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No Bishnoi gang link, threats bid to upgrade Pappu security: Cops
Volunteers with Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana sort through boxes of petitions submitted just before a deadline in 2022 to submit signatures to qualify for the November ballot. July 7, 2022. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN — The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office and the Hall County Attorney’s Office are appealing the dismissal of criminal charges against a notary public who notarized medical cannabis petitions for the fall election. Hall County Attorney Marty Klein, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Assistant Attorney General Michael Jensen filed an appeal Friday to take the case to Hall County District Court against Jacy C. Todd, 54, a notary from York. Mark Porto, Todd’s attorney, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday on the appeal but previously urged prosecutors to “ stop playing political games .” “A series of politically orchestrated (and false) Class II misdemeanors are among the least scary and intimidating things Mr. Todd has ever encountered,” Porto said in a statement last month. Prosecutors to appeal case against Nebraska notary, whose attorney asks ‘to stop playing games’ Prosecutors charged Todd on Oct. 2 with 24 counts of “ official misconduct ” for allegedly notarizing petitions outside the presence of a paid petition circulator — Michael Egbert of Grand — on 24 separate dates. Egbert pleaded guilty Nov. 8 to a Class I misdemeanor for circulator fraud, down from a felony. He testified in court that he used a phone book to illegally add and forge voter signatures. Hall County Judge Alfred Corey dismissed all charges against Todd on Nov. 22, finding that notaries are not public officials and that allegations of notarial “malfeasance” can already be tried administratively. Corey ordered the state to pay associated court costs. “While these duties greatly assist others, notary publics are not public servants who are performing governmental functions,” Corey wrote in a four-page opinion. The prosecutors, in their appeal, argue that Corey erred in finding that a notary was not a public official and said many states recognize notaries public as having governmental power. The prosecutors added that an administrative investigation doesn’t prohibit criminal prosecution. Todd is believed to be the first notary public criminally charged in Nebraska in actions involving allegations of notary malfeasance. Hilgers’ office accused about seven other notaries involved with the medical marijuana ballot initiatives of similar malfeasance by Hilgers’ office in a Lancaster County District Court case against the petitions . None of the seven have been charged in the same manner as Todd. The Lancaster County district judge dismissed the case after rejecting arguments from the AG’s Office, which included accusations of notarial malfeasance. That ruling is also being appealed . SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Transcript: Rep.-elect Sarah McBride on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024Photo: The Canadian Press NDP leader Jagmeet Singh leaves the Prime Minister's office in the West Block after taking part in a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and fellow opposition leaders on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said he won't play Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's games by voting to bring down the government on an upcoming non-confidence motion. The Conservatives plan to introduce a motion that quotes Singh's own criticism of the Liberals, and asks the House of Commons to declare that it agrees with Singh and has no confidence in the government. The motion is expected to be introduced on Thursday and the debate and vote are set for Monday. Singh said he is not going to trigger an election when he believes Poilievre would cut programs the NDP fought for. "I'm not going to be playing Pierre Poilievre's games. I have no interest in that. We're frankly not going to allow him to cut the things that people need. I want to actually have dental care expanded, I want people to actually start to benefit from the pharmacare legislation we passed," Singh said. With the NDP's expected support, the Liberals should survive this next confidence vote brought forward by the Conservatives. The Tories have vowed to bring forward non-confidence motions every chance they get. The party will have two more opposition motions after this one, which are expected to continue to call for non-confidence. The NDP are scheduled to have their opposition day on Friday. Earlier on Tuesday, Singh did acknowledge that the Conservatives have a sizeable lead on the NDP in public opinion polls, while giving a campaign-style speech to visiting party staffers from across the country. Most pollsters in Canada have recorded a roughly 20 point lead for the Conservatives over both the Liberals and NDP for the last few months. The non-confidence vote was scheduled after Speaker Greg Fergus intervened to pause a filibuster on a privilege debate about a green technology fund. The Conservatives have said they would only end that debate if the NDP agree to topple the government or if the Liberals turn over unredacted documents at the centre of the parliamentary gridlock.
Dr. Oz agrees to stop promoting health and wellness products if confirmed: TransitionLucyRx Accelerates Growth with Management Services Agreement, Adding 100,000 Members to its Pharmacy Benefits Portfolio
JAMES CITY — Grove Christian Outreach Center on Wednesday opened the first free grocery market in the Williamsburg area for families facing food insecurity. Christened The Gathering Place, the new marketplace inside the center at 8880 Pocahontas Trail provides a free shopping experience to families who need a little extra help. Replacing the center’s original food pantry program, the market provides families with fresh produce options while also helping prevent food waste by having them pick according to their own preferences. During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Terry Banez, CEO of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, congratulated Grove Christian Outreach Center Executive Director Katie Patrick and her team for their efforts in creating the market. “What an amazing and beautiful place, and we wish you much success,” Banez said. “It’s really phenomenal what you’ve all done.” The Gathering Place saw much support in its fruition. Along with donations from community and business partners, the center was selected for Food Lion Feeds’ annual event, The Great Pantry Makeover. This saw Food Lion associates volunteer in completing the center’s buildout while also stocking shelves with over 3,000 pounds of shelf-stable food. Likewise, the Williamsburg Health Foundation provided funding for the market’s installation of new refrigeration systems for fresh produce storage. The approximately 2,000-square-foot space that makes up the market was previously the service room for the original Grove Community Church. “The pastor and his wife were founders of Grove Christian Outreach Center. The church was still meeting here and just over the years, the last several years, we recognized the need for the space,” Patrick said. The Gathering Place joins the nonprofit center’s 20-plus years of feeding families in the Williamsburg area, as well as providing clothing, school supplies, financial assistance, holiday programs, transportation and more. Last year, the center served nearly 32,000 people through various programs. It provided over 1,000 food pantry visits to area families last month alone. Patrick expressed the importance of providing a meaningful shopping experience for those who are struggling to put food on the table. Families qualify to receive services based on need. “If I have to stand in line for food, I really want to get food that my kids are going to eat, that’s meaningful to me and the culture that my family celebrates ... and that I am not going to throw away,” Patrick said. “I love making sure people are well fed. If you guys have never heard me say it, food is love. It’s how we show up in the world, and it means a lot.” Stephanie Kalantarians, chair of the center’s board of directors, said there is a real need to help those with food insecurity that goes beyond the Grove community. Someone is generally considered to have food insecurity when they lack access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. “We’re serving the Grove community, but I think it’s so important for people to have an awareness that this need exists in your community,” Kalantarians said. “And the need is increasing, doubling, in years time.” For more information, call 757-887-1100 or visit groveoutreach.com . Donations and volunteers are continuously welcomed. James W. Robinson, 757-799-0621, james.robinson@virginiamedia.com Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Trump chooses Pam Bondi for attorney general pick after Gaetz withdraws Trump chooses Pam Bondi for attorney general pick after Gaetz withdraws Meet the Fort Monroe Authority’s new CEO Meet