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The Flying Fijians have discussed about the importance of working together as a unit if they are to maintain Ireland in Sunday’s (Fiji time) Test clash at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. This was the view of veteran halfback Frank Lomani during a zoom session with the media on Wednesday night. “We spoke about the last few days that Ireland was the number one team in the world a few months ago,” the newly appointed Fijian Drua co-captain said. “At the moment they (Ireland) are so vulnerable that as a team and a group we can counter on that.” Lomani highlighted that they have been training hard under wet conditions throughout the week. “I think we are in good form moving into the weekend,” he said. Lomani said they would need to be cohesive in attack and defence against the Irish who are very structured in their game. “They (Ireland) are still in the top three (world rankings) and if we keep playing the way that we played in the last two games; I think we will do better,” he said. Lomani said it was about time the Flying Fijians should be beating Tier One nations. “If you see the statistics way back, we’ve almost beaten Wales three or four times, it’s always a close contest most of the time. “We almost beat Ireland by one point in 2017, so this team has come a long way,” he said “Now we are starting to realise, we’re getting our confidence going to big games knowing that if we can beat teams like Wales, Australia, England and then we can beat other teams too.” Lomani said the team would need to maintain their discipline if they are to defeat Tier One nations. “Discipline plays a massive role in this game, as long as the players stick together. Trust and stick to the game plan; we are going to be on point. “We are improving, and the law is not only for island teams but for all, so we are just going to abide by it,” Lomani said. “Rugby is not a perfect game; it has an oval ball that can bounce either way, so the thing is we make mistakes. “Ireland hasn’t been playing well as they lost to New Zealand but they almost got beaten last week (by Argentina) so that’s rugby. “That won’t change the way we prepare going into this week and consistency is something that we’ve been talking about, trust and being patient about it.” Outstanding Players Lomani said he was impressed with 18-year-old lock Setareki Turagacoke after scoring on his Test debut against Spain. He described Turagacoke as an enthusiastic player and quick learner. “It’s good to have him especially for coming through the pathway,” he said. “It can be challenging coming into a new environment having players that you used to watch on TV before and being in camp is one of his highlights of his career.” Lomani said Turagacoke journey is a testament to young rugby players that their becoming a Flying Fijian can be a reality. Also, he praised the inclusion of winger Peniasi Dakuwaqa to replace the suspended Semi Radradra. Lomani said Dakuwaqa is an asset to the team as he brings speed to the team’s attack. “Having Dakuwaqa in the squad is a big boost for us. He’s great player, physical and a good player that we’d like to have,” he added. The match kicks-off at 3.10am. Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fjbet86 apk 。

Model Dayle Haddon dies from suspected carbon monoxide poisoningATLANTA , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- KORE Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KORE) ("KORE" or the "Company"), the global pure-play Internet of Things ("IoT") hyperscaler and provider of IoT Connectivity, Solutions, and Analytics, today announced it has received notification (the "Acceptance Letter") from the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") that the NYSE has accepted the Company's previously-submitted plan (the "Plan") to regain compliance with the NYSE's continued listing standards set forth in Section 802.01B of the NYSE Listed Company Manual relating to minimum market capitalization and stockholders' equity. In the Acceptance Letter, the NYSE granted the Company an 18-month period from September 12, 2024 (the "Plan Period") to regain compliance with the continued listing standards. As part of the Plan, the Company is required to provide the NYSE quarterly updates regarding its progress towards the goals and initiatives in the Plan. In the Plan, Kore included details regarding previously reported operational restructuring activities, as well as an outlook on the Company's business. The Company expects its common stock will continue to be listed on the NYSE during the Plan Period, subject to the Company adherence to the Plan and compliance with other applicable NYSE continued listing standards. The Company's receipt of such notification from the NYSE does not affect the Company's business, operations or reporting requirements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain statements that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "believe," "guidance," "project," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," "plan," "predict," "potential," "seem," "seek," "future," "outlook," and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expected progress with the Company's compliance plan submitted to the NYSE, expected compliance with continued listing standards of the NYSE and expected continued listing of the Company's common stock on the NYSE. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of KORE's management. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor or other person as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of KORE. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the potential effects of COVID-19; risks related to the rollout of KORE's business and the timing of expected business milestones; risks relating to the integration of KORE's acquired companies, including the acquisition of Twilio's IoT business, changes in the assumptions underlying KORE's expectations regarding its future business; our ability to negotiate and sign a definitive contract with a customer in our sales funnel; our ability to realize some or all of estimates relating to customer contracts as revenue, including any contractual options available to customers or contractual periods that are subject to termination for convenience provisions; the effects of competition on KORE's future business; and the outcome of judicial proceedings to which KORE is, or may become a party. If the risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that KORE presently does not know or that KORE currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect KORE's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. KORE anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause these assessments to change. However, while KORE may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, KORE specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing KORE's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. KORE Investor Contact: Vik Vijayvergiya Vice President, IR, Corporate Development and Strategy vvijayvergiya@korewireless.com (770) 280-0324 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kore-announces-nyse-acceptance-of-plan-to-regain-listing-compliance-302338621.html SOURCE KORE Group Holdings, Inc.

