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SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — In an era of rising authoritarianism, at the heels of a six-hour martial law decree that unfolded while many South Koreans slept, something noteworthy happened: Democracy held. The past week in Seoul, officials and academics warn, is what a threat to democracy looks like in 2024. It's a democratically-elected president declaring martial law over the nation he leads, asserting sweeping powers to prevent opposition demonstrations, ban political parties and control the media. It's members of the military attempting to block lawmakers from exercising their power to vote on cancelling the power grab. And here's what it took to defeat President Yoon Suk Yeol 's lurch toward government by force: Unified popular support for democracy. Legislators storming the National Assembly past midnight, live-streaming themselves climbing over fences. A politician grabbing at a soldier's rifle and yelling “Aren't you ashamed?” until he retreated. And finally, decisively, Parliament assembling a quorum and voting unanimously to cancel martial law. It was a victory for a hard-won democracy — and for the idea that checks and balances among branches of government must work to counteract each other's ambitions, as the American founders wrote in the Federalist Papers in 1788. But as the drama played out in Seoul, the scaffolding of democracy rattled around the world. In other countries, the grab for power might have worked. Other would-be authoritarians might have been better prepared than Yoon. In deeply polarized societies — the United States, for example, where Republicans are staunchly loyal to president-elect Donald Trump — there might not have been decisive support from the public or the opposition. The military might have used force. And the members of the legislature might not have voted as one to snuff out the attempted takeover. “President Yoon's attempt to declare martial law reveals the fragility of the rule of law in divided societies, especially those with governments in which the chief executive cannot be easily dismissed by the legislature," said Tom Pepinsky, a government professor at Cornell University who studies backsliding among democracies in Southeast Asia. Notably, he said in an email, “No members of President Yoon’s own party were willing to defend his actions in public." Nevertheless, Yoon’s surprise attempt to impose martial law revealed both the fragility and resilience of the country’s democratic system. Within three hours of his stunning announcement to impose military rule — claiming the opposition was “paralyzing” state affairs — 190 lawmakers voted to cancel his actions. In so doing, they demonstrated the strength of the country’s democratic checks and balances. Yoon’s authoritarian push, carried out by hundreds of heavily armed troops with Blackhawk helicopters and armored vehicles sent to the National Assembly, harked back to an era of dictatorial presidents. The country’s democratic transition in the late 1980s came after years of massive protests by millions that eventually overcame violent suppressions by military rulers. Civilian presence was again crucial in shaping the events following Yoon’s late night television announcement on Tuesday. Thousands of people flocked to the National Assembly, shouting slogans for martial law to be lifted and Yoon to step down from power. There were no reports of violent clashes as troops and police officers. “We restored democracy without having a single casualty this time,” said Seol Dong-hoon, a sociology professor at South Korea’s Jeonbuk National University. It’s virtually impossible for any leader of a democracy to pull off a transition toward martial law without a public willing to support it, or at least tolerate it. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, attracted millions of views as he began live-streaming his journey to the National Assembly, pleading for people to converge to the parliament to help lawmakers get inside. The shaky footage later shows him exiting his car climbing over a fence to get onto the grounds. The vote at the National Assembly was also broadcast live on the YouTube channel of Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik, who also had to scale a fence to get in. Yoon’s sense of crisis clearly wasn’t shared by the public, whose opinions, Seol said, were shaped predominantly by the shocking videos broadcast to their devices. “Ultimately, democracy is all about moving public opinion,” he said. “What was most crucial in this case was that everything was broadcast live on smartphones, YouTube and countless other media.” Opposition lawmakers are now pushing to remove Yoon from office, saying he failed to meet the constitutional requirement that martial law should only be considered in wartime or a comparable severe crisis — and that he unlawfully deployed troops to the National Assembly. On Saturday, an opposition-led impeachment motion failed after most lawmakers from Yoon’s party boycotted the vote. Yet the president’s troubles persist: The vote’s defeat is expected to intensify nationwide protests and deepen South Korea’s political turmoil, with opposition parties preparing to introduce another impeachment