the Fort Monroe Authority’s new CEO Court documents: 3-year-old grabbed dad’s gun off kitchen counter and accidentally shot himself Court documents: 3-year-old grabbed dad’s gun off kitchen counter and accidentally shot himself Army-Navy 2024: Navy specialty uniforms to honor Jolly Rogers aviation squadron Army-Navy 2024: Navy specialty uniforms to honor Jolly Rogers aviation squadron Here’s what development around the Virginia Beach Convention Center could look like Here’s what development around the Virginia Beach Convention Center could look like 2 injured after vehicle failed to stop at Suffolk railroad crossing, police say 2 injured after vehicle failed to stop at Suffolk railroad crossing, police say Newport News’ first Saladworks combines former doctor’s passions for health and business Newport News’ first Saladworks combines former doctor’s passions for health and business Bike shop in Midtown Row rebrands, coffee shops celebrate and more business news from the Historic Triangle Bike shop in Midtown Row rebrands, coffee shops celebrate and more business news from the Historic Triangle Virginia live election results Virginia live election results Entertainment venue Uptown Alley no longer coming to Williamsburg Entertainment venue Uptown Alley no longer coming to Williamsburg Trending Nationally Castle Rock school bus driver who left 40 kids at busy intersection “didn’t know what to do” A ‘horrific accident’: 2 deputies who died, 1 injured in Palm Beach County crash identified Illinois high court overturns Jussie Smollett’s convictions in allegedly staged hate crime San Diego toddler’s backyard snake bite bills totaled more than a quarter-million dollars Trump chooses Pam Bondi for attorney general pick after Gaetz withdrawsBy JUAN A. LOZANO, Associated Press HOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some former employees who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company’s collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work, wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions and rendered $60 billion in Enron stock worthless. Its aftershocks were felt throughout the energy sector. Twenty-four Enron executives , including former CEO Jeffrey Skilling , were eventually convicted for their roles in the fraud. Enron founder Ken Lay’s convictions were vacated after he died of heart disease following his 2006 trial. On Monday — the 23rd anniversary of the bankruptcy filing — a company representing itself as Enron announced in a news release that it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” It also posted a video on social media, advertised on at least one Houston billboard and a took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle In the minute-long video that was full of generic corporate jargon, the company talks about “growth” and “rebirth.” It ends with the words, “We’re back. Can we talk?” Enron’s new website features a company store, where various items featuring the brand’s tilted “E” logo are for sale, including a $118 hoodie. In an email, company spokesperson Will Chabot said the new Enron was not doing any interviews yet, but that “We’ll have more to share soon.” Signs point to the comeback being a joke. In the “terms of use and conditions of sale” on the company’s website, it says “the information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.” Documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show that College Company, an Arkansas-based LLC, owns the Enron trademark. The co-founder of College Company is Connor Gaydos, who helped create a joke conspiracy theory that claims all birds are actually surveillance drones for the government. Peters said that since learning about the “relaunch” of Enron, she has spoken with several other former employees and they are also upset by it. She said the apparent stunt was “in poor taste.” “If it’s a joke, it’s rude, extremely rude. And I hope that they realize it and apologize to all of the Enron employees,” Peters said. Peters, who is 74 years old, said she is still working in information technology because “I lost everything in Enron, and so my Social Security doesn’t always take care of things I need done.” “Enron’s downfall taught us critical lessons about corporate ethics, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Enron’s legacy was the employees in the trenches. Leave Enron buried,” she said. Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at https://x.com/juanlozano70
Thousands of social assistance cheques have not been distributed in British Columbia because of the Canada Post strike, prompting an investigation by provincial Ombudsperson Jay Chalke. Chalke's office began investigating when he was told by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction that many income and disability assistance cheques weren't delivered. Chalke says in a statement that he's concerned that many of B.C.'s most vulnerable people will be left without funds for food and shelter, especially during the upcoming holiday season. He says that despite the ministry's efforts to encourage direct deposit, thousands of hard-copy cheques are mailed every month, and the ministry says 40 per cent of those payments weren't sent last month. WATCH | Much-needed cheques not being sent out during mail strike: Postal strike stalls delivery of passports, government cheques 16 days ago Duration 2:01 Tens of thousands of passports are being held by Service Canada because of the postal strike. Provincial income assistance cheques are also not being delivered. There are workarounds for some of these challenges, but as Michelle Ghoussoub reports, not everyone can take advantage of them. The potential for a Canada Post strike was widely reported before it happened, and Chalke says the ministry needed to have a plan for distributing the cheques without mail service. Chalke says his investigation will assess the adequacy of that plan. The statement says the investigation will also look into the ministry's contingency planning before the strike was announced, as well as steps taken during the strike to distribute hard copy cheques to the 15 per cent of income and disability assistance recipients who don't get direct deposit. Purolator, UPS pause shipments from couriers amid backlog from Canada Post strike "The next social assistance payment date is Dec. 18. The end of December is when many ministry employees intend to be on vacation, which could present operational challenges," Chalke says. "I am calling on the government to demonstrate it has a plan in place to achieve better and faster results for December's cheques in the event the strike continues." Talks between union, employer stalled There are currently no new developments in the impasse between Canada Post employees and its workers, who began talks toward a new contract on Nov. 15, 2023. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says it is seeking fair wages as the cost of living has gone up, with high rent and inflation leaving employees "unable to survive." WATCH | Canada Post workers on why they are striking: Why are Canada Post workers on strike? 17 days ago Duration 1:35 The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is on strike. Here’s what they’re asking for, in their own words. Before and during the strike, Canada Post workers have been struggling with the cost of living, the union says. Among its key demands are wage increases, a guaranteed pension and safer working conditions, with the union citing the "second highest rate of disability injury among workers under federal jurisdiction." Canada Post, meanwhile, says it has lost $3 billion since 2018. The company says the union's demands will lead to more fixed costs that Canada Post can't afford. Charities in B.C. taking hit as Canada Post strike continuesThe vessels will help limit oil, diesel and other pollutant spills at inland waterways and each vessel can tow and deploy absorbent and containment booms to limit hazardous spills. They also carry specialised equipment designed to contain and recover contaminants, reducing environmental harm during an incident. The vessels are fitted with advanced emissions technology using the most efficient controls available to help minimise their environmental impact. The new locally made vessels replace a 15-year-old fleet and offer larger and more stable platforms for crews to operate from. They are strategically located around NSW to be deployed at any time with response times of under two hours. Three vessels already have been delivered to locations in Bathurst, Newcastle and Shellharbour, while additional units will be delivered to Batemans Bay, Berkeley Vale, Broken Hill, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Eden, Goonellabah, Leeton, Lithgow, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Tweed Heads and Wagga Wagga over coming months. Operators of the HAZMAT vessels undergo rigorous training, ensuring crews are prepared for complex incidents. Training is planned for teams in Berkeley Vale by the end of the year with the remaining boats to be rolled out by June 2025. The $1.58M fleet is part of the NSW Government’s $18.6M investment in Fire and Rescue NSW’s Fleet Replacement Program 2024/25.