Princeton 66, Rutgers 49Washington, Nov 25 (AP) Federal prosecutors moved on Monday to abandon the classified documents case against President-elect Donald Trump in light of longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. The announcement in an appeals court filing in Florida came shortly after a similar filing was made by prosecutors in Washington, DC, where they asked to dismiss the case accusing Trump of plotting to overturn the 2020 election. The move amounts to a predictable but nonetheless stunning conclusion to a criminal case that just one year ago had been seen as the most perilous legal threat that he faced. It reflects the practical consequences of Trump's victory, ensuring he enters office free from scrutiny over his hoarding of top secret documents and conduct that prosecutors said had jeopardised national scrutiny. The dismissal had been foreshadowed in recent weeks by the revelation that special counsel Jack Smith was evaluating how to wind down both that case and a separate pending prosecution he brought charging Trump with plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Justice Department legal opinions dating back decades say sitting presidents cannot be indicted or prosecuted while in office. Special counsel Jack Smith asked a federal judge on Monday to dismiss the case accusing President-elect Donald Trump of plotting to overturn the 2020 election, citing longstanding Justice Department policy shielding presidents from prosecution while in office. The move announced in court papers marks the end of the Justice Department's landmark effort to hold Trump accountable for what prosecutors called a criminal conspiracy to cling to power in the run-up to his supporters' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Justice Department prosecutors, citing longstanding department guidance that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted, said the department's position is that “the Constitution requires that this case be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated”. “That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government's proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the government stands fully behind,” the prosecutors wrote in Monday's court filing. The decision was expected after Smith's team began assessing how to wind down both the 2020 election interference case and the separate classified documents case in the wake of Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. The Justice Department believes Trump can no longer be tried in accordance with longstanding policy that says sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted. Trump has cast both cases as politically motivated, and had vowed to fire Smith as soon as he takes office in January. The 2020 election case brought last year was once seen as one of the most serious legal threats facing the Republican as he vied to reclaim the White House. But it quickly stalled amid legal fighting over Trump's sweeping claims of immunity from prosecution for acts he took while in the White House. The US Supreme Court in July ruled for the first time that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution, and sent the case back to US District Judge Tanya Chutkan to determine which allegations in the indictment, if any, could proceed to trial. The case was just beginning to pick up steam again in the trial court in the weeks leading up to this year's election. Smith's team in October filed a lengthy brief laying out new evidence they planned to use against him at trial, accusing him of using “resorting to crimes” in an increasingly desperate effort to overturn the will of voters after he lost to President Joe Biden. (AP) PY PY (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

Calls Mount For Removal Of Major College Football Coach After Rivalry Game

Councilwoman, city leaders clash as questions over “Operation Aurora” deportation plan persist