motion when parliament reconvenes next Wednesday. Han Sang-hie, a law professor at Seoul’s Konkuk University, said the martial law debacle highlights what he sees as the most crucial flaw of South Korea’s democracy: that it places too much power in the hands of the president, which is easily abused and often goes unchecked. Political scientists call what happened in South Korea an “autogolpe” — a “self-coup” — defined as one led by incumbent leaders themselves, in which an executive takes or sponsors illegal actions against others in the government. Yoon qualifies because he used troops to try to shut down South Korea's legislature. Self-coups are increasing, with a third of the 46 since 1945 occurring in the past decade, according to a study by researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Penn State University. About 80% of self-coups succeed, they reported. In 2021, a power grab by Tunisian President Kais Saied raised similar concerns around the world after the country designed a democracy from scratch and won a Nobel Peace Prize after a largely bloodless revolution. In the United States, some have expresed worry about similar situations arising during the second administration of Donald Trump. He has vowed, after all, to shake some of democracy's pillars . He's mused that he would be justified if he decided to pursue “the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution.” That’s in contrast to the oath of office he took in 2017, and will again next year, to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution” as best he can. Nearly half of voters in the Nov. 5 election, which Trump won, said they were “very concerned” that another Trump presidency would bring the U.S. closer to authoritarianism, according to AP Votecast survey data. Asked before a live audience on Fox News Channel in 2023 to assure Americans that he would not abuse power or use the presidency to seek retribution against anyone, Trump replied, “except for day one," when he'll close the border and “drill, drill, drill.” After that, Trump said, "I'm not a dictator.” Kellman reported from London.Iowa players blast Matt Rhule, Nebraska for pregame antics as tension boils over in winThe TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G is a full-color, color paper, and ink paper tablet available at Verizon for $240. It's a great entertainment tablet for daily use that also functions very well as an e-reader. Although the screen is versatile, don't expect the graphics to compare to those on an iPad or other high-end tablets. If you have an eligible device to trade in, you can get up to $180 off the TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G at Verizon. Reading is my favorite hobby and something I've come to rely on to wind down before bed. I've had a few Kindles over the past 13 years, and the Amazon e-reader has become my go-to. I recently tried out TCL's Nxtpaper technology as an alternative, and I'll never look back. Also: Best Black Friday deals 2024: 170+ sales live now featuring some of the lowest prices ever I've been testing the TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G for a few months now, but it felt like an upgrade almost immediately. I gave my daughter my old Kindle within hours of setting it up, and my husband got my old iPad. TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G The TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G features 128GB of storage, expandable up to 1TB, 6GB of RAM, Face Unlock, and a versatile screen that can go from full color to ink paper. The TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G's display smoothly transitions from regular mode to color paper or ink paper, whether you're reading, scrolling on social media, watching videos, or playing a game. TCL's Nxtpaper technology isn't the same as E Ink, which uses electrophoretic technology to create a monochromatic image. Also: I love everything about this Android tablet (especially the price) Instead, Nxtpaper is a paper-like display that helps reduce eye strain and improves readability over traditional screens. The display also reduces blue light, doesn't have a conventional backlight, and eliminates flickering, making it easy on the eyes while displaying the different types of content you'd expect from a tablet or smartphone . The lack of a backlight and the display's frosted finish reduce glare and reflections, contributing to better energy efficiency and longer battery life. Using several anti-reflective and anti-glare layers, TCL's Nxtpaper enhances readability in different conditions, so you can enjoy that bestseller on a bright day at the beach or by the pool. A front light panel evenly illuminates the screen and helps maintain a comfortable viewing experience. E Ink, in turn, doesn't traditionally transition from monochromatic to full color and has a slower refresh rate. Though there are color E Ink displays, they're not as vibrant or suitable for multimedia content. The TCL Tab 10 Nxpaper is an entertainment tablet that lets you take your essentials anywhere. It's not meant to replace a brand-new $1,000 iPad, but it can replace an e-reader and an older iPad model, which was my case. I'm not a tablet power user. I don't need a tablet with strong processing power to replace my