the Human Capital lever. Claudine is a critical business partner to investment teams and management teams alike. To learn more about a career at The Sterling Group, please visit www.sterling-group.com/careers/ About The Sterling Group Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million . Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 73 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $24 billion . Sterling currently has $9.4 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com . Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-sterling-group-names-two-new-partners-302336718.html SOURCE The Sterling Group, L.P.

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Who We’ve LostBRUSSELS , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In an upcoming EU Reporter interview , M. Shigeo Katsu , Founding President of Nazarbayev University (NU) and a key architect of Kazakhstan's education reforms, will address the escalating scandal surrounding financial mismanagement at the country's flagship higher education institution. The crisis gained public attention following the announcement of the state audit results of Nazarbayev University. The revelations have sparked widespread concerns about transparency and oversight at one of Central Asia's most prestigious universities. Adding to the controversy are allegations of financial mismanagement involving the New Generation Foundation, the Jusan Group — entities originally established to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of NU and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS). Questions have also been raised about the state of affairs at NU's Social Development Fund. Reports suggest that funds may have been misappropriated, triggering outrage from students, educators, and civil society. In response, a student initiative group from Nazarbayev University issued an open letter demanding the release of both the state audit and NU's internal audit of the Social Development Fund. The letter also calls for greater accountability, enhanced transparency, and the protection of students' rights. This appeal reflects mounting frustration with the university's leadership and a growing demand for immediate corrective action. Shigeo Katsu's interview will shed light on these unfolding developments. As a former leader of NU, Katsu is uniquely positioned to analyze the root causes of the crisis, critique the university's response, and discuss the broader implications for Kazakhstan's education sector. The full interview can be found here: https://www.eureporter.co/kazakhstan-2/2024/12/23/the-battle-for-nazarbayev-universitys-future-shigeo-katsu-on-financial-mismanagement-and-accountability/ The Battle for Nazarbayev University's Future: Shigeo Katsu on Financial Mismanagement and Accountability In light of recent controversies surrounding the financial governance of Nazarbayev University (NU) and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS), an open letter from concerned students has surfaced, addressing the troubling mismanagement of funds and alleged conflicts of interest. The letter highlights a series of financial decisions that led to the unraveling of key institutions meant to ensure the long-term stability of NU and NIS. The students are particularly concerned about the fate of the Jusan Group and the Nazarbayev Fund (NGF), which were once positioned to secure the financial future of these two leading educational institutions. Instead, they allege that significant funds were misappropriated and whole organizations lost, leading to the collapse of what was once a promising financial structure. In response, Shigeo Katsu , the Founding President of Nazarbayev University, has also written an open letter , received by EU Reporter, addressing the ongoing crisis and providing his perspective on the unfolding situation. In his letter, Katsu outlines the rationale of engagement in the financial sector and the erosion of the initial vision for NU, highlighting the role of key financial institutions like Jusan Bank and the NGF in securing a stable future for the university and NIS. He draws attention to the series of decisions that led to the loss of the former and calls for urgent remedial actions to prevent further damage to the institutions' credibility and financial stability . In this exclusive interview with EU Reporter , Shigeo Katsu , the Founding President of Nazarbayev University, sheds light on these pressing issues. He discusses the audit findings, the role of Jusan Bank , and what must be done to restore trust and secure the future of NU and NIS. Bio: Mr. Shigeo Katsu is the Founding President of Nazarbayev University. He held the position of President from December 2010 until June 2023 . He was Chair of the Board of Trustees of an affiliated secondary school system, the Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, and of the University's hospital system. Prior to the assignments in Kazakhstan , over the course of a 30-year career at the World Bank, Mr. Shigeo Katsu held various positions including leading financial sector reform support for China , Director for Cote d'Ivoire , and Vice President for Europe and Central Asia . After his retirement from the World Bank, he served for a few years on the US board of a youth-oriented international development NGO. Between 2011 and 2015 he was an Advisory Panel member of the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO). Questions: - We have exclusively published your open letter and anticipate that it will generate a significant response. What drove you to write it, particularly in light of the misuse of funds intended to ensure the long-term financial stability of Nazarbayev University (NU) and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS)? The decision to write the open letter was not made lightly. It was driven by a profound sense of responsibility to the students, faculty, and broader community of Nazarbayev University (NU) and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS). These institutions were established with a vision to create world-class educational hubs in Kazakhstan and establish a center of excellence for academic research. Ensuring their financial independence and long-term stability is a core requirement to achieve the two institutions' mission. However, recent developments revealed through state and internal audits have exposed serious breaches of trust. The misuse of funds from entities like the University's Social Development Fund, New Generation Foundation, and Jusan Group directly threatens the sustainability of NU and NIS. These funds were meant to build up and guarantee the financial security of the institutions. Instead, we now see signs of embezzlement, mismanagement, and a concerning lack of accountability. The role played by key figures like the directors and executives of NGF, of Aslan Sarinzhipov (Executive Vice President of NU, a former Minister of Education) and Kadisha Dairova (Vice President for Student Affairs and International Cooperation, Nazarbayev University) only adds to the gravity of the situation. By writing the letter, my goal was to bring transparency to the issue and to mobilize public attention and international scrutiny. NU and NIS were founded on principles of meritocracy, transparency, and academic freedom. If we allow these values to be compromised, we risk undoing more than a decade of progress. The letter serves as a call for accountability, reform, and most importantly, protection of the future of Kazakhstan's youth. - Many students and alumni of NU have expressed their concern over the lowering of admission standards and the shift away from international standards. How do you assess these changes, and do you see them as diverging from the original vision for NU? NU was conceived as a model of excellence , designed to meet international standards in research, teaching, and governance. One of its founding principles was merit-based admission , which ensured that students were selected solely based on their ability and potential. This meritocratic foundation was not only an academic principle but a reflection of NU's mission to transform Kazakhstan's education system. Students, alumni, faculty and staff have worked hard to build NU's name. Now students, alumni and parents are rightly concerned that the lowering of admission standards undermines this mission and risks eroding the university's reputation both domestically and internationally. Such changes create the perception that NU is moving away from its original vision of being a world-class institution. To restore confidence, NU must reaffirm its commitment to international standards, transparency, and academic rigor. Reverting to merit-based admissions and prioritizing excellence will send a clear message that the institution remains steadfast in its mission. In the Open Letter, I stated that in theory, a policy of opening the entry door wider, but then be resolutely strict in terms of progression and graduation based on academic integrity and merit could work. There are some cases globally. However, it can only work if there is a full commitment to integrity and merit, openness and transparency, and NU's original values are upheld. But unfortunately, what I have observed and heard about recent developments at NU does not make me optimistic. While administration is supposedly in a belt-tightening mode, new senior positions were created and filled with scant regard for a proper hiring process and qualification. Conflict of interest and restrictions on hiring family members have been discarded. These are just a few of the institutional changes that will inevitably bleed over into the academic fabric as well. Is this the example that senior management wants to present to our students? - Do you believe the current situation, where the financial foundations like the Social Development Fund and New Generation Foundation were mismanaged, reflects a broader crisis within Kazakhstan's governance and democracy? Absolutely, but to be fair, this corporate governance crisis is not just limited to Kazakhstan . The findings of the internal audit conducted by NU on the Social Development Fund (SDF) reveal a systemic absence of check and balances and accountability that extends beyond these institutions. Mismanagement and theft, such as those involving Aslan Sarinzhipov , have not only undermined NU and NIS but also shaken public trust in Kazakhstan's leadership. The financial institutions linked to NU and NIS—Nazarbayev Fund, New Generation Foundation, and Jusan Group — were designed to guarantee long-term financial stability for education in Kazakhstan , securing the futures of NU and NIS for decades. However, NGF and Jusan Group's systematic depletion and dismantling highlight the country's struggle with accountability and the need for deep structural reform. This mismanagement reflects broader governance failings—particularly a lack of oversight, transparency, and mechanisms to prevent conflicts of interest. I cannot pronounce myself on the current status of the NF, but I would not be surprised if one discovers similar shortcomings there as well. I had called for an audit for some time until my departure but was not successful. The impact extends beyond education, affecting the economic and social fabric of Kazakhstan . Addressing these issues requires not just reforms within these organizations but also a renewed commitment to governance, accountability, and emphasis on establishing the rule of law. - With the financial stability once promised by entities like the NGF now in jeopardy, how do you envision NU's future without those foundational guarantees? The original intent of the Nazarbayev Fund, New Generation Foundation, and Jusan Group was to provide NU and NIS with long-term financial stability. These entities were carefully designed to ensure that Kazakhstan's leading educational institutions could eventually operate in a manner less affected by state budget fluctuations. However, as the audits reveal, these institutions have been systematically mismanaged and looted, jeopardizing the financial future of NU and NIS. NU's survival and success now depend on a bold and transparent strategy. The first step is to rebuild trust with the public, students, and alumni by publishing the findings of both the state audit of NU and the internal audit of SDF. Then, those responsible are held accountable. Financially, NU must re-establish a diversified funding model. This includes rebuilding its endowments and enhancing additional revenue streams, such as a logical and sound tuition policy, executive education and collaboration with industry and business in the form of contract research. Transparency and governance reform will be key to attract donors and investors who believe in NU's mission and potential. - The Supreme Audit Chamber of Kazakhstan , in its state audit, reported the mismanagement of 73.5 billion tenge at Nazarbayev University , as well as allegations of half a billion tenge being used illegally. What is your opinion on this, and how should the university address governance and corruption issues? I have not had the opportunity to access the state audit report, thus it is difficult to comment. If the cited amount in mismanagement of 73.5 billion tenge over six years is true, it is scandalous. However, we do not know what the auditors' definition and criteria of mismanagement is. So, let's first find out what the report actually says. What is clear, however, is the outcome of a 2023 internal audit of NU's Social Development Fund (SDF) , and it is sobering. This SDF audit reveals a blatant disregard of corporate governance principles, where individuals entrusted with university resources prioritized personal gain over the mission of NU. The audit revealed that SDF management led by current NU Executive Vice President Aslan Sarinzhipov constructed an intricate web of subsidiary entities, including abroad, to systematically evade the oversight and control of the University. Funds ( over 14 billion tenge ) meant to assist students and faculty were used for personal gains of Aslan Sarinzhipov and questionable deals. Unfortunately, NU senior officials such as Vice President Kadisha Dairova participated in such schemes. When I voiced my concern earlier over the developments at NU, it is largely because of the track record of senior officials there. For NU to move forward, it must adopt zero-tolerance policies for corruption, demand accountability from those responsible, and reform its governance structures to ensure transparency. - Why do some claim there is a lack of funds for NU and NIS, despite the promises of financial stability from their endowment funds? The claim of a lack of funds is a direct consequence of the systematic looting of resources from the New Generation Foundation and Jusan Group. These entities were explicitly designed to contribute to NU and NIS' long-term financial sustainability against the backdrop of reduced state funding. However, as I described in my Open Letter, these innovative financial structures have been undermined by mismanagement, and outright theft. For instance: Rebuilding financial stability will require recovering stolen assets, reforming governance structures, and restoring public trust through full transparency and accountability. - Given the scale of financial mismanagement, what steps are necessary to ensure accountability for those involved, including senior officials? Accountability must begin with transparency. First, all findings from the audits should be made public, and independent investigations should be conducted to identify those responsible. No individual, regardless of rank or influence, should be above scrutiny. Second, legal consequences must follow where wrongdoing is found. Kazakhstan's legal system must demonstrate its independence and commitment to justice by prosecuting those who exploited these funds. Finally, governance reforms are essential. NU and its associated entities must implement stricter checks and balances, including external audits, whistleblower protections, and oversight committees with independent members. These steps are not just about rectifying past mistakes—they're about ensuring a future where such mismanagement cannot happen again. - The audit findings were just the beginning of uncovering deeper issues. Is there more information you can share about how these financial foundations were exploited and what this means for the future of NU and NIS? The patterns that have emerged—opaque transactions, conflicts of interest, and questionable settlements—are deeply troubling. For instance, the transfer of assets to private hands under unclear terms raises red flags about the intentions behind such decisions. This exploitation puts the futures of NU and NIS at risk. These institutions were designed to be financially independent, insulated from political and economic volatility. The weakening of their financial foundations erodes their ability to deliver on their missions and betrays the trust of the Kazakhstani people, who have invested in these institutions through their taxes. The way forward requires not just recovering lost assets but rebuilding the governance systems that allowed this exploitation to occur. - Nazarbayev University was founded with a mission to serve as a model for higher education in Kazakhstan , supported by funds like those from the Nazarbayev Fund and New Generation Foundation. What was your original vision for the university, and how did these funds play a critical role in realizing that vision? The vision for NU was bold: to create an institution that could compete with the best universities in the world while serving as a model for higher education reform in Kazakhstan . From day one, we envisioned NU as a hub for innovation, research, and leadership development—a place where the brightest minds could come together to solve the challenges of tomorrow. However, one should not forget that universities, in particular research universities, are a long-term endeavor. They are meant to educate and develop generations upon generations of leaders and professionals in a broad range of sectors, and thus contribute to the scientific, economic, and societal wealth of countries. Building a strong institution that can meet the test of time requires long-term and unwavering commitments to foundational values such as integrity, meritocracy, excellence, openness and transparency. But of course, strong financial support from government and other stakeholders is needed, especially in the first decades. Thus, it was understood that NU would be dependent on state funding (through education grants and capital investments) for the initial decades of its existence, while in the meantime it would develop other sources of financing such as through endowment funds, tuition, and contract research. The Nazarbayev Fund, NGF and the Jusan Group were integral parts of this vision. This overall construct allowed us to recruit world-class faculty, develop state-of-the-art facilities, and provide scholarships to talented students, many from underprivileged backgrounds. These resources weren't just financial—they were a vote of confidence in NU's mission and a recognition of the transformative power of education. The loss of these resources is a significant setback, but I do hope that NU can recover. The university must focus on rebuilding trust with its stakeholders—students, faculty, alumni, and the public. This starts with transparency in financial management and governance. Diversifying funding sources will be crucial. This includes rebuilding its endowments, engaging with the philanthropic community, and developing innovative revenue streams. But most importantly, NU must stay true to its mission and values. Financial stability is important, but it must never come at the cost of compromising the university's integrity or academic excellence. Restoring NU's credibility begins with transparency. For instance, the university must share the audit report with stakeholders, and openly address any major shortcomings highlighted in the audit, including financial mismanagement and governance failures. An independent investigation, followed by public disclosure of findings, will demonstrate a commitment to accountability. Next, an affirmation of NU's commitment to its foundational values and principles is needed. Next, institutional reforms are essential. This includes introducing stronger oversight mechanisms for financial and administrative processes, ensuring that governance boards are staffed with individuals of the highest integrity and independence, and that management, faculty and staff are recruited on the basis of transparency and merit. Fourth, NU must recommit itself to its founding mission of academic excellence. This means maintaining rigorous admission standards, prioritizing high-quality faculty recruitment, and fostering research that addresses national and global challenges. And finally, engaging the NU community—students, faculty, alumni, and parents—in shaping the university's path forward is critical. A transparent, inclusive process will rebuild trust and reaffirm NU's position as a leader in higher education. Educational reform is not just critical—it is foundational to Kazakhstan's economic recovery and long-term stability. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in education systems worldwide, but it also underscored the importance of adaptability, innovation, and resilience. For Kazakhstan , investing in education means investing in the future. A well-educated population is essential for diversifying the economy, attracting foreign investment, and fostering innovation. Institutions like NU and NIS must lead the way by setting benchmarks for quality and demonstrating the value of education in driving economic progress. Moreover, reform must focus on equity. Expanding access to high-quality education for students from socially vulnerable backgrounds will ensure that economic recovery benefits all segments of society, not just the privileged few. - How do you see the role of institutions like NU and NIS in not only providing quality education but also contributing to economic growth in Kazakhstan , especially when financial stability is threatened? NU and NIS are more than educational institutions—they are catalysts for economic growth and social development. By equipping students with critical thinking skills, technical expertise, and a global perspective, they prepare the workforce needed to diversify Kazakhstan's economy. Their impact extends beyond classrooms. NU's research contributes to solving national challenges in areas like energy, healthcare, and technology. Meanwhile, NIS fosters innovation and leadership at the secondary education level, creating a pipeline of talent that benefits universities and industries alike. To sustain this role, NU and NIS must secure their financial stability. This includes strengthening governance, diversifying funding sources, and forging partnerships with the private sector and international organizations. These institutions are vital to Kazakhstan's future, and their success is intertwined with the country's broader economic ambitions. - Could the model used by NU and supported by the Nazarbayev Fund be applied in other countries, or does it require a uniquely Kazakh approach to work effectively? The NU model is innovative, but its core principles—integrity, meritocracy, autonomy, and a focus on global best practices—are universally applicable. Many countries could benefit from establishing institutions that prioritize excellence and align with international standards. That said, successful implementation depends on adapting the model to local contexts. Kazakhstan's approach benefited from strong initial financial and political backing, and a vision that emphasized independence from political and state bureaucratic interference. Replicating this requires careful consideration of governance structures, funding mechanisms, autonomy and other values, and cultural factors. In countries where philanthropic traditions or financial resources are limited, the model may need to rely more on public-private partnerships or international collaborations. Ultimately, the NU experience demonstrates that ambitious goals in education are achievable with the right vision, leadership, and long-term commitment support. - What lessons do you hope others will learn from the experience of the NGF, Jusan Bank , and the financial turmoil at NU? The story of NU and its financial affiliates offers a critical lesson: no institution, no matter how noble its mission, is immune to mismanagement and corruption without strong governance. NU and NIS' financial pillars, namely the Nazarbayev Fund, NGF, Jusan Group, but also the SDF and NIS' Corporate Development Fund were designed to guarantee long-term financial sustainability, yet their exploitation demonstrates how quickly trust can be eroded when transparency and accountability are neglected. For any endowment fund or financial institution, the following lessons are clear: NU's experience is a cautionary tale but also an opportunity. By addressing these failures head-on, NU can emerge as a model for how institutions can learn from adversity and rebuild stronger than before. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nazarbayev-university-crisis-shigeo-katsu-demands-audit-transparency-302338886.html SOURCE EU ReporterEnerflex Ltd. Provides Update Related to Kurdistan Project

