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Citigroup Inc. reduced its holdings in shares of Pool Co. ( NASDAQ:POOL – Free Report ) by 31.9% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 25,910 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock after selling 12,135 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc.’s holdings in Pool were worth $9,763,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Tortoise Investment Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Pool by 68.9% during the 2nd quarter. Tortoise Investment Management LLC now owns 103 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 42 shares in the last quarter. Crewe Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Pool by 232.4% during the 2nd quarter. Crewe Advisors LLC now owns 113 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 79 shares during the last quarter. UMB Bank n.a. lifted its holdings in Pool by 26.2% during the 2nd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 207 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $64,000 after purchasing an additional 43 shares during the last quarter. Ridgewood Investments LLC bought a new position in Pool during the 2nd quarter valued at about $74,000. Finally, Summit Securities Group LLC bought a new position in Pool during the 2nd quarter valued at about $75,000. 98.99% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Pool Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of NASDAQ POOL opened at $377.09 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.39, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. The company has a market cap of $14.35 billion, a PE ratio of 32.45, a P/E/G ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a 50-day moving average of $367.20 and a two-hundred day moving average of $352.72. Pool Co. has a 1-year low of $293.51 and a 1-year high of $422.73. Pool Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 27th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 13th were paid a dividend of $1.20 per share. This represents a $4.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.27%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 13th. Pool’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 41.31%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages recently issued reports on POOL. Loop Capital lifted their price target on shares of Pool from $345.00 to $395.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a report on Friday, October 25th. Oppenheimer lifted their price target on shares of Pool from $380.00 to $386.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Monday, October 28th. StockNews.com raised shares of Pool from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Saturday, November 2nd. Robert W. Baird lifted their price target on shares of Pool from $377.00 to $408.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Wednesday, October 16th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Pool from $330.00 to $370.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a report on Monday, October 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $369.11. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on POOL About Pool ( Free Report ) Pool Corporation distributes swimming pool supplies, equipment, and related leisure products in the United States and internationally. The company offers maintenance products, including chemicals, supplies, and pool accessories; repair and replacement parts for pool equipment, such as cleaners, filters, heaters, pumps, and lights; and building materials, such as concrete, plumbing and electrical components, functional and decorative pool surfaces, decking materials, tiles, hardscapes, and natural stones for pool installations and remodeling. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding POOL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pool Co. ( NASDAQ:POOL – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Pool Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pool and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .New Syria PM calls for 'stability and calm'

New AI Chips Are Here! Which Stock Will Rocket in 2025?14 Great Black Friday Soundbar Deals to Pump Up the Volume (2024)

Muscat: Local investment institutions increased their purchases at the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) in the week’s trading to absorb foreign selling and individual sales at a time when stock prices recorded further declines and presented attractive opportunities for long-term investment portfolios. About 41 securities recorded a decline in trading duringthe week, including a number of banks, telecommunications and energy companies, in addition to leading industrial companies. These declines came before the end of the fiscal year for most public joint-stock companies listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange, which prompted local investment institutions to increase their purchases of shares amid expectations of an improvement in the financial performance of most companies listed on the stock exchange. Purchases by local investment institutions during the week amounted to OMR17.9 million, accounting for 65.1 percent of the total trading value, compared to sales worth OMR6.7 million, representing 24.6 percent of the total trading value. The declines witnessed by stocks during the week led to a decline in the main index and sectoral indices of the stock exchange. The main index recorded a decline of about 46 points and closed at 4,563 points, the financial sector index decreased by 30 points, the industrial sector index recorded a decline of 46 points, the services sector index lost about 20 points, and the Sharia index fell to 408 points, recording a decline of 10 points. On the other hand, 21 securities recorded an increase during the past week, most notably Dhofar Food and Investment, Al Madina Investment Holding, Oman Fisheries, Aman Real Estate Investment Fund, and Bank Sohar International. During the week, trading rose to OMR27.5 million compared to OMR11.4 million Omani riyals in the previous week, in which trading was limited to 3 days. The number of deals executed during the week also rose to 7,829 compared to 4,382 deals in the previous week. OQ Exploration and Production topped the most traded companies in terms of trading value with OMR12.6 million, representing about 46 percent of the total trading value. OQ Gas Networks came in second place with OMR3.2 million, representing OMR11.7 million, while Ominvest’s unsecured secondary mudaraba sukuk came in third place with OMR2.4 million, representing 8.7 percent of the total trading value. Investors focused on OQ Exploration and Production shares after they fell to attractive levels for investment portfolios. The share price ranged between 354 and 352 baisas during last week’s trading, with 3,257 transactions executed. It closed at 352 baisas, down one baisa during the week, thus approaching the subscription price for individual Omani investors, which is 351 baisas. The market capitalisation of the Muscat Stock Exchange rose at the end of the week’s trading to OMR27.39 billion, recording gains of OMR16.7 million, benefiting from the rise in the market value of closed companies that are not traded on the floor to OMR10.93 billion, recording weekly gains of about OMR100 million, while public joint-stock companies recorded a decline in their market value, affected by the decline in stock prices.