MacBook Pro or iMac for video editing or graphic design; I mainly use tablets for entertainment. This includes streaming video on YouTube or a subscription service, reading the news, making notes and lists, catching up on baseball, checking the weather, and playing some games. For all of those use cases, this tablet works well. Also: The best cheap tablets of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed I sometimes work on my tablet, but as a writer, I only need a keyboard and a reliable note-taking or word-processing app, which are easy to use one this TCL tablet. When I first tested this device, I wasn't sure what to expect. I had read about TCL's Nxtpaper but hadn't had a chance to test it until now. When I first got my hands on the TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G tablet, I was surprised with the display's versatility and how easily you could switch from regular mode to color paper to ink paper, the latter being the most similar to what you might expect from an e-reader. The very first app I downloaded was Kindle . I was excited to see how this tablet would feel as an e-reader, and I wasn't disappointed. Also: One of the best tablets for watching movies is not from a brand you'd expect A Kindle e-reader is a single-purpose device, so upgrading to a tablet with a similar display and the benefits of a faster refresh rate and processor was a pleasure. After using the same Kindle for six years, I was blown away by the simple fact that I could breeze through the Kindle app as I would on any other tablet, while the TCL Nxtpaper display looks as good as any e-reader. The TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G has its front camera located on the landscape edge. After reading for about an hour, I made up my mind. I reset the old 10th-generation Kindle, set it up with Amazon Kids for my seven-year-old, and never looked back. Even better, because now my kid is reading more than ever. During the first three days of using the Kindle, she read for four and a half hours. She's been reading for a few years but now dedicates at least 40 minutes of reading each night before bed on her own, whereas before, she'd read maybe 20 minutes a day during the school week. Also: One of the best Samsung tablets I've tested is not a flagship (and it's on sale) The TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G is also perfectly capable of performing the tasks my regular iPad did at home and on the go. Part of being a parent means sitting on the sidelines for hours a week while the kids attend extracurricular activities that cost an arm and a leg. This tablet has become my new iPad and Kindle while I'm killing time. Plus, if I have a deadline, I can continue my work in Docs; if I'm bored, I can stream on Netflix or scroll through TikTok; and if I'm looking to relax, I can read the latest novel I've downloaded from Kindle Unlimited . The convenience of two devices in one made it easy to give my husband my old iPad on the same day I set up the TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G. While the Android experience differs from an iPad, I've encountered minimal bugs and inconveniences. I can still work and play on the TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G, use a split screen, and stream videos flawlessly. ZDNET's buying advice The TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G is perfect for everyday use. This $239 tablet isn't looking to win any benchmark competitions with high-end devices, but it's an outstanding tablet for the price, especially if you like using an e-reader. But if you're looking to trade in your old tablet and upgrade, saving up to $180 definitely sweetens the deal. Also: The best Samsung tablets of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed The TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G tablet is available at Verizon for $239 prepaid or $6.66 monthly for 36 months. TCL sells a T-Pen Stylus for $40 (I plan to pick one up). Verizon plans start at $30 per month, which certainly isn't cheap. The data plan option is best suited for those who often use the tablet on the go, outside the comforts of Wi-Fi. I'm keeping the TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper, data plan or not, because I use it mainly around the house. If I use a tablet or laptop somewhere without Wi-Fi, I'm okay with using my iPhone as a hotspot. One of the best QLED TVs I've tested isn't made by Samsung or Hisense (and it's $500 off) I finally found a wireless Android Auto adapter that's reliable, functional, and affordable This is the most bizarre portable power station I've tested - and it actually works One of the best cheap soundbars I've tested performs as well as models twice its priceokebet.c 。

Welcome to IBD Live! will speed your learning curve. The Ready List contains top stocks that meet our that are in or near . However, IBD Live participants should analyze the chart action to determine the exact before buying. Q&A Summary Ready List Watch List Top Mutual Funds For Stock Research Institutional sponsorship is a key part of IBD's methodology. Here's a list of top growth-style mutual funds that our team likes to see as holders of individual stocks we're researching.Should You Donate Your Points and Miles to Charity?