There was a rare sight along the Fremont Street Experience over the weekend, which is no small statement. But this qualified: Tourists clad in Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari and F1 apparel descended on the entertainment promenade. “The number of F1 jerseys and jackets that were out during the day, through the weekend, was huge,” Neon City Festival CEO Jeff Victor said in a phone chat Tuesday. “The (F1) event happens at night, so they were like ‘Hey, this is pretty cool, there’s a festival going on at the same time, so our eyeballs get filled with more fun stuff during our visit.” The festival averaged 60,000 unique visitors per day and night, 180,000 total. That’s a 30-percent increase over those visiting downtown Las Vegas during F1 week in ‘23. Designed as an alternative event during the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, the first Neon City Festival was staged Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout downtown. All three FSE stages and Downtown Las Vegas Event Center were in operation. Alison Wonderland, Seven Lions and TroyBoi performed at DTLVEC. Russell Dickerson, the All-American Rejects and Neon Trees took over 3rd Street Stage. That is just a sampling of the entertainment offered during the festival, which also presented ample Vegas F&B offerings, art installations, by Area15, and fireworks. Victor is also vice president of operations of Circa Hospitality Group. The company is co-owned by Derek Stevens, a leading visionary behind Neon City Festival. All downtown properties have been on board as partners. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority contributed at $1 million grant to kick off the event. The FSE partner hotels added about $500K, revenue produced by the SlotZilla zipline attraction inside the FSE canopy. NCF was created to help downtown hotels return business to at least average weekend levels during F1. “Last year was just so bad, and all we wanted the festival to do in year one was get us back to kind of normal, a normal weekend level,” Victor said. “It it did that, and a little more.” The exec said business at Circa’s departments were up anywhere from 20 to 35 percent over last year. Organizers have said the first NCF would be the debut of an ongoing event. The festival is planned to run as long as F1 is held in Vegas. “Just F1 can’t fill this town, and I don’t say that critically,” Victor said. “NASCAR alone couldn’t fill this town, with similar numbers. We usually don’t have weekends with just one thing going on. When NASCAR is here, there are many other things going on ... That’s how you fill up 150,000-plus rooms.” And, draw 180,00o to the heart of Las Vegas. Top out Carrot Top has called off his shows after his Dec. 27 performance, returning Jan. 27. Why? “Sex-change operation,” the entertainer born Scott Thompson texted Wednesday. “If you wanna see me perform still as a dude, make sure you see me soon.” A bunch of laughing emojis accompanied that text. For real, he said “just taking an extra week off from my normal January break. All is good.” Tease this ... A Las Vegas producer and multi-talented performer and TV-show host are working together on a fun, new production designed for Vegas. Early stages. Huge potential. Your VegasVille Moment I pulled into the City of Las Vegas parking garage for the Carolyn and Oscar Goodman mayoral sculpture and happened upon a gentleman parked on the same floor: Richard Bryan , the former Democratic governor of Nevada (1983-1989) and ex-U.S. Senator (1989-2001). This visit was a bit of a homecoming for Bryan, to a building he doesn’t recall fondly. His family’s first Las Vegas home was on 3rd Street and Lewis Avenue, just to the north of today’s City Hall annex. “It was a dreadful, two-story apartment,” said Bryan, who lived in the dwelling from age 4 1/2 to 6. “It wasn’t like we were in danger of freezing to death or anything, but even at age 4 I knew it was dreadful.” The Bryans moved to a home in the Huntridge neighborhood, a 1,000-square-foot home he said was “like a mansion, in the nicest subdivision in town.” That was in October 1943, when Huntridge Theater was being built. The theater was finished a year later, and little Richard went to his first matinee movie (he remembers it being a Laurel & Hardy flick), which he thought cost 14 cents. It was actually 25 cents. “So I had to panhandle, one penny at a time, to get into this movie,” Bryan said. “I did it. I got the 25 cents. But I hated to raise money then, and I hated all my entire political career. I still do.” Cool Hang Alert Sax great Jimmy Carpenter plays the OG Sand Dollar Lounge on Polaris and Spring Mountain at 10 p.m. Friday. Jimmy always has the blues, and you will too. No cover. And as always, try the pizza. John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts . Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram. Recap of inaugural Neon City Festival Performances. Four stages throughout downtown hosted musical performances. Headliners and performances included: Day One: American Mile, Bubba Sparxxx, Cassadee Pope, Charlotte Sands, Dr. Fresch, Kaleido, Landon Cube, lovelytheband, NO PROOF, Pepe Orro, Pertinence and 408. Day Two: Adelita's Way, Ekoh, Filter, Krewella, Lit, Luniz, Pepe Orro, Plain White T's, The Swamp Coolers with Sara Beth, Vampires Everywhere, Violin on Fire and 24HRS. Day Three : Anabel Englund, Beauty School Dropout, elijah, Good RZN, Kaleido, Pepe Orro, Pure Sport, Makeout, Mr. Carmack, Restless Road, $ERIOU$LY?!, Swaylo, The Kruse Brothers, Thus Love, and Twista. Local Artistry: Neon City Festival's art programming was curated by Area15. Activations included neon-lit artwork by Aliume at Wink World: Portals Into The Infinite; an immersive activation by Illuminarium; and a photo opportunity with an art car creation from Las Vegas artist Henry Chang. Attendees received a sneak peek at two new attractions opening at Area15's Superplastic's Dopeameme, The Dopeameme Institute for Pleasure Research and the John Wick Experience. Pop-up shops: Festivalgoers perused a variety of pop-up shops and booths, such as Recycled Propaganda – with artwork aimed at encouraging critical thought; Tristan Shearer – a photographer exploring collodion photography; Essence Permanent Jewelry – a permanent jewelry activation; Sara Godbout – a confidence coach booth; Reapers Grip – with skateboard merch and accessories; 6k Industries – featuring jewelry, apparel, macrame and crochet; Krystal Kartel – selling jewelry and decorations made from healing crystals; House of Bills – with handmade arts & crafts; Mooncraft Gifts – featuring unique, custom jewelry; Pinup Ally – with alt fashion apparel; and many more. Culinary Experiences: Guests sampled bites from a diverse lineup of local vendors across the festival grounds. Here's the Beef, Medellin Empanadas, Super Chill, Taco Ave. and Truk n Yaki offered bold flavors at Fremont Street Experience; as Chī Asian Kitchen, Custom Pizza Truck, El Fuego Picante, Empanada Factory, Joel's Chophouse, Ole Manny's Seafood Shack, SoCal Churro, Sushito Sushi & Poke Bowl, Valery's Great Food and Wings on Wheels set up their mobile kitchens at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC). Many enjoyed the Omaha Steaks Culinary Experience located at the DLVEC, featuring an all-you-can-eat menu including whiskey-grilled steak, filet mignon burger, shrimp ceviche and more. Daily Fireworks . A fireworks display was fired from the top of the Plaza.H2O Innovation Expands North American Footprint with 22.55 MGD of Novel Water and Wastewater Projects