Newly elected legislators in the Washington State House of Representatives gathered in Olympia recently beginning their orientation for the upcoming 105-day session that begins Jan. 13. The biggest challenge these 18 legislators will face is dealing with a possible $12 billion funding shortfall, compared with earlier projections. “Sobering news” was how the Nov. 20 forecast was reported. As your elected representatives, these legislators will seek your input and priorities for the tough decisions that lie ahead. Democrats control both chambers of the legislature and a new governor is expected to propose a revised budget after his inauguration. The state has three budgets — the general fund, a capital budget and the transportation budget. People don’t want to pay more in taxes, so legislators will need to tighten the state’s spending belt. Not only is affordable housing an issue, but simply the cost of day-to-day living is a big factor for far too many families. Big picture State spending (general fund) has grown from about $11 billion in 2000 to $37 billion in 2025. Per capita, inflation adjusted spending has grown about 50 percent, from about $4,000 per person to $6,000 per person. Washington state has 133,250 employees, full-time equivalent. The largest percentage, 45%, are higher education — college — employees. Local K-12 school employees are primarily paid for by the state, but they are not state employees. For comparison, Washington has 8 million people. Oregon has 4.2 million people and 45,000 state employees. Approximately 75% to 80% of the budget is “mandatory” spending. These include constitutional elements, federal requirements (Medicaid) and other state-created obligations. Education, health care and other human services programs are major drivers of state spending. While some spending is discretionary, most is mandatory to varying degrees. Current budget revenues The fiscal year 2023-25 biennium projected $66.4 billion in general fund revenues. Sales and use taxes make up 48% of revenue; business and occupation taxes make up 20%; property taxes 14%; with real estate excise, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and lottery, utility, capital gains, estate and other taxes making up the balance. The state takes 6.5% in a sales tax, with local entities adding to that amount. The total state and local sales tax rate varies from 7% to 10.6%. The average statewide is 9.38%. Additionally, there are 230 sales and use tax preferences, including exemptions. Property taxes bring in about $9 billion and make up 14% of state revenue. Currently, levy amounts can rise by 1% of assessed value each year, plus new construction. Last session there was a proposal to raise the maximum increase to 3%, triple the current amount, but it didn’t pass. Business and occupation taxes raise about 20% of revenues. Approximately 384,000 businesses pay this tax. Rates vary depending on business activity, from 0.138% to 3.3%. These taxes are applied to gross receipts, not profits. So, an unprofitable business would have to pay these taxes. There are four main rate categories — retailing, wholesaling, manufacturing and services. A new capital gains tax began in 2022, and the Climate Commitment Act tax began in 2023. Expenditures The state budget planned to spend a total of $173 billion for the two-year 2023-25 biennium in three different budgets. The two-year operating budget — general fund — is $140.9 billion; the transportation budget is $14.7 billion; and the capital budget $17.8 billion. These budgets can overlap, for example the general fund pays for the staffing of the Department of Transportation, while the transportation budget pays for numerous “projects” including construction of new facilities, maintenance, the state patrol, the state ferry system and more. Public schools (K-12) get the largest share of state spending at 43%. Higher education (colleges) gets 8%, the Health Care Authority gets 8%; the Department of Social and Health Services gets 10% plus handles another 3%; Children, Youth and Families receives 5%; and Behavioral Health gets 5%. Debt service consumes 4% of the spending. Looking ahead, there are negotiated state employee pay raises that add to budget pressures. Gov. Inslee instituted a hiring freeze earlier this month. He will submit his suggested 2025 budget later this month. As a representative, I welcome citizen input on revenues and expenditures. You can visit the Office of Financial Management, ofm.wa.gov/, for more details on any aspect of the state budget. Thank you for your input, support and encouragement. ••• John Ley will be the 18th Legislative District representative effective Jan. 13, 2025.

