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How Albanian drug barons are making a mockery of Britain’s immigration system by sneaking back despite being deportedLOS ANGELES — Long Beach State women’s basketball is a little sister and UCLA is a big sister, according to Beach coach Amy Wright. “It’s OK to be little sister as long as we’re still in the same family,” she said. “We’ve gotta take care of each other and I think that’s one thing that women’s basketball does. It takes care of each other.” Long Beach State is entering Saturday’s 2 p.m. nonconference matchup against No. 1 UCLA as a sizable underdog, but there was a point in history when the roles were reversed. Long Beach State had a 13-game win streak against the Bruins from Feb. 18, 1981, to Dec. 3, 1987. UCLA head coach Cori Close saw Long Beach State’s prime first-hand when she played against the Beach, who were then the 49ers, when Close was at UC Santa Barbara in the early 1990s. “It wasn’t UCLA and USC leading national basketball at that time – it was Long Beach State,” Close told reporters Friday. “They deserve their due because in a lot of ways, they raised the bar for women’s basketball that then brought other schools like UCLA along,” she continued. “And so they have a really important place in our history and growth. They have a lot to be proud of in their legacy that they walk in.” UCLA (9-0, 1-0 Big Ten) has multiple California teams on its schedule this season in Pepperdine, Fresno State, Long Beach State, Cal Poly and, of course, USC. Long Beach State pushes to have at least two Power Five conference opponents on its nonconference schedule each season and last year hosted USC. Saturday will mark the 35th meeting for Long Beach State (5-3 overall, 2-0 in Big West) and UCLA but the first of the 2020s. Wright said more than 3,000 tickets have been sold for the game at the Walter Pyramid, which seats roughly 4,000 people. “It’s great to have them back,” Wright said. “It’s huge in terms of bringing women’s basketball back to the Pyramid. Bringing in a big name – UCLA – to the Pyramid.” Bruins guard Kiki Rice went to the Pyramid to watch the UCLA men’s volleyball team’s national championship victory against the Beach in May, but it will be her first time playing there. “It was a great atmosphere,” Rice said. “It was volleyball, so a different sport, but I remember being a very cool place to be in and the energy was like – it was really loud. It was rocking.” Long Beach State has a group of loyal fans that even attends the away games. The loud, intimate atmosphere could work in the Beach’s favor as it will go for a gritty, hard-nosed approach against UCLA’s top-notch talent. That’s an attitude the Bruins have been revisiting as well. The coaching staff has been pushing rebounding and Close had even told her players during Friday’s practice that mistakes related to rebounding could get them pulled from the game. UCLA ranks fourth nationally in rebounding with 46.3 per game but was outworked by Washington on the boards in its Big Ten Conference debut. The Huskies pulled down 32 rebounds to the Bruins’ 30. “We played against Washington like we wanted to be the pretty team instead of the gritty team and that is unacceptable,” Close said of the Bruins’ 73-62 victory Dec. 8. “That’s playing to our talent and that is the floor. We have talent, everybody knows that. What is your character? How hard do you push? How much are you willing to grow? How gritty are you willing to be? That’s all I care about and I want it from every single person that puts a jersey on.” Long Beach State is led by Big West Conference Player of the Week Savannah Tucker, who is averaging 15.5 points per game. The 5-foot-9 senior from Fresno is ready for a physical game with lots of bodies on Bruins 6-foot-7 center Lauren Betts. While Long Beach State doesn’t have a player taller than 6-foot-3 on its roster, it has battled against a 6-foot-6 player on its all-male practice squad, which has helped the team prepare. “Just staying down and being tough,” Tucker said. “At the end of the day, we all play the same basketball, so I think that’s continuing to have that competitiveness. You’ve gotta be rough with them. You’ve gotta meet them so they don’t bury us.” Tucker added that many of the players on both teams have seen each other or played against each other while growing up. Individual connections will be brought together again as history continues to be written for both programs. “It’s a great opportunity to get a lot of Southern California fans involved,” Tucker said. “At the end of the day, everyone is here to support women’s basketball.” UCLA (9-0) at Long Beach State (5-3) When: 2 p.m. Saturday Where: Walter Pyramid TV/radio: ESPN+/UCLA Digital RadioASPI crosses 15,000 mark
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tua Tagovailoa's teammates have used words like “commanding” and “lights out” to describe the way he has played recently. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tua Tagovailoa's teammates have used words like “commanding” and “lights out” to describe the way he has played recently. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tua Tagovailoa’s teammates have used words like “commanding” and “lights out” to describe the way he has played recently. The quarterback has had one of the best stretches of his career since he returned from a concussion in Week 8, keeping alive the playoff hopes for the Miami Dolphins. Tagovailoa threw for 331 yards and two touchdowns — including the winning TD in overtime — to lead Miami to the victory against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets on Sunday. With the win, the Dolphins (6-7) have the same record as Indianapolis, and they two games back of Denver (8-5) for the final AFC wild card. “I don’t think two years ago this game occurs,” coach Mike McDaniel said Sunday of Tagovailoa. “He continues to get better. ... It’s a lot of work, and all of his work is paying off because he’s a naturally gifted quarterback, not only the skill sets but people gravitate towards him. He makes people better. That’s an incredibly important part of that position.” After an up-close look at the way Tagovailoa operates Miami’s offense by throwing with anticipation, Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich called him one of the fastest processors in the NFL. Tagovailoa’s teammates had just as much praise about his impact. “He’s been playing lights out. He’s been a great leader for this team, not only on offense but also for defense, getting those guys going,” wide receiver Tyreek Hill said. “We’ve just got to follow him, man, like follow his standard because the standard is the standard, and he’s been playing at a high level and guys around him just got to match it.” The numbers back up Hill’s words: Sunday was Tagovailoa’s third straight 300-yard passing performance, joining Dan Marino as the only quarterbacks in Dolphins history to record three consecutive games with that many yards. Tagovailoa entered Sunday’s game with a league-best 74.5% completion rate. He recorded his seventh straight game with a completion rate of 70% or better, tying the third-longest streak in NFL history. Going back to Week 10 against the Rams, Tagovailoa has attempted 184 passes without throwing an interception, which is the second-longest streak in his career, and he has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 34 of his last 35 games. He was 6 for 7 for 67 yards on the Dolphins’ winning touchdown drive Sunday, which he capped with a 10-yard throw to tight end Jonnu Smith. “He was commanding,” receiver Jaylen Waddle said. “He really made sure we didn’t kill ourselves with penalties. He wanted everybody to lock in and just hone in on the details. That’s was big. He came through, made big plays, was calm in the pocket, o-line had great protection, he delivered the ball.” What’s working A big part of Tagovailoa’s growth has been his ability to not force plays down the field that aren’t there. Unlike earlier in his career, he is much more willing to take checkdowns or dump the ball off to running back De’Von Achane or the tight end Smith, who have been excellent this season at gaining yards after the catch. What needs help Third down continues to pose problems for the Dolphins. Miami converted just 1 of 9 third-down attempts and are 9 of 35 on third downs in its last three games. Stock up Receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Hill had his first 100-yard receiving game since the opener with 115 yards on 10 catches. With his 4-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, Hill has a TD catch in four of the past five games. Waddle caught nine passes for 99 yards that gave him 4,085 in his career — the most in a player’s first four seasons in Dolphins history. Stock down The secondary, which allowed a combined 223 yards by Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams and 339 yards passing from Aaron Rodgers. It was just the second time this season that Miami’s defense has allowed more than 300 yards passing. There were also several instances of miscommunication in the secondary. Injuries LT Terron Armstead was limited to just five snaps because of a knee injury that he’s been dealing with for weeks. Armstead was visibly frustrated when he came out of the game and was replaced by rookie Patrick Paul. ... LB Anthony Walker Jr. appeared to re-aggravate a hamstring injury that happened last week. Key number Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 0 — The number of times Tagovailoa was hit Sunday on 47 pass attempts. Next steps Three of Miami’s final four games are on the road, starting at Houston on Sunday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Advertisement AdvertisementUkraine Completes Testing Phase For Fiber-Optic Drones
USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. The made their second goaltending trade in less than two weeks, shipping out No. 1 netminder Alexandar Georgiev to the for Mackenzie Blackwood. The contending Avalanche have the fourth-worst goals-against average by team in the NHL. They had on Nov. 30, acquiring backup goaltender Scott Wedgewood from the for backup Justus Annunen. The Avalanche also get forward Givani Smith and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick in the deal with San Jose. Forward Nikolai Kovalenko, a conditional 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 second-rounder head to the Sharks. Goergiev had a 4.62 goals-against average in October, and though he improved in November, he was pulled in a Dec. 3 start after giving up four goals on 12 shots. Colorado rallied to win that game. Blackwood, meanwhile, made 49 saves in his last start. He has a .904 save percentage compared to .874 for Georgiev, who rebounded with a win in his last start. The Avalanche have a powerful offense but their early goaltending woes have cost them in the . The 2022 Stanley Cup champions entered the week in the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Both goalies will be unrestricted free agents at season's end. The rebuilding Sharks have prospect Yaroslav Askarov waiting in the pipeline after acquiring him in the offseason. Colorado will retain 14% of Georgiev’s contract. Conditions for Colorado’s 2025 fifth-round pick: Colorado will instead transfer the worse of their current fourth-round picks in 2025 (Colorado’s own or Vancouver’s selection) if at least two of the conditions are met: Colorado reaches the third round of the playoffs. Blackwood wins 25 regular-season games from the date of the trade to the end of the 2024-25 regular season. Blackwood starts 30 regular-season games from the date of the trade to the end of the 2024-25 regular season. . .
HAS Deadline: HAS Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K Have Opportunity to Lead Hasbro, Inc. Securities Fraud Lawsuit
NEW YORK , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Girl Scouts of the USA has received a $30 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help more girls across the country build confidence, understand their worth, and strengthen character traits that will help them thrive. Expanding character development programs and increasing the number of girls who have access to them is being made possible through Character Development Through Youth Programs, a Lilly Endowment initiative designed to help youth-serving organizations create, test, implement and sustain strategies that support character development in the young people they serve in chapters and affiliates throughout the nation. Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is one of eight organizations being funded through the initiative. Through its 111 Girl Scout councils and USA Girl Scouts Overseas, Girl Scouts offers a fun and safe environment where girls gain the skills necessary to navigate life with purpose and joy, explore their interests, discover their strengths, and grow in character. GSUSA's grant-funded efforts include improving access to Girl Scouts, removing barriers to participation, and supporting the cultural competency needed to serve all girls equitably. Through a variety of experiences and leadership development programming, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves and strengthen their own personal character development. "We are grateful for Lilly Endowment's generosity and the commitment to helping Girl Scouts amplify our character-building programs to further our reach and impact across the country," said Bonnie Barczykowski , CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. "This support will help us accelerate and deliver on our mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place." "From the earliest days of its grantmaking, the Endowment has supported projects to encourage character development, especially among young people," said Ted Maple , the Endowment's vice president for education and youth programs. "We are heartened by the thoughtful and strategic approaches these youth-serving organizations are taking to support children and youth in developing character traits that will be important for them in their future roles as individuals, family members and citizens." About Lilly Endowment Inc. Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis -based, private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although gifts of stock remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. The Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. About Girl Scouts of the USA Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. Join us , volunteer , reconnect , or donate. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/girl-scouts-receives-30m-grant-from-lilly-endowment-inc-to-support-character-development-initiatives-that-will-help-girls-thrive-302326625.html SOURCE GIRL SCOUTS OF THE U.S.A.
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Serve Robotics Inc. (Nasdaq: SERV), a leading embodied AI and automation company, today announced the appointment of Lily Sarafan to its Board of Directors (the "Board"). Sarafan is an accomplished leader with nearly 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship, executive leadership and board governance. She is co-founder and former chief executive of TheKey, one of the largest and most trusted in-home care provider networks, where she serves as executive chair. Sarafan currently serves on the boards of Instacart, Thumbtack and Kyo as well as on the board of trustees of Stanford University. She has been recognized as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year, a Fortune 40 Under 40, Women Health Care Executives' Woman of the Year, and a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute. Sarafan holds an M.S. in Management Science and Engineering and a B.S. in Science, Technology, and Society from Stanford University. “We look forward to welcoming Lily as an independent member of the Board. Her extensive leadership experience, particularly in home services and on-demand delivery, will be invaluable as Serve continues to expand our market presence and shape the future of delivery and automation,” said Ali Kashani, Chairman of Serve’s Board . About Serve Robotics Serve Robotics develops advanced, AI-powered, low-emissions sidewalk delivery robots that endeavor to make delivery sustainable and economical. Spun off from Uber in 2021 as an independent company, Serve has completed tens of thousands of deliveries for enterprise partners such as Uber Eats and 7-Eleven. Serve has scalable multi-year contracts, including a signed agreement to deploy up to 2,000 delivery robots on the Uber Eats platform across multiple U.S. markets. For further information about Serve Robotics (Nasdaq:SERV), please visit www.serverobotics.com or follow us on social media via X (Twitter) , Instagram , or LinkedIn @serverobotics. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Serve intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements can be about future events, including statements regarding Serve's intentions, objectives, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events, including Serve's expectations with respect to the financial and operating performance of its business, its capital position, and future growth. The words "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "project", "predict", "will", "forecast", "estimate", "likely", "intend", "outlook", "should", "could", "may", "target", "plan" and other similar expressions can generally be used to identify forward-looking statements. Indications of, and guidance or outlook on, future earnings or financial position or performance are also forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management's current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include those risks and uncertainties set forth in Serve's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and in its subsequent filings filed with the SEC. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Serve undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made. Contacts Media Aduke Thelwell, Head of Communications & Investor Relations Serve Robotics press@serverobotics.com Investor Relations investor.relations@serverobotics.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bdd098f8-8c80-462f-bc1b-c1f2095ed307U.S. Sanctions Georgia's Ivanishvili For 'Undermining' Democracy
Suffice it to say that 2024 has been a banner year for animation, with next year looking to do the impossible by raising the bar to blisteringly new heights. As with any year, there are peaks, valleys, and a healthy supply of scenic views to be had in between. With that frame of mind, here’s a progress report on the highlights, lowlights, and trends from animated shows and movies in 2024. Highlights Inarguably, animated projects that seemingly set the year ablaze (affectionate) were the herculean efforts of Arcane , Dan Da Dan , and Look Back . The final season of Arcane , Riot Games and Fortiche’s Emmy-winning League of Legends series, underscored Netflix’s exclusive animated output and proved once again that video game adaptations are far from a dead-on-arrival creative venture. Despite the frenzy around Arcane ‘s budget being vastly overstated , the fruits of its animators’ labor spit in the face of any bigwig executive touting AI as the future of animation. Likewise, the meteoric rise of Science Saru’s Dan Da Dan was so hard to deny that Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu jointly simulcast the anime throughout the fall season—a rare phenomenon that’s only happened a handful of times before with anime like Chainsaw Man and Zom 100: Bucketlist of the Dead . Despite the orange streamer’s reservations about promoting the show , the shared broadcast of the anime proved to be a big-brained move, considering Dan Da Dan was consistently the de facto anime to watch this fall, adapting creator Yukinobu Tatsu’s ongoing manga with unprecedented levels of artistry. Whether you’re creative or not, Studio Durian’s feature anime film of Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto’s one-shot, Look Back , was a much-needed reminder of why art and the pursuit of it are as painful as they are inspiring. Moreover, the film was so highly sought after, given fears it would never come to North American cinema, that it went on to overperform , get an extended release , and stream on Prime Video in quick succession . If that’s not a testament to the power of animation in 2024, we don’t know what is. Consistent bangers Like the final leg in a relay race, ongoing anime has been holding down the fort for anime fans worldwide. Key among them are series like One Piece , Bleach: Thousand-Year War , and the newest series in the late Akira Toriyama ‘s long-running shonen anime series, Dragon Ball Daima . While the aforementioned shonen shows have tenure in the anime community, new-age anime like Oshi no Ko and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End have become a staple in the zeitgeist as an exciting new direction for the genre. Their explorations of the entertainment industry’s dark side and how life presses on after a sprawling adventure have been remarkable to see continue into 2024; we’ll be looking for them to keep raising the bar in the coming years. Likewise, the output in the West with Disney and Pixar films like Moana 2 and Inside Out 2 has proven that even sequels that might seem rote upon first blush can still astound audiences. DreamWorks also came to play in a big way with a surprise: the emotional rollercoaster, The Wild Robot . Lowlights Despite the hype, 2024 also had its fair share of stinkers. Key among them were Adult Swim’s adaptation of Junji Ito’s magnum opus, Uzumaki , and the second season of the ultra-competitive Blue Lock anime. While 2024 had its fair share of forgettable projects, their own petard hoisted the hype for these titles above, to borrow a phrase from Bill Shakespeare. While it is easy for fans to blame shows for being poor in quality, it is essential to acknowledge that the actual reason behind the shortcomings of highly anticipated shows is the unrealistic timetables imposed on animators by higher-ups . These conditions force animators to complete a show under immense pressure , leading to disappointing results for fans and crunch for workers . Hopefully, next year will see more animators receiving the respect they deserve and fewer ceiling-less monopolies of the space . It would also be remiss not to mention the massive anime leaks this fall as another glaring lowlight of the year. Thankfully, the online community banded together to help cease the spread of hotly anticipated shows, trying to prevent ruining the fun for their fellow fans and animators who poured all their talent into their official release. A big year for fantasy In a refreshing change of pace, this year saw animation return to form, putting out stellar fantasy anime that wasn’t the derivative isekai and reborn series that have oversaturated the space for the past decade. Leading the charge in the renaissance of fantasy anime were studio Madhouse’s Frieren and Trigger’s Delicious in Dungeon . Returning fantasy series like Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation , Re:Zero , and Konosuba concluded the year by reminding fans of the high quality that the best of the genre still has to offer. Remakes galore Hollywood isn’t the only industry that discovered the novelty in making something that was once old new again to a new generation of fans. Globally, animation has been riding that wave for quite some time. However, no group of remakes has come quite close to the level of acclaim that mangaka Rumiko Takahashi’s Urusei Yatsura and Ranma 1/2 have. Aside from continuing the long-held belief that female mangaka has the sauce, these particular remakes have demonstrated the versatility of animation studios like JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure ‘s David Production and Jujutsu Kaisen ‘s Mappa whenever they’re not tasked with adapting shonen that takes itself too seriously. They’re funny and cute, and I want more remakes of Takahashi’s works now. The end is nigh The elephant in the room of 2024 was the reality that many of anime’s marquee shonen series, such as My Hero Academia , Demon Slayer , and Jujutsu Kaisen , are winding down to their final curtain call. While JJK will have more time on the clock before it reaches the final page of its manga that concluded in September , My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer ‘s ends are closer in view. In typical Utotable fashion, Demon Slayer ‘s finale will be a film trilogy, while My Hero Academia ‘s final season is set to premiere sometime next year. These shows coming to an end is notable not only for its undeniable influence on the anime community as the new wave of shonen—their end also comes with the excitement of what new shows will define the next generation of anime. Testing the waters As mentioned above, this year saw a new wave of animated projects that boldly enriched the medium with unique tales that innovated beyond cliches and trends from past generations. To not double this already lengthy report card’s length, here’s a short list of more shows we felt brought something new and worthwhile to 2024: If you passed any of these up, be sure to give them a watch over the holiday break and nod in approval of our artistic taste and the thrilling artistry on display from the media above. All this to say, 2024 was an exciting year for animation, and 2025 looks to raise the stakes even higher with exciting new TV shows, continuations, and films. If we were remiss in not mentioning an animated show or movie that you think deserves to be acknowledged, we encourage you to enroll—as it were—and put your fellow animation connoisseurs on to some good shit before we feast on even more animation in 2025.The Onion's bid to buy Infowars goes before judge as Alex Jones tries stopping sale The Onion's bid to buy conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' Infowars has returned to a Texas courtroom. A federal judge in Houston is hearing arguments Monday on whether a bankruptcy auction was run properly as Jones alleges collusion and fraud. The hearing is expected to continue into Tuesday. The Onion satirical news outlet was named the winning bidder last month over a company affiliated with Jones. The auction was held to help pay nearly $1.5 billion in defamation judgments that Jones was ordered to pay families of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The families won lawsuits against Jones for calling the shooting a hoax. Juan Soto agrees to record $765 million, 15-year contract with Mets, AP source says DALLAS (AP) — A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that star outfielder Juan Soto and the New York Mets have agreed to a record $765 million, 15-year contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement, first reported by the New York Post, was subject to a successful physical. Soto’s deal is the largest and longest in Major League Baseball history, topping Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Fernando Tatis Jr.’s $340 million, 14-year contract with San Diego. Soto's deal does not include deferred money, the person said. TikTok asks federal appeals court to bar enforcement of potential ban until Supreme Court review TikTok on Monday asked a federal appeals court to bar the Biden administration from enforcing a law that could lead to a ban on the popular platform until the Supreme Court reviews the case. The legal filing was made after a panel of judges on the same court sided with the government last week and ruled that the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban as soon as next month, was constitutional. If the law is not overturned, both TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have said the popular app will shut down by mid-January. Pinheiro Braathen performs snow samba to celebrate Brazil's first podium in a World Cup ski race It’s not just soccer anymore. Brazil is finding World Cup success in skiing now too. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen became the first Brazilian skier to finish on a World Cup podium when he placed second in a giant slalom in Beaver Creek, Colorado, on Sunday. Pinheiro Braathen celebrated the achievement in truly Brazilian style: with a samba dance on the podium, the Brazilian flag wrapped around his waist and cowboy boots on his feet. Pinheiro Braathen’s mother is Brazilian and his father is Norwegian. He raced for Norway until switching his nationality for this season. The end of an Eras tour approaches, marking a bittersweet moment for Taylor Swift fans NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The global phenomenon that is Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is coming to an end after the popstar performed more than 150 shows across five continents over nearly two years. Since launching the tour in 2023, Swift has shattered sales and attendance records. It's even created such an economic boom that the Federal Reserve took note. But for many who attended the concerts, and the millions more who eagerly watched on their screens, the tour also became a beacon of joy. It's become a chance not only to appreciate Swift’s expansive music career, but also celebrate the yearslong journey fans have taken with her. College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs, losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama of the SEC but one fewer loss. The inaugural 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta. Dave Parker and Dick Allen elected to baseball's Hall of Fame DALLAS (AP) — Dave Parker and Dick Allen have been elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame by the classic era committee. Parker received 14 of 16 votes and Allen got 13. A vote of 75% or more was needed for election. They will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 27 along with players voted in by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, whose balloting will be announced on Jan. 21. ‘Moana 2’ cruises to another record weekend and $600 million globally “Moana 2” remains at the top of the box office in its second weekend in theaters as it pulled in another record haul. According to studio estimates Sunday, the animated Disney film added $52 million, bringing its domestic total to $300 million. That surpasses the take for the original “Moana” and brings the sequel's global tally to a staggering $600 million. It also puts the film in this year's top five at the box office. “Wicked” came in second place for the weekend with $34.9 million and “Gladiator II” was third with $12.5 million. The 10th anniversary re-release of Christopher Nolan's “Interstellar” also earned an impressive $4.4 million even though it played in only 165 theaters. Hemingway look-alikes visit Cuba and some of the late writer's favorite places HAVANA (AP) — Eighteen white-bearded men who resemble the late U.S. author Ernest Hemingway have arrived in Havana for the weekend to visit some of the his favorite places when he lived on the island decades ago. Members of the Hemingway Look-alike Society visited the author’s favorite bar in Havana, La Floridita, where the music immediately picked up, and tourists and locals gathered around to take photos. The visit comes as Cuba and the United States are in the midst of tense relations. Hemingway lived in Cuba from 1939 to 1960. 'Reindeer' volunteers bring holiday magic to Ukrainian children living on the frontlines IZIUM, Ukraine (AP) — A volunteer group is trying to fulfill the holiday dreams of thousands of children living near the frontlines in Ukraine. The St. Nicholas’ Reindeers initiative publishes letters online detailing the children's wishes. Some ask for gifts, such as a bicycle or a pet mouse, alongside more complicated requests for their family members to be released from captivity or to be able to return to their homes. Donors fulfill the gift requests and volunteer “reindeers,” named for the magical beasts that pull Santa's sleigh, deliver them in the weeks following Dec. 6, when Ukraine celebrates St. Nicholas Day. Project co-founder Inna Achkasova says the reindeer volunteers aim to ensure that every child feels seen, heard and loved.
Drivers are learning how Google Maps can help avoid £100 fine( MENAFN - Newsfile Corp) Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2024) - Impact Development Group Inc. ( TSXV: IMPT ) (" Impact ", or the " Company "), a leading Panamanian developer of affordable housing solutions, would like to provide updates on its activities in the Republic of Panama in connection with the Housing Solidarity Subsidy (the " Program ") which governs subsidies issued in connection with homes built for social interest purposes. On July 1st, 2024 the Ministry of Housing and Land Management (" MIVIOT ") commenced a comprehensive review of the Program and other subsidies issued in connection with homes built for social interest purposes. MIVIOT has since paused the approval of subsidies in connection with the building and delivery of new homes, and the Program has lapsed effective June 30, 2024. Since August, MIVIOT has maintained a working group with housing developers across the country, generating several proposals for alternatives to the Program, all of which remain under review and have not yet been implemented. There has been no indication from the government of Panama that the Program will be resumed. MIVIOT is currently continuing to honor payments for homes that received certification pursuant to the Program prior to June 30, 2024. As of the date of this news release, the Company has a total of 125 homes that are pending subsidy payments or certification under the Program and 171 homes in inventory, either completed or under construction, that have not yet received MIVIOT subsidy certification under the Program. It is unclear if 171 of those homes will ever receive MIVIOT certification to receive subsidies pursuant to the Program. Given the current circumstances, the Company has been evaluating its strategic objectives as they relate to its operations in Panama to focus on the delivery of existing inventory, pause all new development, and consider opportunities to diversify the Company's business. In alignment with this proposed strategy, the Company recently completed the acquisition of Fusion Software, LLC (" Fusion Software "), a leading US-based platform for managing low-income housing tax credit portfolios for housing developers, syndicators and investors. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Impact's commitment to affordable housing solutions and expands the Company's capabilities in other markets. For further details regarding the acquisition of Fusion Software, please see the Company's news release dated October 25, 2024. To continue growing and diversifying the business, the Company is evaluating initiatives peripheral to building affordable homes under the Program. This includes evaluating options to expand into new residential or commercial development activities outside of the Program. Any new initiative pursued by Impact will seek to leverage its core competencies developed over the 11 years of its operational success in Panama. Other strategies currently under evaluation by the Company's management include geographic expansion to adjacent markets with similar programs and the diversification into new technology-enabled revenue streams in affordable housing. Any material change to the business following the conclusion of the Company's evaluations will be conducted in accordance with applicable securities laws and regulations of the TSX Venture Exchange. ABOUT IMPACT Impact is a Panamanian based real estate developer that provides affordable housing solutions to Panama's growing middle-class and has historically been supported by longstanding subsidized government programs in Panama. The vision of the Company is effectuated by a vertically integrated model which coordinates all services necessary to develop high-quality residential and commercial buildings, including land acquisition, financing, architectural, engineering, off-site manufacturing, general contracting, property management, and administration. Impact also operates, through its subsidiary, Fusion Software LLC, an innovative software platform designed to streamline the administration of low-income housing tax credits for asset managers, developers and syndicators. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information, please contact: Tom Wenz, Director and CEO Phone: + 1 (702) 329-8038 Email: ... FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" that reflect the Company's current expectations and projections about its future results. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Company's business activities in Panama; the Company's plans to continue growing and diversifying the business; the Company's 125 homes pending disbursement of the subsidy or approvals from the Program; and the Company's plans to evaluate its business in light of the recent changes to the Program. The forward-looking statements, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the Company being able to carry out its business plan as contemplated; the Company's ability to grow and diversify its business; the Company's 125 homes pending receipt of disbursements of subsidies or approvals under the Program; and the Company's plans to evaluate its business in light of recent changes to the Program. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, they can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. Risks and uncertainties exist that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied in the forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others: the limited business history of the Company; the Company's reliance on key management; risks related to the Company's growth strategy, including that previous and future acquisitions do not meet expectations or potential acquisitions cannot be completed; the Company's 125 homes not receiving disbursements of subsidies or approvals under the Program; the business of the Company being subject to broader economic and political factors, including but not limited to decisions made by the government of Panama; disruptions or changes in the credit or security markets; financial results of the Company's operations; unanticipated costs and expenses; and general market and industry conditions. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit SOURCE: Impact Development Group Inc. MENAFN13122024004218003983ID1108991791 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
CNBC's Jim Cramer said that stocks related to oil and natural gas will thrive under President-elect Donald Trump. Trump has shown more favor to the industry than President Joe Biden, and Cramer noted that an oil executive has been tapped to lead the Department of Energy. "If you want a sustainable Trump trade, I say bet on the natural gas ecosystem," he said. CNBC's Jim Cramer on Friday said companies related to natural gas and oil will thrive under President-elect Donald Trump's administration and a majority Republican Congress. "We're hearing about all sorts of Trump trades right now, and many of these things have made insane moves in less than three weeks, to the point where, actually, they're feeling precarious to me," he said. "If you want a sustainable Trump trade, I say bet on the natural gas ecosystem. This is an industry that already had a lot going for it, it just needed some cooperation from the federal government, which it is about to get." President Joe Biden's administration is largely opposed to fossil fuels, Cramer said, and the federal government has worked to block pipelines and paused new liquified gas export authorizations. This dynamic, coupled with a weaker global economy, caused the sector to underperform for much of the year, he suggested. But Trump has shown more favor to the industry, and Cramer pointed out that he tapped prominent oil executive Chris Wright to lead the Department of Energy. Cramer recommended several stocks in the sector, including energy producers EQT and Coterra . The former is focused on natural gas and recently acquired peer Equitrans, raising the combined company's valuation to an estimated $35 billion , Cramer noted. He added that Coterra is a good long-term holding and called the company "one of the shrewdest operators in the industry." He highlighted pipeline companies, including Energy Transfer and Kinder Morgan , and said he was especially bullish on Enbridge . Enbridge says it transports about 20% of all natural gas consumed in the U.S., and Cramer claimed the Canadian outfit has "strategically located assets." He also named Cheniere and Sempra , saying the former is the "best play " for liquified natural gas exports. "Seasonally, this is a good time for the commodity," he said, pointing out that natural gas itself has climbed since the election. "But I also think there's some optimism about the future of the industry driving this move." Sign up now for the CNBC Investing Club to follow Jim Cramer's every move in the market. Disclaimer Questions for Cramer? Call Cramer: 1-800-743-CNBC Want to take a deep dive into Cramer's world? Hit him up! Mad Money Twitter - Jim Cramer Twitter - Facebook - Instagram Questions, comments, suggestions for the "Mad Money" website? madcap@cnbc.comNuvo Group Enters into Agreement for Sale of Pregnancy Support Business
( MENAFN - GetNews) Despite being one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth, dental implants are often surrounded by misconceptions that deter patients from considering them. Highland Implant Center, with locations in Raleigh and Zebulon, is debunking the most common myths about dental implants to help patients make informed decisions about their oral health. Myth 1: Dental Implants Are Too Expensive One of the most prevalent myths about dental implants is that they are prohibitively expensive. While the upfront cost of implants may be higher than other options like dentures or bridges, they offer significant long-term value. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care, eliminating the need for frequent replacements or adjustments. This durability makes them a cost-effective investment in oral health and quality of life. Myth 2: The Procedure Is Painful Many patients hesitate to pursue dental implants due to fear of pain. However, advancements in dental technology and anesthesia techniques have made the implant process virtually painless. Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure, comparable to that of a routine dental extraction. Recovery is typically smooth, with mild soreness that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Myth 3: Implants Are Difficult to Maintain Another common misconception is that dental implants require extensive maintenance. In reality, caring for dental implants is similar to maintaining natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups are all that's needed to keep implants in excellent condition. Unlike dentures, implants do not require special adhesives or cleaning solutions, making them a convenient and low-maintenance option. Myth 4: Dental Implants Look Artificial Dental implants are designed to blend seamlessly with natural teeth, both in appearance and function. The prosthetic crowns attached to implants are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of a patient's existing teeth, resulting in a natural and aesthetically pleasing smile. Myth 5: Not Everyone Is a Candidate for Dental Implants While certain factors such as bone density and overall health can influence candidacy for implants, advancements in dental technology have expanded the range of patients who can benefit from this treatment. Procedures like bone grafting can help patients with insufficient jawbone support achieve successful implant placement. Highland Implant Center: A Trusted Partner in Dental Implant Care Highland Implant Center is committed to providing accurate information and exceptional care to patients considering dental implants. With state-of-the-art technology and a patient-focused approach, the center offers customized solutions to meet the unique needs of each individual. Serving Raleigh, Zebulon, and the surrounding areas, Highland Implant Center specializes in dental implants, helping patients restore their smiles, confidence, and oral health. Schedule a Consultation Today If you've been hesitant about dental implants due to myths or misconceptions, now is the time to get the facts. Contact Highland Implant Center to schedule a consultation and explore how dental implants can transform your smile. For more information, visit highlandimplantcente or call (919) 618-7047. About Highland Implant Center Highland Implant Center is a premier provider of implant dentistry, serving patients in Raleigh, Zebulon, and the surrounding areas. With a commitment to advanced technology, compassionate care, and exceptional results, the center helps patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles through expert dental implant solutions. MENAFN23122024003238003268ID1109025391 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Investing Goldmine! Indians Flock to These Top US Stocks
Resettlement of TTP militants: Nation, army paying in blood for one man's errorThe suspect in the murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson was not a customer of the health insurer, a company spokesperson said today. Ivy League-educated Luigi Mangione was charged with murder on Dec. 9 for the killing of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel before a company conference, following a five-day manhunt. Mangione suffered from chronic back pain that affected his daily life, according to friends and social media posts, though it is unclear whether his personal health played a role in the shooting. UnitedHealth does not have prior records for either Mangione or his mother, the spokesperson said. Thompson’s murder was met with shock across the industry, as well as an outpouring of anger from Americans struggling with healthcare costs and the complexities of U.S. health insurance. Public officials and healthcare executives have acknowledged the frustrations, but in the last few days have been more vocal in pushing back against social media glorification of an accused killer. In a New York Times opinion piece today, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty said he understood public frustrations with the “flawed” U.S. healthcare system, but mourned Thompson’s killing and decried the “vitriol that has been directed at our colleagues who have been barraged by threats.” Thompson was CEO of the company’s large health insurance business. The New York Times reported that an internal New York City police report analyzing Mangione’s writings concluded that he viewed the killing as a justified response to what he believed to be corruption in the healthcare industry. In some circles, Mangione has been celebrated and more than a thousand donations have poured into an online fundraiser for his legal defense. “It’s representing a widespread anger that is felt by people in the middle class, in the working class and people who are well-to-do who also have trouble with their insurance company,” said Pepper Culpepper, a professor of government and public policy at Oxford University. ABC News and others reported today that a Florida woman was arrested after she allegedly ended a phone call with a representative from her insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield by saying the words “Delay, deny, depose. You people are next.” The words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were carved into shell casings found at the Thompson murder scene, several news outlets reported, evoking the title of a book critical of the insurance industry published in 2010 titled “Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It.” ‘INTENSELY PERSONAL AND VERY COMPLICATED’ “Health care is both intensely personal and very complicated, and the reasons behind coverage decisions are not well understood,” Witty wrote in his first public comments since the murder, noting that the U.S. healthcare system is a patchwork built over decades. “We share some of the responsibility for that. Together with employers, governments and others who pay for care, we need to improve how we explain what insurance covers and how decisions are made,” he wrote. Health insurance companies have come under sharp public scrutiny since Thompson’s Dec. 4 murder, and shares of UnitedHealth alone have fallen nearly 15%. It isn’t clear if the recent events “represent a watershed moment” that could catalyze change in the industry, said Morningstar analyst Julie Utterback. “You can definitely feel the potential for some kind of change in the air.” The healthcare sector has reassessed security measures due to an uptick in violent crime the last 18 months, Reuters reported, with UnitedHealth and rivals CVS Health and Cigna removing photos of their leadership from their websites following the shooting. Instead of boosting security for executives, insurers should manage public perception of their services, said Culpepper, adding that many Americans believe big health insurers refuse to cover needed care in an effort to bolster revenue. “This sort of ambient discontent around health insurance in the United States will not go away until it starts to be addressed.”
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