US stock indices pushed to fresh records Tuesday, shrugging off tariff threats from President-elect Donald Trump while European equities retreated. Trump, who doesn't take office until January 20, made his threat in social media posts Monday night, announcing huge import tariffs against neighbors Canada and Mexico and also rival China if they do not stop illegal immigration and drug smuggling. Both the Dow and S&P 500 notched all-time highs, with investors regarding the incoming president's words as a bargaining chip. "In theory, higher tariffs should not be good news for stocks. But, you know, I think the market's chosen to think of (it) as a negotiating tactic," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers. "You have bullish sentiment," said LBBW's Karl Haeling. "People are tending to look at things as positively as possible." But General Motors, which imports autos from Mexico to the United States, slumped 9.0 percent, while rival Ford dropped 2.6 percent. Overseas bourses were also buffeted by the news. European stocks followed losses in Asia, despite Trump excluding Europe as an immediate target for tariffs. "These are his first direct comments on tariffs and tariff levels since becoming president-elect, and they have roiled markets," said Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB trading group, ahead of the Wall Street open. "It is early days, and there are plenty of opportunities for Trump to direct his attention to Europe down the line," Brooks added. The US dollar rallied against its Canadian equivalent, China's yuan and Mexico's peso, which hit its lowest level since August 2022. In other economic news, the Conference Board's consumer confidence index rose to 111.7 this month, up from 109.6 in October, boosted by greater optimism surrounding the labor market. "November's increase was mainly driven by more positive consumer assessments of the present situation, particularly regarding the labor market," said Dana Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board. Pantheon Macroeconomics chief US economist Samuel Tombs added in a note that the increase in consumer confidence overall "likely was driven by euphoria among Republicans." "The index also jumped in late 2016, when Mr. Trump was elected for the first time," he said. Federal Reserve meeting minutes showed policy makers expect inflation to keep cooling, signaling a gradual approach to interest rate cuts if price increases ease further and the job market remains strong. New York - Dow: UP 0.3 percent at 44,860.31 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.6 percent at 6,021.63 (close) New York - Nasdaq: UP 0.6 percent at 19,174.30 (close) London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.4 percent at 8,258.61 (close) Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.9 percent at 7,194.51 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 0.6 percent at 19,295.98 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.9 percent at 38,442.00 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: FLAT at 19,159.20 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.1 percent at 3,259.76 (close) Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0482 from $1.0495 on Monday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2567 from $1.2568 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 153.06 yen from 154.23 yen Euro/pound: DOWN at 83.41 pence from 83.51 pence Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.3 percent at $72.81 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.3 percent at $68.77 per barrel bur-jmb/st