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

Georgia QB Carson Beck announces plan to enter NFL draft after season-ending elbow injuryMichigan, Ohio State fight broken up with police pepper spray after Wolverines stun Buckeyes 13-10The Minnesota Timberwolves prematurely broke up their core, and they’re now paying the price. After making the Western Conference Finals just one season ago, the Timberwolves made quite an interesting move and traded Karl-Anthony Towns in favor of Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo . The move isn’t totally paying off quite yet. Through 16 games, Minnesota holds an 8-8 record. They haven’t been a great team, nor anywhere close to where they were just one season ago. Moving on from their core was a long-term financial move, though it’s messed with the chemistry quite a bit. The Timberwolves have taken a couple of straight losses, but their recent loss against the Toronto Raptors is the worst of the two. West Conference 8 8 0.500 Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle shared a moment of poor chemistry One big reason the Timberwolves were so good just one season ago is because superstar Anthony Edwards played well off the two big men — Rudy Gobert and Towns. With Towns being the best shooting big man in the NBA, he was able to space the floor. With Gobert being more of a traditional archetype, that’s not necessarily in his arsenal, which is how the two complemented one another. Randle doesn’t exactly bring the same impact. He takes a bit more time getting to his spots, and he requires spacing to do such, as he uses his big frame to get into the paint. There was on particular play, with the Timberwolves tied with the Raptors with five minutes to go in the fourth quarter of that game, where Randle was dribbling looking for an isolation situation. Gobert had his defender sealed under the rim, and he didn’t receive the ball. In a mini protest, he took his time to get out of the lane, which led to a three-second call and turnover . The Timberwolves were fuming. Edwards took offense to the situation. However, they were able to clear the air and they did so publicly at practice ahead of their battle against the Celtics — which was an eventual loss. I absolutely cannot get over this clip... Rudy Gobert pins his man as deep as you possibly can & is calling for the ball. Julius Randle sees it & doesn’t pass it to him. Gobert pouts & gets a 3 second call in a tie game. Ant losses his mind. Wolves lose pic.twitter.com/vbZ1Rn9PTS What Gobert and Randle said at practice With no media being at the game and the Timberwolves unable to address the situation publicly because of such, they went ahead and did so at the next available opportunity. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon has the details of the situation, but he also has his opinion of the matter. “It was a bad look,” MacMahon said. “Nothing got addressed until practice on Saturday in Boston. So it was kind of lingering and floating. “Now, after that practice, Gobert basically owned it and said, ‘Hey, that was not good by me.’ Paraphrasing, and I pride myself on being a good teammate. That was a bad example. Randle owned it, he came over and said, ‘I didn’t throw him the effing ball.'” McMahon noted that Randle said such in a joking manner, making light of the situation while ensuring he knew his issues in the matter. “...They both said they didn’t have any issues with each other, but that was a bad chemistry moment,” MacMahon continued. It was a bad look, but maybe it was the moment the Timberwolves needed to right the ship and build some chemistry with the new-look squad. This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

Garrett's comments about his future add wrinkle to Browns' worst season since 0-16 in 2017

Bryce Thompson scored 17 points and achieved a milestone as Oklahoma State defeated Miami 80-74 on Friday afternoon in a Charleston Classic consolation game in Charleston, S.C. Thompson made 6-of-14 shots from the floor, surpassing 1,000 points for his career at Oklahoma State (4-1), which also got 15 points from Marchelus Avery. The Cowboys won in large part thanks to their impressive 3-point shooting (10-for-22, 45.5 percent). Oklahoma State backup guard Arturo Dean, a Miami native, posted eight points and one steal. He led the nation in steals last season while playing for Florida International. Miami (3-2) has lost two straight games in Charleston, failing to take a lead at any point. They will play on Sunday against either Nevada or VCU. The Hurricanes on Friday were led by Nijel Pack, who had a game-high 20 points. Brandon Johnson had a double-double for Miami with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Matthew Cleveland scored 11 points and Lynn Kidd and Paul Djobet added 10 points apiece for Miami. Miami, which fell behind 7-0 in Thursday's loss to Drake, got behind 9-0 on Friday as Abou Ousmane scored six of his eight points. Oklahoma State stretched its lead to 18 before settling for a 43-27 advantage at the break. Pack led all first-half scorers with 10 points, but Miami shot just 29.6 percent from the floor, including 3-of-13 on 3-pointers (23.1). Oklahoma State shot 48.4 percent, including 8-for-15 on 3-pointers (53.3 percent) before intermission. The Cowboys also had a 14-8 edge in paint points. In the second half, Miami closed its 20-point deficit to 55-42 with 12:12 left. Miami got a bit closer as two straight short jumpers by Kidd, trimming the deficit to 73-62 with 3:25 to play. The Hurricanes cut it to 77-70 on Pack's 3-pointer with 34 seconds remaining, but the Cowboys hit their free throws to close out the win. --Field Level Media2 rescued after California pier partially collapses due to heavy surf from major Pacific stormMcDaniels 4-13 0-0 10, Randle 7-15 8-13 23, Gobert 4-5 2-2 10, A.Edwards 9-21 4-4 28, DiVincenzo 4-8 0-0 11, Minott 0-0 0-0 0, Reid 2-9 0-0 5, Alexander-Walker 1-7 2-2 4, Dillingham 6-10 0-0 14. Totals 37-88 16-21 105. Brown 10-18 2-2 29, Tatum 8-21 5-6 26, Horford 3-10 0-0 8, Holiday 3-10 2-2 9, White 7-12 1-2 19, Hauser 2-7 0-0 5, Tillman 1-2 1-2 3, Pritchard 3-7 1-1 8. Totals 37-87 12-15 107. 