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Israel denounces murder of rabbi as 'heinous antisemitic terrorist act' after his body found in UAEBy JUAN A. LOZANO, Associated Press HOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some former employees who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company’s collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work, wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions and rendered $60 billion in Enron stock worthless. Its aftershocks were felt throughout the energy sector. Twenty-four Enron executives , including former CEO Jeffrey Skilling , were eventually convicted for their roles in the fraud. Enron founder Ken Lay’s convictions were vacated after he died of heart disease following his 2006 trial. On Monday — the 23rd anniversary of the bankruptcy filing — a company representing itself as Enron announced in a news release that it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” It also posted a video on social media, advertised on at least one Houston billboard and a took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle In the minute-long video that was full of generic corporate jargon, the company talks about “growth” and “rebirth.” It ends with the words, “We’re back. Can we talk?” Enron’s new website features a company store, where various items featuring the brand’s tilted “E” logo are for sale, including a $118 hoodie. In an email, company spokesperson Will Chabot said the new Enron was not doing any interviews yet, but that “We’ll have more to share soon.” Signs point to the comeback being a joke. In the “terms of use and conditions of sale” on the company’s website, it says “the information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.” Documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show that College Company, an Arkansas-based LLC, owns the Enron trademark. The co-founder of College Company is Connor Gaydos, who helped create a joke conspiracy theory that claims all birds are actually surveillance drones for the government. Peters said that since learning about the “relaunch” of Enron, she has spoken with several other former employees and they are also upset by it. She said the apparent stunt was “in poor taste.” “If it’s a joke, it’s rude, extremely rude. And I hope that they realize it and apologize to all of the Enron employees,” Peters said. Peters, who is 74 years old, said she is still working in information technology because “I lost everything in Enron, and so my Social Security doesn’t always take care of things I need done.” “Enron’s downfall taught us critical lessons about corporate ethics, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Enron’s legacy was the employees in the trenches. Leave Enron buried,” she said. Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at https://x.com/juanlozano70
Tigers recruit Terrell May has opened up on his “shock” exit from the Roosters, revealing he’s yet to receive any explanation beyond a two minute phone call with Trent Robinson. 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 > During Samoa’s tour of England, the 25-year-old received a shock phone call informing him he was free to leave the Tricolours club who wanted to “go in a different direction”. That was despite signing a fresh two-year extension in April, with May emerging as one of the best front rowers in the game off the bench for the Roosters in 2024. Speaking on James Graham’s The Bye Round podcast, May explained that he was completely blindsided by the Tricolours’ decision and the phone call left him with more questions than answers. “Nothing was even said or mentioned throughout the whole year, and then getting a phone call two days before our second game in England,” May said. “Getting that phone call from Robbo, I was thinking of all the good things. I must be getting a call saying ‘I’m so happy for you’ all that stuff or that ‘you did us proud’. “But to get that call it was just a 180 of what I thought the original call was going to be, I was just in shock. I didn’t digest it all until like a week later. “I was just thinking the worst of the worst, what did I do wrong? Was there something I did wrong? After that call I was trying to text everyone because it was 3:30am in Australia. “So none of my family or manager or anyone was awake, so I had to digest that all by myself. I was just like ‘what just happened? Did I just lose my contract?’.” Following the breaking news May had been given permission to depart the Roosters, rumours swirled as to the reason he was handed his marching orders. However, as rugby league fans scrambled to answer the big question, May was doing the same and he still doesn’t fully understand the decision. “I wanted to know the reason why this was happening, and the reasoning why didn’t add up to me. I see people saying ‘he must have done this, he must have done that’,” he said. “The honest truth is I honestly don’t know why I got released... it was just ‘we don’t see you as the future of the club, we are going to go in a different direction’. “That was my explanation, it was a two minute phone call. That was the whole reason I got told to find another club, and I couldn’t digest it, I was thinking the worst of the worst. “Everything I had done for the club, I didn’t even get a farewell. I didn’t get an end-of-year ‘we are going to move you on’,” “I just got that two minute phone call and nothing from that day still, it’s a strange one.” 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 May’s fresh deal at the Roosters came at a time when clubs could have signed him for 2025, and a host of rivals were circling the Samoan international. However, with big-name players like Stefano Utoikamanu decided on their futures mid-season, by the time May came to finding a new club his options were limited. By the end of the 2024 season, club powerbrokers have already largely filled their top 30s for the 2025 campaign leaving May with limited landing spots for next season. “When I first came on the market before I re-signed, I think there was 11 clubs keen as,” May explained. “I wanted to stay in Sydney, so I had to choose out of the Dogs, Roosters... It was mainly out of them two and I ended up re-signing because I wanted to stay loyal. “I wanted to be a one club man, but when you come into the market at the back-end, teams have already filled their top 30, their cap space. So there’s not many clubs chasing you. “That’s also why I was a bit dirty, you could have told me this ages ago when there was heaps of clubs still chasing me that had money and cap space. “But to do it at the deadline was a bit strange, I felt like it was a bit of a strategy so I don’t go to certain clubs, like the Panthers, Melbourne. “I felt like it was a strategy to make me not go to the top clubs, but I’m happy that I’m at the Tigers now and be that alpha. Whatever club I was going to I was going to be the alpha.” May eventually signed a three-year deal with the Tigers, hoping to help Benji Marshall lift the merger club off the bottom of the ladder. In doing so, the rising star is also hoping to make his Origin debut this season under newly-unveiled coach Laurie Daley. “My motivation this year is crazy, all that stuff that happened off the field I am ready to take on the comp and prove to everyone I deserve to be in a rep jersey,” May said. “I deserve to be in that top five props, I want to be the best prop. I don’t want to settle for anything less so that’s my mindset going into this year. “I feel like if I play at my best I will definitely get a call-up, I was close last year so if I put my head down and just want to win that will come with it.”