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ATHENS, Ohio (AP) — AJ Clayton scored 16 points as Ohio beat Robert Morris 84-68 on Saturday. Clayton had seven rebounds for the Bobcats (3-5). Victor Searls scored 14 points and added seven rebounds. Jackson Paveletzke and Aidan Hadaway both scored 11 points. The Colonials (6-3) were led by Josh Omojafo, who recorded 15 points. Antallah Sandlin'El added 14 points for Robert Morris. Alvaro Folgueiras finished with 12 points and seven rebounds. The loss ended a six-game winning streak for the Colonials. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .TikTok is challenging the federal government’s order to shut down its operations in Canada, claiming it will eliminate hundreds of jobs and potentially terminate a quarter of a million contracts that it has with Canadian advertising clients. The company filed documents in Federal Court in Vancouver on Dec. 5, seeking to set aside the order to wind-up and cease business in Canada. The government ordered the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business in November after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform. That means TikTok must close its operations in Canada, though the app will continue to be available to Canadians. TikTok wants the court to pause the order while it argues its case on why the government's decision should be overturned. It claims the minister's decision was "unreasonable" and "driven by improper purposes." "TikTok Canada provides hundreds of Canadians with well-paying jobs, and contributes millions of dollars annually to the Canadian economy," the application says. "Through the TikTok platform, Canadian businesses and content creators can reach a global audience of over one billion monthly users." The review was carried out through the Investment Canada Act, which allows the government to investigate any foreign investment with potential to harm national security. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said in a statement at the time that the government was taking action to address "specific national security risks," though it didn’t specify what those risks were. TikTok's court application says Champagne "failed to engage with TikTok Canada on the purported substance of the concerns that led to the (order.)" The company argues the government ordered "measures that bear no rational connection to the national security risks it identifies." It says the reasons for the order "are unintelligible, fail to reveal a rational chain of analysis and are rife with logical fallacies." TikTok Canada also claims it "participates in important Canadian public policy issues at the federal and provincial level, including those related to online safety, elections, and culture." The company's filing says TikTok Canada "worked with Elections Canada and the Privy Council Office on partnerships to support election integrity on the TikTok platform." TikTok claims the foreign investment review and economic security branch of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada "abruptly" finished the company's national security review at the end of October, and ordered the company to wind-up its Canadian operations a week later. The company's court application says there were "less onerous" options available than ordering the shut down, which it claims "will cause the destruction of significant economic opportunities and intangible benefits to Canadian creators, artists and businesses, and the Canadian cultural community more broadly." The company's law firm, Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, declined to comment, while Champagne’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the order would "eliminate the jobs and livelihoods of our hundreds of dedicated local employees — who support the community of more than 14 million monthly Canadian users on TikTok, including businesses, advertisers, creators and initiatives developed especially for Canada." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2024.

RTÉ star Doireann Garrihy has taken to social media to share some snaps of her glamorous wedding to Mark Meighan as further details of her dress emerged. The Dancing with the Stars co-host opted for a glam Christie Nicole ostrich feather dress for her most special day. Hugely sought-after designer Christie has a penchant for designing whimsical, dramatic, flirtatious wedding gowns and has gained a reputation for embodying fun wedding style. Despite having a stunning array of beautifully created dresses to choose from, Doireann eventually set her heart on Christie’s standout Lily gown. The strapless A-line gown has a bespoke, feathery large train which careers down the centre back for a creative peacock effect, Described as ‘equal parts elegance and drama’, the Lily is crafted from a textured feather tulle giving it a sense of fluidity in movement. While the exact price of Doireann’s desired gown differs, wedding specialists in Ireland who stock Nicole’s wedding collections start from Є6,000 and can go anywhere up to Є9,975. Podcaster Doireann, who is known for not taking herself too seriously, appeared to pick the perfect dress as pals were quick to compliment her for her choice. Doireann’s sister Ailbhe said: ‘The most perfect day.’ Former Miss Universe Rosanna Davison wrote: ‘Absolutely beautiful. Congratulations!’ 2FM presenter Emma Power commented: ‘Beautiful. Congratulations to you both.’ While Newstalk’s Ciara Kelly posted: ‘A photo for the ages! Congratulations... so beautiful.’ On Saturday afternoon, Doireann took to social media to give fans an insight into her big day and the morning after the day before. Posing with Mark, the pair posted a self with the caption: ‘The morning after breakfast’. Doireann wore a gorgeous mini dress in the post, while Mark was smartly attired min a jacket and casual jumper. Doireann also posted a picture of one of her false eyelashes which met a watery end in the bridal suite bathroom sink. As pr eviously revealed by Extra.ie earlier this year, Doireann and Mark tied the knot in the exclusive K Club Hotel and Resort in Kildare.

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Panitch Schwarze Partner Jeffrey W. Gluck Named Among IAM Strategy 300 Global Leaders 2025Kentucky will aim to improve upon its best start in seven seasons when it hosts Western Kentucky on Tuesday night in Lexington, Ky., in the final game of the BBN Invitational. The Wildcats (5-0) are ranked No. 8 in the latest Associated Press poll and are setting impressive offensive milestones even for a program as tradition-rich as Kentucky, which includes eight national championships. The Wildcats have scored 97 or more points in their first four home games for the first time in program history and eclipsed the 100-point mark in three of those games. Their lone trip out of state was a solid 77-72 victory over Duke in a matchup of top-10 teams in Atlanta. Kentucky has also made at least 10 three-pointers in each of its first five games of a season for the first time ever. "I think Kentucky attracts good people," Kentucky coach Mark Pope said after the Wildcats' 108-59 win over Jackson State on Friday. "It's the one place in all college basketball where you represent just a fanbase in a different, unique way." Otega Oweh and Koby Brea have led the Wildcats' early scoring outburst. Oweh, who is averaging 16.2 points per game, had 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting against Jackson State. "He gets us off to unbelievable starts every night," Pope told reporters after that game. "He's probably been our most consistent guy in games." Brea, who scored 22 points against Jackson State and is averaging 16.0 points per game, is leading the nation in 3-point accuracy at 74.1 percent. As a team, the Wildcats are shooting 42.3 percent from beyond the arc. And the few times they miss, Amari Williams has been doing the dirty work on the glass, averaging 10.8 boards in addition to 9.6 points per game. Kentucky faces a different challenge than it's had to contend with so far in the Hilltoppers (3-2), who have won three in a row after losing their first two games to Wichita State and Grand Canyon. Their up-tempo play hasn't exactly resulted in great offensive output, but in the Hilltoppers' 79-62 win over Jackson State on Wednesday, they shot 45.2 percent from 3-point range (14 for 31). "I was happy to see a lot of different guys contribute tonight and, hopefully, get their feet under them a little bit and get some confidence," said Western Kentucky coach Hank Plona, who is in his first season as head coach. "Obviously, Tuesday will be quite a test and challenge for us and we'll need them to be at their absolute best." Western Kentucky has an experienced group, which returned mostly intact from last season. The team is led by Conference USA first-team selection Don McHenry, who is leading the team with 17.2 points and 2.2 steals per game. McHenry is one of four Hilltoppers with scoring averages in double figures. Julius Thedford (11.4 points per game) and Babacar Faye (15.0) are each shooting 40 percent or better from 3-point range. Western Kentucky also figures to challenge the Wildcats on the boards as it enters the game ranked in the top 25 in defensive rebounding (30.4 per game). Faye leads the Hilltoppers in that department, averaging 7.8 rebounds per game and figures to battle Williams inside. "We're not the biggest team in the world, but our depth and our quickness are our strengths," Plona said. --Field Level Media

NEW YORK , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of all purchasers of common stock of MGP Ingredients, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGPI) between May 4, 2023 and October 30, 2024 . A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 14, 2025 . So what: If you purchased MGPI common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. What to do next: To join the MGPI class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=9167 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 14, 2025 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements, and failed to disclose material adverse facts about MGPI's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, defendants repeatedly touted a strong demand and "normal" inventory levels in brown goods (i.e., American whiskies and tequila), when in fact there had been a slowdown in consumption and oversupply in their products. Worse, defendants had assured investors that they were positioned differently than their competitors, and that this was a non-issue, because MGPI had already taken steps to mitigate the risk, when in fact it had not. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the MGPI class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=9167 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mgpi-investors-have-opportunity-to-lead-mgp-ingredients-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit-302338947.html SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.Donald Trump is returning to the world stage. So is his trolling

NEW YORK , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of all purchasers of common stock of MGP Ingredients, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGPI) between May 4, 2023 and October 30, 2024 . A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 14, 2025 . So what: If you purchased MGPI common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. What to do next: To join the MGPI class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=9167 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 14, 2025 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements, and failed to disclose material adverse facts about MGPI's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, defendants repeatedly touted a strong demand and "normal" inventory levels in brown goods (i.e., American whiskies and tequila), when in fact there had been a slowdown in consumption and oversupply in their products. Worse, defendants had assured investors that they were positioned differently than their competitors, and that this was a non-issue, because MGPI had already taken steps to mitigate the risk, when in fact it had not. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the MGPI class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=9167 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mgpi-investors-have-opportunity-to-lead-mgp-ingredients-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit-302338947.html SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.