Portland, OR November 25, 2024 --( PR.com )-- Renowned aesthetic physician Dr. Anil Rajani announces a groundbreaking advancement in at-home skincare: the PlasmaGLO LED Gua Sha Suite, the first comprehensive system to include doctor-led training and certification. Gua Sha, an ancient therapeutic technique dating back thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has gained significant attention in modern skincare. The practice involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to promote circulation and natural healing responses. Originally used throughout Asia for wellness and muscle relief, Gua Sha has evolved into a sought-after facial treatment, particularly among celebrities and skincare professionals. The technique is known for its ability to promote lymphatic drainage, reduce facial tension, and enhance natural contours. When performed correctly, facial Gua Sha can help improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and promote a natural, healthy glow. While LED-enhanced Gua Sha represents an exciting evolution in skincare technology, proper technique remains crucial for optimal results. PlasmaGLO innovates beyond the device alone by being the first to pair advanced LED technology with comprehensive doctor-led training. This unique combination of innovation and education ensures users master the precise techniques needed to achieve professional-level results at home. The PlasmaGLO LED Gua Sha harnesses a powerful triple-action approach to skincare. The device combines therapeutic LED light technology, gentle vibration therapy, and premium beechwood construction to maximize results. The medical-grade LED system delivers optimal wavelengths for skin renewal, while precise vibration frequencies help enhance circulation and product absorption. The ergonomically designed beechwood component maintains the authentic benefits of traditional Gua Sha, ensuring proper tissue stimulation and facial massage. This innovative combination allows users to achieve multiple skincare benefits in one streamlined treatment. “Technique is everything," explains Dr. Rajani. "Having the device alone isn't enough - proper training is crucial for effectiveness. That's why we've made professional education the cornerstone of our approach." The PlasmaGLO Suite includes: • PlasmaGLO LED Gua Sha Device • HydraGLO Oil • Comprehensive training by Dr. Rajani • Step-by-step technique guides • Ongoing technique updates "We're seeing a shift toward comprehensive skincare solutions," continues Dr. Rajani. "PlasmaGLO's focus on education addresses a critical gap in the market - the need for professional guidance in at-home treatments." The global beauty device market, projected to reach $311.1 billion by 2026, increasingly demands solutions that combine technology with education. The PlasmaGLO LED Gua Sha Suite is available through store.rajanimd.com . About Dr. Rajani Dr. Anil Rajani is a board-certified physician and internationally recognized expert in aesthetic medicine, known for pioneering advanced treatment techniques and technologies. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Rajani has trained thousands of practitioners worldwide. For additional information, high-resolution images, or interview requests, please contact: Cynthia Ferngren Press Relations cynthia@rajanimd.com Contact Information: RajaniMD Cynthia Ferngren 310-560-5547 Contact via Email www.rajanimd.com Read the full story here: https://www.pr.com/press-release/926039 Press Release Distributed by PR.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Citigroup Inc. Has $9.63 Million Stock Position in Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:FND)SUGAR LAND, Texas, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAOI) (“ AOI ,” “ we ,” “ us ” or “ our ”) announced today that it has closed its exchange with holders (the “ Noteholders ”) of its 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (the “ 2026 Notes ”) of approximately $76.7 million principal amount of the 2026 Notes for (i) $125 million aggregate principal amount of 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030 (the “ 2030 Notes ”), (ii) 1,487,874 shares of our common stock (the “ Exchange Shares ”) and (iii) approximately $89.6 thousand in cash representing accrued interest on the 2026 Notes and the value of fractional shares (such transactions, collectively, the “ Exchanges ”). The 2030 Notes are our senior, unsecured obligations and are equal in right of payment with our existing and future senior, unsecured indebtedness, senior in right of payment to our existing and future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the 2030 Notes and effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that indebtedness. The 2030 Notes bear interest at a rate of 2.75% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning on July 15, 2025. The 2030 Notes will mature on January 15, 2030, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. The 2030 Notes are convertible at the option of holders of the 2030 Notes under certain specified circumstances, as set forth in the indenture governing the 2030 Notes. We will settle conversions by paying or delivering, as applicable, cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at our election, based on the applicable conversion rate. The initial conversion rate is approximately 23.0884 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2030 Notes, representing an initial conversion price of approximately $43.31 per share of our common stock, an approximately 27.50% premium to the closing price of our common stock on December 18, 2024. If a Make-Whole Fundamental Change (as defined in the indenture governing the 2030 Notes) occurs, and in connection with certain other conversions, we will in certain circumstances increase the conversion rate for a specified period of time. Except in connection with the completion of the Specified Divestiture (as described below), we may not redeem the 2030 Notes prior to January 15, 