Cantor Fitzgerald Issues Positive Forecast for CrowdStrike (NASDAQ:CRWD) Stock PriceNone
LEWISTON, N.Y. (AP) — Adam Clark had 18 points in Merrimack's 80-62 victory over Niagara on Sunday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * LEWISTON, N.Y. (AP) — Adam Clark had 18 points in Merrimack's 80-62 victory over Niagara on Sunday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? LEWISTON, N.Y. (AP) — Adam Clark had 18 points in Merrimack’s 80-62 victory over Niagara on Sunday. Clark added nine assists for the Warriors (4-6, 2-0 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference). Devon Savage scored 18 points, finishing 6 of 10 from 3-point range. Sean Trumper went 6 of 7 from the field (3 for 3 from 3-point range) to finish with 16 points. Jhaylon Martinez led the way for the Purple Eagles (4-6, 1-1) with 14 points and six rebounds. Zion Russell added 13 points and six rebounds. Jaeden Marshall had 11 points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. AdvertisementSusman Godfrey LLP Files Antitrust Lawsuit Alleging Align Technology, ADA, and AAO Conspired to Eliminate Competition in the Dental Market
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Canada shares higher at close of trade; S&P/TSX Composite up 0.05%Op-Ed: Jersey City Needs Action on Pedestrian Safety
Don Lemon was caught in a verbal war against a TikToker over Elon Musk’s influence on President-elect Donald Trump . The ex-CNN host spoke to various people in New York City over the weekend about the claim Democrats were pushing that the X CEO was the shadow “President Musk” over Trump based on Musk leading an online conservative opposition to a bipartisan deal to avoid a partial government shutdown. “Who is the real president-elect, you think?” Lemon asked. “Donald Trump won, I believe,” TikToker and former pro-soccer player Will John replied . “Democratic lawmakers in Washington are calling Elon Musk now, and they’re saying Donald Trump is the vice president or the head of communication,” Lemon followed up. “What? Wait a second, no. No one said that,” John said. Lemon interrupted, “Really? Have you not paid attention—” “Absolutely not. I’m paying attention to what I’m doing during my day, so I can try and get a better life and get ahead,” John said. Lemon then told John to look up “President Musk” on his phone to prove his point, to which John obliged. “That’s already a loaded question you realize,” John remarked while looking. John found reports from Axios, Business Insider, ABC News, Washington Post, New York Times and The Atlantic using the term “President Musk,” which Lemon considered a win. “We don’t trust any of these. The common man doesn’t trust any of this,” John fired back. “I don’t trust any of these. I don’t trust any of them. I don’t trust any of these. We’re the common man. We don’t trust any of these. No one trusts the government. No one trusts the common news. We don’t trust any of that anymore. Independent news, we are the ones that own the news now. People trust me. They don’t trust MSNBC because I care, and I’m actually one of them.” “I can’t disagree with you,” Lemon admitted. Lemon asked other pedestrians the same question to mixed results on his TikTok account. “I haven’t seen that personally. I think that’s odd that he’s in that position of power for people to call him that. I don’t know if he is the best person to be representing us in our government,” one woman responded. “I mean that’s just internet chatter,” another woman said. “I think Elon Musk wasn’t in the last election, so how could he be president-elect?” A third woman said, “Well, not in an election-style, but obviously he’s influencing the government.” “How much longer do you think Donald Trump is going to put up with someone calling Elon Musk President Musk?” Lemon followed up. “Forever. He’s putting money out there. He likes money,” the woman replied. A man said he had actually heard the term “President Musk,” though he argued Musk was the vice president-elect while Trump was still president-elect. However, he said that will change. “He’s lost. He’s gone. Musk is even worse, cheerleading this guy on like, politically, man. It’s over. Life in America is over. Just watch what they do,” he said. Several liberal media pundits like Lemon also insisted Musk was either co-president or president himself over Trump. “Elon Musk, the guy who really runs things. He’s not just Trump’s co-president. I think that’s way too low a title,” MSNBC’s Chris Hayes said during his monologue on Wednesday. “He’s the head dude in charge and House Republicans certainly know who they are taking their marching orders from.” In a statement to Fox News Digital, Trump-Vance Transition spokeswoman and incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt threw cold water on the media talking point. “As soon as President Trump released his official stance on the CR, Republicans on Capitol Hill echoed his point of view. President Trump is the leader of the Republican Party. Full stop,” she said. Fox News’ Nikolas Lanum contributed to this report.Chris Mubiru leads Northwestern State over North Alabama 71-58
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NoneRajkumar Kanagasingam is author of German memories of Asia . He reflects robustly on the success stories of Malaysia and Singapore . We have heard so much about these stories, but we should never be tired of reading or listening to these stories – stories that are generally referred to as the success stories of Asian Tigers because these are stories we should leverage on. This is why I have decided to share these stories with you today. Kanagasingam recounts how Mahathir Mohammad and Lee Kuan Yew leaders of Malaysia and Singapore transformed their countries from sleepy colonial outposts into Asia ‘s richest nations. He argues Mahathir’s strategies are well reflected in his macro – economic strategies by adopting the open economic policies with the realization in mind that the world trend of globalization and liberalization is irreversible. For him, we are living in an era of globalization and liberalization, a deeply imbedded neo-classical economic thought and its applications everywhere in the globe. He recalls the former Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong once said far back in the late nineties, when he was the deputy Prime Minister, “It is better to embrace globalization and liberalization proactively, at our own pace, than face the prospect of one day being swept away by the floodwaters of competition.” He says his realization of embracing the globalization and liberalization might have been inherited into him by the strategies of former Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew who in his long tenure, changed Singapore from a sleepy colonial outpost to a prosperous high-tech enclave and applied better open economic policies to make use of the globalization and liberalization in Singapore’s favour. He notes now Singapore ’s per capita GNP is higher than that of its erstwhile colonizer, Great Britain , that it has the world’s busiest port and is the third-largest oil refiner and a major center for global manufacturing and service industries, that this move from poverty to plenty has taken place within one generation. He recounts: “In 1965 Singapore ranked economically with Chile , Argentina and Mexico but today its per capita GNP is four or five times of theirs. Lee Kuan Yew managed this miraculous transformation in Singapore ’s economy while maintaining tight political control over the country. Malaysia and Singapore better managed their economies in Southeast Asia than any other countries in facing the new trends of globalization and liberalization. Mahathir’s strategies have eventually made Malaysia into a Southeast Asian economic superpower with number of megastar Malaysian entrepreneurs. “Tan Sri Ananthakrishnan, who owns the Twin Towers of Malaysia and several other conglomerates, is a role model for many Malaysian entrepreneurs who have given real meaning to the present day Malaysia