xbet Two students wounded and gunman dead after shooting at Northern California elementary schoolBy JAMIE STENGLE, Associated Press DALLAS (AP) — More than 60 years after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated , conspiracy theories still swirl and any new glimpse into the fateful day of Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas continues to fascinate . President-elect Donald Trump promised during his reelection campaign that he would declassify all of the remaining government records surrounding the assassination if he returned to office. He made a similar pledge during his first term, but ultimately bended to appeals from the CIA and FBI to keep some documents withheld. At this point, only a few thousand of the millions of governmental records related to the assassination have yet to be fully released, and those who have studied the records released so far say that even if the remaining files are declassified, the public shouldn’t anticipate any earth-shattering revelations. “Anybody waiting for a smoking gun that’s going to turn this case upside down will be sorely disappointed,” said Gerald Posner, author of “Case Closed,” which concludes that assassin Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. Friday’s 61st anniversary is expected to be marked with a moment of silence at 12:30 p.m. in Dealey Plaza, where Kennedy’s motorcade was passing through when he was fatally shot. And throughout this week there have been events marking the anniversary. Nov. 22, 1963 When Air Force One carrying Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy touched down in Dallas , they were greeted by a clear sky and enthusiastic crowds. With a reelection campaign on the horizon the next year, they had gone to Texas on political fence-mending trip. But as the motorcade was finishing its parade route downtown, shots rang out from the Texas School Book Depository building. Police arrested 24-year-old Oswald and, two days later, nightclub owner Jack Ruby fatally shot Oswald during a jail transfer. A year after the assassination, the Warren Commission, which President Lyndon B. Johnson established to investigate the assassination, concluded that Oswald acted alone and there was no evidence of a conspiracy. But that hasn’t quelled a web of alternative theories over the decades. The collection In the early 1990s, the federal government mandated that all assassination-related documents be housed in a single collection in the National Archives and Records Administration. The collection of over 5 million records was required to be opened by 2017, barring any exemptions designated by the president. Trump, who took office for his first term in 2017, had boasted that he’d allow the release of all of the remaining records but ended up holding some back because of what he called the potential harm to national security. And while files have continued to be released during President Joe Biden’s administration, some still remain unseen. The documents released over the last few years offer details on the way intelligence services operated at the time, and include CIA cables and memos discussing visits by Oswald to the Soviet and Cuban embassies during a trip to Mexico City just weeks before the assassination. The former Marine had previously defected to the Soviet Union before returning home to Texas. Mark S. Zaid, a national security attorney in Washington, said what’s been released so far has contributed to the understanding of the time period, giving “a great picture” of what was happening during the Cold War and the activities of the CIA. Withheld files Posner estimates that there are still about 3,000 to 4,000 documents in the collection that haven’t yet been fully released. Of those documents, some are still completely redacted while others just have small redactions, like someone’s Social Security number. There are about 500 documents where all the information is redacted, Posner said, and those include Oswald’s and Ruby’s tax returns. “If you have been following it, as I have and others have, you sort of are zeroed in on the pages you think might provide some additional information for history,” Posner said. Trump’s transition team hasn’t responded to questions this week about his plans when he takes office. A continued fascination From the start, there were those who believed there had to be more to the story than just Oswald acting alone, said Stephen Fagin, curator of the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which tells the story of the assassination from the building where Oswald made his sniper’s perch. “People want to make sense of this and they want to find the solution that fits the crime,” said Fagin, who said that while there are lingering questions, law enforcement made “a pretty compelling case” against Oswald. Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, said his interest in the assassination dates back to the event itself, when he was a child. “It just seemed so fantastical that one very disturbed individual could end up pulling off the crime of the century,” Sabato said. “But the more I studied it, the more I realized that is a very possible, maybe even probable in my view, hypothesis.”NEW YORK (AP) — No ex-president had a more prolific and diverse publishing career than Jimmy Carter . His more than two dozen books included nonfiction, poetry, fiction, religious meditations and a children’s story. His memoir “An Hour Before Daylight” was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2002, while his 2006 best-seller “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” stirred a fierce debate by likening Israel’s policies in the West Bank to the brutal South African system of racial segregation. And just before his 100th birthday, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation honored him with a lifetime achievement award for how he wielded “the power of the written word to foster peace, social justice, and global understanding.” In one recent work, “A Full Life,” Carter observed that he “enjoyed writing” and that his books “provided a much-needed source of income.” But some projects were easier than others. “Everything to Gain,” a 1987 collaboration with his wife, Rosalynn, turned into the “worst threat we ever experienced in our marriage,” an intractable standoff for the facilitator of the Camp David accords and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. According to Carter, Rosalynn was a meticulous author who considered “the resulting sentences as though they have come down from Mount Sinai, carved into stone.” Their memories differed on various events and they fell into “constant arguments.” They were ready to abandon the book and return the advance, until their editor persuaded them to simply divide any disputed passages between them. “In the book, each of these paragraphs is identified by a ‘J’ or an ‘R,’ and our marriage survived,” he wrote. Here is a partial list of books by Carter: “Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President” “The Blood of Abraham: Insights into the Middle East” (With Rosalynn Carter) “Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life” “An Outdoor Journal: Adventures and Reflections” “Turning Point: A Candidate, a State, and a Nation Come of Age” “Always a Reckoning, and Other Poems” (With daughter Amy Carter) “The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer” “Living Faith” “The Virtues of Aging” “An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood” “Christmas in Plains: Memories” “The Hornet’s Nest: A Novel of the Revolutionary War” “Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis” “Faith & Freedom: The Christian Challenge for the World” “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” “A Remarkable Mother” “Beyond the White House” “We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land: A Plan That Will Work” “White House Diary” “NIV Lessons from Life Bible: Personal Reflections with Jimmy Carter” “A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power” “A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety”

MIDTOWN, Manhattan -- A suspect is on the loose in what police called the "brazen" targeted attack of Brian Thompson , the CEO of major insurance group UnitedHealthcare who was fatally shot outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel ahead of an investor conference on Wednesday. The masked gunman appeared to be lying in wait outside the Hilton hotel in what police said was a "premeditated" attack. The shooter arrived at the scene about five minutes before Thompson before shooting the victim in the chest around 6:40 a.m., police said. Video captured the moment the gunman walked up behind the CEO, pointed his gun at him and fired. A witness fled as Thompson stumbled and fell to the ground. The gunman then walked closer to Thompson, firing more times before fleeing. Evidence recovered includes cellphone, water bottle, candy wrapper The suspect fled on foot into an alley, where a phone was recovered, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. He then fled on a bike and he was last seen riding into Central Park at 6:48 a.m., police said. Police released photos of the suspect holding a firearm and on a bike. They also released photos of the suspect in a mask in an undisclosed location. He was described by police as wearing a light brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers and a "very distinctive" gray backpack. Detectives have retrieved a water bottle and candy wrapper from the area where he was apparently waiting and are currently running tests and analyses to determine if there are any usable fingerprints or DNA, law enforcement sources said. At the same time, NYPD detectives are working with the U.S. Marshals Service to try and track down the shooter and with the FBI, which has the most sophisticated technology for retrieving usable data from cell phones, sources said. The victim's hotel room has already been accessed by investigators, whose top priority is determining Thompson's most recent conversations and movements, sources said. Professional killer appears unlikely The working theory among detectives right now is that the shooting was carried out by someone who is not a professional killer because too many "mistakes" were made, sources said. Hitmen typically don't carry cell phones to their hits and the shots were fired from a distance that would be considered "too far" away from the victim, the sources said. At this point, detectives are trying to determine whether Thompson was targeted because of some type of personal conflict or as a result of his work as an insurance executive, sources said. The killer apparently had some knowledge of Thompson's schedule on Wednesday and the fact that he would be arriving at the Hilton well before the company meeting was to begin, the sources said. Police are interviewing Thompson's colleagues and family about any potential specific threats, Kenny said. What we know about the victim Thompson , 50, was in New York City for the UnitedHealthcare investors conference, which was scheduled to start at 8 a.m. The conference was being held at the Hilton outside of which he was shot, but he was not staying there, police said. UnitedHealthcare's parent company, UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurer in the world, said in a statement, "We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson." "Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him," the company said. "We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who were close to him." Police urge the public to call Crime Stoppers with any information. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.