2027. On or after January 15, 2027, and on or before the 40 th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, we may redeem all or part of the 2030 Notes for cash if the last reported sale price per share of our common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price on (i) each of at least 20 trading days, whether or not consecutive, during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the trading day immediately before the date we send the related redemption notice; and (ii) the trading day immediately before the date we send such redemption notice, at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount of the 2030 Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Holders may require us to repurchase their 2030 Notes upon the occurrence of a Fundamental Change (as defined in the indenture governing the 2030 Notes) at a cash purchase price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, the 2030 Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at our option at any time, and from time to time, on or before the 40 th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount of the 2030 Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, if the “Specified Divestiture” (as defined in the indenture governing the 2030 Notes) is completed. If the Specified Divestiture is completed, each holder will have the right to require us to repurchase its 2030 Notes for cash at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such 2030 Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the repurchase date. The issuance of the 2030 Notes, the Exchange Shares and the shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the 2030 Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), and the 2030 Notes, the Exchange Shares and such shares issuable upon conversion of the 2030 Notes may not be offered or sold without registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state or other jurisdictions’ securities laws, or in transactions not subject to those registration requirements. Concurrently with the Exchanges, AOI issued an aggregate of 1,036,458 shares of common stock, at a purchase price of $33.97 per share, in a registered direct offering (the “ Registered Direct Offering ”). Estimated net proceeds from the Registered Direct Offering are approximately $33.7 million after deducting placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses incurred by us. We intend to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, capital expenditures and working capital. We may also use such proceeds to fund acquisitions of businesses, technologies or product lines that complement our current business; however, we have no present plans, agreements or commitments with respect to any potential acquisition. Stefan Murry, AOI’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, stated that “AOI expects to benefit from the convertible debt exchange transactions and the concurrent registered direct offering by, among other things, extending our convertible debt from 2026 to 2030, reducing our existing interest expense and strengthening the cash position of our balance sheet by approximately $30.2 million through the registered direct offering. In addition, the convertible debt exchange transactions increase our financial flexibility by removing certain existing restrictive covenants in our 2026 Notes. We were able to execute these transactions with minimal additional dilution of approximately 0.5%, compared to the implied dilution of the shares underlying the 2026 Notes.” The Registered Direct Offering was made pursuant to an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR (Registration File No. 333-283905), which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) on December 18, 2024, and became effective immediately upon filing, including the prospectus contained therein, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated December 18, 2024 filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act on December 20, 2024. The prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the Registered Direct Offering are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. acted as AOI’s exclusive financial advisor in connection with the Exchanges and acted as the sole placement agent in connection with the Registered Direct Offering. Haynes Boone LLP acted as legal advisor to AOI and Mayer Brown LLP acted as legal advisor to Raymond James & Associates, Inc., in connection with the Exchanges and the Registered Direct Offering. This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor will there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “target,” “seek,” “aim,” “predicts,” “think,” “objectives,” “optimistic,” “new,” “goal,” “strategy,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect,” “plan” “project,” “permit” or by other similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Such forward-looking statements reflect the views of management at the time such statements are made. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions and current expectations, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: reduction in the size or quantity of customer orders; change in demand for our products due to industry conditions; changes in manufacturing operations; volatility in manufacturing costs; delays in shipments of products; disruptions in the supply chain; change in the rate of design wins or the rate of customer acceptance of new products; our reliance on a small number of customers for a substantial portion of its revenues; potential pricing pressure; a decline in demand for our customers’ products or their rate of deployment of their products; general conditions in the internet datacenter, cable television (CATV) broadband, telecom, or fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) markets; changes in the world economy (particularly in the United States and China); changes in the regulation and taxation of international trade, including the imposition of tariffs; changes