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President-elect Donald Trump's repeated support for TikTok has sparked speculation about potential solutions to prevent the app's impending ban in the United States, though the path forward remains unclear. "We got to keep this sucker around for a little while," Trump told supporters on Sunday, just days after meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew in Florida. Trump, who credits the wildly popular platform with delivering him a large young user base, opposes banning TikTok partly because he believes it would primarily benefit Meta, the Mark Zuckerberg-led company behind Instagram and Facebook. The situation is complex, according to University of Richmond School of Law professor Carl Tobias, given the various potential solutions and Trump's unpredictable nature. Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation, signed by President Joe Biden in April, that would block TikTok from US app stores and web hosting services unless Beijing-based ByteDance sells its stake by January 19. US officials and lawmakers grew wary of the potential for the Chinese government to influence ByteDance or access the data of TikTok's American users. Even with Trump's decisive election victory and incoming Republican-led Congress, acquiescing to the president-elect's desire and preventing the ban faces significant hurdles. The law enjoyed rare bipartisan support in a divided Washington, making its outright repeal through a vote in Congress politically unlikely even with Trump's influence over Republicans. The Supreme Court may offer the clearest path forward. TikTok has appealed to the nation's highest court, arguing the law violates First Amendment rights to free speech. The court, which is dominated by Trump-aligned conservatives, will hear the case on January 10, just nine days before the ban takes effect. This follows a lower appeals court's unanimous decision to uphold the law in December. Another possibility, according to Tobias, is that a Trump-led Department of Justice could determine ByteDance has addressed the law's national security concerns. However, such a move would likely be seen as caving to China by Congress and others. The final option is ByteDance selling to a non-Chinese buyer, though the company has consistently refused this possibility. With 170 million monthly active users, acquiring TikTok's US operations would require substantial resources. As president, Trump could extend the ban deadline by 90 days to facilitate a transaction. Few potential buyers have emerged, with major tech companies likely deterred by antitrust concerns. Former Trump Treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin, who runs a private equity fund backed by Japan's SoftBank Group and Abu Dhabi's Mubadala sovereign wealth fund, has expressed interest. During a recent event with Trump, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son pledged to invest $100 billion in the US economy, though specific investments weren't detailed. Other contenders include US real estate billionaire Frank McCourt, who aims to make social media safer through his Project Liberty organization. Elon Musk, given his proximity to Trump and ownership of X, could also have a role to play, as he has expressed plans to transform the text-focused platform into something more like TikTok. A senior Republican lawmaker recently suggested Trump might orchestrate a "deal of the century" satisfying both US concerns and ByteDance's interests. The chairman of the US House committee on China, John Moolenaar, told Fox News Digital that once ByteDance accepts it must comply with US law, the situation could progress rapidly. Any agreement would need Beijing's approval, with US-China relations expected to remain tense during Trump's upcoming term. This isn't the first attempt to resolve TikTok's US status. In 2020, Trump also threatened a ban unless ByteDance sold its US operations. While Oracle and Walmart reached a preliminary agreement with ByteDance for ownership stakes, legal challenges and the transition to the Biden administration prevented the deal's completion. arp/mlmThere has been more heartbreak for Tory Taylor and the Chicago Bears while Jordan Mailata and the Philadelphia Eagles keep rolling, although the Australian left tackle found himself flattened on one play this week. Plus, plenty of praise for the Australian punters as one landed on injured reserve. Read on for the Aussies in the NFL wrap! Watch an average of 6 games each week during the regular season, plus every game of the NFL Postseason including the Super Bowl, LIVE on ESPN with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today > Tory Taylor (Chicago Bears – punter) Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams jokingly told Tory Taylor when Chicago drafted him that he wouldn’t be punting much, having been constantly called on during his time at Iowa. Unfortunately for Taylor, Chicago’s offence hasn’t lived up to expectations, with Williams struggling to navigate the pressure of playing behind a poor offensive line. In turn, the run game has been inconsistent and what looked to be one of the best receiving rooms in the NFL has also struggled to produce. The Bears have looked better since firing offensive co-ordinator Shane Waldron, but on the season as a whole it has still been a challenge for Williams, who has thrown for fewer yards (2,356) than Taylor has punted (2,528). It did turn around in OC Thomas Brown’s first game in his new role, with Taylor only called on to punt twice during the game, landing one inside the 20. Meanwhile, Taylor punted six times for a 48.7-yard average against the Vikings with one inside the 20 and came up with a crucial punt to give the Bears a chance after they failed to get anything going on their opening drive of overtime. Unfortunately Minnesota was able to still work its way into field goal range, condemning Chicago to another heartbreaking