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ATLANTA (AP) — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who tried to restore virtue to the White House after the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, then rebounded from a landslide defeat to become a global advocate of human rights and democracy, has died. He was 100 years old . The Carter Center said the 39th president died Sunday afternoon, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died in November 2023, lived most of their lives. The center said he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. A moderate Democrat, Carter ran for president in 1976 as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad grin, effusive Baptist faith and technocratic plans for efficient government. His promise to never deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter said. Carter’s victory over Republican Gerald Ford, whose fortunes fell after pardoning Nixon, came amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over race, women’s rights and America’s role in the world. His achievements included brokering Mideast peace by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at Camp David for 13 days in 1978. But his coalition splintered under double-digit inflation and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His negotiations ultimately brought all the hostages home alive, but in a final insult, Iran didn’t release them until the inauguration of Ronald Reagan, who had trounced him in the 1980 election. Humbled and back home in Georgia, Carter said his faith demanded that he keep doing whatever he could, for as long as he could, to try to make a difference. He and Rosalynn co-founded The Carter Center in 1982 and spent the next 40 years traveling the world as peacemakers, human rights advocates and champions of democracy and public health. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Carter helped ease nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiate cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, the center had monitored at least 113 elections around the world. Carter was determined to eradicate guinea worm infections as one of many health initiatives. Swinging hammers into their 90s, the Carters built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The common observation that he was better as an ex-president rankled Carter. His allies were pleased that he lived long enough to see biographers and historians revisit his presidency and declare it more impactful than many understood at the time. Propelled in 1976 by voters in Iowa and then across the South, Carter ran a no-frills campaign. Americans were captivated by the earnest engineer, and while an election-year Playboy interview drew snickers when he said he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times,” voters tired of political cynicism found it endearing. The first family set an informal tone in the White House, carrying their own luggage, trying to silence the Marine Band’s traditional “Hail to the Chief" and enrolling daughter, Amy, in public schools. Carter was lampooned for wearing a cardigan and urging Americans to turn down their thermostats. But Carter set the stage for an economic revival and sharply reduced America's dependence on foreign oil by deregulating the energy industry along with airlines, trains and trucking. He established the departments of Energy and Education, appointed record numbers of women and nonwhites to federal posts, preserved millions of acres of Alaskan wilderness and pardoned most Vietnam draft evaders. Emphasizing human rights , he ended most support for military dictators and took on bribery by multinational corporations by signing the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He persuaded the Senate to ratify the Panama Canal treaties and normalized relations with China, an outgrowth of Nixon’s outreach to Beijing. But crippling turns in foreign affairs took their toll. When OPEC hiked crude prices, making drivers line up for gasoline as inflation spiked to 11%, Carter tried to encourage Americans to overcome “a crisis of confidence.” Many voters lost confidence in Carter instead after the infamous address that media dubbed his “malaise" speech, even though he never used that word. After Carter reluctantly agreed to admit the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979. Negotiations to quickly free the hostages broke down, and then eight Americans died when a top-secret military rescue attempt failed. Carter also had to reverse course on the SALT II nuclear arms treaty after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Though historians would later credit Carter's diplomatic efforts for hastening the end of the Cold war, Republicans labeled his soft power weak. Reagan’s “make America great again” appeals resonated, and he beat Carter in all but six states. Born Oct. 1, 1924, James Earl Carter Jr. married fellow Plains native Rosalynn Smith in 1946, the year he graduated from the Naval Academy. He brought his young family back to Plains after his father died, abandoning his Navy career, and they soon turned their ambitions to politics . Carter reached the state Senate in 1962. After rural white and Black voters elected him governor in 1970, he drew national attention by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Carter published more than 30 books and remained influential as his center turned its democracy advocacy onto U.S. politics, monitoring an audit of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results. After a 2015 cancer diagnosis, Carter said he felt “perfectly at ease with whatever comes.” “I’ve had a wonderful life,” he said. “I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” Contributors include former AP staffer Alex Sanz in Atlanta.The holidays are almost here, and upcoming Black Friday sales might have you thinking about upgrading your computer setup. Black Friday is indeed a great time to save big on higher-priced items like electronics. If you're still working or gaming from a laptop screen, it might be time to think about a first or second monitor to give you more screen space. But with so many options to choose from, selecting a monitor can seem like a daunting task. What size? What resolution? What price? Choosing just the right monitor doesn't have to be overwhelming. Dell has monitors that fit every style of user and their specific needs; here's what to consider when making your decision. For top-notch color, resolution and brightness If you're seeking the best in color, resolution and brightness, you probably want to go for the Dell UltraSharp 27 Inch 4K USB-C Hub Monitor. This high-end model offers stunning visuals that are paired with Dell's ComfortView Plus, which reduces potentially harmful blue light emissions without compromising color. On the back side, the Dell UltraSharp has a connectivity hub with ports for all of your devices. For getting the job done If you just need a simple, office workforce monitor to get the job done, the Dell 24 Monitor delivers. The seamless 24-inch display runs at a high refresh rate for smooth scrolling, and boasts vivid colors for high-contrast and crisp workflows. Quick-access USB ports also make it easy to slot this monitor into your existing work setup, and keep other devices plugged in. For seamless gaming The Alienware 32 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor is sure to impress even the most discerning gamer. This 32-inch screen features 4K resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate to deliver seamless action. The curved display immerses you in your virtual world, while Dolby Vision offers clear contrast between darks and brights. Plus, the adjustable stand gives you customization and a clever way to hide cables. Alienware is currently offering a 10% discount for Dell Rewards members (You can join for free if you're not already a member.) The coupon can be found under the Benefits tab of your Dell Rewards account, and is valid through November 24 and again from December 9 to January 31. For a little bit of everything, everyday Maybe you're not a work-from-home warrior, but you still want a high-quality display for entertainment or light gaming. That's where you'll want to go for the Dell 27 Inch 4K UHD Monitor . This large display offers ultra-high resolution for brilliant visual detail, and AMD FreeSync technology for a smooth gaming experience. The built-in speakers make it an easy pick for your entertainment needs, too. For a budget-friendly choice For the wallet-conscious among us, there's still an option that delivers Dell-quality visuals at a lower price point. This Dell 24 Inch Monitor clocks in at $139.99, and gives you a crisp HD image with blue light-reducing ComfortView technology. This model, which uses 85% post-consumer recyclable plastic, also includes internal speakers and essential connectivity ports. Upgrade your setup with a Dell monitor today Whether you're a remote worker, an avid gamer or use your computer for a little of everything, it's hard to go wrong with a monitor from Dell. Dell's Black Friday sale is a great time to find significant savings when you upgrade your setup. If you purchase a new monitor before December 9, Dell Rewards members receive 2X rewards. And if you're a student with a valid academic email address, you can get an extra 5% off monitors, plus 3% back in Dell Rewards. Don't wait: Check out Dell's holiday deals and upgrade your computer setup with a slick new monitor this year.The Celtics have hit their first signs of struggle this season, and looking at the schedule, it doesn’t get any easier for the reigning champions. Once the calendar flips to 2025, the C’s have a strenuous stretch ahead of them when it comes to the quality of opponents and travel. But despite that, C’s coach Joe Mazzulla had a somewhat predictable answer to the upcoming stretch. The Celtics have lost four of their last six games, including a defensive dud to the Pacers on Sunday. “I’m actually really excited about it,” Mazzulla said of the schedule. “It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be great.” Let’s take a closer look at the January schedule coming up. First and foremost, the Celtics play 10 of their 16 games on the road, which includes two separate four-game road trips. Mixed in there are also three back-to-backs, meaning the C’s will have to lean on their depth heavily next month. But it’s not just the sheer amount of games or where they are — it’s also about the quality of opponents. The Celtics start the month with a four-game road trip at the Timberwolves, Rockets, Thunder then Nuggets in that order. All four of those teams are playoff-caliber foes, including the 2023 champs in Denver. There’s also a back-to-back mixed in there for the Minnesota and Houston games. Later in the month, the Celtics embark on another four-game road trip: the Warriors, Clippers, Lakers then Mavericks in that order. Again, those will be some tough foes against teams who are all at or above the .500 mark. The Clippers and Lakers games will also be a back-to-back in Los Angeles. The C’s could miss Mavs star Luka Doncic, who’s out at least a month with a calf strain, in the NBA Finals rematch. Of course, the entirety of January isn’t all tough. The Celtics do have games against some of the struggling teams in the NBA (the Pelicans twice, the Raptors and the Kings). But the schedule also features teams who have already given them a loss in the likes of the Magic, Hawks, Bulls and others. Regardless of opponent or anything else, the Celtics will have to clean up their play after hitting a rough stretch. It’s a long season, so there doesn’t have to be any panic at this point. The C’s have earned the benefit of the doubt as reigning champs. But that can oftentimes be a double-edged sword as all these teams on the schedule are gearing up to take on the class of the league. After a lean December, the Celtics will jump into the deep end come 2025. More Celtics content

In the region: W&L advances in NCAA volleyball tournamentPEOPLE are just realising energy firms are giving out free gadgets to keep you warm this winter. The temperature has well and truly dropped this week and many households will be cranking up their heating, leading to a likely hike in energy bills. But billpayers may not know that they could qualify for a number of energy-saving freebies. Octopus Energy is offering customers free electric blankets t hrough its £30million Octopus Assist fund . Ovo Energy is also offering money-saving gadgets to households through a £50million customer support package . Customers struggling to pay bills can get access to free energy-saving items like heated throws and mattress toppers. READ MORE ON ENERGY One customer took to social media to share how they received a heated throw from Ovo. Writing in the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group, they said: "Just wanted to say thank you to the lady who posted about free heated throw from OVO. "Mine arrived yesterday. I didn't know anything about this offer until I read it here." Others rushed to comments to say they didn't know about the scheme. Most read in Money One asked if the offer was available if you're on a pay-as-you-go meter to which a fellow customer assured her it was. Another said: "Just found it and applied thank you I was planning on trying to buy one." A third wrote: "Just found it and applied thank you I was planning on trying to buy one." While a fourth said: "I applied when I read about it here. Arrived last week and it's been wonderful. Been using my electric throw every day and am so much warmer now." And a fifth commented: "I'm with Ovo I didn't know!" "Me too, I have applied, thank you," another posted. You can apply for OVO's Customer Support Package on its website. The firm said applications should take around two minutes but you should have some information ready to hand, including: Your monthly disposable income (this is any income after you’ve paid tax , rent or mortgage payments, and essentials like utility bills ) Your account number and postcode You may also have to include how many people live in your home, what your main type of heating is and how you pay for your energy. You may also have to state whether you have qualified for the Warm Home Discount before or are on means-tested benefits . You can make applications on behalf of yourself and others, for example, a family member who doesn't have access to the internet . Others commented that Octopus Energy offers a similar deal. One wrote: "Octopus Energy do this as well as a £136 holiday payment charged to your account. On low income don’t have to be receiving benefits just need to meet the criteria of your outgoings." A second posted: "Octopus do one too if anyone is with them." Octopus Energy is offering customers free electric blankets t hrough its £30million Octopus Assist fund . The energy firm, which services almost seven million households, is dishing out the money-saving gadgets to the most vulnerable. This means those most likely to receive help are the elderly and those with mobility issues or other medical conditions. You should contact Octopus to find out if you're eligible for help. What other freebies can I get? Thousands of households on benefits can get help applying for free and cheap boilers through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) . Help is offered on a case-by-case basis, but it can mean having a new boiler fitted, or loft or cavity wall insulation put in, often for free. A number of energy companies are signed up to the scheme, including British Gas and EDF. Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills. But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances. For example, British Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000. READ MORE SUN STORIES E.ON, Octopus and Scottish Power all have their own schemes where you can get money towards the cost of bills too. It's worth speaking to your supplier to see what help is at hand. SWITCHING energy providers can sound like a hassle - but fortunately it's pretty straight forward to change supplier - and save lots of cash. Shop around - If you're on an SVT deal you are likely throwing away up to £250 a year. Use a comparion site such as MoneySuperMarket.com, uSwitch or EnergyHelpline.com to see what deals are available to you. The cheapest deals are usually found online and are fixed deals - meaning you'll pay a fixed amount usually for 12 months. Switch - When you've found one, all you have to do is contact the new supplier. It helps to have the following information - which you can find on your bill - to hand to give the new supplier. Your postcode Name of your existing supplier Name of your existing deal and how much you payAn up-to-date meter reading It will then notify your current supplier and begin the switch. It should take no longer than three weeks to complete the switch and your supply won't be interrupted in that time. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk . Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