in currency exchange rates; the negative effects of seasonality; the impact of any pandemics or similar events on our business and financial results; and other risks and uncertainties described more fully in our documents filed with or furnished to the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024. More information about these and other risks that may impact our business are set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of our quarterly and annual reports on file with the SEC. You should not rely on forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon information available to us as of the date hereof, and qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this press release to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations. About Applied Optoelectronics Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (AOI) is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical products, including components, modules and equipment. AOI’s products are the building blocks for broadband fiber access networks around the world, where they are used in the CATV broadband, internet datacenter, telecom and FTTH markets. AOI supplies optical networking lasers, components and equipment to tier-1 customers in all four of these markets. In addition to its corporate headquarters, wafer fab and advanced engineering and production facilities in Sugar Land, TX, AOI has engineering and manufacturing facilities in Taipei, Taiwan and Ningbo, China. Investor Relations Contacts: The Blueshirt Group, Investor Relations Monica Gould +1-212-871-3927 ir@ao-inc.com Cassidy Fuller +1-415-217-4968 ir@ao-inc.com

Alpha Modus and Insight Acquisition Corp Close Business Combination and Alpha Modus will Begin ...Tariffs, sanctions or bans? What will Trump really achieve when the US says ‘no’NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of ordinary shares of ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ: ASML) between January 24, 2024 and October 15, 2024, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important January 13, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased ASML ordinary shares during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the ASML class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31159 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 13, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the issues being faced by suppliers, like ASML, in the semiconductor industry were much more severe than defendants had indicated to investors; (2) the pace of recovery of sales in the semiconductor industry was much slower than defendants had publicly acknowledged; (3) defendants had created the false impression that they possessed reliable information pertaining to customer demand and anticipated growth, while also downplaying risk from macroeconomic and industry fluctuations, as well as stronger regulations restricting the export of semiconductor technology, including the products that ASML sells; and (4) as a result, defendants’ statements about ASML’s business, operations, and prospects lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the ASML class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31159 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com

Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers, accused of domestic violence, cleared to practice and play

Jacob Trouba would speak to the NHL Media on Saturday after being traded to the Anaheim Ducks abruptly this weekend. The former Rangers captain spoke with Kevin Weekes and John Buccigross and said GM Chris Drury utilized waivers as a threat to complete the trade. A messy look in the media for the Rangers GM. Rangers defenseman Trouba only played 24 games with the Rangers this season, scoring only 6 points before becoming an Anaheim Duck. "It was a threat," Trouba said. Drury wouldn't address Trouba's comments about the comment he made being a threat, but would contest the idea that he doesn't respect Rangers players. According to GM Chris Drury, he did nothing wrong here. While it is his job, he may have unintentionally stepped into messy territory as Trouba isn't the only player he's utilized unconventional measures to move. This could bring the NHLPA into the discussion with the next CBA. The ruthless tactics have to have a chilling effect in the locker room, as this is the second time Trouba's been on the trade-block. However, this time Drury was successful in moving the former Rangers Captain and his $8 million salary. Last month, Drury mentioned that Trouba and forward Chris Kreider were on the block. Is Chris Kreider next? This article first appeared on NY Rangers Insider and was syndicated with permission.

QNA DOHA: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari affirmed that the State of Qatar is closely monitoring the rapid developments in Syria, expressing Qatar's welcome of the positive steps taken by the opposition forces, especially in maintaining the safety of civilians, stabilizing state institutions, and ensuring the continuity of public services. He viewed these steps as the beginning of a new phase that allows the Syrian people to achieve their legitimate aspirations for freedom, justice, and peace. In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr Al Ansari emphasized that the Syrian people, who have made countless sacrifices for their freedom and have shown legendary steadfastness for over a decade against oppression and violence, deserve international recognition and support for their national project. He stressed the importance of building on the measures taken to enhance social peace and avoiding any political or security vacuum that could affect the country's stability. The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring their safety, urging all concerned parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and work towards a peaceful political transition that serves the interests of the Syrian people and enhances regional stability. Dr Al Ansari confirmed Qatar's continued intensive communications with Arab and international partners to support peace efforts in Syria and its readiness to contribute constructively to supporting the Syrian people's march towards a stable, secure, and prosperous future. Copy 09/12/2024 10