loss. Matthew Hayball (New Orleans Saints – punter) After a few weeks the Saints looked like they would be one of the most explosive offences in the NFL but a string of injuries, most notably to their offensive line, saw that quickly fall apart. It also saw punter Matthew Hayball, who beat out fellow Australian Lou Hedley for the starting gig, forced to play much more than New Orleans would have been hoping. The Saints had the bye in Week 12 but finally ended their losing skid the week prior after defeating the Cleveland Browns in a game where Hayball only had to punt three times. Hayball was accurate on all three of his punts though, landing them inside of the 20-yard line for 110 total yards in what is quickly becoming a positive trend for the Australian. He has now placed 27 punts inside the 20-yard line, which ranks second in the league. Hayball, who was drafted by Geelong in 2015 and played 50 VFL games over the next three years, even showed off his pace by reaching a top speed of 32.5 kilometres per hour on a fake punt against Carolina earlier this month. It was the fastest speed by a punter as a ball carrier since Week 10, 2018. “We knew he could run, right? We’d been calling him the Australian flash a little bit,” Saints assistant special teams coach Phil Galiano said. “So that was something we’d been working on and we know that he’s a really good athlete.” Jordan Mailata (Philadelphia Eagles – offensive lineman) Monday’s primetime game was billed as the match-up to decide Defensive Rookie of the Year, with Rams pass rusher Jared Verse and Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell both in action. And it didn’t take long for Verse to make a statement. Unfortunately for the Australian left tackle it was at his expense as Verse swatted the 166-kilogram Mailata away to disrupt an obvious pass play for Philadelphia, who was backed up to a 3rd-and-16 inside the red zone. It wasn’t so much a moment to forget for Mailata as it was the perfect example of just how destructive Verse has been in his rookie season, recording 49 tackles, including 4.5 sacks, a pass breakup, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Mailata had plenty of highlights on Monday, most notably flashing his athleticism to help open up the hole on the inside for Kenneth Gainwell’s touchdown. “Make no mistake about it, this is a tremendous run by Kenny Gainwell. But what I am most impressed by is Jordan Mailata going from left tackle to sealing off the right side of the inside linebacker,” wrote Shane Haff of the Eagles Pin-Pull podcast on X. “That’s just ridiculous.” Mailata had been sidelined for a month after landing on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury but made his return against the Commanders in Week 11. Mitch Wishnowsky (San Francisco 49ers – punter) Wishnowsky used to be one of the more underrated weapons in a San Francisco team that was hardly short of game-changing options, although this season that seemed to change. The Australian, who was an expert for pinning opposition teams deep in their own territory, was struggling to have the same impact this season. A lingering back injury may explain Wishnowsky’s underwhelming start to the season though, with the 49ers placing the Australian on injured reserve earlier this month. It means Wishnowsky will miss at least four games, with the punter to return in Week 15 against the Rams at the earliest. San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said Wishnowsky had been “bothered” by the back injury earlier in the year training camp, adding it had been “pretty bad” before “flaring up” again recently. Daniel Faalele (Baltimore Ravens – offensive lineman) The Ravens’ fourth-rounder from 2022 showed promise in Baltimore’s key Monday Night Football victory over the LA Chargers, clearing the way for multiple big runs to help Baltimore establish a winning lead in the second half. The most notable? Clearing the way for bulldozing Baltimore running back Derrick Henry to pick up 27 yards on a 4th-and-1 scamper late in the third quarter. Faalele, the right guard, pulled left to open a big lane for Henry to pick up key yardage and move the chains. A pivotal moment in the game with the Ravens leading just 17-16, the crucial conversion — while still in their own territory — was later capped by a Lamar Jackson touchdown pass early in the fourth to open up a seven-point lead. The athleticism of the former University of Minnesota lineman is one of his best traits — once he gets out in open space, there isn’t a lot that smaller defensive backs can do to stop him in his tracks. And combined with the fact the ball is usually in the hands of Henry or Jackson; it’s a recipe for disaster for opposition defences. The progress of the Melbourne product hasn’t been lost on viewers, including former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, who in early November praised Faalele’s footwork after the Ravens bested division rivals Cincinnati. “He is fun to watch. He’s as big a right guard as you will see. He’s moving his feet better and Lamar Jackson’s had a lot of time to throw, and a lot of that is because Faalele is moving his feet better,” Gruden said . Michael D ickson (Seattle Seahawks – punter) It was a dour affair between Seattle and Arizona but that meant Michael Dickson’s booming punts were all the more important in flipping field position and giving the Seahawks the advantage. Dickson pinned the Cardinals behind the 20-yard line four times on Monday, downing them at the three, six, nine and 20-yard line. Going into the game, Dickson’s 48.1 yard punt average ranked second in NFL history. Monday’s win was Seattle’s second-straight after dropping two in a row against the Bills and the Rams. Dickson averaged 61.3 yards in the blowout loss to Buffalo while his leg helped keep Seattle in the game against Los Angeles before a Demarcus Robinson touchdown sealed an overtime win for the Rams. Dickson averaged 47.2 yards per punt in that game.