In an era where digitalization is reshaping the financial landscape, Islamic fintech emerges as a beacon for financial inclusion. With its ethical foundations and innovative solutions, it aims to bridge the gap for the unbanked and underbanked populations, promoting sustainable development across the globe. Key Takeaways The Rise of Islamic Fintech The Islamic finance market is currently thriving, spanning over 80 countries and expected to grow significantly in the coming years. This growth is fueled by the increasing demand for ethical financial solutions that align with Islamic principles. As the world shifts towards digital banking, Islamic fintech is positioned to play a pivotal role in ensuring that financial services are accessible to all, particularly in underserved communities. The Role of Digitalization Digitalization is not just a trend; it is a necessity for the banking industry. Traditional banks must adapt to the digital landscape to meet the needs of a tech-savvy population. The emergence of digital banks has prompted established institutions to enhance their digital offerings, ensuring they remain competitive and relevant. Achievements in Financial Inclusion Globally, financial inclusion has made remarkable strides. The number of unbanked adults has decreased significantly, and account ownership has reached 76% of the global population. The gender gap in account ownership has also narrowed, showcasing the positive impact of digital financial services. Challenges and Opportunities in Pakistan Despite the progress, challenges remain, particularly in Pakistan, where digital financial inclusion is lagging. With an internet penetration rate of 45.7%, the country has the potential to enhance its financial landscape through digital solutions. Regulatory support is essential to foster an environment conducive to digital finance, enabling a documented economy and greater inclusivity. The Ethical Edge of Islamic Finance Islamic fintech uniquely combines ethical principles with modern technology. Shariah-compliant solutions offer an attractive alternative for those hesitant to engage with traditional banking due to concerns over interest-based debts. This fusion of ethics and innovation is creating new opportunities for financial access and empowerment. The Future of Islamic Digital Finance The future of Islamic finance lies at the intersection of digital innovation and ethical values. By leveraging technologies such as blockchain and AI, Islamic fintech can enhance transparency, reduce costs, and improve accessibility. This evolution is not just about financial transactions; it is about fostering a more equitable and inclusive financial ecosystem. As the global financial landscape continues to evolve, Islamic digital finance stands out as a transformative force, capable of bridging the gap between traditional banking practices and modern financial solutions. By embracing these advancements, the sector can ensure that both individual and collective progress align with the greater good, paving the way for a sustainable financial future. Sources

Kash Patel: Abu Muhammad al-JolaniCOLOGNE, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 5 December 2024 – VYTAL Global GmbH, the Germany-based digital reuse platform, is thrilled to announce the founding of its U.S.-based subsidiary, VYTAL US Inc. This strategic expansion marks a major step forward in Vytal’s mission to create a global tech platform that enables reuse in all food service settings, from large-scale festivals, sports and entertainment venues to campuses, corporate offices and quick-service restaurants. VYTAL US has acquired certain assets of TURN, a U.S.-based reuse company, and is assuming services for a selected group of TURN’s former clients, primarily operators of large festivals and venues, including some of TURN’s operations in Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, key members of the TURN team will join VYTAL US, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity of service for those clients. This move allows Vytal to enhance its existing expertise with TURN’s proven consumer engagement strategies while bringing its advanced tracking technology and market-leading operational efficiency to the U.S. market. A Strategic Leap Forward “From the start, Vytal’s ambition is to solve the single-use packaging waste crisis on a global scale,” says Dr. Tim Breker, Co-Founder & Managing Director of VYTAL Global GmbH. “Europe, particularly Germany, has long been a leader in reuse. We believe we have a clear competitive advantage to build the most advanced reuse solutions for our clients. By expanding into the U.S., we’re leveraging our sophisticated tech platform, as well as years of operational experience, to deliver high-value reuse solutions. Scaling reuse in Europe is mostly about efficiency and convenience. In the U.S. reuse has a major third growth driver: consumer engagement. Mastering this triad in the most exciting consumer market of the world will further cement Vytal’s leadership of the global reuse movement.” A globally relevant reuse champion Following a record-breaking 2024 serving over 160 events and over 7,000 clients across 17 countries – including high-profile clients like key sites during the Olympics 2024 and several EURO 2024 fan zones across three major cities – VYTAL is well-positioned to replicate this success in the U.S. Leveraging Innovative Technology to Scale Reuse At the heart of Vytal’s success is its cutting-edge technology, which covers the full value chain from logistics and tracking to POS integration and consumer engagement. These innovations make reuse easier, more efficient, and economically beneficial for operators, consumers and brands. The