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Russia gave N Korea oil, anti-air missiles in exchange for troops SEOUL: Russia provided North Korea with oil, anti-air missiles and economic help in exchange for troops to support Moscow ́s war on Ukraine, government officials and a research group said on Friday. The United States and South Korea have accused the nuclear-armed North of sending more than 10,000 soldiers to help Russia fight Ukraine, with experts saying Kim Jong Un was eager to gain advanced technology, and battle experience for his troops, in return. Asked what Seoul believes the North has received for the deployment, South Korea ́s top security adviser Shin Won-sik said: “It has been identified that equipment and anti-aircraft missiles aimed at reinforcing Pyongyang ́s vulnerable air defense system have been delivered to North Korea.” Speaking to local broadcaster SBS, Shin added that North Korea has received “various forms of economic support”. Separately, non-profit research group Open Source Centre said Pyongyang obtained oil shipments from Russia. It cited satellite images showing that more than a dozen North Korean oil tankers making a total of 43 trips to an oil terminal in Russia ́s ports over the last eight months, according to a BBC report.Levis throws 2 TD passes to help Titans outlast TexansTikTok's future in the U.S. appeared uncertain on Friday after a federal appeals court rejected a legal challenge to a law that requires the social media platform to cut ties with its China-based parent company or be banned by mid-January. A panel of three judges on The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled unanimously that the law withstood constitutional scrutiny, rebuffing arguments from the two companies that the statute violated their rights and the rights of TikTok users in the U.S. The government has said it wants ByteDance to divest its stakes in TikTok. But if it doesn't and the platform goes away, it would have a seismic impact on the lives of content creators who rely on the platform for income as well as users who use it for entertainment and connection. Here are some details on the ruling and what could happen next: What does the ruling say? In their lawsuit, TikTok and ByteDance, which is also a plaintiff in the case, had challenged the law on various fronts, arguing in part that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and was an unconstitutional bill of attainder that unfairly targeted the two companies. But the court sided with attorneys for the Justice Department who said that the government was attempting to address national security concerns and the way in which it chose to do so did not violate the constitution. The Justice Department has argued in court that TikTok poses a national security risk due to its connections to China. Officials say that Chinese authorities can compel ByteDance to hand over information on TikTok's U.S. patrons or use the platform to spread, or suppress, information. However, the U.S. hasn't publicly provided examples of that happening. The appeals court ruling, written by Judge Douglas Ginsburg, said the law was “carefully crafted to deal only with control by a foreign adversary." The judges also rejected the claim that the statute was an unlawful bill of attainder or a taking of property in violation of the Fifth Amendment. Furthermore, Ginsburg wrote the law did not violate the First Amendment because the government is not looking to “suppress content or require a certain mix of content” on TikTok. What happens next? TikTok and ByteDance are expected to appeal the case to the Supreme Court, but it's unclear whether the court will take up the case. TikTok indicated in a statement on Friday the two companies are preparing to take their case to high court, saying the Supreme Court has “an established historical record of protecting Americans’ right to free speech." "We expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue,” a company spokesperson said. Alan Morrison, a professor at The George Washington University Law School, said he expects the Supreme Court to take up the case because of the novelty of the issues raised in the lawsuit. If that happens, attorneys for the two companies still have to convince the court to grant them an emergency stay that will prevent the government from enforcing the Jan. 19 divestiture deadline stipulated in the law, Morrison said. Such a move could drag out the process until the Justices make a ruling. Tiffany Cianci, a TikTok content creator who has supported the platform, said she was not shocked about the outcome of the court's ruling on Friday because lower courts typically defer to the executive branch on these types of cases. She believes the company will have a stronger case at the Supreme Court. “I believe that the next stages are more likely to produce a victory for TikTokers and for TikTok as a whole,” Cianci said. What about Trump? Another wild card is President-elect Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok during his first term but said during the recent presidential campaign that he is now against such action . The Trump transition team has not offered details on how Trump plans to carry out his pledge to “save TikTok." But spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement last month that he plans to “deliver” on his campaign promises. After Trump takes office on Jan. 20th, it would fall on his Justice Department to enforce the law and punish any potential violators. Penalties would apply to any app stores that would violate a prohibition on TikTok and to internet hosting services which would be barred from supporting it. Some have speculated that Trump could ask his Justice Department to abstain from enforcing the law. But tech companies like Apple and Google, which offer TikTok's app on their app stores, would then have to trust that the administration would not come after them for any violations. Craig Singleton, senior director of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said enforcement discretion — or executive orders — can not override existing law, leaving Trump with “limited room for unilateral action." There are other things Trump could potentially do. It's possible he could invoke provisions of the law that allow the president to determine whether a sale or a similar transaction frees TikTok from “foreign adversary” control. Another option is to urge Congress to repeal the law. But that too would require support from congressional Republicans who have overwhelmingly supported the prospect of getting TikTok out of the hands of a Chinese company. In a statement issued Friday, Republican Rep. John Moolenaar of Michigan, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, said he was “optimistic that President Trump will facilitate an American takeover of TikTok” and allow its continued use in the United States. Is anyone trying to buy TikTok? ByteDance has said it won't sell TikTok . And even if it wanted to, a sale of the proprietary algorithm that powers TikTok is likely to get blocked under Chinese export controls that the country issued in 2020. That means if TikTok is sold without the algorithm, its likely that the buyer would only purchase a shell of the platform that doesn't contain the technology that made the app a cultural powerhouse. Still, some investors, including Trump’s former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and billionaire Frank McCourt, have expressed interest in buying it. This week, a spokesperson for McCourt’s Project Liberty initiative, which aims to protect online privacy, said participants in their bid have made informal commitments of more than $20 billion in capital. The spokesperson did not disclose the identity of the participants. Haleluya Hadero, The Associated Press

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Technology and TV writer Thank you for signing up! Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to Bedford Today, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you. ITV gave the stars of I’m a Celebrity a reprieve tonight (December 4) as no eviction took place. Instead they started the first part of a competition for a major advantage. A golden ticket straight to the iconic Celebrity Cyclone was up for grabs - and it includes safety from two evictions. All they had to do was compete in the gruelling Arcade of Agony. Advertisement Advertisement Fans will have to wait until Thursday’s (December 5) episode to find out who has won the major advantage. Here’s all you need to know: Instead of a public vote, the celebrities were split into two groups and challenged with competing to win a golden ticket to the Celebrity Cyclone on the weekend. Four celebs took on the Arcade of Agony first, before the remaining cast had their turn. The celebrities will be safe until the conclusion of the golden ticket challenge on Thursday (December 5). Ant and Dec will announce when the public vote has opened again. Melvin Odoom is the most recent star to be sent home from the jungle . He was evicted on Tuesday (December 3) after the latest public vote - and was visibly relieved at being able to go home. Before that Tulisa, Dean and Jane were evicted in the first three public votes. What do you think of this year’s I’m a Celebrity cast - is it one of the best? Share your thoughts by emailing me: [email protected] . Comment Guidelines National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.What are 'Pink tote lid moments'? Dark TikTok trend explained