3-Point Goals_Minnesota 15-41 (A.Edwards 6-11, DiVincenzo 3-6, Dillingham 2-4, McDaniels 2-6, Randle 1-4, Reid 1-6, Alexander-Walker 0-4), Boston 21-56 (Brown 7-10, Tatum 5-12, White 4-9, Horford 2-9, Hauser 1-5, Pritchard 1-5, Holiday 1-6). Fouled Out_None. Rebounds_Minnesota 49 (Gobert 20), Boston 40 (White 9). Assists_Minnesota 19 (A.Edwards 7), Boston 25 (White 5). Total Fouls_Minnesota 18, Boston 23. A_19,156 (18,624)

A s Barbados marked 58 years of independence and the third anniversary of becoming a republic, Prime Minister Mia Mottley blended her address to the nation with reflection and her vision for the nation’s future. Speaking during the annual Independence Day parade at Kensington Oval, she focused on the themes of resilience, self-reliance, and economic progress while paying tribute to Shirley Chisholm and welcoming a high-level U.S. congressional delegation. The event celebrated the country’s journey through historical struggles and triumphs while laying the groundwork for a brighter future. Mottley acknowledged the trials that Barbados has overcome throughout its history, from the scars of slavery and colonialism to contemporary challenges like climate change and economic crises. “We stand in the shadow of great people who came and sacrificed for us,” the prime minister said. “We have endured the worst aspects of slavery and colonialism, and today, as a nation, we continue to turn from cheek to cheek — from pandemics to cost-of-living crises, from climate to violence and instability.” You Might Be Interested In Crystal Beckles-Holder, 2nd runner up in regional competition Business owners disappointed Police investigate shooting She also stressed that resilience is not only a hallmark of Barbados’ past but also its future. “We must not allow petty things to colour our lives and stimulate them into vast proportions of evil. To dwell on every slight and catch it close to our breasts and nourish it will corrode our thinking,” she declared. Quoting Shirley Chisholm, she added, “Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith. And the first battle is won, my brothers and sisters, when we fight for belief in ourselves.” The Prime Minister highlighted the significant strides made to transform Barbados’ economy. Chief among these was the reduction in the national debt-to-GDP ratio, from a staggering 177 per cent to below 100 per cent, a feat she attributed to prudent financial management and a people-centred approach. “Six and a half years ago, we assumed the government as the third most indebted country in the world in terms of debt to GDP per capita,” Mottley said. “Today, we stand with those problems literally melting away behind us, and by next year, I fully anticipate that our debt-to-GDP ratio will be down to less than 100 per cent.” She noted that this progress was achieved not merely through fiscal measures but through investments in people. “We’ve ensured that you have been able to go back to the University of the West Indies and all tertiary institutions free of charge because, without education, we have nothing.” Her government, she noted, had also invested in essential infrastructure, including buses, garbage trucks, and modernised social services. “We cannot fall into the habit of leaving things unattended for a decade as happened before,” she warned. A focal point of the celebrations was the tribute to Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress and the first woman to run for President of the United States. Born to Barbadian parents, Chisholm’s legacy was celebrated as an inspiration for Barbadians and women globally. “Today we chose to salute one great person, and her name is Shirley Anita Chisholm,” Mottley declared. “We can say she achieved mighty things and laid a pathway that still waits for the full fruition of its promise.” Encouraging young people to learn about Chisholm’s life, the prime minister said, “She told us that nobody’s going to do anything for us. That’s what we know as a country, and that’s why I say we must get up and prepare our own way.” The tribute coincided with the centenary of Chisholm’s birth, a milestone also highlighted by Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader and Leader of the House Democratic Caucus. “Shirley Chisholm would be proud that Barbados is now led by two groundbreaking, history-making, and trailblazing women, the president and the prime minister,” he said in his address. Jeffries is in Barbados along with a delegation that includes influential members like Representatives Maxine Waters and Barbara Lee. He lauded Barbados for its leadership on critical issues like climate change and economic