acquired expertise in digital consumer rewards and engagement complements Vytal’s existing technology platform, creating an even stronger value proposition for operators looking to incentivize reuse and enhance customer satisfaction. Vytal’s ability to deliver these innovations at scale promises to unlock immense potential in the U.S. market. Setting a New Standard in Washing Systems Understanding the importance of modern, efficient washing infrastructure, Vytal is investing in a washing facility in Atlanta, Georgia that aims to be the most advanced washing system in the U.S. This state-of-the-art facility will not only optimize the cleaning and handling of reusable packaging but also set a new industry benchmark for operational efficiency, hygiene, and sustainability. Welcoming New Talent Across the Atlantic Vytal is especially excited to welcome some experienced members of the former TURN team. Their deep knowledge of the U.S. market and expertise in tech-enabled reuse will be invaluable in delivering outstanding service to existing and future customers of VYTAL US, significantly growing the U.S. reuse business. Accelerating growth in 2025 With access to new markets, pioneering technologies, and top talent, Vytal is ready to lead the worldwide reuse movement into 2025. Through its data-driven approach, Vytal maximizes economic benefits for all stakeholders, creating a world where reuse becomes the new normal. Hashtag: #VYTALGlobal #VYTALUSInc The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. VYTAL Global is revolutionizing the packaging industry by eliminating single-use packaging through advanced reusable solutions. Utilizing cutting-edge software and data analytics, VYTAL delivers cost-effective, sustainable packaging options that benefit businesses and the environment. Internationally recognized by the Harvard Business Review for its pioneering data model, Vytal is at the forefront of the global transition to a circular economy. With a network of over 7,000 partners across 22 countries, the company is leading the charge in reducing disposable packaging waste. Vytal established a dedicated subsidiary to expand its impact to bring reusable solutions to the events and entertainment industry. This initiative reflects Vytal’s commitment to sustainability by addressing the unique demands of large-scale events and venues. United under a shared vision, VYTAL Global is transforming packaging systems worldwide, offering innovative, eco-friendly alternatives to create a more sustainable future. VYTAL US Inc., the wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of VYTAL Global, delivers advanced reuse solutions for large-scale events, sports venues, corporate campuses, and quick-service restaurants in the U.S. As of Q2 2025, VYTAL US will operate the country’s most advanced washing facility in Atlanta, Georgia, ensuring top-tier hygiene, efficiency, and sustainability. By partnering with the most progressive companies from the Food & Beverage Industry, VYTAL US aims to make reuse the new normal for campuses and venues in the U.S., creating solutions that benefit businesses, consumers, and the environment.

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Algert Global LLC reduced its stake in shares of Nuvation Bio Inc. ( NYSE:NUVB – Free Report ) by 32.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 288,189 shares of the company’s stock after selling 138,414 shares during the quarter. Algert Global LLC owned about 0.12% of Nuvation Bio worth $660,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of NUVB. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Nuvation Bio by 3.0% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 7,534,148 shares of the company’s stock worth $27,424,000 after buying an additional 219,533 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in Nuvation Bio by 4.5% during the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,394,015 shares of the company’s stock worth $3,192,000 after purchasing an additional 60,590 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its position in Nuvation Bio by 551.8% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 1,354,632 shares of the company’s stock worth $4,932,000 after purchasing an additional 1,146,794 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its stake in Nuvation Bio by 415.2% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,018,329 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,975,000 after purchasing an additional 820,669 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Panagora Asset Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Nuvation Bio by 198.7% during the 2nd quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 633,676 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,850,000 after purchasing an additional 421,563 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 61.67% of the company’s stock. Nuvation Bio Stock Up 0.7 % Shares of NYSE NUVB opened at $2.91 on Friday. Nuvation Bio Inc. has a 12 month low of $1.22 and a 12 month high of $4.16. The company has a market cap of $979.42 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.34 and a beta of 1.35. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $2.50 and a 200-day simple moving average of $2.88. Insider Buying and Selling In other Nuvation Bio news, Director Robert Mashal purchased 100,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 8th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $2.20 per share, with a total value of $220,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 100,000 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $220,000. This represents a ∞ increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link . Company insiders own 5.07% of the company’s stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In NUVB has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Wedbush restated an “outperform” rating and issued a $5.00 price objective on shares of Nuvation Bio in a report on Thursday, November 7th. HC Wainwright cut their price target on shares of Nuvation Bio from $8.00 to $7.