Bangladesh on Friday, November 29 claimed that India is hypocritical when it comes to the safety of the minorities especially with tensions soaring high after Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das’ arrest on charges of sedition. These sentiments were voiced by Asif Nazrul, the Law Affairs Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government in a Facebook post where he accused India of “double standards”, criticizing India’s perceived hypocrisy in addressing minority rights. Nazrul listed some incidents of violence against minority groups in India, especially targeted attacks on the Muslim community, stating that “there is no regret” from the Indian political leaders and authorities for these discriminative actions which he described as “shameful” and “condemnable”. “In India, numerous incidents of brutality on minority Muslim community is going on. But they don’t have any remorse or embarrassment (over those incidents). This double standard of India is condemnable and objectionable,” Nazrul wrote. His statement was also endorsed by a Voice of America Bangla poll wherein respondents revealed that 64.1 per cent of Bangladeshi minorities feel that the current interim government offers a greater security guarantee than what the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government provided. Citing a survey by Voice of America Bangla, Nazrul wrote: “The majority of Bangladeshis (64.1%) believe that the interim government has been able to provide better security to the country’s minority communities compared to the previous Awami League government.” However, this poll sharply contrasts with India’s narrative conceding minority safety in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Bangladesh interim government of Muhammad Yunus urged the country’s journalists to counter “misinformation” in Indian media with “truth”. Chief Adviser Yunus’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said, “We must tell our stories our way else they (Indian media) will set our narrative according to their liking.” Alam, a former journalist, said in a Facebook post that several Bangladeshi journalists now realised it was time to confront an “industrial scale misinformation campaign” coming from some Indian media outlets and their social media platforms. His comments came as a group of students staged a demonstration at the Dhaka University campus calling for resisting India’s alleged interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. They also demanded the extradition of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who had fled to India in August amid massive student-led protests, and a ban on International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh. The students accused India of “border killings”, religious persecution and attempts to instigate communal strife in Bangladesh. They also accused the Indian government of inciting communal tensions in Bangladesh and exploiting religious differences to destabilise the country. “India is killing people on our border every week. Minorities in their own country are being persecuted daily. Recently, several Muslims were killed in an incident centred around a mosque,” president of the Student Rights Council, Bin Yamin Molla, alleged. The background to this diplomatic tension is rising concerns about the rights of ethnic communities in both nations. India has expressed serious concerns about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh following the arrest of Das who is accused of raising a saffron flag while disrespecting Bangalesh’s national flag. On October 30, a sedition case was filed against 19 people, including Das, at Chattogram’s Kotwali Police Station, accusing them of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag in Chattogram’s New Market area during a rally of the Hindu community. Das, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was arrested from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday for alleged sedition. He was denied bail and sent to jail by a Chattogram court on Tuesday, triggering protests by his supporters. He has also been accused of making provocative speeches and influencing the public against the country’s government. He was finally arrested on November 25 at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka while intending to travel to Chattogram. India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that Bangladesh should do everything possible to protect all citizens, including the rights of minorities. He stated Hindus are being subjected to violence and extremist rhetoric in Bangladesh and urged Dhaka to take immediate action. (With PTI inputs)South Korea's democracy held after a 6-hour power play. What does it say for democracies elsewhere?

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Japan’s core consumer price inflation probably accelerated in November, driven by persistently high rice prices and the phasing out of utility subsidies, a Reuters poll showed on Friday. The core consumer price index (CPI), which includes oil products but excludes fresh food prices, was expected to have risen 2.6% in November from a year earlier, compared with 2.3% in October, a poll of 18 economists showed. “On top of higher prices in rice, food and industrial product prices, energy prices were also pushed up as the government trimmed subsidies for electricity and city gas bills,” Mizuho Research & Technologies said in a report. The internal affairs ministry will release November CPI data on Dec. 20 at 8:30 a.m.(Dec. 19 at 2330 GMT). The poll also showed exports are expected to have risen 2.8% in November from a year earlier, slowing from a 3.1% increase in October. Imports were estimated to have expanded 1% from a year earlier, resulting in a deficit of 688.9 billion yen ($4.50 billion). Imports rose 0.4% in October. “Global trade remained sluggish but the yen’s weakness since mid-September likely boosted the value of exports,” said Takeshi Minami, chief economist at Norinchukin Research Institute. Machinery orders, a highly volatile but leading indicator of capital spending for the coming six to nine months, probably rose 1.2% in October from theprevious month, following a 0.7% drop in September, according to the poll. The finance ministry will publish the trade data at 8:50 a.m. on Dec. 18 (2350 GMT on Dec.17), while the Cabinet Office will announce the machinery orders data at 8:50 a.m. on Dec. 16 (2350 GMT on Dec. 15). Source: Reuters (Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Kate Mayberry)