by transforming Malaysia into one of the Asia ’s wealthiest nations. Tan Sri Anantha Krishnan, a Jaffna origin Malaysian who had a humble beginning as a smalltime bookmaker in Australia and later as a polished dealmaker with a degree from Harvard Business School , became a sophisticated oil trader with connections to many of the Asia’s political and petroleum industry elite with interests in oil and gas fields in the United States . Tan Sri Anandakrishnan later went further into orbit, with the successful launching of MEASAT – 1, the Malaysia ‘s maiden telecommunication satellite. Tan Sri Ananda krishnan’s success provides a compelling testimony to Mahathir’s economic policies and their successful implementations.” Even with Mahathir out of power, Malaysia boasts a diversified and modern economy, which weathered the Asian financial crisis in1997-98 better than many of its peers. How did Malaysia and Singapore achieve this feat? Malaysia’s success has been by diversifying away from the export of palm oil and rubber to the assembly of electronics with the steady provision of political stability by the resolved ethnic divisions by Mahathir – a lesson for Nigeria , isn’t it? Kanagasingam says Mahathir’s keen stewardship of the economy has spawned in various projects and the latest was the Multimedia Super Corridor – a “knowledge-based economy master plan” to upgrade the Malaysia ‘s electronics industry into a hi-tech application industry. “The knowledge-based economy master plan which encourages the new trend of Business and Knowledge Process Outsourcing is a new dimension of Globalization,” he says. Southeast Asia first experienced a new and different wave of globalization from Japan by the transferring of their locations to more labour-intensive and resource-intensive Asian countries so that Japan could continue to form the international cooperation. By this Japanese initiative of global-localization most of the Asian countries are generally favourable towards the globalization trend. The trend of globalization and liberalization is indisputably irreversible. Therefore, it is really a great challenge to developing countries. Kanagasingam holds Singapore and Malaysia are successful in tackling the globalization and liberalization because they were well prepared. He explains:” These Southeast Asian tiger economies, all went through series of distinctive stages of economic transformation with certain common characteristics. Lee Kwan Yew and Mahathir Mohammad had clear long term visions and strong political leadership skills how to make use of the globalization in their countries’ favour. “In Malaysia and Singapore there are strong and efficient technocrats who have the ability to chart the vision into planning with the capability to get things done in a much effective way. The value system which they have reinvented over a short span of time after the independence produced many successful women entrepreneurs in Malaysia and Singapore .” He says of the two countries: “They successfully defined the paths for the emergence of indigenous entrepreneurs by encouraging small and medium size enterprises; they overcome the problems of relatively shallow and weak entrepreneurial group in Malaysia and Singapore compared with well equipped and well experienced thick and abundant entrepreneurial group in developed countries; they altered their countries’ entrepreneurial strength for an equal match of the game if confronted each other directly and instantly; they looked after the private sector until they can stand alone to compete against international challenges to become themselves multi-nationals; they realized well in advance the strength and competence of the private sector which is the main market player in determining a country’s eventual competitiveness.” Malaysia and Singapore , according to him, had constraints, but realized the importance of Government leadership in the very beginning itself, their governments identified and developed the countries’ long-term competitiveness. Put this against the unseriousness with which we handle WTO assignments and reflect on it. What is important to our officials is estacode not discussions at WTO meets. We have the men and women that can do it. We have the technocrats that can do it. But we need the leadership. Government leadership.
Plans Required to Cover Treatment for SOD1-ALS ARLINGTON, Va. , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a first-of-its-kind directive requiring Medicare Advantage plans to approve coverage for Qalsody, a treatment for people living with genetic SOD1-ALS. This decision reflects the ALS Association's commitment to ensuring that people living with ALS have access to promising ALS treatments without delay. "This is a victory for the entire ALS community," said Calaneet Balas, president and CEO of the ALS Association. "It's critical that FDA-approved treatments are made accessible rather than being labeled as 'experimental.' We are grateful to everyone in our community who helped make this day happen." Balas added: "We hope this sends a message to the entire rare disease community and pharmaceutical industry that new treatments can be developed and made accessible to those who will benefit from them. We need to ensure more ALS treatments are developed and approved that will help everyone living with ALS." The ALS Association played a key role in the historic CMS directive by participating and advocating for the research, approval, and accessibility of Qalsody for people living with ALS. In 2004, the ALS Association was the first to fund research into ALS-specific antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology, investing over $1.3 million in groundbreaking studies that laid the foundation for the development of Qalsody. This early commitment supported preclinical studies, safety trials, and the first-in-human phase 1 trial, which established SOD1 as a viable therapeutic target. In 2023, Qalsody became the first gene-based therapy approved for ALS , thanks in part to the ALS Association's efforts, including a united push from the ALS community for FDA accelerated approval. This new CMS directive provides precedent for state regulators to issue similar actions for other private insurers. According to the Valor study published in 2022 , Qalsody, which was developed specifically to target the RNA produced by mutated SOD1 genes, has demonstrated significant promise in clinical trials and real-world studies. In the phase 3 VALOR trial, Qalsody reduced levels of mutated SOD1 proteins in cerebral spinal fluid by 35% within eight weeks and decreased bloodstream levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL)—a key biomarker of neurodegeneration—by 50% within 12-16 weeks. These biological changes translated into measurable clinical benefits, including slower disease progression, improved respiratory function, and enhanced quality of life after 52 weeks of treatment. Real-world data has since validated these findings, with some patients stabilizing or even experiencing improvements in motor function and quality of life. When insurance companies began denying access to Qalsody, labeling it as "experimental," the ALS Association took decisive action, working directly with CMS to launch an investigation into these unjust denials. By presenting evidence of widespread insurance rejections and demonstrating the critical need for immediate intervention. In addition to working with CMS, the ALS Association actively engaged policymakers, held strategic meetings with state and federal legislators, and served as a staunch advocate for patients, ensuring their voices were heard and their rights to life-changing treatment were upheld. The ALS Association urges anyone previously denied Qalsody by their Medicare Advantage plan to contact their ALS specialist immediately to begin the process of securing access to this critical treatment. For more information on the CMS directive visit als.org About the ALS Association The ALS Association is the largest ALS organization in the world. The ALS Association funds global research collaborations, assists people with ALS and their families through its nationwide network of care and certified clinical care centers, and advocates for better public policies for people with ALS. The ALS Association is working to make ALS a livable disease while urgently searching for new treatments and a cure. For more information about the ALS Association, visit our website at www.als.org . About ALS Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Over the course of the disease, people lose the ability to move, to speak, and eventually, to breathe. The disease is always fatal, usually within five years of diagnosis. Few treatment options exist, resulting in a high unmet need for new therapies to address functional deficits and disease progression. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/groundbreaking-directive-ensures-als-patients-on-medicare-advantage-gain-access-to-qalsody-302329525.html SOURCE The ALS AssociationWASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Christopher Wray told bureau workers Wednesday that he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden's term in January, an announcement that came a week and a half after President-elect Donald Trump said he would nominate loyalist Kash Patel for the job. Wray said at a town hall meeting that he would be stepping down “after weeks of careful thought,” roughly three years short of the completion of a 10-year term during which he tried to keep the FBI out of politics even as the bureau found itself entangled in a string of explosive investigations, including two that led to separate indictments of Trump last year as well as inquiries into Biden and his son. “My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day,” Wray told agency employees. “In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work.” The intended resignation was not unexpected considering that Trump had settled on Patel to be director and had repeatedly aired his ire at Wray, whom he appointed during his first term. But his departure is nonetheless a reflection of how Trump's norm-breaking style has reshaped Washington, with the president-elect yet again flouting tradition by moving to replace an FBI director well before his term was up and Wray resigning to avert a collision with the incoming administration. “It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway — this is not easy for me," Wray said. “I love this place, I love our mission, and I love our people — but my focus is, and always has been, on us and doing what’s right for the FBI.” Wray received a standing ovation following his remarks before a standing-room-only crowd at FBI headquarters and some in the audience cried, according to an FBI official who was not authorized to discuss the private gathering by name and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. Trump applauded the news on social media, calling it “a great day for America as it will end the Weaponization of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice" and saying that Patel's confirmation will begin “the process of Making the FBI Great Again.” If confirmed by the Senate, Patel would herald a radical leadership transformation at the nation's premier federal law enforcement agency. He has advocated shutting down the FBI's Washington headquarters and called for ridding the federal government of “conspirators," raising alarms that he might seek to wield the FBI's significant investigative powers as an instrument of retribution against Trump's perceived enemies. Patel said in a statement Wednesday that he was looking forward to "a smooth transition. I will be ready to serve the American people on day one.” It's extremely rare for FBI directors to be ousted from their jobs before the completion of their 10-year terms, a length meant to insulate the agency from the political influence of changing administrations. But Trump has done it twice, placing Wray in the job in 2017 after firing Director James Comey amid an investigation into ties between Russia and the Republican president’s campaign. Despite having appointed Wray, Trump had telegraphed his anger with the FBI director on multiple occasions throughout the years, including as recently as the past week. In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday, Trump said, “I can’t say I’m thrilled with him. He invaded my home,” a reference to the FBI search of his Florida property , Mar-a-Lago, two years ago for classified documents from Trump’s first term as president. That search, and the recovery of boxes of sensitive government records, paved the way for one of two federal indictments against Trump. The case, and another one charging him with plotting to overturn the 2020 election, have both been dismissed by the Justice Department special counsel that brought them in light of Trump's November victory. Attorney General Merrick Garland praised Wray for having “served our country honorably and with integrity for decades.” He said: “Under Director Wray’s principled leadership, the FBI has worked to fulfill the Justice Department’s mission to keep our country safe, protect civil rights, and uphold the rule of law.” Natalie Bara, the president of the FBI Agents Association, said in a statement that Wray had led the FBI “through challenging times with a steady focus on doing the work that keeps our country safe. ” Throughout his seven years on the job, the self-professed "low-key, understated" Wray brought a workmanlike approach to the job, repeatedly preaching a “keep calm and tackle hard” mantra to bureau personnel despite a steady drumbeat of attacks from Trump and his supporters. He also sought to avoid public conflict when possible with the Trump White House, distancing himself and his leadership team from the FBI's Russia investigation over errors that took place before he took office and announcing dozens of corrective actions meant to prevent the recurrence of the surveillance abuses that plagued the inquiry. But there were other instances when he memorably broke from Trump — he did not agree, for instance, with Trump’s characterization of the Russia investigation as a “witch hunt." He made known his displeasure when the White House blessed the declassification of materials related to the surveillance of a former Trump campaign aide and contradicted a Trump talking point by stating that Ukraine had not interfered in the 2016 election. He repeatedly sought to keep the focus on the FBI's day-to-day work, using the bulk of his resignation announcement to praise the bureau's efforts in countering everything from violent crime and cyberattacks to Chinese espionage and terrorism. Yet as he leaves office at a time of heightened threats , much of the public focus has been on the politically sensitive investigations of his tenure. Besides the inquiries into Trump, the FBI in recent years also investigated Biden's handling of classified information as well as Biden's son Hunter for tax and gun violations. Hunter Biden was pardoned by his father last week. A particular flashpoint came in August 2022, when FBI agents searched Mar-a-Lago — an action officials defended as necessary given the boxes of documents that were being concealed at the Palm Beach property and the evidence of obstruction that the Justice Department said had been gathered. Trump railed against the FBI over that search and has kept up his criticism ever since. Trump was angered by Wray's comment at a congressional hearing that there was “some question about whether or not it’s a bullet or shrapnel” that struck Trump's ear during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July. The FBI later stated unequivocally that it was indeed a bullet. Before being named FBI director, Wray worked at a prestigious law firm, King & Spalding, where he represented former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie during the “Bridgegate” scandal. He also led the Justice Department’s criminal division for a period during President George W. Bush’s administration.
UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The search for a woman who is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole in western Pennsylvania shifted to a recovery effort after two treacherous days of digging through mud and rock produced no signs of life, authorities said Wednesday. Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said during a news conference that authorities no longer believe they will find 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard alive, but the search for her remains continues. “We’ve had no signs of any form of life or anything” to make rescuers think they should “continue to try and push and rush and push the envelope, to be aggressive with the potential of risking harm to other people,” Limani said. He noted oxygen levels below ground were insufficient. Emergency crews and others have tried to locate Pollard for two days. Her relatives reported her missing early Tuesday and her vehicle with her unharmed 5-year-old granddaughter inside was found about two hours later, near the sinkhole above a long closed, crumbling mine. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press “We feel like we failed,” Limani said of the decision to change the status of the effort from a rescue to a recovery. “It’s tough.” Limani praised the crews who went into the abandoned mine to help remove material in the search for Pollard in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh.. “They would come out of there head to toe covered in mud, exhausted. And while they were getting pulled up, the next group’s getting dropped in. And there was one after the next after the next,” Limani said. Authorities said earlier that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and was not stable. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer, said earlier Wednesday. “What happened at that point, I don’t know, maybe the slurry of mud pushed her one direction. There were several different seams of that mine, shafts that all came together where this happened at.” Searchers used electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. In coming days, they plan to greatly widen the surface hole, with winter weather forecast in the region. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers used water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s. Crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said Tuesday. Searchers also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment to no avail. Pollard's family called police about 1 a.m. Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out at about 5 p.m. Monday to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. Limani said the searchers met with her family before announcing the shift from rescue to recovery. Pollard's son, Axel Hayes, described her as a happy woman who liked going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. She used to work at Walmart but recently was not employed. Hayes called Pollard “a great person overall, a great mother” who “never really did anybody wrong.” He said at one point Pollard had about 10 cats. “Every cat that she’s ever come in contact with, she has a close bond with them,” Hayes said. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. Pennsylvania State Police Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they had not noticed the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate the sinkhole was new. Pollard lived in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were found by state police. It's unclear what happened to the cat. In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The Changing Face of American Farms The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, the number of farms in the U.S. has fallen from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A landmark study published in Science , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. Technology Revolution on the Farm The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than 22% of rural communities lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. The Economic Tightrope: Challenges Facing Modern Farmers While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The USDA's 2024 farm income forecast projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 25% over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. Diversification: A Lifeline for American Farms In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging gross revenue of $44,000 from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. From Farm to Table: The Consumer Connection The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The USDA's Economic Research Service projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. The Future of Farming: Opportunities and Innovations Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: Sustainable farming practices : Cover cropping, no-till farming, and precision agriculture are gaining traction. These practices can reduce soil erosion by up to 90% compared to conventional tillage. Genetic engineering : CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies offer the potential to develop crops with enhanced nutritional profiles and resistance to pests and diseases. Alternative protein sources : The market for plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives is projected to reach $30 billion by 2030. Conclusion: A Call to Action The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. LandTrust
Harrison County Courthouse evacuated Wednesday morning due to smoke
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Police hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's masked killer after 'brazen, targeted' attack on NYC street
Nasdaq surges above 20,000 after US inflation data matches estimates
DOVER, Del. (AP) — A Delaware judge has reaffirmed her ruling that Tesla must revoke Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick on Monday denied a request by attorneys for Musk and Tesla’s corporate directors to vacate her ruling earlier this year requiring the company to rescind the unprecedented pay package. McCormick also rejected an equally unprecedented and massive fee request by plaintiff attorneys , who argued that they were entitled to legal fees in the form of Tesla stock valued at more than $5 billion. The judge said the attorneys were entitled to a fee award of $345 million. The rulings came in a lawsuit filed by a Tesla stockholder who challenged Musk’s 2018 compensation package. McCormick concluded in January that Musk engineered the landmark pay package in sham negotiations with directors who were not independent. The compensation package initially carried a potential maximum value of about $56 billion, but that sum has fluctuated over the years based on Tesla’s stock price. Following the court ruling, Tesla shareholders met in June and ratified Musk’s 2018 pay package for a second time, again by an overwhelming margin. Defense attorneys then argued that the second vote makes clear that Tesla shareholders, with full knowledge of the flaws in the 2018 process that McCormick pointed out, were adamant that Musk is entitled to the pay package. They asked the judge to vacate her order directing Tesla to rescind the pay package. McCormick, who seemed skeptical of the defense arguments during an August hearing, said in Monday’s ruling that those arguments were fatally flawed. “The large and talented group of defense firms got creative with the ratification argument, but their unprecedented theories go against multiple strains of settled law,” McCormick wrote in a 103-page opinion. The judge noted, among other things, that a stockholder vote standing alone cannot ratify a conflicted-controller transaction. “Even if a stockholder vote could have a ratifying effect, it could not do so here due to multiple, material misstatements in the proxy statement,” she added. Meanwhile, McCormick found that the $5.6 billion fee request by the shareholder’s attorneys, which at one time approached $7 billion based on Tesla’s trading price, went too far. “In a case about excessive compensation, that was a bold ask,” McCormick wrote. Attorneys for the Tesla shareholder argue that their work resulted in the “massive” benefit of returning shares to Tesla that otherwise would have gone to Musk and diluted the stock held by other Tesla investors. They value that benefit at $51.4 billion, using the difference between the stock price at the time of McCormick’s January ruling and the strike price of some 304 million stock options granted to Musk. While finding that the methodology used to calculate the fee request was sound, the judge noted that the Delaware’s Supreme Court has noted that fee award guidelines “must yield to the greater policy concern of preventing windfalls to counsel.” “The fee award here must yield in this way, because $5.6 billion is a windfall no matter the methodology used to justify it,” McCormick wrote. A fee award of $345 million, she said, was “an appropriate sum to reward a total victory.” The fee award amounts to almost exactly half the current record $688 million in legal fees awarded in 2008 in litigation stemming from the collapse of Enron. Randall Chase, The Associated Press