Jimmy Carter, a one-term president who became a globe-trotting elder statesman, dies at 100Bunker Hill Announces Updates To Election To Issue Shares In Satisfaction Of Debenture Interest Payment Obligations & Financing Cooperation Fee
jetcityimage At roughly $46/share, Berkshire Hathaway ( BRK.A ) ( BRK.B ) bought another 9 million shares of Occidental Petroleum this past week. Berkshire Hathaway now has a massive 264 million shares of Occidental Petroleum Corporation ( You Only Get 1 Chance To Retire, Join The #1 Retirement Service The Retirement Forum provides actionable ideals, a high-yield safe retirement portfolio, and macroeconomic outlooks, all to help you maximize your capital and your income. We search the entire market to help you maximize returns. Recommendations from a top 0.2% TipRanks author! Retirement is complicated, and you only get once chance to do it right. Don't miss out because you didn't know what was out there. We provide: Model portfolios to generate high retirement cash flow. Deep-dive actionable research. Recommendation spreadsheets and option strategies. Click for our discounted 2-week free trial! The Value Portfolio specializes in building retirement portfolios and utilizes a fact-based research strategy to identify investments. This includes extensive readings of 10Ks, analyst commentary, market reports, and investor presentations. He invests real money in the stocks he recommends. The Retirement Forum Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of OXY either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.Shura Council holds discussion on government bill on national emblem
Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100NoneAutomotive Semiconductor Market to Grow by USD 31.29 Billion (2024-2028) with ADAS Adoption, Report on AI Redefining Market Landscape - Technavio
Jamaican tech firm Optimity to launch innovative e-wallet platform in Dubai by 2025ATLANTA , 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.
Asholio 2024: We live in peace to stem insecurity – Kaduna community
NEW YORK — There's a Christmas Day basketball game at Walt Disney World, featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby. 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." Get local news delivered to your inbox!JERUSALEM — The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants began early Wednesday as a region on edge wondered whether it will hold. The ceasefire announced Tuesday is a major step toward ending nearly 14 months of fighting sparked by the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Israel said it will attack if Hezbollah breaks the ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire calls for an initial two-month halt to fighting and requires Hezbollah to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops are to return to their side of the border. An international panel led by the United States will monitor compliance. The ceasefire began at 4 a.m. Wednesday, a day after Israel carried out its most intense wave of airstrikes in Beirut since the start of the conflict that in recent weeks turned into all-out war. At least 42 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities. Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. The ceasefire does not address the devastating war in Gaza , where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. There appeared to be lingering disagreement over whether Israel would have the right to strike Hezbollah if it believed the militants had violated the agreement, something Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted was part of the deal but which Lebanese and Hezbollah officials have rejected. Israel's security Cabinet approved the U.S.-France-brokered ceasefire agreement after Netanyahu presented it, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt . President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. In this screen grab image from video provide by the Israeli Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes a televised statement Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Jerusalem, Israel. Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor compliance. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” A police bomb squad officer inspects the site where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024. Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire and described it as a crucial step toward stability and the return of displaced people. Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state," he said, referring to Israel's demand for freedom of action. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Rescuers and residents search for victims Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in Beirut, Lebanon. Even as ceasefire efforts gained momentum in recent days, Israel continued to strike what it called Hezbollah targets across Lebanon while the militants fired rockets, missiles and drones across the border. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in central Beirut — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously were not targeted. Residents fled. Traffic was gridlocked, with mattresses tied to some cars. Dozens of people, some wearing pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed overhead. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said peacekeepers will not evacuate. Israeli soldiers inspect the site Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024, where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel. The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah is required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have exchanged barrages ever since. Israel escalated its bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. Israeli security officers and army soldiers inspect the site Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024, where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut and Federman from Jerusalem. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. has been placed on injured reserve after hurting his hamstring Sunday in a 30-27 overtime victory over the Chicago Bears. The move announced Tuesday means that Pace must miss at least the Vikings next four games. The Vikings also activated outside linebacker Gabriel Murphy from injured reserve and signed linebacker Jamin Davis off the Green Bay Packers practice squad. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah start a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fightingIt's your resident here, with a very important question: Are you ready to get into the holiday spirit during the biggest sale week of the year? Yes, we said because 's sales are so great they can't be held back any longer. And neither should you. Get everything you need for your home at huge discounts, whether you're redoing a kitchen from soup to nuts or just in the market for new bedding. Wayfair is one of my favorite resources for low-budget wonders that will freshen every room in your home, and their — with savings up to 80% off already low prices — are not to be missed. Need some ideas? Try this stunning, to ground your dining room for only $120 in the popular size of 7'6" x 9'6". It will evoke both style and holiday spirit into your decor. Don't stop there: Dress your holiday table right with this classic (down to $62 from $220), and whip up your festive fare in a new set of for $75 (that's nearly 65% off). If you're hosting guests, now's the time to snag this that's 50% off. The has what you need for holiday decor, bedroom essentials, living room furniture, cookware and so much more. The sale runs through Dec. 21, but popular items (like the ones I've curated below) are sure to sell out, so get clicking. Oh, and bonus: there's free shipping sitewide. Wayfair Basics 1800 Series Sheet Set, Queen Mercury Row Perdue Velvet Square Arm Convertible Sofa Sealy Cool 12-Inch Medium Memory Foam Mattress Brayden Studio Upholstered Swivel Accent Chair Henckels Dynamic Knife Block Set, 12-Piece For home offices, dens or spare rooms, let your space serve double duty. This sofa easily converts into a twin bed, so you can comfortably host guests when needed, and still utilize your room wisely when it's just you and the family. The comfort of a sofa beats sitting on a bed in your spare room and this plush green velvet number works perfectly for the season. At nearly 70% off, the price is right, too. Tough layout? Swivel chairs may be your answer. A pair may be the perfect solution for a long room or tight space. Small in scale, they spin toward the TV, fireplace or conversation area — wherever your focus needs to be. This one comes in a bevy of colors, so you can find what fits your decor best. Clients of mine love this dresser for its ample drawer space as well as its sharp good looks. Mid-century style shines through the clean lines and walnut veneers on this detailed piece. It's the perfect way to amp up your bedroom or hallway storage — and on sale for over 50% off. This versatile table can be used anywhere you need a sturdy surface — your kitchen dining area, your home office as a desk or your laundry room as a chic table for folding laundry. The faux marble top and brass bass will give a glow-up of glam, wherever you use it. An etagere is a perfect complement to any room. It's lighter and airier than a bookcase, but serves the same purpose, displaying books, objet d'art and other treasures without overwhelming the space. This one is available in three finishes and has glass shelves. Try using one in your bathroom to display towels and bath products. Upgrade your dining room this holiday season with new dining chairs. The clean lines of a parsons chair blends with any decor and the nailheads give this pair a bespoke look. This style works with most aesthetics, from modern to traditional. Here's a great way to get some much-needed storage into those unused spaces, like hallways and foyers. This hall tree provides a place to hang your hat, coats, bags and wraps. A bench seat provides a place to put on your shoes, while cubbies and flip-down storage can store shoes, gloves and other items. With a whopping 66,000+ five-star reviews, this 1,800 thread count sheet set by Wayfair Basics leads the pack when it comes to customer favorites. And it's easy to see why: microfiber sheets are ultra-soft in addition to being hypoallergenic. And they're easy to care for, too: they're wrinkle-resistant, even right out of the linen closet. The set comes with a flat sheet, fitted sheet and two pillowcases — or four if you get it in King. A deal like this is going to go faster than prime Central Park real estate: the decadent bed frame, part of Kelly Clarkson's new NYC line, is 78% off in five colors, including this pretty white as well as black, navy, green and pink. Its channel-tufted velvet headboard is not just stunning — it's also soft enough to lean up against while watching TV or reading in bed. Nearly 6,000 Wayfair shoppers are five-star fans of this Sealy model. Want to know what all the fuss is about? You can pick up a queen size for nearly 70% off. It features Sealy's special CopperChill Technology and cooling memory foam to help keep you cool and dry while you slumber. With a medium-firm feel and added lumbar support, it's great for relieving pressure points. You don't need to pay top dollar for a quality mattress and this $158 queen is proof! Made of ventilated, cooling gel memory foam, it was designed to help hot sleepers snooze more comfortably and comes with a breathable cover. This one's on the medium side, FYI. This adjustable bed platform — complete with a wireless remote and light framework — will change your life. Raise your head while watching TV, reading, or if you're suffering from acid reflux. Elevate your feet for circulation and back support. Ideal for use with memory foam, latex, and air mattresses. A pillow that molds to your head for just the right support at night? Yes, please. This memory foam from Temper-Pedic is extra soft and has a removable cover for easy machine washing. Need to freshen up that guest room for company? Or perhaps you need a change in your own room for the upcoming winter season? The classic, icy tones of silver and navy will spruce up any bed for the holidays and you don't have to think of a thing — this set has everything included: Euro shams, standard shams, comforter and throw pillows. It's pretty in an instant. I'll get right to the 'point' — this is a ridiculously good price for a Henckels knife set of this caliber. Buy one for yourself and one as a gift! The 21-piece block set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 4-inch paring knife and six 4.5-inch steak knives. Save nearly 60%. A healthier way to cook is essential, which is why air fryers are so popular. This appliance from Cuisinart does multi-duty so you can toast, roast, dehydrate, proof, braise and fry all in one countertop appliance. At 45% off, now's the time to try this miraculous convection oven and save counter space to boot. Dishwasher and oven safe, this full set makes a great gift for starter kitchens, or buy it to update and supplement your own cookware. Nonstick makes for easy clean up and glass lids allow to view whatever you're whipping up without losing heat. And who can resist this pretty shade of aqua blue? This 14-cup pot will keep your coffee warm with its thermal carafe and warming plate. Programmable, you can ensure your coffee is ready when you are and serve a houseful of guests. Available in stainless or this sharp black. Make sure your holiday table sparkles — and looks consistent. An elegant table doesn't call for mismatched silverware. Grab this service for eight for a whopping 72% off. It includes your basic table settings and every serving piece you can think of so your festive table will look perfect. Cordless, bagless, programmable and self-teaching, a robot vacuum does all the work, so you don't have to lift a finger. If you've not switched from your upright, now's your chance to set it and forget it, and always have clean floors. Make your room pop with bright hues of navy, pink and a soupçon of saffron. This traditional oriental-style rug adds a bold pattern to liven up your living room, dining room or bedroom. The low pile makes it easy for the Roomba above to clean and it fits well beneath swinging doors. The polyweave is durable enough to withstand high-traffic areas, as well as kids and pets. Plus, it's 56% off for Black Friday — you can't beat that! This antelope pattern is a more subtle way to zhuzh up your room with an animal print. The neutral colorway works with any aesthetic and the stripe effect gives your room length. It's perfectly on trend for 2024 (and into 2025!) Stunning and stain resistant, this bold pattern in moody greens and blacks exudes high style, with a low low price. A traditional Persian makes an interesting juxtaposition to modern furniture or go for a transitional vibe. The low pile makes it perfect for clearing under doorways. Save almost 70% on this washable wonder. Ideal for dining areas, living spaces and bedrooms, this rug can be tossed in the laundry when it needs a wash. The soft pattern blends with traditional, boho and farmhouse styles. I love a good collab — and this Rival Paper Co. pattern matched with the quality of Loloi rugs is nothing short of dreamy. It may be cold outside, but this is an easy way to bring a burst of springtime into the darker months. Use this smaller size in entryways, kitchen nooks, small home offices — wherever you need a pop of happiness. Sometimes all you need is a classic Spruce replica to light up your home year after year. This pre-lit staple features hinged branches with covered green PVC tips for a fresh and authentic look without the mess. It comes in eight different sizes ranging up to 10 feet, so you can easily find the size you need. Deck your halls in a snap thanks to this 9-foot pre-lit garland. The realistic, full green bough —complete with artificial pinecones — easily drapes over doorways and looks majestic on mantels. I personally love how the white lights look against the green background. I always tell my clients to think ahead and you should, too. Proper storage for your holiday decor is key to lengthening the life of your investments. Available in two sizes, this storage bag will protect your wreaths from dust and decay, hanging easily in storage areas. See all of Shop the best expert-picked on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for . And find to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.There has been more heartbreak for Tory Taylor and the Chicago Bears while Jordan Mailata and the Philadelphia Eagles keep rolling, although the Australian left tackle found himself flattened on one play this week. Plus, plenty of praise for the Australian punters as one landed on injured reserve. Read on for the Aussies in the NFL wrap! Watch an average of 6 games each week during the regular season, plus every game of the NFL Postseason including the Super Bowl, LIVE on ESPN with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today > Tory Taylor (Chicago Bears – punter) Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams jokingly told Tory Taylor when Chicago drafted him that he wouldn’t be punting much, having been constantly called on during his time at Iowa. Unfortunately for Taylor, Chicago’s offence hasn’t lived up to expectations, with Williams struggling to navigate the pressure of playing behind a poor offensive line. In turn, the run game has been inconsistent and what looked to be one of the best receiving rooms in the NFL has also struggled to produce. The Bears have looked better since firing offensive co-ordinator Shane Waldron, but on the season as a whole it has still been a challenge for Williams, who has thrown for fewer yards (2,356) than Taylor has punted (2,528). It did turn around in OC Thomas Brown’s first game in his new role, with Taylor only called on to punt twice during the game, landing one inside the 20. Meanwhile, Taylor punted six times for a 48.7-yard average against the Vikings with one inside the 20 and came up with a crucial punt to give the Bears a chance after they failed to get anything going on their opening drive of overtime. Unfortunately Minnesota was able to still work its way into field goal range, condemning Chicago to another heartbreaking loss. Matthew Hayball (New Orleans Saints – punter) After a few weeks the Saints looked like they would be one of the most explosive offences in the NFL but a string of injuries, most notably to their offensive line, saw that quickly fall apart. It also saw punter Matthew Hayball, who beat out fellow Australian Lou Hedley for the starting gig, forced to play much more than New Orleans would have been hoping. The Saints had the bye in Week 12 but finally ended their losing skid the week prior after defeating the Cleveland Browns in a game where Hayball only had to punt three times. Hayball was accurate on all three of his punts though, landing them inside of the 20-yard line for 110 total yards in what is quickly becoming a positive trend for the Australian. He has now placed 27 punts inside the 20-yard line, which ranks second in the league. Hayball, who was drafted by Geelong in 2015 and played 50 VFL games over the next three years, even showed off his pace by reaching a top speed of 32.5 kilometres per hour on a fake punt against Carolina earlier this month. It was the fastest speed by a punter as a ball carrier since Week 10, 2018. “We knew he could run, right? We’d been calling him the Australian flash a little bit,” Saints assistant special teams coach Phil Galiano said. “So that was something we’d been working on and we know that he’s a really good athlete.” Jordan Mailata (Philadelphia Eagles – offensive lineman) Monday’s primetime game was billed as the match-up to decide Defensive Rookie of the Year, with Rams pass rusher Jared Verse and Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell both in action. And it didn’t take long for Verse to make a statement. Unfortunately for the Australian left tackle it was at his expense as Verse swatted the 166-kilogram Mailata away to disrupt an obvious pass play for Philadelphia, who was backed up to a 3rd-and-16 inside the red zone. It wasn’t so much a moment to forget for Mailata as it was the perfect example of just how destructive Verse has been in his rookie season, recording 49 tackles, including 4.5 sacks, a pass breakup, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Mailata had plenty of highlights on Monday, most notably flashing his athleticism to help open up the hole on the inside for Kenneth Gainwell’s touchdown. “Make no mistake about it, this is a tremendous run by Kenny Gainwell. But what I am most impressed by is Jordan Mailata going from left tackle to sealing off the right side of the inside linebacker,” wrote Shane Haff of the Eagles Pin-Pull podcast on X. “That’s just ridiculous.” Mailata had been sidelined for a month after landing on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury but made his return against the Commanders in Week 11. Mitch Wishnowsky (San Francisco 49ers – punter) Wishnowsky used to be one of the more underrated weapons in a San Francisco team that was hardly short of game-changing options, although this season that seemed to change. The Australian, who was an expert for pinning opposition teams deep in their own territory, was struggling to have the same impact this season. A lingering back injury may explain Wishnowsky’s underwhelming start to the season though, with the 49ers placing the Australian on injured reserve earlier this month. It means Wishnowsky will miss at least four games, with the punter to return in Week 15 against the Rams at the earliest. San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said Wishnowsky had been “bothered” by the back injury earlier in the year training camp, adding it had been “pretty bad” before “flaring up” again recently. Daniel Faalele (Baltimore Ravens – offensive lineman) The Ravens’ fourth-rounder from 2022 showed promise in Baltimore’s key Monday Night Football victory over the LA Chargers, clearing the way for multiple big runs to help Baltimore establish a winning lead in the second half. The most notable? Clearing the way for bulldozing Baltimore running back Derrick Henry to pick up 27 yards on a 4th-and-1 scamper late in the third quarter. Faalele, the right guard, pulled left to open a big lane for Henry to pick up key yardage and move the chains. A pivotal moment in the game with the Ravens leading just 17-16, the crucial conversion — while still in their own territory — was later capped by a Lamar Jackson touchdown pass early in the fourth to open up a seven-point lead. The athleticism of the former University of Minnesota lineman is one of his best traits — once he gets out in open space, there isn’t a lot that smaller defensive backs can do to stop him in his tracks. And combined with the fact the ball is usually in the hands of Henry or Jackson; it’s a recipe for disaster for opposition defences. The progress of the Melbourne product hasn’t been lost on viewers, including former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, who in early November praised Faalele’s footwork after the Ravens bested division rivals Cincinnati. “He is fun to watch. He’s as big a right guard as you will see. He’s moving his feet better and Lamar Jackson’s had a lot of time to throw, and a lot of that is because Faalele is moving his feet better,” Gruden said . Michael D ickson (Seattle Seahawks – punter) It was a dour affair between Seattle and Arizona but that meant Michael Dickson’s booming punts were all the more important in flipping field position and giving the Seahawks the advantage. Dickson pinned the Cardinals behind the 20-yard line four times on Monday, downing them at the three, six, nine and 20-yard line. Going into the game, Dickson’s 48.1 yard punt average ranked second in NFL history. Monday’s win was Seattle’s second-straight after dropping two in a row against the Bills and the Rams. Dickson averaged 61.3 yards in the blowout loss to Buffalo while his leg helped keep Seattle in the game against Los Angeles before a Demarcus Robinson touchdown sealed an overtime win for the Rams. Dickson averaged 47.2 yards per punt in that game.
British lawmakers voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday in favour of plans to introduce some of the world’s strictest anti-smoking rules, giving the green light for the bill to progress to the next parliamentary stage. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to make vapes less appealing and would ensure anyone aged 15 this year, or younger would be banned from ever buying cigarettes. After a lengthy debate in the parliament’s House of Commons, a total of 415 lawmakers voted in favour of the bill while 47 voted against it. It would ban vape advertising and the sale of vapes in vending machines, as well as restricting vape packaging and flavours that overtly appeal to children and young people, such as bubble gum and cotton candy. “The number of children vaping is growing at an alarming rate and without urgent intervention, we’re going to have a generation of children with long-term addiction,” Labour Health Secretary Wes Streeting said. The previous Conservative government announced similar measures to create the first smoke-free generation. However, those plans failed to become law before the general election in the summer. “Whatever our views on this bill are, it is a bold legislation of good intention,” Caroline Johnson, the Conservative shadow minister for health, told parliament ahead of the vote. “It’s not clear whether it will work but we have to all hope ... that it does.” There was some criticism of the bill, including concerns around its impact on civil liberties. Conservative lawmaker Robert Jenrick said on X that he voted against it, adding: “Educate more, ban less. Say no to the nanny state.” The bill will now go to the committee stage ahead of the third reading in the House of Commons. It will then move to the House of Lords before receiving the “Royal Assent” – a formality that does not involve further debate. Subject to consultation, the new bill would give the government powers to extend the indoor smoking ban to specific outdoor spaces, such as children’s playgrounds and outside schools and hospitals. Britain banned smoking in almost all enclosed public spaces, including bars and workplaces, in 2007. The government previously abandoned plans for a ban on smoking outside pubs and cafes after concerns were raised about the impact on the hospitality industry. The bill would introduce a licensing scheme for retailers to sell tobacco, vape and nicotine products, and fines of £200 ($251.04) to retailers found to be selling these products to people underage. Expanding the use of standardised packaging to all tobacco products will also be explored. “Tobacco still causes around 160 cancer cases every day in the UK,” said Ian Walker, executive director of policy at Cancer Research UK. “But with strong political will and bold action, these staggering numbers can be turned around.”
Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah start a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fighting
WASHINGTON (AP) – United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump said that the US military should stay out of the fast-escalating conflict in Syria, where a dramatic rebel offensive reached the capital. “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT,” Trump declared on social media. As world leaders watched the stunning rebel advance, with its potential to alter the balance of power in the Middle East, US President Joe Biden’s national security adviser separately stressed that the Biden administration had no intention of intervening. “The US is not going to ... militarily dive into the middle of a Syrian civil war,” Jake Sullivan told an audience in California. Insurgents’ stunning march across Syria appeared to reach its goal hours after both men spoke, with rebels entering Damascus after claiming many of the country’s other major cities within roughly 10 days. The head of a Syrian opposition war monitor said early yesterday that Assad left the country for an undisclosed location. Trump’s comments on the dramatic rebel push were his first since Syrian rebels launched their advance late last month. They came while he was in Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral. In his post, Trump said Assad did not deserve US support to stay in power. The insurgents are led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which the US has designated as a terrorist group and says has links to al-Qaeda, although the group has since broken ties with al-Qaeda. “None of them are prepared to provide the kind of support to Assad that they provided in the past,” he later added. The US has about 900 troops in Syria. Head of US Special Operations Command General Bryan Fenton said he would not want to speculate on how the upheaval in Syria would affect the US military’s footprint in the country. “It’s still too early to tell,” he said. Syrian opposition activists and regional officials have been watching closely for any indication from the incoming Trump administration on how the US would respond to the rebel advances against Assad.The cryptocurrency world is buzzing with excitement as Lightchain AI (LCAI) achieves a major milestone, successfully selling out its 9th presale stage . Raising $5.7 million, the project has demonstrated unparalleled demand from investors, solidifying its position as one of the most anticipated tokens of the year. With its innovative features, including a roadmap geared toward global adoption and ecosystem expansion, Lightchain AI is rapidly becoming a beacon of growth in the blockchain industry. Lightchain AI’s Strong Community and Investor Trust Lightchain AI stands out for its ability to cultivate a strong community that believes in its long-term vision. This ain't just a token; it’s a project based on the ideas of openness, inclusion, and fairness. By getting developers, businesses and single investors involved Ligh͏tchain AI has made a shared system aimed at working together and group progress. The $5.7 million collected in the ninth presale stage shows the trust of investors who see the token's special mix of new ideas and useful worth. This money will be smartly used to help builders and early users, creating a world system made to help all people involved. The Role of Lightchain AI in Driving Blockchain Adoption Lightchain AI focuses on bringing blockchain technology into industries that have struggled with adoption due to complexity or inefficiency. By offering simplified onboarding for enterprises and customized deployment options, Lightchain AI positions itself as a practical solution for businesses exploring blockchain integration. Moreover, its emphasis on democratizing AI development means businesses can access cutting-edge tools without the need for centralized oversight. This approach ensures inclusivity and broadens the token’s market appeal. It’s this capacity to deliver customized, enterprise-grade solutions that keeps the Lightchain AI presale in high demand. What’s Next for Lightchain AI? With the 9th presale stage successfully sold out, Lightchain AI is preparing to enter its 10th stage, which promises even greater opportunities for early adopters. As the project moves toward its mainnet launch, it is focusing on building out its developer portal and forging key partnerships with industry leaders. Future plans include onboarding validator nodes to enhance decentralization, creating incentive programs for community contributions, and expanding its market presence across global industries. Unlike many presale tokens , Lightchain AI has a clear and actionable roadmap designed for long-term sustainability and global adoption. The project’s successful 9th presale stage is just the beginning of an exciting journey toward mainstream blockchain adoption. Join the Lightchain AI community today and be a part of this groundbreaking movement. https://lightchain.ai https://lightchain.ai/lightchain-whitepaper.pdf https://x.com/LightchainAI https://t.me/LightchainProtocol Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.The Sausalito City Council has approved a series of energy conservation measures for some city-owned buildings in a move expected to save millions of dollars. The initial investment will cost the city $1.9 million, which includes design and construction. Sausalito is looking to modernize utilities such as heating, water and lighting to increase efficiency and reduce costs while also lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It hired energy consultant Climatec to assess its facilities. Climatec representatives recommended upgrading streetlights, park lights and interior and exterior building lights to LED; adding solar energy panels at the MLK campus and police building; installing electric vehicle chargers at the police station; automating buildings; and adding a new heating a cooling system at the old city hall building at 729 Bridgeway. Upgrades to the MLK campus, a property of six buildings leased by the city, are expected to cost $986,000. Police station improvements are estimated at $429,000. Tyler Girtman, a regional manager at Climatec, said the objective was to get back to basics while protecting against fluctuating utility costs. He said if the city keeps the status quo, with an average cost increase of 10.2% per year, it could spend $80.5 million in energy costs over the next 30 years. “For the base phase, what it really boiled down to is looking at the fundamental elements of energy efficiency-type projects,” Girtman said. In June, the company recommended a list of actions estimated to cost $5.7 million. After discussions with staff, the list was narrowed based on funding and need, Girtman said. The effort is expected to save Sausalito between $3.1 million and $6.9 million over the project lifecycle, which is 15 years for energy efficiency systems and 30 years for renewable energy systems, Girtman said. In the first five years alone, the city could save $770,000. The council’s approval makes the city eligible to receive $304,000 in federal and local funding to install solar technology and electric vehicle chargers. Some upgrades are reimbursable through the Inflation Reduction Act and utility providers. Vice Mayor Joan Cox pointed out that most solar panels have to be replaced every 20 years, and asked if the 30-year life cycle estimate accounts for the replacement cost. Girtman said the technology has advanced greatly in the past decade. The solar panels the firm would use have a warranty of 30 years. Councilmember Janelle Kellman asked if the city had any electric police vehicles. Staff confirmed it did not, and Kellman asked the reason for placing electric vehicle chargers at the police station instead of the MLK campus. She said it seemed like a waste of resources. “I just want to be cautious about solving a problem we don’t have yet,” Kellman said. Girtman said the council previously directed the consultant to focus on the police building. Other upgrades include a new Wi-Fi system relating to two city-owned parking lots. Mark Palmer, chair of the city’s sustainability commission, spoke in favor of the project. He said it is a major step forward on the city’s climate plan, low-emissions plan, general plan and strategic plan. “So Sausalito receives important and overdue upgrades to our municipal facilities, which then act as a hedge on future utility costs volatility,” Palmer said. “As utility costs rise, so does the city’s return on investment.” The firm hopes to begin implementing the upgrades in January.QuantumScape (NYSE:QS) Shares Down 2.9% Following Insider Selling
Man City crisis continues as Feyenoord come from three down to drawBryce 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 Media
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