development, referencing a recent agreement between the Export-Import Bank of the United States and Barbados to provide $500 million in funding for renewable energy, water infrastructure, and cybersecurity. “This historic agreement will bring thousands of good-paying jobs and tremendous economic development,” Jeffries stated. Meanwhile, as she addressed the existential threat of climate change, Mottley painted a stark picture of its impact on Barbados, including the devastation of Hurricane Beryl, which affected 90 per cent of the island’s fishing industry. “We now know that the first six months of the year bring drought and the next six months bring rain we can’t hide from,” she said. “But smallness makes us nimble, and we must remain agile in facing the world’s problems.” As part of her forward-looking vision, the prime minister announced “We Gathering 2025,” a year-long initiative to bring Barbadians from the diaspora back home to celebrate their heritage. “Come home, come home, come home,” she urged. “We will merge together as one people, recognising that we have a solemn duty to work not only to build this country but to make this planet a better place.” She also called for peace at all levels of society, emphasising the importance of respect, self-discipline, and non-violence. “Geography does not limit aspirations and never should,” she said. (RG)The leader of Sinn Fein has expressed determination to form a government of the left in Ireland as she insisted her party’s performance in the General Election had broken the state’s political mould. Despite Mary Lou McDonald’s confidence around shaping a coalition without Fine Gael and Fianna Fail – the two parties that have dominated the landscape of Irish politics for a century – the pathway to government for Sinn Fein still appears challenging. With counting following Friday’s election still in the relatively early stages – after an exit poll that showed the main three parties effectively neck-and-neck – there is some way to go before the final picture emerges and the options for government formation crystalise. Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader, Simon Harris, has dismissed talk of a Sinn Fein surge and said he was “cautiously optimistic” about where his party will stand after all the votes are counted. Meanwhile, Ireland’s deputy premier and Fianna Fail leader, Micheal Martin, insisted his party has a “very clear route back to government” as he predicted seat gains. The counting process could last days because of Ireland’s complex system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote (PR-STV), where candidates are ranked by preference. The early indications have turned the focus to the tricky arithmetic of government formation, as the country’s several smaller parties and many independents potentially jockey for a place in government. Ms McDonald told reporters at the RDS count centre in Dublin that she would be “very, very actively pursuing” the potential to form a government with other parties on the left of the political spectrum. The smaller, left-leaning parties in Ireland include the Social Democrats, the Irish Labour Party, the Green Party and People Before Profit-Solidarity. Ms McDonald said her party had delivered an “incredible performance” in the election. “I think it’s fair to say that we have now confirmed that we have broken the political mould here in this state,” she said. “Two party politics is now gone. It’s consigned to the dustbin of history and that, in itself, is very significant.” She added: “I am looking to bring about a government of change, and I’m going to go and look at all formulations. “If you want my bottom line, the idea of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael for another five years, in our strong opinion, is not a good outcome for Irish society. “Obviously, I want to talk to other parties of the left and those that we share very significant policy objectives with. So I’m going to do that first and just hear their mind, hear their thinking. But be very clear, we will be very, very actively pursuing entrance into government.” In Friday night’s exit poll, Sinn Fein was predicted to take 21.1% of first-preference votes, narrowly ahead of outgoing coalition partners Fine Gael and Fianna Fail at 21% and 19.5% respectively. Prior to the election, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael both ruled out entering government with Sinn Fein. Fine Gael leader Mr Harris rejected suggestions Sinn Fein had broken new ground. He told reporters in his count centre in Greystones, Co Wicklow: “Certainly we haven’t seen a Sinn Fein surge or anything like it. “I mean, it looks likely, on the figures that we’ve seen now, fewer people, many fewer people would have voted Sinn Fein in this election than the last one. “In fact, I think they’re down by around 5% and actually the parties, particularly the two parties, the two larger parties in government, are likely to receive significant support from the electorate. So definitely, politics in Ireland has gotten much more fragmented.” He said it was too early to tell what the next government would look like. “I think anybody who makes any suggestion about who is going to be the largest party or the construct of the next government, they’re a braver person than I am,” he said. “Our electoral system dictates that there’ll be many, many transfers that will go on for hours, if not