Proceeds to be used primarily to acquire bitcoin and repurchase existing convertible notes due 2026 Fort Lauderdale, FL, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MARA Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA) (“MARA” or the “Company”), a global leader in leveraging digital asset compute to support the energy transformation, today announced the closing on December 4, 2024 of its offering of 0.00% convertible senior notes due 2031 (the “notes”). The aggregate principal amount of the notes sold in the offering was $850 million. MARA also granted the initial purchasers an option to purchase an additional $150 million aggregate principal amount of the notes within a 13-day period beginning on, and including, the date on which the notes were first issued. The notes were sold in a private offering to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were approximately $835.1 million, after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts and commissions but before estimated offering expenses payable by MARA. MARA expects to use approximately $48 million of the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to repurchase approximately $51 million in aggregate principal amount of its existing convertible notes due 2026 (the “existing 2026 convertible notes”) in privately negotiated transactions with the remainder of the net proceeds to be used to acquire additional bitcoin and for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, strategic acquisitions, expansion of existing assets, and repayment of additional debt and other outstanding obligations. The notes are unsecured, senior obligations of MARA. The notes will not bear regular interest and the principal amount of the notes will not accrete. MARA may pay special interest, if any, at its election as the sole remedy for failure to comply with its reporting obligations and under certain other circumstances, each pursuant to the indenture. Special interest, if any, on the notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on June 1, 2025 (if and to the extent that special interest is then payable on the notes). The notes will mature on June 1, 2031, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted in accordance with their terms. Subject to certain conditions, on or after June 5, 2029, MARA may redeem for cash all or any portion of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid special interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, if the last reported sale price of MARA’s common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for a specified period of time ending on, and including, the trading day immediately before the date MARA provides the notice of redemption. If MARA redeems fewer than all the outstanding notes, at least $75 million aggregate principal amount of notes must be outstanding and not subject to redemption as of the relevant redemption notice date. Holders of notes may require MARA to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes on June 4, 2027 and on June 4, 2029 or upon the occurrence of certain events that constitute a fundamental change under the indenture governing the notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid special interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase. In connection with certain corporate events or if MARA calls any note for redemption, it will, under certain circumstances, be required to increase the conversion rate for holders who elect to convert their notes in connection with such corporate event or notice of redemption. The notes are convertible into cash, shares of MARA’s common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of MARA’s common stock, at MARA’s election. Prior to March 1, 2031, the notes are convertible only upon the occurrence of certain events and during certain periods, and thereafter, at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. The conversion rate for the notes is initially 28.9159 shares of MARA’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $34.5830 per share. The initial conversion price of the notes represents a premium of approximately 40.0% over the U.S. composite volume weighted average price of MARA’s common stock from 2:00 p.m. through 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Monday, December 2, 2024, which was $24.7022. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. In connection with any repurchase of the existing 2026 convertible notes, MARA expects that holders of the existing 2026 convertible notes who agree to have their notes repurchased and who have hedged their equity price risk with respect to such notes (the “hedged holders”) will unwind all or part of their hedge positions by buying MARA’s common stock and/or entering into or unwinding various derivative transactions with respect to MARA’s common stock. The amount of MARA’s common stock to be purchased by the hedged holders or in connection with such derivative transactions may be substantial in relation to the historic average daily trading volume of MARA’s common stock. This activity by the hedged holders could increase (or reduce the size of any decrease in) the market price of MARA’s common stock, including concurrently with the pricing of the notes, resulting in a higher effective conversion price of the notes. MARA cannot predict the magnitude of such market activity or the overall effect it will have on the price of the notes or MARA’s common stock. The notes were sold to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The offer and sale of the notes and the shares of MARA’s common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes, if any, have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, and the notes and any such shares may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. The offering of the notes was made only by means of a private offering memorandum. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, the notes, nor shall there be any sale of the notes in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Nothing in this press release shall be deemed an offer to purchase MARA’s existing 2026 convertible notes. About MARA MARA (NASDAQ:MARA) is a global leader in digital asset compute that develops and deploys innovative technologies to build a more sustainable and inclusive future. MARA secures the world’s preeminent blockchain ledger and supports the energy transformation by converting clean, stranded, or otherwise underutilized energy into economic value. Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to MARA’s use of the net proceeds of the offering. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of MARA’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 28, 2024, as amended on May 24, 2024, the “Risk Factors” section of MARA’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 1, 2024, the “Risk Factors” section of MARA’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 12, 2024 and the risks described in other filings that MARA may make from time to time with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and MARA specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. MARA Company Contact: Telephone: 800-804-1690 Email: ir@mara.comBad Axe: Wisconsin wary of rival Minnesota with bowl bid in peril‘Economic stability depends on peace, harmony’ Munawar Ghous said he had made clear to officers to make sure transparency in providing Zakat to deserving people SARGODHA: Provincial Minister for Zakat and Ushr and District General Secretary Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) Rana Munawar Ghous has said Pakistan cannot afford political unrest at this time and peace is essential to attract investment to the country. He shared these views while addressing the PMLN workers at Chak 120/SB on Sunday. The event was attended by various notables, including PMLN Sillanwali Tehsil Youth Coordinator Rana Kaleem, Social Media In-charge Rana Tehseen and others. The minister said that the Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) was doing the politics of hatred in the country. He said that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, was launching public-friendly initiatives to make the province prosperous and developed. Munawar Ghous said he had made clear to officers to make sure transparency in providing Zakat to deserving people. All-out effort would be made to make PP-78 a developed constituency, he added.

Several members of Donald Trump's incoming US administration have received threats including bomb alerts, the FBI said Wednesday, with one nominee reporting a pipe-bomb scare sent with a pro-Palestinian message. The President-elect's picks for UN ambassador and head of the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as his former choice to be US attorney general, said they were among those who had received the threats. "The FBI is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners," the agency said in a statement. Swatting refers to a practice in which police are summoned urgently to someone's house under false pretenses. Such hoax calls are common in the United States and have seen numerous senior political figures targeted in recent years. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for Trump's transition team, said that several appointees and nominees "were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them." Outgoing President Joe Biden "has been briefed" on the threats, the White House said. "The White House is in touch with federal law enforcement and the President-elect’s team, and continues to monitor the situation closely," a spokesperson said in a statement. "The president and the administration unequivocally condemn threats of political violence." Biden has vowed a smooth and peaceful presidential transition -- in contrast to when Trump riled a mob that attacked the US Capitol in January 2021 with false claims of election fraud. Elise Stefanik, a Trump loyalist congresswoman tapped to be UN ambassador, said her residence in New York was targeted in a bomb threat. She said in a statement that she, her husband, and small son were driving home from Washington for the Thanksgiving holiday when they learned of the threat. Lee Zeldin, Trump's pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, said his home was targeted with a pipe bomb threat sent with a "pro-Palestinian themed message." The former congressman from New York said he and his family were not home at the time. Matt Gaetz, who dropped out as Trump's pick to be attorney general after facing opposition over sexual misconduct allegations, reposted Zeldin's message on X and said: "Same." Scott Turner, the nomine for Housing Secretary and a retired NFL player, and Trump's pick for Labor Secretary, meanwhile also said they had also received bomb threats at their homes. Fox News Digital quoted unidentified sources saying that John Ratcliffe, Trump's nominee to head the CIA, and Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary pick, were additionally targeted. Ahead of his return to the White House in January, Trump has already swiftly assembled a cabinet of loyalists, including several criticized for a severe lack of experience. The Republican, who appears set to avoid trial on criminal prosecutions related to attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss, was wounded in the ear in July in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally. The shooter was killed in counter-fire. In September, authorities arrested another man accused of planning to shoot at Trump while he played golf at his course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Leavitt appeared to reference the previous incidents, saying that "with President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us." bur-dk/smsCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Former South Carolina Sen. Kay Patterson, who rose from cleaning offices at the segregated Statehouse to serving as a state legislator for over 30 years died Friday. He was 93. The South Carolina Democratic Party announced Patterson's death saying he “left an indelible mark on our state. Senator Patterson commanded everyone’s attention with his wit and wisdom.” The statement did not list a cause of death. Patterson was born in 1931 in Darlington County and raised by his grandmothers. They recalled his hardheaded spirit early, recommending he not take jobs as a golf caddy or shoe shiner because he was likely to mouth off to white people in segregated 1940s South Carolina and get in trouble. Instead, Patterson served in the military and then got his teaching degree through the GI Bill at Allen University. While in college, he cleaned offices at the segregated capitol where he and other Black people couldn't be unless they were working. "When I was a janitor, Black people couldn’t go in the Statehouse," Patterson said in a 2004 interview with the University of South Carolina. “And then one day I came back down here as a member of the House and then in '84, I came back sitting in the Senate as a senator. Now that’s a hell of a long way to come.” Patterson spent 30 years in education and was elected to the South Carolina House in 1974 and the Senate 10 years later after U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn urged him to run for the upper chamber seat. In a statement, Clyburn called Patterson “a trusted leader, a tireless champion for civil rights, and a treasured friend. He was a person of strength, determination, wisdom, and a long proponent of removing the Confederate flag from the South Carolina Statehouse dome .” Patterson was also the first Black person to serve on the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees since Reconstruction. Patterson was a key member of both the House and Senate, He served on the budget committees in both chambers and was a major voice in support of civil rights, public education and helping poor people. He adamantly demanded the Confederate flag be removed from atop the Statehouse dome and inside the House and Senate chambers long before they were taken down in 2000. The lifelong Democrat said the final years of his political career were the toughest after Republicans took over state government. His seniority no longer mattered and he felt many newer Republicans were religious hypocrites who claimed to help others but only cared for people just like themselves. A few years before he retired from the Statehouse, Patterson said it was important to respect elders and supervisors, but not be afraid to speak up if bothered or something was on one's mind. “That’s just my hallmark ever since I was a little child. It will get you in trouble now, but you can sleep well at night. And learn to treat everybody as human beings with respect,” Patterson said in the interview with the university's Champions of Civil and Human Rights in South Carolina program. “You can sleep real good at night. Right now, I’m 73 years old and sleep like a log when I go to bed because I know I’ve done no wrong to my fellow man,” Patterson said.Parachinar's Enduring Struggle: A Call For Peace, Justice, And Accountability

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The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information has advised that after consultation with key stakeholders, a decision was taken to adjust the dates for the administration of the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) Six exam. This is due to the recent disruptions caused by the inclement weather conditions that Jamaica has been experiencing, and to provide additional preparation time to students who have been impacted. The revised dates for administration of the tests are: Ability Test, Thursday, February 20, 2025; Performance Task Tests - Wednesday, March 19, 2025 (Language Arts), and Thursday, March 20, 2025 (Mathematics); Curriculum-Based Tests - Wednesday, April 30, 2025 (Language Arts and Science), and Thursday, May 1, 2025 (Mathematics and Social Studies). The Ministry, in a bulletin, said it recognises the challenges faced by students, educators and parents during these trying times, and has, therefore, taken proactive measures to facilitate the best possible outcomes for the learners. School administrators are being urged to encourage teachers and parents to maximise the additional time given to ensure adequate preparation of the students for this assessment. The Ministry has given its commitment to provide the support necessary to ensure the best performance by all students. We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar

Netanyahu Extends Gratitude To Christians Amid Israel’S Multi-Front Conflict