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Monday, September 16th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on shares of Nuvation Bio from $5.00 to $6.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Thursday, November 7th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $6.60. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on NUVB Nuvation Bio Company Profile ( Free Report ) Nuvation Bio Inc, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development of therapeutic candidates for oncology. The company's lead product candidate is NUV-868, a BD2 selective oral small molecule BET inhibitor that epigenetically regulates proteins that control tumor growth and differentiation, including oncogenes comprising c-myc; NUV-1156, an AR binder Xtandi that address advanced stage prostate cancers with the potential to move into earlier lines typically treated with surgical prostatectomy; and drug-drug conjugate (DDC) platform which leverages a novel therapeutic approach within the drug-conjugate class of anti-cancer therapies to deliver anti-cancer therapeutics to cancer cells, as well as NUV-1176, a PARP inhibitor to address ER+ breast and ovarian cancer. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nuvation Bio Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuvation Bio and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Michigan, Ohio State fight broken up with police pepper spray after Wolverines stun Buckeyes 13-10

ATLANTA (AP) — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the center said in posting about his death on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s. “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to 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 repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 “White House Diary” that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives — to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad” — even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center began monitoring U.S. elections as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of frustrating his successors. He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter with Republican President Donald Trump. Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and nearly achieved it: Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house — expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents — where they lived before he became governor. He regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a better ex-president than president rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, pressuring dictators to release thousands of political prisoners. He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, who died in 2022. Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains and spent his early years in nearby Archery. His family was a minority in the mostly Black community, decades before the civil rights movement played out at the dawn of Carter’s political career. Carter, who campaigned as a moderate on race relations but governed more progressively, talked often of the influence of his Black caregivers and playmates but also noted his advantages: His land-owning father sat atop Archery’s tenant-farming system and owned a main street grocery. His mother, Lillian, would become a staple of his political campaigns. Seeking to broaden his world beyond Plains and its population of fewer than 1,000 — then and now — Carter won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year he married Rosalynn Smith, another Plains native, a decision he considered more important than any he made as head of state. She shared his desire to see the world, sacrificing college to support his Navy career. Carter climbed in rank to lieutenant, but then his father was diagnosed with cancer, so the submarine officer set aside his ambitions of admiralty and moved the family back to Plains. His decision angered Rosalynn, even as she dived into the peanut business alongside her husband. Carter again failed to talk with his wife before his first run for office — he later called it “inconceivable” not to have consulted her on such major life decisions — but this time, she was on board.”My wife is much more political,” Carter told the AP in 2021. He won a state Senate seat in 1962 but wasn’t long for the General Assembly and its back-slapping, deal-cutting ways. He ran for governor in 1966 — losing to arch-segregationist Lester Maddox — and then immediately focused on the next campaign. Carter had spoken out against church segregation as a Baptist deacon and opposed racist “Dixiecrats” as a state senator. Yet as a local school board leader in the 1950s he had not pushed to end school segregation even after the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision, despite his private support for integration. And in 1970, Carter ran for governor again as the more conservative Democrat against Carl Sanders, a wealthy businessman Carter mocked as “Cufflinks Carl.” Sanders never forgave him for anonymous, race-baiting flyers, which Carter disavowed. Ultimately, Carter won his races by attracting both Black voters and culturally conservative whites. Once in office, he was more direct. “I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over,” he declared in his 1971 inaugural address, setting a new standard for Southern governors that landed him on the cover of Time magazine. His statehouse initiatives included environmental protection, boosting rural education and overhauling antiquated executive branch structures. He proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the slain civil rights leader’s home state. And he decided, as he received presidential candidates in 1972, that they were no more talented than he was. In 1974, he ran Democrats’ national campaign arm. Then he declared his own candidacy for 1976. An Atlanta newspaper responded with the headline: “Jimmy Who?” The Carters and a “Peanut Brigade” of family members and Georgia supporters camped out in Iowa and New Hampshire, establishing both states as presidential proving grounds. His first Senate endorsement: a young first-termer from Delaware named Joe Biden. Yet it was Carter’s ability to navigate America’s complex racial and rural politics that cemented the nomination. He swept the Deep South that November, the last Democrat to do so, as many white Southerners shifted to Republicans in response to civil rights initiatives. A self-declared “born-again Christian,” Carter drew snickers by referring to Scripture in a Playboy magazine interview, saying he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” The remarks gave Ford a new foothold and television comedians pounced — including NBC’s new “Saturday Night Live” show. But voters weary of cynicism in politics found it endearing. Carter chose Minnesota Sen. Walter “Fritz” Mondale as his running mate on a “Grits and Fritz” ticket. In office, he elevated the vice presidency and the first lady’s office. Mondale’s governing partnership was a model for influential successors Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Biden. Rosalynn Carter was one of the most involved presidential spouses in history, welcomed into Cabinet meetings and huddles with lawmakers and top aides. The Carters presided with uncommon informality: He used his nickname “Jimmy” even when taking the oath of office, carried his own luggage and tried to silence the Marine Band’s “Hail to the Chief.” They bought their clothes off the rack. Carter wore a cardigan for a White House address, urging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Amy, the youngest of four children, attended District of Columbia public school. Washington’s social and media elite scorned their style. But the larger concern was that “he hated politics,” according to Eizenstat, leaving him nowhere to turn politically once economic turmoil and foreign policy challenges took their toll. Carter partially deregulated the airline, railroad and trucking industries and established the departments of Education and Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He designated millions of acres of Alaska as national parks or wildlife refuges. He appointed a then-record number of women and nonwhite people to federal posts. He never had a Supreme Court nomination, but he elevated civil rights attorney Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the nation’s second highest court, positioning her for a promotion in 1993. He appointed Paul Volker, the Federal Reserve chairman whose policies would help the economy boom in the 1980s — after Carter left office. He built on Nixon’s opening with China, and though he tolerated autocrats in Asia, pushed Latin America from dictatorships to democracy. But he couldn’t immediately tame inflation or the related energy crisis. And then came Iran. After he admitted the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979 by followers of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Negotiations to free the hostages broke down repeatedly ahead of the failed rescue attempt. The same year, Carter signed SALT II, the new strategic arms treaty with Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, only to pull it back, impose trade sanctions and order a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Hoping to instill optimism, he delivered what the media dubbed his “malaise” speech, although he didn’t use that word. He declared the nation was suffering “a crisis of confidence.” By then, many Americans had lost confidence in the president, not themselves. Carter campaigned sparingly for reelection because of the hostage crisis, instead sending Rosalynn as Sen. Edward M. Kennedy challenged him for the Democratic nomination. Carter famously said he’d “kick his ass,” but was hobbled by Kennedy as Reagan rallied a broad coalition with “make America great again” appeals and asking voters whether they were “better off than you were four years ago.” Reagan further capitalized on Carter’s lecturing tone, eviscerating him in their lone fall debate with the quip: “There you go again.” Carter lost all but six states and Republicans rolled to a new Senate majority. Carter successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom after the election, but in one final, bitter turn of events, Tehran waited until hours after Carter left office to let them walk free. At 56, Carter returned to Georgia with “no idea what I would do with the rest of my life.” Four decades after launching The Carter Center, he still talked of unfinished business. “I thought when we got into politics we would have resolved everything,” Carter told the AP in 2021. “But it’s turned out to be much more long-lasting and insidious than I had thought it was. I think in general, the world itself is much more divided than in previous years.” Still, he affirmed what he said when he underwent treatment for a cancer diagnosis in his 10th decade of life. “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” he said in 2015. “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.”

ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Voting closed Saturday evening in most polling centers throughout Ghana, bringing to an end the presidential and legislative elections poised to be a litmus test for democracy in a region shaken by extremist violence and coups . The capital, Accra, was almost a ghost town for much of the day. Even vibrant Oxford Street, one of the city's commercial hubs, saw little activity on the day that Ghanaians went to the polls to elect a new president and 276 legislators. Some 18.7 million people are registered to vote in the West African country hit by one of the worst economic crises in a generation. However, the two main candidates offer little hope for change for the nation. Early results were expected late on Saturday. The first official results will be released by Tuesday. Ghana used to be a poster child for democracy in the region. At a time when coups threatened democracy in West Africa, Ghana emerged as a beacon of democratic stability with a history of peaceful elections. It had also been an economic powerhouse, priding itself on its development. But in recent years, it has struggled with a profound economic crisis, including surging inflation and a lack of jobs. According to an opinion poll released earlier this year by Afrobarometer, a research group, 82% of Ghanaians feel their country is headed in the wrong direction Although 12 candidates are running for president, Saturday’s election — like others since the return of multiparty politics in 1992 — has emerged as a two-horse race. Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is the candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party, or NPP, which has struggled to resolve the economic crisis. He faces off against former President John Dramani Mahama, the leader of the main opposition party National Democratic Congress, or NDC. He was voted out in 2016 after failing to deliver on promises for the economy. Opinion polls point to a potential comeback for Mahama. A local research company, Global InfoAnalytics says he is projected to get 52.2% of the vote, followed by Bawumia, with 41.4%. After voting in the town of Bole in northern Ghana, Mahama praised the smooth election process and expressed confidence in his own victory. “In other elections, it had not been clear," he told reporters. “But (during) this election everyone sees where it is heading.” Bawumia, who voted in his Walewale constituency, also in northern Ghana, also said he believed he had won. “By the grace of God, I’m very hopeful of winning this election," he said. “I think that we have done a lot of work. We have put our message to the people; I think the message has been well received.” The NDC prides itself as a social democratic party, while the ruling NPP tags itself as leaning to the right. But in fact, analysts and voters said, the programs of their presidential candidates do not differ in a significant way. Members of parliament will also be elected Saturday. The ruling NPP party and the main opposition NDC each have 137 members in the 275-member legislature, with one independent member who has been voting mostly along with the ruling party. One more constituency will be added in this election, bringing the number of deputies to 276. In their final campaign rallies Thursday, both candidates made a last push to pitch their political parties as the answer to Ghana’s economic woes. Bawumia, 61, an Oxford-educated economist and former deputy governor of the country’s central bank, promised to build on the outgoing administration’s efforts and stabilize the economy. Mahama, 65, on the other hand, restated his promise to “reset” the country on various fronts. “We need to reset our democracy, governance, economy, finances, agriculture, infrastructure, environment, health sector, and all that we hold dear as a people,” the former president said. Across the the capital, Accra, the mood for the election has been upbeat in posters and billboards with bikers displaying stunts, political rallies on the streets, election jingles and songs blasting from public speakers. But the concern for many is also palpable for the key thing at stake: The country’s ailing economy, which has been challenged on various fronts in recent years. The country defaulted on most of its foreign debt last year as it faced a worsening economic crisis that spiked the price of fuel, food and other essential items. The inflation rate had hit 54% by the end of last year and though it’s been coming down since then, not many Ghanaians can still tell the difference when they go to the market. Ebenezer Kotey Dsane, a 69-year-old driver said he voted for Mahama because “he is a good man” who “set up much infrastructure when he was in office.” “The current regime hasn't done much,” he said, pointing to the La General Hospital in Accra, one of the capital's main medical facilities, pulled down in July 2020 by the current government with a pledge to reconstruct it. “Until today, nothing has happened.” Some chose not to vote at all. Ruth Mensah, 42, an unemployed resident of Nima, a working-class suburb in Accra, said she decided not to cast a ballot. “I don’t see how voting will bring about a change to my life,” she said. Patricia Seyram Hagbevor, 20, a first-time voter and student at Accra Technical University said she wished for a change. She didn't disclose whom she voted for, but said she “hoped for a change for the better that will help develop our future.” The chronic challenge of illegal gold mining — known locally as galamsey — has also been a major issue in the campaign and a source of concern for voters, triggering protests and criticism against the outgoing government. Ghana is Africa’s top gold producer and the world’s sixth largest, but the commodity has been increasingly mined illegally as people become more desperate to find jobs in an economy that has been crumbling. The mining has polluted rivers and other parts of the environment despite government actions to clamp down on the practice. Pronczuk reported from Dakar, Senegal.

In times of power outages, many people look for different ways to transfer power from device to device. It may come as a surprise to many that iPhone smartphones allow you to do this directly between them. As OBOZ.UA found out, this feature appeared in the iPhone 12 and is available on all subsequent devices. It is called "energy transfer" or "cross-charging." The charge can be transferred using MagSafe and wireless charging technologies. No additional equipment is required, except for two appropriately equipped iPhones and a cable. The disadvantages of this method include the low speed of energy transfer. In addition, the function is not automatic. So, first, make sure your iPhone has reverse wireless charging. This means that it can charge compatible devices when placed on the back of the phone. If both gadgets allow it, you can try charging them from each other. What devices do I need to charge one iPhone from another? The easiest way to do this is through a cable - USB-C or MagSafe. Choose one that supports two-way communication. You can also charge your gadget using wireless charging. To do this, both phones must support MagSafe. In this case, simply place both phones correctly against each other. If you're having trouble charging, you may need a charging adapter or portable battery pack. These allow you to charge one phone from the other via universal USB cables. Do not forget to activate the power transfer function in the settings of your gadget – such charging does not work automatically. Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest developments.As someone who lived in Chicago for 25 years, I’ve taken my share of taxicabs. The total is easily in the thousands. Back in the day, you’d stand on a street corner and franticly wave for a passing taxi. The key was to look for a cab with a lighted “Taxi” sign atop the roof. If the sign wasn’t lit, it meant the taxi was already occupied or the driver was off duty. Standing in the cold, snow or rain could quickly turn into a miserable experience. But then along came Uber and Lyft. Through a simple app on your cellphone, you can have a car sent directly to your location. You can even select your car preference, from small, to mid-size to an SUV. As you wait, you can stay indoors, free from the elements. Whether it’s a taxi, Uber or Lyft, the process is pretty straightforward. The driver pulls up, you jump in the back seat, confirm your destination and off you go. But a new ride-sharing system is slowly gaining traction in the U.S. – the robotaxi. A robotaxi, or driverless taxi, is a self-driving, autonomous car. It uses what’s called advanced driver assistance systems, or ADAS. Using a complex system of artificial intelligence, sensors, radar and cameras, ADAS fully automates acceleration, braking, steering, navigation and all the vehicle’s lights and signals. It detects and identifies traffic lanes and any traffic controls such as stoplights, stop signs, speed limits and construction signs. It also detects and identifies stationary and moving objects – such as other motorists, bicycles and pedestrians – and predicts their trajectories. The robotaxi movement in the U.S. is being led by a company called Waymo. Based in Mountain View, CA., Waymo is a subsidiary of tech giant Alphabet, previously known as Google. After several years of testing and pilot programs, in 2022, Waymo launched its robotaxi service to the general public in Phoenix. In 2023, it expanded into San Francisco and this year opened up service in Los Angeles. Waymo currently services about 150,000 paid rides per week across these three markets. Waymo is looking to expand its operations into Miami, Austin, Atlanta and Tokyo, Japan. To begin using their robotaxi service, all you need to do is download their Waymo One app and create an account. Users of Waymo’s robotaxi cite the cost is comparable to that of Uber and Lyft. Understandably, a key concern is safety. In 2023, Waymo claimed its robotaxis were involved in only three crashes that resulted in injury to passengers over the course of the 7.1 million miles its robotaxis had driven that year. Waymo claims the injuries were all minor. Based on similar data, Waymo contends that human-driven cars are four to seven times more likely to get into a crash that results in injury. Critics, however, have reservations regarding the safety of autonomous vehicles operating in highly congested environments filled with numerous obstacles, erratic movements and unpredictable scenarios. They claim driving often requires complex decision-making based on human intuition, experience and social cues to interpret actual and potential movements in other drivers and pedestrians. They also cite concerns about an autonomous car’s ability to detect, and stay within, lane markings that might be covered in snow or other adverse weather conditions. Currently, Waymo is the only company in the U.S. licensed to operate a commercial robotaxi service. But that may soon change as a number of competitors are set to test the waters in the upcoming years. Jumping into the back seat of a driverless vehicle might take, as we say, a certain leap of faith. It requires a belief that all those microchips, circuits, sensors and other electronic devices will do exactly what they’re supposed to do at any given moment. For those who’ve experienced a robotaxi, it can be a thrilling, unique ride. But for others, that leap of faith might first need to be infused with a glass or two of bourbon. Mark Grywacheski is an expert in financial markets and economic analysis and is an investment adviser with Quad-Cities Investment Group, Davenport. Disclaimer: Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Any prices or quotations contained herein are indicative only and do not constitute an offer to buy or sell any securities at any given price. Information has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee that the material presented is accurate or that it provides a complete description of the securities, markets or developments mentioned. Quad-Cities Investment Group LLC is a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

PENDLETON – The start was sluggish, but the finish was exactly what the Pendleton Heights Arabians needed against rival Mount Vernon on Saturday afternoon. The Class 4A Arabians opened their Hoosier Heritage Conference matchup shooting 0-for-7 on Joe Buck Court before finding their rhythm on defense to build a double-digit advantage by halftime and win big, 59-37. “We came out a little bit slow. We just had to get some energy into it, and once we did, we really started getting into it as a team,” PH sophomore center Adah Hupfer said. “Once we got there, it was up from there.” Hupfer finished with a double-double, adding 10 rebounds to her team-high 16 points, three blocks and two steals. Hupfer shot 12-of-12 from the free-throw line, pouring in 12 points in the first half to help the Arabians pull in front 30-19 by the break. “Obviously, they’re one of our rival teams -- conference, sectional and everything -- and we just have to go out there and compete,” Hupfer said. “I think this is big for us going into (Class 4A No. 2) HSE on Tuesday and going into some harder games, competing against a team that’s beat some teams that we’ve lost to this season. I think it’s a good win against a rival team, so it means a lot.” Any time the Arabians (5-4, 2-1 HHC) and Marauders (7-3, 0-1) clash, records typically aren’t a factor, as both rivals’ competitiveness elevates. Saturday was no exception, as the young, inexperienced Marauders tied the game twice in the first quarter at 9-9 and 11-11 before a 9-0 Arabians’ run in the second quarter created a 26-14 cushion. “You know when Pendleton and Mount Vernon get together, it’s going to be a tough, hard-fought game. We knew that, and we didn’t come out with the intensity we looked for. We talked about our struggles on Saturday afternoons, and I got into them a little bit,” PH coach Nick Rogers said. “After that, I thought we were much better defensively.” The Arabians’ pressure defense forced 12 first-half turnovers and nearly a dozen more in the second half, which provided PH with easy transition baskets and key stops. “If we can control pace and can do what we do instead of falling into what everyone else wants us to do, then we can be pretty good,” Mount Vernon coach Julie Shelton said. “When four out of your seven players are freshmen, that’s a learning curve. We can’t give them 10 points on turnovers at the top of the key. It just can’t happen. The offense sputtered, and we gave them easy baskets.” PH senior Kaycie Warfel matched Hupfer with a team-high 16 points while adding four steals, three assists and two rebounds. Warfel injured her left leg during a collision late in the third quarter, but she returned to the court in the fourth and ended PH’s decisive 11-2 run with a layup that put the Arabians ahead 52-32. “Hupfer and Warfel played really well. They had a good game, and they’re a good team,” Shelton said. “They have a lot of pieces back that have played a lot of years. I just feel like the experience is what happened. Once they got the lead, their experience just carried them, and ours was panic, and then we turned the ball over more.” Mount Vernon freshman Zoey Wood posted a game-high 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting. The shifty 5-foot-5 guard recorded five steals and went 4-for-4 from the foul line. Fellow frosh Delani Williams added nine points and four rebounds for the Marauders. The Arabians countered Mount Vernon’s youthful surge with depth, as junior Olivia Jones provided 10 points, four rebounds and three assists on 4-of-6 shooting from the floor. She buried a pair of PH’s four 3-pointers. Junior Mamie Trout had five points, four rebounds and two steals on 5-of-6 shooting, while senior Emma Roberts had three steals and two points. Sophomore Aubree Warfel chipped in four points and four rebounds. Senior Aubriana Gray and junior Avry Miller each had three points. The Arabians converted 20-of-22 free throws compared to Mount Vernon’s 8-of-10. PH outrebounded MV 28-16, with 14 offensive boards offering the Arabians’ second-chance opportunities. “Boy, was it ugly on the offensive end. Not a lot of execution, and we definitely need to get better in that regard, but it was a good win,” Rogers said. “(Free throws) went much better. That’s why we lost to Jennings County (last Saturday). We were 20-of-22 from the line today. You’re not going to win a lot of games being 4-of-17 like we were in Jennings County, so that was a point of emphasis, and we executed it.” The Arabians head to Hamilton Southeastern on Tuesday before resuming HHC play on Thursday at home against Delta.COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A fight broke out at midfield after Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday as Wolverines players attempted to plant their flag and were met by Buckeyes who confronted them. Police had to use pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves in the melee that overshadowed the rivalry game. Ohio State police said in a statement “multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray.” Ohio State police will investigate the fight, according to the statement. After the Ohio State players confronted their bitter rivals at midfield, defensive end Jack Sawyer grabbed the top of the Wolverines' flag and ripped it off the pole as the brawl moved toward the Michigan bench. Eventually, police officers rushed into the ugly scene. Ohio State coach Ryan Day said he understood the actions of his players. “There are some prideful guys on our team who weren't going to sit back and let that happen,” Day said. The two Ohio State players made available after the game brushed off questions about it. Michigan running back Kalel Mullings, who rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown, didn't like how the Buckeyes players involved themselves in the Wolverines' postgame celebration. He called it “classless.” “For such a great game, you hate to see stuff like that after the game," he said in an on-field interview with Fox Sports. “It’s just bad for the sport, bad for college football. But at the end of the day, you know some people got to — they got to learn how to lose, man. ... We had 60 minutes, we had four quarters, to do all that fighting.” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said everybody needs to do better. “So much emotions on both sides," he said. "Rivalry games get heated, especially this one. It’s the biggest one in the country, so we got to handle that better.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Tourists killed after tree topples at popular Bali tourist attraction