days, before we know the final computations at all. “But what I am very confident about is that my party will have a very significant role to play in the years ahead, and I’m cautiously optimistic and excited.” Fianna Fail’s Mr Martin told reporters at a count centre in Cork he was confident that the numbers exist to form a government with parties that shared his political viewpoint. Mr Martin said it “remains to be seen” whether he would return to the role of Taoiseach – a position he held between 2020 and 2022 – but he expressed confidence his party would outperform the exit poll prediction. “It’s a bit too early yet to call the exact type of government that will be formed or the composition of the next government,” he said. “But I think there are, there will be a sufficiency of seats, it seems to me, that aligns with the core principles that I articulated at the outset of this campaign and throughout the campaign, around the pro-enterprise economy, around a positively pro-European position, a government that will strongly push for home ownership and around parties that are transparently democratic in how they conduct their affairs.” Asked if it would be in a coalition with Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Social Democrats, he said that would be “racing a bit too far ahead”. The final result may dictate that if Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are to return to government, they may need more than one junior partner, or potentially the buy-in of several independent TDs. Mr Martin said it was unclear how quickly a government can be formed, as he predicted his party would gain new seats. “It will be challenging. This is not easy,” he added. The junior partner in the outgoing government – the Green Party – looks set for a bruising set of results. Green leader Roderic O’Gorman is in a fight to hold onto his seat, as are a number of party colleagues, including Media Minister Catherine Martin. “It’s clear the Green Party has not had a good day,” he said. The early counting also suggested potential trouble for Fianna Fail in Wicklow, where the party’s only candidate in the constituency, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, is considered to have a battle ahead, with the risk of losing his seat. Meanwhile, there is significant focus on independent candidate Gerard Hutch who, on Saturday evening, was sitting in fourth place in the four-seat constituency of Dublin Central. Last spring, Mr Hutch was found not guilty by the non-jury Special Criminal Court of the murder of David Byrne, in one of the first deadly attacks of the Hutch-Kinahan gangland feud. Mr Byrne, 33, died after being shot six times at a crowded boxing weigh-in event at the Regency Hotel in February 2016. A Special Criminal Court judge described Mr Hutch, 61, as the patriarchal figurehead of the Hutch criminal organisation and said he had engaged in “serious criminal conduct”. The constituency will be closely watched as other hopefuls wait to see if transfers from eliminated candidates may eventually rule him out of contention. In the constituency of Louth, the much-criticised selection of John McGahon appeared not to have paid off for Fine Gael. The party’s campaign was beset by questioning over footage entering the public domain of the candidate engaged in a fight outside a pub in 2018. The Social Democrats have a strong chance of emerging as the largest of the smaller parties. The party’s leader, Holly Cairns, was already celebrating before a single vote was counted however, having announced the birth of her baby girl on polling day.

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Governor Bala condoles Jigawa gov over mother, son’s demiseZeo Energy Corp. ( NASDAQ:ZEO – Get Free Report ) saw a significant growth in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 163,800 shares, a growth of 527.6% from the November 30th total of 26,100 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 880,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.2 days. Currently, 12.0% of the company’s stock are sold short. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Zeo Energy A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in Zeo Energy stock. Townsquare Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Zeo Energy Corp. ( NASDAQ:ZEO – Free Report ) in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 50,378 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $85,000. Townsquare Capital LLC owned 0.12% of Zeo Energy as of its most recent SEC filing. Zeo Energy Stock Performance Shares of ZEO opened at $2.88 on Friday. Zeo Energy has a twelve month low of $1.05 and a twelve month high of $11.60. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $1.61 and a 200 day moving average of $2.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a current ratio of 2.17 and a quick ratio of 2.12. Zeo Energy Company Profile Zeo Energy Corp. provides residential solar energy systems, other energy efficient equipment, and related services in Florida, Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri, the United States. The company is involved in the selling and installing of residential solar energy systems that homeowners use electricity required to power their homes. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Zeo Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zeo Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .