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The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of manipulation of the recent Edo State governorship election, describing it as a “rape of democracy.” The governors, in a meeting held at the Plateau State Government House in Jos, Plateau State on Saturday and chaired by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, issued a resolution that called for urgent reforms to safeguard the sanctity of the electoral process in Nigeria. The meeting was attended by key figures from across the party, including members of the National Working Committee (NWC), the Board of Trustees (BOT), the National Assembly Forum, Former Governors’ Forum, Former Ministers’ Forum, and other prominent party leaders. In a communique released after the meeting, they strongly condemned the alleged Edo election manipulation in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, winning the majority of lawful votes. The governors urged the judiciary to act decisively to protect Nigerian democracy, calling for legal interventions to reverse any electoral outcomes that were the result of “institutional sabotage.” They also called on the National Assembly to review Nigeria’s electoral laws to prevent such manipulation in the future, urging a reform of the electoral system to ensure that the will of the people is upheld. “The Forum notes with concern the rape of democracy in Edo Governorship elections. It is clear to everyone with conscience that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) manipulated results in favour of the APC candidate when in fact majority of lawful votes were won by the PDP candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo,” the PDP governors said. “The Forum calls on the judiciary to save Nigerian democracy and the National Assembly to look into our electoral laws to make it difficult for institutional sabotage of the will of the people,” the communique added. It revealed that the governors are still examining the documents in Ondo Elections governorship election “where the APC manipulated results after openly buying votes.” The Forum expressed deep concerns about what it described as “seeming divisions” within the party. However, it reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining unity and cohesion within the PDP, stating its determination to uphold the party’s role as the best platform for democratic governance in Nigeria. The governors also acknowledged the internal challenges faced by the party, including leadership disputes and ongoing litigations. The PDP governors agreed to postpone the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for the same date, in solidarity with their colleague who recently lost his wife. The Forum advised the NWC to convene the NEC by the first week of February 2025, following a period of consultations with key stakeholders. The resolution was made with a focus on addressing the party’s existential issues and ensuring that the party presents a united front going into the 2025 general elections. “Between November and February, we will address the existential problems confronting the Party, with a deliberate timeline of activities to resolve leadership issues and ongoing litigations,” the Forum noted. The PDP governors also expressed serious concern over the economic hardship Nigerians are currently facing, which they attributed to the policies of the APC-led federal government. The Forum called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently review both macroeconomic and fiscal policies to address the welfare and well-being of Nigerians. “The Forum empathizes with Nigerians who are groaning under the oppressive economic hardship foisted on the nation by the policies and decisions of the APC-led Federal Government,” the communique read. “We call on President Bola Tinubu to urgently review these policies to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and to provide hope for a better future.” Despite the challenges facing Nigeria, the Forum reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to the country’s development. The governors promised to continue implementing policies that would help alleviate economic hardship and promote national progress. They also expressed gratitude to the government and people of Plateau State for hosting the meeting, highlighting the state’s visible progress in areas such as social services, tourism, and transportation. “We commend the Government of Plateau State for its visible and laudable transformation in social services, tourism, and transportation,” the statement said. “We believe this progress gives Nigerians hope for a brighter future under the leadership of the PDP after 2027.” The Forum expressed empathy for Governor Eno Bassey of Akwa Ibom State, who had recently lost his wife, extending its condolences to him and his family, praying for strength and fortitude during this difficult time. The Forum also extended its condolences to Plateau and Jigawa States over recent tragedies. The PDP governors expressed their sympathies for the devastating fire at the Katako Market in Plateau, which destroyed millions of Naira worth of property. The PDP governors commiserated with Jigawa State following the tragic tanker explosion that claimed many lives and left several others injured. READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel nowSouth Korea's democracy held after a 6-hour power play. What does it say for democracies elsewhere?

Team claims NASCAR rescinded approval to buy new charter unless federal antitrust suit is droppedThe future of the NRL has never looked brighter with a stack of young talent headlining the list of players rubbing shoulders with the game’s biggest stars over the summer. Watch every ball of Australia v India LIVE & ad-break free during play in 4K on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer > The Broncos have got their very own ‘Latrell’, the Tigers have a 17-year-old cross-code sensation, Many have a towering winger who caught Anthony Seibold’s eye while playing SG Ball and the Bulldogs have gone all-in on their premiership-winning Jersey Flegg side. The Dragons are investing in their youth too and why wouldn’t you when you’ve got a teenage prodigy who has won a SG Ball premiership, played Under 19s Origin and been picked in the Australian Schoolboys side... twice. There’s sons of guns in the mix too with Cooper Bai — son of former Storm flyer Marcus — contracted to the Titans and of course NRL journeyman looking to resurrect their career like former Warriors and Eels hooker Nathaniel Roache. foxsports.com.au breaks down every club’s train-and-trial list ahead of the 2025 season below. BRONCOS Gehamat Shibasaki (Wynnum Manly), Luke Gayle (Wynnum Manly), Latrell Siegwalt (Souths Logan), Callum Eggerling (Souths Logan), Ronald Philitoga (Souths Logan), Glen Vaihu (Souths Logan), Tristan Powell (Burleigh), Ewan Moore (Burleigh), Lachlan West (Burleigh), Matt Koellener (Burleigh) Analysis: Gehamat Shibasaki is the most recognisable name on the Broncos’ train-and-trial list given the 26-year-old has played 30 NRL games — including one for the Rabbitohs last season. But a name Broncos fans should familiarise themselves with is Latrell Siegwalt . The 23-year-old was a revelation for the Dolphins in their run to the Queensland Cup Grand Final. In what was just his first season in reserve grade, Siegwalt scored seven tries and set up 12 in 20 games while averaging over 100 running metres per game. He also proved his versatility by shifting between five-eighth, fullback and even coming off the bench too. After coaching Siegwalt at the Dolphins, new Broncos assistant Ben Te’o has brought him across to Red Hill to experience his first NRL pre-season. Tristan Powell has returned to Burleigh after two years in the Storm system and along with that move has picked up an opportunity with the Broncos. 23-year-old Powell was on a development deal with the Storm for the last two seasons and made his NRL debut this year. He also won the Queensland Cup premiership in 2023 with feeder side Brisbane Tigers. Meanwhile, Matt Koellener is a great story. The 27-year-old was playing local A-grade in 2022 when he approached Burleigh asking for an opportunity. He didn’t make his Queensland Cup debut until mid-2023 but went on to play in the Grand Final that year. He played every game of the season this year and now has been rewarded with an NRL train-and-trial opportunity. RAIDERS Izaac Tu’itupou-Thompson, Regan Carr, Caleb Garvie, Shaun Packer, Jaxon Lavender, Jensen Taumoepeau, Jayze Tuigamala Analysis: The Raiders have bolstered their outside back depth with powerhouse winger Izaac Tu’itupou-Thompson , who arrived to the nation’s capital after three years at the Rabbitohs. The 28-year-old brings with him 13 games of NRL experience and over 50 games in NSW Cup. Canberra fans should also be somewhat familiar with Regan Carr , who claimed the club’s Jersey Flegg Player of the Year honour after proving to be a revelation in the centres. Caleb Garvie is a young prop, who moved to Canberra from Newcastle ahead of last season and impressed in Jersey Flegg. Shaun Packer (a hooker) and Jaxon Lavender (second-rower) are from the Raiders’ Jersey Flegg side and have both had a taste of NSW Cup, while Jayze Tuigamala is a teenage prop, who joined the club from the Sharks last season. Sharks fans might also recognise the name Jensen Taumoepeau . The 24-year-old outside was previously a member Cronulla’s Top 30 squad before making the move to play for Northern Pride in Queensland Cup. BULLDOGS Jack Underhill, Luke Smith, Reuben Moyle, Cassius Tia, Danny Gabreal, AJ Jones Analysis: The Bulldogs have gone all-in on their next generation with all six train-and-trialists being plucked from the club’s premiership-winning Jersey Flegg squad. Jack Underhill is a prop, Luke Smith is a second-rower, Cassius Tia is a half and Danny Gabreal is an outside back. Meanwhile, Reuben Moyle was named the Bulldogs’ Jersey Flegg Player of the Year after his efforts at hooker and AJ Jones — who was the club’s SG Ball Player of the Year in 2023 — is a second-rower. DOLPHINS Josh Allen (Dolphins), Will Partridge (Dolphins), Ethan Quai-Ward (Dolphins), Ben Stevanovic (Norths Devils), Peter Hola (Norths Devils), Cooper Marshall (CQ Capras), Larson Dale-Doyle (CQ Capras), Tane Kiriona (CQ Capras) Analysis: The Dolphins are leaning on their pathways over the pre-season with eight train-and-trial players coming from their three feeder clubs. Josh Allen and Will Partridge are new recruits, who have joined the Dolphins’ Cup side following impressive seasons with Northern Pride. Allen is a 23-year-old prop who cuts an imposing figure at 195cm tall and weighing 112kg, while Partridge is a 27-year-old centre, who scored 16 tries in 16 games this year. Ethan Quai-Ward is a very handy pick-up with the 25-year-old joining the Dolphins from Broncos feeder club Souths Logan after being named Queensland Cup’s Centre of the Year. Ben Stevanovic and Peter Hola have made the move from Sydney and Canberra respectively to sign with Norths Devils and spend the pre-season with the Dolphins’ NRL squad. Stevanovic, a 23-year-old halfback, has spent the last two years with the North Sydney Bears and finished the 2023 season with the most try assists and linebreak assists in NSW Cup. Despite his consistent performances in NSW Cup, Hola wasn’t re-signed by the Raiders. He was linked to a Super League move but instead will try his luck in the Dolphins’ system. Outside back Cooper Marshall and second-rower Larson Dale-Doyle have spent the last four and three seasons respectively with the Capras, while Tane Kiriona — a former Queensland under 19s representative — has joined the club from the Raiders. SHARKS Kyle Pickering, Kristian Dixon, Blake Hosking, Brad Fearnley, Lachlan Crouch, Riley Pollard, Taj Ford, Sam McCulloch, Alex Challenor Analysis: 23-year-old second-rower Kyle Pickering , 23-year-old prop Brad Fearnley and versatile forward Blake Hosking have all been rewarded for a consistent 2024 season with feeder side Newtown Jets. And the rest of the Sharks’ train-and-trial list is made up of exciting young guns — five of which featured in the team that lost to the Bulldogs in this year’s Jersey Flegg Cup Grand Final. Taj Ford and Riley Pollard partnered each other in the halves, while Sam McCulloch — the Sharks’ Flegg Player of the Year — captained the side at lock. Kristian Dixon is a winger and Lachlan Crouch is an emerging prop. Sharks fans should also keep an eye on Alex Challenor , who is a local junior and was selected in this year’s Australian Schoolboys squad. The De La Salle Caringbah product is a prop and has been in the Sharks’ system since he was 14-years old. TITANS Cooper Bai, Brock Gray, Sean Mullany, Josh Patston (Ipswich), Luke Burton (Tweed Heads), Jayden Wright (Tweed Heads), Kieran Hayman (Tweed Heads), Ethan Clark-Wood (Tweed Heads) Analysis: Cooper Bai headlines the Titans’ list of train and trialists. The 18-year-old lock is the son of former Storm winger Marcus Bai. He is coming off an exciting season in which he represented Queensland in the Under 19s Origin and also played in the Mal Meninga Cup grand final. The Titans have also injected some older heads into their extended squad with 28-year-old Brock Gray — brother of former Rabbitoh and Shark, Aaron. Gray is a versatile forward who brings over 120 games of NSW Cup experience. Sean Mullany is a new face in the Titans system after spending the last four seasons with Mackay Cutters. The 25-year-old adds to the club’s hooking depth. Meanwhile, the rest have signed with the Titans’ Queensland Cup feeder clubs but get the chance to train with the NRL squad. Josh Patston is a 26-year-old second-rower, who has come across from Burleigh, Jayden Wright is an emerging lock that didn’t many opportunities in Queensland Cup this year but is expected to feature more in 2025. You won’t miss Luke Burton — the 25-year-old prop stands at 197cm tall — while Kieran Hayman and Ethan Clark-Wood have made the move from Sydney to the Gold Coast. Hayman was a key member of the North Sydney Bears squad and earned a reputation as their Mr. Fix It having played centre, five-eighth and fullback. He’s also a very handy goal-kicker and was NSW Cup’s top pointscorer for 2024. Clark-Wood is a winger/centre and joins from the Roosters. SEA EAGLES Zane Dunford, Navren Willett, Chris Patolo, Onitoni Large, Jacob Sykes, Tyler Melrose, Kylan Mafoa, Hugo Hart, Devante Mihinui, Max Hayley, Broden Konz Analysis: Chris Patolo is the most recognisable name on this list but a number of others are tipped to break into the NRL in the future. Patolo should have more than 23 NRL games under his belt but has had horror luck on the injury front. After the Bulldogs decided not to re-sign him, the Sea Eagles swooped with an opportunity. Jacob Sykes has spent the last four years with NSW Cup feeder side Blacktown Workers so is no stranger to the NRL squad. The 24-year-old is an old school-style front-rower who works hard and embraces the tough stuff. Manly fans might recognise the name Zane Dunford — he is the son of former Sea Eagles forward Matt Dunford. Zane captained the club’s SG Ball side in 2021, then joined the Raiders on a development deal, but then returned mid-last year. Navren Willett is sure to turn some heads at Narrabeen. The 19-year-old outside back, who stands at a whopping 201cm tall, caught the attention of coach Anthony Seibold while playing for the Magpies in SG Ball earlier this year. Seibold has spoken about his potential, saying “his ceiling is quite high” and “Navren is someone we feel can play first grade.” Seibold can also see similarities between Willett’s body shape and NRL stars Campbell Graham and Xavier Coates. Willett is expected to move into the Top 30 in 2026. Hugo Hart is a young, speedy forward with a rugby union background, while Tyler Melrose and Otoni Large are two teenage playmakers with big raps on them. Melrose, 17, was recruited from one of Queensland’s best rugby league schools, St Brendan’s after a partnership was formed last year. Melrose will complete eight weeks of pre-season, play for Manly’s SG Ball side and then likely graduate to Jersey Flegg by the end of the year. Large, who is also 17-years old, is a speedy five-eight and former captain of the Junior Wallabies. Large is juggling training with his schooling at Scots College and like Melrose, will play SG Ball next season. Kylan Mafoa (prop), Devante Mihinui (prop), Broden Konz (second-rower) and Max Hayley (centre/second-rower) have been rewarded for solid seasons in Manly’s Jersey Flegg side. STORM Mitch Jennings (Storm academy), Coby Williamson (Storm Academy), Josh Billing (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Cooper-Page Wilson (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Vaka Sikahele (Brisbane Tigers), Setu Tu (Brisbane Tigers), Nathaniel Roache (North Sydney Bears), Morgan Harper (North Sydney Bears), Ben Talty (North Sydney Bears) Analysis: All but two of the Storm’s train-and-trialists have been plucked from their three reserve grade feeder clubs. Coby Williamson and Mitch Jennings have been developed in the Storm Academy. 21-year-old Williamson came into this year as part of the Jersey Flegg squad but ended up nailing down a spot in Queensland Cup team Brisbane Tigers — and was crowned their ‘Best Back’ for 2024. 20-year-old Jennings (centre/second-rower) hails from Nambour and entered the Storm’s system via the Sunshine Coast Falcons. The Storm have catpialised off their new partnership with the North Sydney Bears with three experienced players joining the NRL squad over the summer. Nathaniel Roache is hoping to resurrect his NRL career after playing 26 games across stints with the Warriors and Eels. The 28-year-old hooker just needs some luck on the injury front. Morgan Harper can add some valuable depth to Melbourne’s outside backs stocks having played 64 NRL games with the Bulldogs, Sea Eagles and Eels. 25-year-old Ben Talty brings 76 games worth of NSW Cup experience with him and is a rock-solid utility forward. Outside back Setu Tu has made the move from the Warriors to Brisbane Tigers after previously spending time in the Dolphins system. The 25-year-old is a linebreaker, tackle-buster and a strong carrier of the ball. Vaka Sikahele , a hooker, is a new recruit from Tweed, while hardworking prop Cooper Page-Wilson has signed from Wynnum Manly. Josh Billing — the cousin of Broncos star Pat Carrigan — was recruited from the Raiders. MORE NRL NEWS ‘SURREAL’: Inside Cook’s unlikely Dragons comeback and the Red V signing coup ‘REACHED MY POTENTIAL’: May torches Roosters reasons for ‘jaw dropping’ release ‘COPPED SOME STICK’: Madge delays Reynolds’ Broncos captaincy call FREE AGENCY: Eels in five-way race for Knight; Flanno’s $1.5m Shark poaching PREMIERSHIP WINDOW: Broncos prodigies change game; when Tigers hope begins KNIGHTS Kyle McCarthy, Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, Jack Hillier, Haami Loza, Bailey Carmichael, Liam Sutton, Brock Greacen Analysis: Knights fans will be familiar with Kyle McCarthy after the 20-year-old centre made his NRL debut in Round 24. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana , also 20-years old, is an exciting second-rower, who played Jersey Flegg for the Knights in 2024. Jack Hillier (prop) is a local junior and has also been progressing through the grades, while Haami Loza is a skilful playmaker who started the year in SG Ball and finished it playing finals in Jersey Flegg. Bailey Carmichael is also a graduate of the Knights’ SG Ball side — he is a prop with impressive speed. Liam Sutton has spent the last couple of seasons in the Knights’ NSW Cup side. He’s an athletic five-eighth with a solid kicking game. Brock Greacen , a versatile forward, has also been plucked from the Cup side. COWBOYS Xavier Kerrisk, Mutua Brown, Mason Barber, Henry Teutau, Jeremiah Mata’utia, Matt Watts, Kai Simon, Morea Morea, Assiriah Lenoy Pre-season block via affiliate clubs: Adrian Treviliyan (Northern Pride), Jarrett Subloo (Northern Pride), Esom Ioka (Northern Pride), Campbell Duffy, Ricco Falaniko (Northern Pride), John Radel (Mackay Cutters), Temple Kalepo (Mackay Cutters) Analysis: The Cowboys have gone for both youth and experience for their train-and-trialists with some of the club’s most exciting prospects getting an opportunity to train with the NRL squad as well as several reserve grade regulars. Headlining the list is exciting fullback Mason Barber , who has recently moved from the Gold Coast. Barber is a product of renowned rugby league nursery Keebra Park State High School and went viral for an incredible run during the National Championships in which he busted eight tackles and ran 60 metres to score. Barber was named on the wing in this year’s Australian Schoolboys team. Xavier Kerrisk is a highly-regarded hooker and former Queensland Schoolboys representative. The 18-year-old started 2024 in Mal Meninga Cup but finished it cementing his spot in Mackay’s Queensland Cup side. There’s also big raps on Mutua Brown , who was an Australian Schoolboys fullback in 2023 and played off the bench for Queensland in the Under 19s Origin clash earlier this year. Jeremiah Mata’utia is another local product who also starred at schoolboy level. The 20-year-old prop is 198cm tall and has tasted Queensland Cup over the last couple of years. Henry Teuatu , a powerful prop, is a product of the Cowboys’ Young Guns program and was recognised at this year’s presentation night with the Cowboys Way award — given to players who embody the values and spirit of the club. Another notable name on the list is PNG international Morea Morea . The 23-year-old fullback was Queensland Cup’s Rookie of the Year in 2023 but struggled with form and injuries this year. He was selected in the Kumuls extended squad for the Pacific Championships and made his debut when he was activated as 18th man against Cook Islands — and scored in the final minute. EELS Ethyn Martin, Jordan Samrani, Ryley Smith, Apa Twidle, Dom Farrugia, Josh Lynn, Will Latu, Jezaiah Funa-Iuta, Brock Parker Analysis: Ethyn Martin emerged as a bit of a surprise packet in the Eels’ NSW Cup side but after scoring eight tries in eight games — and playing fullback, centre and wing — he was rewarded with a train-and-trial opportunity. The 21-year-old is a New Zealand product who switched to rugby union at 15-years old but changed back two years ago. 21-year-old prop Brock Parker has also been plucked from the Cup side. He spent some time last pre-season with the NRL squad and is reliable workhorse who rarely puts a foot wrong. Apa Twiddle (fullback) and Josh Lynn (five-eighth) were members of the Eels’ 2023 SG Ball premiership-winning team — the latter is a highly-touted product of renowned rugby league school Palm Beach Currumbin. Dominic Farrugia is a goalkicking winger and Jezaiah Funa-Iuta is a second-rower, who won Best and Fairest as well as Players’ Player for the club’s Harold Matthews team in 2023. Both played SG Ball and Jersey Flegg for the Eels this year. Jordan Samrani (winger) was picked up from the Bulldogs, while former Australian Schoolboy Ryley Smith (hooker) joined the Eels from the Panthers this year and played Flegg and Cup. PANTHERS Austin Dias, David Fale, Jaxen Edgar Analysis: Reserve grade veteran Austin Dias has been rewarded for his efforts in NSW Cup after making a mid-season switch to the Panthers from Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles. The 26-year-old prop, who stands at 198cm and weighs 107kg, has 92 NSW Cup games under his belt. David Fale is a great story. The Auckland product, who has previously spent time at the Raiders, entered the Panthers system a couple of years ago. He started with St Mary’s in Sydney Shield, moved up to Ron Massey Cup and then this year became the Panthers’ NSW Cup Mr. Fitx It in the outside backs. Meanwhile, Jaxen Edgar is another exciting local junior tipped for a bright future in the NRL. Was joint winner of the Panthers’ Harold Matthews Player of the Year honour last year with Casey McLean. The gun fullback played SG Ball a year young in 2024. RABBITOHS Salesi Ataata, Talanoa Penitani, Maddax Fui, Ryan Gray, Elijah Keung, Lennix Tovo, Ashton Ward, Luke Webley Analysis: 24-year-old hooker Ryan Gray has been rewarded for his outstanding NSW Cup season, while 23-year-old fullback Lennix Tovo has joined the NRL squad over the summer from Queensland Cup affiliate club Townsville Blackhawks. The rest of the Rabbitohs’ train-and-trial squad is made up of new recruits. Salesi Ataata (prop) and Talanoa Penitani (centre) featured in the Sharks’ team that made this year’s Jersey Flegg grand final, while Ashton Ward is a halfback who has come from the Dragons’ Flegg squad. 23-year-old Luke Webley (second-rower) is a Rockhampton product who has played reserve grade for the Mackay Cutters and most recently the Raiders. Elijah Keung (prop) is a Queensland Schoolboys representative who played for the Brisbane Tigers in the Mal Meninga Cup this year and Maddax Fui is a prop with big raps on him, who has inked a long-term deal with the Bunnies. Fui played Harold Matthews for the Western Suburbs Magpies earlier this year. DRAGONS Hayden Buchanan, Jacob Halangahu, Kyan Hjaltason, Jett Liu, Kade Reed, Ben Rumble, Jarrah Treweek, Leeroy Weatherall Analysis: Get familiar with local junior Hayden Buchanan because he has been tipped for a big future in the game. The 18-year-old centre captained the Steeler’s SG Ball side this year and also represented NSW in the under 19s Origin clash. Jacob Halangahu boasts a seriously impressive resume which includes an SG Ball premiership and Man of the Match honours, selection in the Australian Schoolboys squad in back-to-back years and representing NSW in the Under 19s Origin — all achieved at just 17-years old. The Penrith junior, who is now 18, is a second-rower. Kyan Hjaltason (hooker) and Jett Liu (prop) and Ben Rumble (fullback) have been promoted from the Dragons’ Jersey Flegg side with the latter already a fan favourite. Kade Reed is a talented halfback, who joined the Dragons’ system from Kirwan State High School a couple of years ago. He’s a good chance to wear the No.7 in Jersey Flegg next season. It’ll be hard to miss towering second-rower Jarrah Treweek , who played SG Ball this year, while Leeroy Weatherall (lock) is a local junior who has signed a long-term deal with the Dragons. His sister, Maddison, starred for the club’s NRLW team in 2023. ROOSTERS Taylor Losalu, Max McCathie, Lachlan Dooner, Rex Bassingthwaite, Cohen Dittman, Mikey Nassar, Zac Sarfati, Tyreece Tait, Benaiah Ioelu, Jake Elliott, Hugo Savala, Reece Foley Analysis: Majority of the Roosters’ train-and-trialists have been promoted from the NSW Cup side with fans getting well-acquainted with the likes of Taylor Losalu , Max McCathie , Tyreece Tait , Jake Elliott and Hugo Savala this year. Tait is arguably one of the most exciting prospects in the Roosters’ system. The 19-year-old winger boasts serious speed, represented Queensland in the Under 19s Origin clash this year and scored 14 tries in 10 NSW Cup appearances. Elliott started 2024 in SG Ball but his development was fast-tracked and like Tait, he was promoted to NSW Cup. The 19-year-old five-eighth scored five tries and set up 17 in 14 Cup games. He is a mature young man, calm under pressure and spent a lot of time learning from club legend Mitchell Pearce this year. Savala is a local junior, who is most comfortable in the halves but can also cover hooker, while McCathie also lives and breathes the Roosters. The second-rower is a natural leader and is a former school captain of Scots College. He’s Bondi born and bred and is very respected by his peers. Losalu (prop) was the Roosters’ NSW Cup Player of the Year. Reece Foley (five-eighth), Lachlan Dooner (fullback/outside back), Zac Sarfati (fullback) and Mikey Nassar (fullback/outside back) were a part of the Roosters 2024 SG Ball squad. Rex Bassingthwaite is a serious talent, who was the Roosters’ Harold Matthews Player of the Year and was a part of rugby union’s Under 18s Australian team this year. The Dubbo product has committed to rugby league though with reports he’s inked a four-year deal with the Chooks. WARRIORS Jett Cleary, Moala Graham-Taufa, Daeon Amituanai, Kahu Capper, Jaydee Auloa, Makaia Tafua, Rodney Vea, Augustino Filipo, Etuate Fukofuka, Jason Salalilo, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Motu Pasikala, Brandon Norris Analysis: The brother of four-time premiership-winning halfback Nathan Cleary headlines this list with Jett Cleary about to embark on his own NRL journey via a train-and-trial opportunity with the Warriors. He’ll progress to a development deal in 2026. Also making the move is Daeon Amituanai , who has spent the last three years in the Panthers system as a winger. Moala Graham-Taufa (centre) was the Warriors’ top tryscorer in NSW Cup for 2024 and was awarded with the club’s NSW Cup Player of the Year and Players’ Player honours. 19-year-old Eddie Ieremia-Toeava proved his worth this year, shifting between prop, second row and centre in NSW Cup. 18-year-old Motu Pasikala (fullback/winger) is another exciting prospect who played SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup in 2024. WESTS TIGERS Tim Johannssen, Jaxson Rahme, Tristan Hope, Lachlan Broederlow, Eiden Ackland, Marc Tannous, Heamasi Makasini Analysis: Tim Johannssen (prop) has been on the rugby league rollercoaster the last year. He won the Jersey Flegg premiership with the Bulldogs in 2023 but wasn’t retained so decided to hang up the boots. However a phone call from Magpies feeder club Ryde-Eastwood saw the 22-year-old sign with the club and go from Sydney Shield to Ron Massey Cup to NSW Cup. Then, in Round 22, he made his NRL debut. 20-year-old second-rower Lachlan Broederlow has also come from the Tigers’ NSW Cup side and will move to a development deal in 2026. Vaka Aho , a 20-year-old prop, has earned a train-and-trial after impressing in Jersey Flegg this year and getting a taste of NSW Cup. Marc Tannous is a crafty halfback, who played SG Ball for Balmain this year. Meanwhile, 20-year-old prop Jaxson Rahme joins the Tigers from the Knights after previously being in the club’s pathways system. Eiden Ackland is a 26-year-old playmaker who has had stints in the Warriors and Sea Eagles systems and Tristan Hope arrives to the Wests Tigers from the Brisbane Tigers in the Queensland Cup. The 27-year-old hooker won the 2023 premiership and did a pre-season with the Storm ahead of the 2024 NRL season. Heamasi Makasini is in a unique situation. The 17-year-old centre is on a train-and-trial contract for now but will move to a development deal once he turns 18 in July. Makasini is in Year 11 at Newington College but there’s belief from some at the Tigers that he could make his NRL debut next year — while preparing for his HSC. Makasini has excelled in both rugby league and rugby union — he represented Australia at under 18s level in rugby union — but has committed to the Tigers on a three-year deal.

(The Center Square) – Bob Casey Jr. is finally ready to say goodbye. Seventeen days after the polls closed, the two-term Democratic senator called Republican challenger Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his win. “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last,” he said in a video posted on X . The concession comes after 16 of 67 counties finished recounting ballots cast, with results showing Casey falling even further behind. Of 702,000 ballots tallied again, McCormick, who declared victory three days after the election, increased his lead by seven votes. The close margin – less than 17,000 ballots or 0.2% – triggered an automatic recount last week, to which Casey could have objected. Counties have until Tuesday to finish the job. Elizabeth Gregory, spokeswoman for McCormick, said in a release “there’s only five more days until the obvious happens.” “Another day closer to this waste of time and money being over,” she said. “We all know how this will end. We’ll be there in five days.” The campaign had maintained there were not enough votes left in the state to overcome the gap . Chief strategist Mark Harris said Casey’s decision to opt for the recount, estimated to cost $1 million, won’t change things. The Associated Press, reached the same conclusion on Nov. 7 when declaring the former hedge fund CEO turned Republican nominee the winner . The flip padded the Republican majority in the U.S. Senate to 53-47 and ended the Casey family’s six-decade presence in state and national political office. “During my time in office, I have been guided by an inscription on the Finance Building in Harrisburg: ‘All public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor,’” Casey said. “Thank you for your trust in me for all these years, Pennsylvania. It has been the honor of my lifetime.”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Front Row Motorsports, one of two teams suing NASCAR in federal court, accused the stock car series Thursday of rejecting the planned purchase of a valuable charter unless the lawsuit was dropped. Front Row made the claim in a court filing and said it involved its proposed purchase of the charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. Front Row said the series would only approve it if Front Row and 23XI Racing dropped their court case. “Specifically, NASCAR informed us that it would not approve the (charter) transfer unless we agreed to drop our current antitrust lawsuit against them,” Jerry Freeze, general manager of Front Row, said in an affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court of Western North Carolina. The two teams in September refused to sign NASCAR's “take-it-or-leave-it” final offer on a new revenue sharing agreement. All other 13 teams signed the deal. Front Row and 23XI balked and are now in court. 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan has said he took the fight to court on behalf of all teams competing in the top motorsports series in the United States. NASCAR has argued that the two teams simply do not like the terms of the final charter agreement and asked for the lawsuit be dismissed. Earlier this week, the suit was transferred to a different judge than the one who heard the first round of arguments and ruled against the two teams in their request for a temporary injunction to be recognized in 2025 as chartered teams as the case proceeds. The latest filing is heavily redacted as it lays out alleged retaliatory actions by NASCAR the teams say have caused irreparable harm. Both Front Row and 23XI want to expand from two full-time cars to three, and have agreements with SHR to purchase one charter each as SHR goes from four cars to one for 2025. The teams can still compete next season but would have to do so as “open” teams that don't have the same protections or financial gains that come from holding a charter. Freeze claimed in the affidavit that Front Row signed a purchase agreement with SHR in April and NASCAR President Steve Phelps told Freeze in September the deal had been approved. But when Front Row submitted the paperwork last month, NASCAR began asking for additional information. A Dec. 4 request from NASCAR was “primarily related to our ongoing lawsuit with NASCAR,” Freeze said. “NASCAR informed us on December 5, 2024, that it objected to the transfer and would not approve it, in contrast to the previous oral approval for the transfer confirmed by Phelps before we filed the lawsuit,” Freeze said. “NASCAR made it clear that the reason it was now changing course and objecting to the transfer is because NASCAR is insisting that we drop the lawsuit and antitrust claims against it as a condition of being approved.” A second affidavit from Steve Lauletta, the president of 23XI Racing, claims NASCAR accused 23XI and Front Row of manufacturing “new circumstances” in a renewed motion for an injunction and of a “coordinated effort behind the scenes.” “This is completely false,” Lauletta said. Front Row is owned by businessman Bob Jenkins, while 23XI is owned by retired NBA Hall of Famer Jordan, three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and longtime Jordan adviser Curtis Polk. NASCAR had been operating with 36 chartered teams and four open spots since the charter agreement began in 2016. NASCAR now says it will move forward in 2025 with 32 chartered teams and eight open spots, with offers on charters for Front Row and 23XI rescinded and the SHR charters in limbo. The teams contend they must be chartered under some of their contractual agreements with current sponsors and drivers, and competing next year as open teams will cause significant losses. “23XI exists to compete at the highest level of stock car racing, striving to become the best team it can be. But that ambition can only be pursued within NASCAR, which has monopolized the market as the sole top-tier circuit for stock car racing,” Lauletta said. "Our efforts to expand – purchasing more cars and increasing our presence on the track – are integral to achieving this goal. “It is not hypocritical to operate within the only system available while striving for excellence and contending for championships,” he continued. “It is a necessity because NASCAR’s monopoly leaves 23XI no alternative circuit, no different terms, and no other viable avenue to compete at this level.” AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racingPressure on a veteran and senator shows what's next for those who oppose Trump

Trump's lawyers rebuff DA's idea for upholding his hush money convictionNEW YORK (AP) — Free agent pitchers Luis Gabriel Moreno and Alejandro Crisostomo were suspended for 80 games each by Major League Baseball on Friday following positive tests for performance-enhancing substances under the minor league drug program. Moreno tested positive for Nandrolone, and Crisostomo tested positive for Boldenone and Nandrolone, the commissioner’s office said. A 26-year-old right-hander, Moreno was released by the New York Mets’ Class A Brooklyn Cyclones on Tuesday. He was 5-1 with a 5.33 ERA in 12 relief appearances this season for Brooklyn after spending 2016-23 in the San Francisco Giants organization. Crisostomo, a 24-year-old right-hander, was released by Minnesota on Aug. 24 after going 0-1 with a 7.13 ERA this year with the Florida Complex League Twins. He signed with Boston in 2017, spent 2018 in the Dominican Summer League with the Red Sox, then signed with Minnesota and spent 2023 with the Twins DSL team. Nineteen players have been suspended this year for positive drug tests, including eight under the minor league program and nine under the new program for minor league players assigned outside the United States and Canada. Two players have been suspended this year under the major league drug program. Noelvi Marté , a 22-year-old infielder who is the Cincinnati Reds’ top prospect, missed the first 80 games following a positive test for boldenone. Toronto Blue Jays infielder Orelvis Martínez was suspended for 80 games on June 23 following a positive test for the performance-enhancing drug clomiphene, an announcement made two days after his major league debut . AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

The international criminal court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over the war in Gaza has been welcomed by Palestinians as a landmark moment in their decade-long fight to challenge the Israeli occupation through international institutions. Thursday’s announcement from the international criminal court’s pretrial chamber of arrest warrants for Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, has sent shockwaves through the international legal system. As the first time that officials from a democratic, western-allied state have been charged with war crimes, it is widely seen as the most significant action taken by the court since it was set up at the turn of the century. “We had no illusions about how tough this road was going to be. Every step leading to this moment was difficult, but Palestine stayed the course,” said Ammar Hijazi, who leads the Palestinian Authority’s delegation to The Hague, the seat of the ICC. “We told the world justice for Palestine will be the litmus test of the international system; we were not being hyperbolic.” Diana Buttu, a human rights lawyer and former Palestinian peace negotiator, said: “The days ahead for Palestine are not good ... At the same time, Israel will struggle to remove the stain of these warrants. When countries like Canada and the Netherlands say they will implement the court’s decision, it calls weapons sales and the level of political support for Israel into question.” The ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, announced in May his office would seek arrest warrants for the two Israelis, as well as Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Haniyeh and Sinwar have since been killed. The ICC also issued an arrest warrant for Deif, who is believed to have died in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza in July, although Hamas has not officially confirmed his death. In an extraordinary rebuke of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and its conduct in the war in Gaza, the chamber ruled there were reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu and Gallant bore criminal responsibility as co-perpetrators for “the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts”. The warrants severely curtail the Israeli officials’ ability to travel abroad, since the ICC’s 124 member states would be obliged to arrest them, further deepening the country’s growing international isolation. The move presents fresh challenges for Israel’s western allies, which are struggling to reconcile support for the Jewish state with evidence of war crimes in the conflict and respect for the rules-based order. Member states of the ICC now have a choice between “international law and accountability for all or none at all”, Hijazi said. “They can’t pretend that the system has relevance and works if they give Israel a free pass. If states that have declared their compliance with and respect for the court match their words with actions, Israel will feel the impact on many fronts.” Israel is not a member of the ICC and denies committing war crimes in the war in Gaza sparked by Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023. Many in Israel have long maintained that the UN and associated bodies such as the ICC are biased against it. Palestine was recognised as a member of the court in 2015. The Guardian revealed in May how Israel ran a nine-year-long secret “war” against the court , deploying its intelligence agencies to surveil, hack, smear and allegedly threaten senior ICC staff in an effort to derail the court’s inquiries. Earlier this year, after the court’s chief prosecutor applied for arrest warrants, Palestinian civil society hoped the growing threat of prosecution might have had a deterrent effect on Israel’s actions. Sign up to Observed Analysis and opinion on the week's news and culture brought to you by the best Observer writers after newsletter promotion Instead, the country reacted by announcing new settlements in the occupied West Bank, which were described as a punitive measure for Palestinian cooperation with the court. Israel also stepped up its military campaign on Rafah, the southernmost town in the Gaza Strip, which at that point was the last place of relative safety for civilians in the Palestinian territory. “Palestinian civil society has been working towards this moment since 2009; the fact that it has taken this long is an indictment of the international system. Eight thousand people have died in Gaza since [warrants were sought]. Maybe those lives could have been saved,” Buttu said. The US president-elect, Donald Trump, is expected to impose renewed sanctions on the ICC in support of Israel, and is even less likely than Joe Biden to exert any kind of pressure on its ally to end the occupation or return to peace talks. The US, like Israel, is not a member of the court. “If Trump has an agenda to potentially upend international politics and diplomacy as we know it, defending the international order from such a threat is an international and collective responsibility; understanding that throwing Palestine under the bus will not achieve that is critical,” Hijazi said. Buttu added: “We are going to pay a very heavy price for Trump being elected. But I hope the ICC decision means Netanyahu will also pay a heavy price for his actions.”Trump's lawyers rebuff DA's idea for upholding his hush money conviction

MESTEC to unlock new horizons in strategic communicationJAMAICA, N.Y. , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) today announced that Turkish Airlines will begin operations at the new terminal when it opens in 2026. Turkish Airlines will also unveil a brand new, state-of-the-art lounge for its premium customers, launching the next phase of the award-winning airline's growth at its top U.S. gateway. The New Terminal One, set to be the largest international terminal in the United States , will offer best-in-class amenities and innovative technology for a transformational and efficient travel experience. The New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class gateway, which will include two new terminals, the modernization and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network. Turkish Airlines, which currently flies 19 times weekly from JFK Airport to its hub at Istanbul , providing seamless connections to its extensive global network, will continue to offer top-tier service from the new terminal. As part of its expansion in the JFK market, Turkish Airlines will open an 11,000-square-foot lounge in the New Terminal One – twice the size of the airline's lounge at the existing Terminal 1. The new lounge will feature premium amenities, expansive views of JFK Airport's airfield and provide direct boarding access to aircraft, offering unmatched convenience for Turkish Airlines' business class customers and top-tier frequent flyers. Recognized for its exceptional in-flight service, Turkish Airlines recently received the World Class Award from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) for the fourth consecutive year, placing it among just 10 airlines in the world to have received this prestigious recognition. Turkish Airlines was also chosen as the Best Airline in Europe nine times by Skytrax. Over the years Turkish Airlines also received accolades from Skytrax and other prestigious organizations numerous times for its Business and Economy Class offerings and Lounges. Turkish Airlines offers service to 351 destinations, including 25 in the Americas. Turkish is a member of the Star Alliance and will join other alliance members at the New Terminal One: LOT Polish Airlines, EVA Air and Air China. "We are thrilled to welcome Turkish Airlines to the New Terminal One at JFK, where their commitment to world-class customer service aligns perfectly with our mission to provide an unparalleled customer experience," said The New Terminal One Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Aument . "We look forward to working closely with our colleagues at Turkish Airlines to elevate the travel experience for customers from 2026 and beyond." Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat stated: "We are excited to bring Turkish Airlines' world-class service to the New Terminal One at JFK, further enhancing our passengers' travel experience with a state-of-the-art-lounge. This move underlines our commitment to continue our growth in the U.S market." In addition to Turkish Airlines, the New Terminal One has partnered with several other global carriers, including Air France, KLM, Etihad, LOT Polish Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air, Air Serbia, SAS, Neos and Philippine Airlines. Air China is also partnering with the terminal on elevating the travel experience for Chinese customers visiting New York . The New Terminal One is focused on improving the customer experience by collaborating with potential airline partners. This includes working with airline teams across all customer journey touchpoints. Set to be JFK Airport's largest terminal when complete, the New Terminal One will offer a world-class customer experience and additional widebody aircraft gate capacity – providing international airlines a unique opportunity to grow their service at JFK, the top global gateway to the U.S. About The New Terminal One The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport is a bold and exciting project to develop a world-class international terminal that will serve as an anchor terminal in the Port Authority's $19 billion transformation of JFK into a global gateway to the New York metropolitan area and the United States . The New Terminal One will set a new standard for design and service, aspiring to obtain a Top 5 Skytrax ranking and be considered one of the finest airport terminals in the world. The New Terminal One is being built on sites now occupied by Terminal 1 and the former Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, where it will anchor JFK's south side. Construction is taking place in phases. The first phase, including the new arrivals and departures halls and first set of 14 new gates, is expected to open in 2026. At completion, anticipated in 2030, the New Terminal One will be 2.6 million square feet, making it the largest terminal at JFK and nearly the same size as LaGuardia Airport's two new terminals combined. The New Terminal One will be a 23-gate, state-of-the-art, international-only terminal. Sustainably designed and future-focused, the terminal will feature expansive, naturally lit public spaces, cutting-edge technology, and an array of amenities, all designed to enhance the customer experience and compete with some of the highest-rated airport terminals in the world. The New Terminal One consortium of labor, operating, and financial partners is led by Ferrovial, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico, and Carlyle. The New Terminal One is being built by union labor and is committed to local inclusion and labor participation, focusing on diversity and capacity-building opportunities, including ambitious participation goals of 30% for minority and women-owned enterprises, 10% for local business enterprises and 3% for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. To learn more about the New Terminal One at JFK International Airport, visit https://www.anewjfk.com/projects/the-new-terminal-one/ About Turkish Airlines Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 491 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 351 worldwide destinations in 130 countries (298 international destinations and 53 domestic destinations within Turkiye). More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website www.turkishairlines.com or its social media accounts on Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/turkish-airlines-to-begin-operations-at-the-new-terminal-one-at-jfk-and-unveil-world-class-lounge-302331710.html SOURCE The New Terminal One at JFKThe FBI has issued a serious warning to the NBA regarding a surge in home burglaries involving professional athletes, suggesting the involvement of highly organized, transnational theft rings. According to a recent memo obtained by Reuters, homes of two NBA players alongside NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have been targeted. The NBA encourages its athletes to upgrade their security systems and consider hiring protective guard services for times they are away from home. The FBI's briefing connected these crimes to South American Theft Groups that use sophisticated tools like drones and signal jamming devices. Players are urged to remain cautious, especially with their social media activities. The NFL has issued a similar advisory, noting perpetrators sometimes disguise themselves as joggers or maintenance workers. (With inputs from agencies.)OpenAI’s legal battle with Elon Musk reveals internal turmoil over avoiding AI ‘dictatorship’

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Honey, they shrunk the catalogs. While retailers hope to go big this holiday season , customers may notice that the printed gift guides arriving in their mailboxes are smaller. Many of the millions of catalogs getting sent to U.S. homes were indeed scaled down to save on postage and paper, resulting in pint-sized editions. Lands’ End, Duluth Trading Company and Hammacher Schlemmer are among gift purveyors using smaller editions. Some retailers are saving even more money with postcards. Lisa Ayoob, a tech-savvy, online shopper in Portland, Maine, was surprised by the size of a recent catalog she received from outdoor apparel company Carbon2Cobalt. “It almost felt like it was a pamphlet compared to a catalog,” she said. Catalogs have undergone a steady recalibration over the years in response to technological changes and consumer behavior. The thick, heavy Sears and J.C. Penney catalogs that brought store displays to American living rooms slimmed down and gave way to targeted mailings once websites could do the same thing. Recent postal rate increases accelerated the latest shift to compact formats. The number of catalogs mailed each year dropped about 40% between 2006 to 2018, when an estimated 11.5 billion were mailed to homes, according to the trade group formerly known as the American Catalog Mailers Association. In a sign of the times, the group based in Washington rebranded itself in May as the American Commerce Marketing Association, reflecting a broadened focus. But don't expect catalogs to go the way of dinosaurs yet. Defying predictions of doom, they have managed to remain relevant in the e-commerce era. Retail companies found that could treat catalogs with fewer pages as a marketing tool and include QR and promo codes to entice customers to browse online and complete a purchase. Despite no longer carrying an extended inventory of goods, catalogs are costly to produce and ship. But they hold their own in value because of growing digital advertising costs, helping retailers cut through the noise for consumers barraged by multi-format advertisements, industry officials say. In an unlikely twist, notable e-commerce companies like Amazon and home goods supplier Wayfair started distributing catalogs in recent years. Amazon began mailing a toy catalog in 2018. That was the same year Sears, which produced an annual Christmas Wish Book Wish starting in 1933, filed for bankruptc y. Fans of printed information may rejoice to hear that apparel retailer J.Crew relaunched its glossy catalog this year. Research shows that the hands-on experience of thumbing through a catalog leaves a greater impression on consumers, said Jonathan Zhang, a professor of marketing at Colorado State University. “The reason why these paper formats are so effective is that our human brains haven’t evolved as fast as technology and computers over the past 10 to 20 years. We retain more information when we read something on paper. That's why paper books remain relevant," Zhang said. “The psychology shows that three-dimensional, tactile experiences are more memorable.” Pint-sized presentations still can work, though, because the purpose of catalogs these days is simply to get customers’ attention, Zhang said. Conserving paper also works better with younger consumers who are worried about the holiday shopping season's impact on the planet, he said. Postal increases are hastening changes. The latest round of postage hikes in July included the category with the 8.5-by-11-inch size that used to be ubiquitous for the catalog industry. Many retailers responded by reducing the size of catalogs, putting them in a lower-cost letter category, said Paul Miller, executive vice president and managing director of the American Commerce Marketing Association. One size, called a “slim jim,” measures 10.5 by 5.5 inches. But there other sizes. Some retailers have further reduced costs by mailing large postcards to consumers. Lands' End, for one, is testing new compact formats to supplement its traditional catalogs. This year, that included folded glossy brochures and postcards, along with other formats, Chief Transformation Officer Angie Rieger said. Maine resident Ayoob said she understands why retailers still use catalogs even though she no longer is a fan of the format. These days, she prefers to browse for products on the internet, not by flipping through paper pages. “Everybody wants eyeballs. There’s so much out there -- so many websites, so many brands,” said Ayoob, who spent 35 years working in department stores and in the wholesale industry. Targeting customers at home is not a new concept. L.L. Bean was a pioneer of the mail-order catalog after its founder promoted his famous “Maine Hunting Shoe” to hunting license holders from out-of-state in 1912. The outdoor clothing and equipment company based in Freeport, Maine, is sticking to mailing out regular-sized catalogs for now. “By showcasing our icons, the catalog became an icon itself,” L.L. Bean spokesperson Amanda Hannah said. "Even as we invest more in our digital and brand marketing channels, the catalog retains a strong association with our brand, and is therefore an important part of our omni-channel strategy, especially for our loyal customers.” Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Front Row Motorsports, one of two teams suing NASCAR in federal court, accused the stock car series Thursday of rejecting the planned purchase of a valuable charter unless the lawsuit was dropped. Front Row made the claim in a court filing and said it involved its proposed purchase of the charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. Front Row said the series would only approve it if Front Row and 23XI Racing dropped their court case. “Specifically, NASCAR informed us that it would not approve the (charter) transfer unless we agreed to drop our current antitrust lawsuit against them,” Jerry Freeze, general manager of Front Row, said in an affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court of Western North Carolina. The two teams in September refused to sign NASCAR's “take-it-or-leave-it” final offer on a new revenue sharing agreement. All other 13 teams signed the deal. Front Row and 23XI balked and are now in court. 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan has said he took the fight to court on behalf of all teams competing in the top motorsports series in the United States. NASCAR has argued that the two teams simply do not like the terms of the final charter agreement and asked for the lawsuit be dismissed. Earlier this week, the suit was transferred to a different judge than the one who heard the first round of arguments and ruled against the two teams in their request for a temporary injunction to be recognized in 2025 as chartered teams as the case proceeds. The latest filing is heavily redacted as it lays out alleged retaliatory actions by NASCAR the teams say have caused irreparable harm. Both Front Row and 23XI want to expand from two full-time cars to three, and have agreements with SHR to purchase one charter each as SHR goes from four cars to one for 2025. The teams can still compete next season but would have to do so as “open” teams that don't have the same protections or financial gains that come from holding a charter. Freeze claimed in the affidavit that Front Row signed a purchase agreement with SHR in April and NASCAR President Steve Phelps told Freeze in September the deal had been approved. But when Front Row submitted the paperwork last month, NASCAR began asking for additional information. A Dec. 4 request from NASCAR was “primarily related to our ongoing lawsuit with NASCAR,” Freeze said. “NASCAR informed us on December 5, 2024, that it objected to the transfer and would not approve it, in contrast to the previous oral approval for the transfer confirmed by Phelps before we filed the lawsuit,” Freeze said. “NASCAR made it clear that the reason it was now changing course and objecting to the transfer is because NASCAR is insisting that we drop the lawsuit and antitrust claims against it as a condition of being approved.” A second affidavit from Steve Lauletta, the president of 23XI Racing, claims NASCAR accused 23XI and Front Row of manufacturing “new circumstances” in a renewed motion for an injunction and of a “coordinated effort behind the scenes.” “This is completely false,” Lauletta said. Front Row is owned by businessman Bob Jenkins, while 23XI is owned by retired NBA Hall of Famer Jordan, three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and longtime Jordan adviser Curtis Polk. NASCAR had been operating with 36 chartered teams and four open spots since the charter agreement began in 2016. NASCAR now says it will move forward in 2025 with 32 chartered teams and eight open spots, with offers on charters for Front Row and 23XI rescinded and the SHR charters in limbo. The teams contend they must be chartered under some of their contractual agreements with current sponsors and drivers, and competing next year as open teams will cause significant losses. “23XI exists to compete at the highest level of stock car racing, striving to become the best team it can be. But that ambition can only be pursued within NASCAR, which has monopolized the market as the sole top-tier circuit for stock car racing,” Lauletta said. "Our efforts to expand – purchasing more cars and increasing our presence on the track – are integral to achieving this goal. “It is not hypocritical to operate within the only system available while striving for excellence and contending for championships,” he continued. “It is a necessity because NASCAR’s monopoly leaves 23XI no alternative circuit, no different terms, and no other viable avenue to compete at this level.” AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Share Tweet Share Share Email In the dynamic world of business communication, creating content that captures and holds your audience’s attention is critical. Whether you’re pitching a product, explaining complex concepts, or engaging clients, whiteboard animation videos have emerged as a powerful tool. They blend simplicity, creativity, and engagement, making even the most intricate ideas easy to understand and remember. In this blog post, we’ll explore whiteboard animation software, its benefits for businesses, and actionable tips to make the most out of it. Plus, we’ll show how leveraging tools like Whiteboard Animation Software can help you create professional, compelling videos with ease. Why Use Whiteboard Animation Software for Your Business? Whiteboard animation videos are more than just a trend—they’re a versatile and proven method for effective communication. Here’s why businesses are embracing them: Engaging and Memorable Content Whiteboard videos captivate viewers by combining visual storytelling with clear narration. They boost retention rates, making your message stick longer. Simplifying Complex Ideas Transform intricate data or concepts into digestible content using animations. This is especially valuable for industries like finance, tech, and healthcare. Versatility Across Platforms From social media ads to training videos and sales pitches, whiteboard animations are effective in multiple formats. Cost-Effective Marketing Tool Creating professional-looking content with whiteboard animation software is far more affordable than traditional video production methods. Key Features to Look for in Whiteboard Animation Software Choosing the right whiteboard animation software can elevate your business communication game. Here are the features you should prioritize: User-Friendly Interface Look for software that simplifies the creation process with drag-and-drop functionality and intuitive design. Customizable Templates Pre-made templates save time and provide a polished starting point, but ensure you can tweak them to match your brand’s aesthetic. Library of Assets Access to a variety of characters, props, and icons can make your videos more dynamic and relatable. Export Options Opt for tools that let you export videos in multiple formats and resolutions for seamless sharing. Cloud-Based Functionality With cloud-based tools, you can work on projects anytime, anywhere, without worrying about software installation. Tips for Effective Use of Whiteboard Animation Software To get the most out of whiteboard animation, you need more than just great software. Here are actionable tips to maximize its impact: 1. Define Your Objective Before you start creating, outline your goal. Are you educating, entertaining, or persuading your audience? Knowing your purpose will guide your storytelling. 2. Craft a Clear Script A strong script is the backbone of any whiteboard animation. Keep it concise, use simple language, and structure it to build interest and clarity. 3. Use Visual Storytelling Let visuals do the heavy lifting. Use characters, icons, and animations strategically to reinforce your message rather than overcrowding the screen. 4. Maintain Brand Consistency Incorporate your brand colors, fonts, and logos to ensure your video aligns with your business identity. 5. Focus on Engagement Use humor, intriguing questions, or relatable scenarios to keep your audience hooked. Shorter videos (under 3 minutes) are often more impactful. 6. Include a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA) Whether you want viewers to visit your website, subscribe to your newsletter, or contact you, end your video with a clear and compelling CTA. Best Practices for Business Applications Marketing Campaigns Whiteboard videos are excellent for product promotions and explainer videos. Highlight the problem your product solves and showcase its features in an engaging narrative. Training and Onboarding Simplify employee training or onboarding processes by visualizing workflows, policies, or company culture through animations. Client Presentations Use whiteboard animations to pitch ideas or explain services during client meetings. They demonstrate professionalism and help you stand out. Social Media Content Boost engagement by sharing short, fun, and informative whiteboard videos on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook. Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them Challenge 1: Overcrowded Scenes Solution : Keep visuals clean and uncluttered. Focus on one idea per scene to avoid overwhelming viewers. Challenge 2: Poor Audio Quality Solution : Invest in a good microphone or use professional voiceover services to ensure crisp, clear narration. Challenge 3: Lack of Engagement Solution : Use storytelling techniques and include elements like humor or surprise to keep viewers engaged. Real-Life Business Success Stories Case Study 1: SaaS Start-Up Boosts Lead Conversion A SaaS company used whiteboard videos to explain their complex software solutions. The visually engaging format led to a 30% increase in lead conversion rates. Case Study 2: E-Learning Platform Enhances Student Retention An online learning platform incorporated whiteboard animation videos into their courses, making lessons more engaging and improving student retention by 40%. Transform Your Video Content Strategy Whiteboard animation software offers businesses a competitive edge in communication, whether for marketing, training, or engagement. By harnessing its potential and following best practices, you can deliver impactful messages that resonate with your audience. If you’re ready to revolutionize your business content, start exploring Whiteboard Animation Software today. These tools are designed to make video creation simple, efficient, and professional . Create Whiteboard Videos Easily with the right software and elevate your brand’s storytelling game. Incorporating whiteboard animation into your strategy is not just about keeping up with trends—it’s about transforming the way you connect with your audience. Don’t wait; make your move and experience the difference! Related Items: businesses , tech Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you How To Upload Your Android App On APKGosh Maximizing Customer Engagement with Pendula The Benefits of Website Visitor Identification for E-commerce Businesses Comments