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CMBT stock touches 52-week low at $11.73 amid market shiftsTORONTO — Everything changed for Kia Nurse when she tore her anterior cruciate ligament in the 2021 WNBA playoffs. The basketball star from Hamilton was locked in as starter for a team in the semifinals. She’d been selected as an all-star just two years prior. But in one awkward fall three years ago, she was plunged into the depths of surgery and rehab. Nurse would miss the entire 2022 season due to the injury. She signed with the Seattle Storm for the 2023 campaign before a trade landed her with the Los Angeles Sparks last season. Meanwhile, Nurse represented Canada at the Paris Olympics in August, but she struggled as the team failed to reach the knockout round for the second straight time. The common thread throughout Nurse’s recent basketball journey? She just hasn’t quite felt like herself. “I still love basketball with all of my heart, and it's my favourite thing that I get to do. And I'm so privileged to be able to say that I get to do it as a job,” Nurse said. "But the last two years for me have been just really rocky, up and down.” Nurse, 28, will become a WNBA free agent as of Feb. 1. For now, she’s continuing her Raptors broadcast work with TSN and, on Monday, announced a new playing gig. In February, Nurse will join fellow WNBAers Alysha Clark and Sydney Colson among 37 others for Athletes Unlimited’s third basketball season in Nashville. Athletes Unlimited was founded as a women’s professional softball league in 2020 before expanding to basketball, volleyball and lacrosse. Its 24-game hoops campaign switches teams weekly and concludes by crowning a season-long individual champion. Players earn points through a fantasy-style system that rewards team successes like wins as well as individual accomplishments from made three-pointers to steals to drawn fouls. Outside of the unique scoring system, the game looks like traditional basketball — a major appeal to Nurse as she attempts to tap back into her roots. “I am not proud of my performance at the Olympics and not necessarily proud of how I’ve been playing over the last two years. I just have goals of finding my true love of the game and kind of coming back and being stronger physically, being more fit and just ultimately having a good year,” Nurse said. When Nurse’s career began in 2018, many WNBA players would ply their trade overseas during the off-season as a way of staying in shape and making additional money. But over the past half-decade — and perhaps expedited by Brittney Griner’s 2022 detainment in Russia — more options have emerged stateside, including Athletes Unlimited. “The (WNBA) now has a lot of the teams that have practice facilities, so they have full-time player development, practice-facility access and that's a big piece as well. But now ultimately we have these leagues at home like AU,” Nurse said. Athletes Unlimited will not be the only professional women’s basketball operation in North America this winter. A three-on-three league called Unrivaled, founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, will tip off in January in Miami. Nurse said Unrivaled was an option for her, but she preferred Athletes Unlimited. “I wanted a place where I'm happy with basketball again, really happy with myself and how I'm playing and a having a little more confidence boost from what I've had over these last two years. And I feel like AU, for me, that five-on-five setting was a big piece of it,” Nurse said. The timing of the Athletes Unlimited schedule — deep enough into the WNBA off-season but with enough leeway to fine tune things before the 2025 campaign begins — also stood out to Nurse. Ahead of AU, Nurse said she moved her training from Toronto to Hamilton, where she could stay closer to home and avoid the long highway drives. And following two seasons in which Nurse’s WNBA teams suffered a combined 61 losses, she’s hoping to find a landing spot in free agency with a winning franchise. “I want to ... have an opportunity make a deep playoff run, be kind of like an X-Factor player, somebody who can go out there, be a three-and-D player, can help make winning plays,” she said. Nurse said she and fellow WNBA veteran Bridget Carleton have discussed what went wrong in Paris and how it can be fixed ahead of Los Angeles 2028. Management changes have already occurred with the retirement of GM Denise Dignard and a mutual parting with head coach Victor Lapena. The national team recently met up in Toronto for an informal training camp where Nurse and Carleton aimed to lay the groundwork for the culture they hope to create over the next four years. “Getting back to the basics and just enjoying playing for Canada Basketball, but also creating a really strong, bonded culture where everybody does what they need to do for our team to win," she said. "We understand our roles (and) we understand the commitment piece of it because now there's so much going on and people are all over the place." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2024. Myles Dichter, The Canadian PressA long-duration battery storage facility is coming to Camp Pendleton