The housing crisis in New South Wales remains dire, with new figures showing 67,900 people sought help from homelessness services over the past year, highlighting an urgent need for action. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that this number has barely changed from the 68,400 recorded the year before. Housing security, financial hardship, and domestic violence were the leading causes, cited by 41 percent, 39 percent, and 36 percent of those seeking help, respectively. More than half—53 percent— of those reaching out for assistance were already homeless, up from 50 percent the previous year. Of these, 8 percent sleeping rough. Indigenous Australians remain disproportionately affected, representing 33 percent of all clients in NSW, compared to the national average of 29 percent. Homelessness NSW CEO Dominique Rowe described this overrepresentation as a “national shame,” and called for greater collaboration with Aboriginal-led organisations to address this inequity. “This is a wake-up call,” said Rowe, noting that the demand for services far exceeds supply. Currently, 76 percent of people seeking long-term housing support are unable to access it, and nearly half of those needing emergency accommodation re turned away. The organisation recommends a 30 percent increase in Specialist Homelessness Service programme funding, equating to approximately $96 million annually, to meet the soaring demand. Furthermore, it calls for a $2 billion annual investment over the next decade to construct 10,000 additional social housing properties each year, with the long-term goal of ensuring social housing constitutes 10 percent of all housing by 2050. “The housing and homelessness crisis under the Minns Government continues to worsen, leaving our most vulnerable at greater risk,” said Maclaren-Jones. She warned that escalating housing and economic pressures could push more individuals into homelessness for the first time. Maclaren-Jones highlighted the strain on homelessness services and called for immediate additional funding and expanded reporting to capture all forms of homelessness, including couch surfing and other precarious living situations. Meanwhile, the NSW government claims to have a $5.1 billion social housing scheme to address the state’s growing housing crisis. As part of the plan, 8,400 homes will be constructed, with half designated for women and children escaping domestic violence, marking the largest public housing investment in NSW history. In addition to housing, the budget focuses on alleviating GP shortages, improving Western Sydney transport, and tackling rental property affordability. NSW’s regional areas have been particularly hard-hit, with a 51 percent surge since 2020. Professor Hal Pawson from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) attributed this to skyrocketing rental costs—which have risen 51 percent since the pandemic—and a chronic shortage of social housing. “The number of people citing rental affordability stress as a primary reason for seeking help rose by 36 percent,” said Professor Pawson. Central to these efforts is the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, which will deliver 30,000 new social and affordable homes over five years. Additionally, the $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator will construct or refurbish 4,000 homes for those on social housing waiting lists. Complementing these initiatives is the National Housing Accord, which aims to facilitate the construction of 1.2 million new homes over five years starting in July 2024. This plan includes a $350 million in federal funding, matched by state contributions. Other measures include tax incentives for build-to-rent developments, a 10 percent boost in Commonwealth Rent Assistance, and expanded eligibility for the Home Guarantee Scheme. Housing Australia’s liability cap has also been raised by $2 billion, enabling more loans for community housing providers.
World News | Ajman Chamber Participates in 13th Arab-Hellenic Economic Forum in Greece
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes got back to climbing on Wednesday after the latest update on inflation appeared to clear the way for more help for the economy from the Federal Reserve . The S&P 500 rose 0.8% to break its first two-day losing streak in nearly a month and finished just short of its all-time high. Big Tech stocks led the way, which drove the Nasdaq composite up 1.8% to top the 20,000 level for the first time. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, meanwhile, lagged the market with a dip of 99 points, or 0.2%. Stocks got a boost as expectations built that Wednesday’s inflation data will allow the Fed to deliver another cut to interest rates at its meeting next week. Traders are betting on a nearly 99% probability of that, according to data from CME Group, up from 89% a day before. If they’re correct, it would be a third straight cut by the Fed after it began lowering rates in September from a two-decade high. It’s hoping to support a slowing job market after getting inflation nearly all the way down to its 2% target. Lower rates would give a boost to the economy and to prices for investments, but they could also provide more fuel for inflation. “The data have given the Fed the ‘all clear’ for next week, and today’s inflation data keep a January cut in active discussion,” according to Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Expectations for a series of cuts to rates by the Fed have been one of the main reasons the S&P 500 has set an all-time high 57 times this year , with the latest coming last week. The biggest boosts for the index on Wednesday came from Nvidia and other Big Tech stocks. Their massive growth has made them Wall Street’s biggest stars for years, though other kinds of stocks have recently been catching up somewhat amid hopes for the broader U.S. economy. Tesla jumped 5.9% to finish above $420 at $424.77. It’s a level that Elon Musk made famous in a 2018 tweet when he said he had secured funding to take Tesla private at $420 per share . Stitch Fix soared 44.3% after the company that sends clothes to your door reported a smaller loss for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It also gave financial forecasts for the current quarter that were better than expected, including for revenue. GE Vernova rallied 5% for one of the biggest gains in the S&P 500. The energy company that spun out of General Electric said it would pay a 25 cent dividend every three months, and it approved a plan to send up to another $6 billion to its shareholders by buying back its own stock. On the losing end of Wall Street, Dave & Buster’s Entertainment tumbled 20.1% after reporting a worse loss for the latest quarter than expected. It also said CEO Chris Morris has resigned, and the board has been working with an executive-search firm for the last few months to find its next permanent leader. Albertsons fell 1.5% after filing a lawsuit against Kroger, saying it didn’t do enough for their proposed $24.6 billion merger agreement to win regulatory clearance. Albertsons said it’s seeking billions of dollars in damages from Kroger, whose stock rose 1%. A day earlier, judges in separate cases in Oregon and Washington nixed the supermarket giants’ merger. The grocers contended a combination could have helped them compete with big retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon, but critics said it would hurt competition. After terminating the merger agreement with Kroger, Albertsons said it plans to boost its dividend 25% and increased the size of its program to buy back its own stock. Macy’s slipped 0.8% after cutting some of its financial forecasts for the full year of 2024, including for how much profit it expects to make off each $1 of revenue. All told, the S&P 500 rose 49.28 points to 6,084.19. The Dow dipped 99.27 to 44,148.56, and the Nasdaq composite rallied 347.65 to 20,034.89. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.27% from 4.23% late Tuesday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed, edged up to 4.15% from 4.14%. In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe and Asia. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was an outlier and slipped 0.8% as Chinese leaders convened an annual planning meeting in Beijing that is expected to set economic policies and growth targets for the coming year. South Korea’s Kospi rose 1%, up for a second straight day as it climbs back following last week’s political turmoil where its president briefly declared martial law. AP Writers Matt Ott and Zimo Zhong contributed.None
NEW YORK: Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to show big gains in productivity at banks, panelists said at the Reuters Next conference in New York, but it has so far been harder to make money from the technology. Major banks have been applying AI to virtual assistants for clients and introduced tools for employees to use for human resources, risk, compliance and finance as well as trying to develop products within wealth management. Goldman Sachs Chief Executive David Solomon told the Reuters Conference on Tuesday (Dec 10) that deploying machine learning and AI could improve productivity in areas including coding. "We have 11,000 engineers. We do an enormous amount of coding," Solomon said. "If we can increase with these tools their coding productivity by 20 or 30 per cent, it's a huge tailwind for us." Fellow US bank BNY is also investing in AI tools, CEO Robin Vince told the conference. "We have thousands of people at BNY who are now enabled to be able to build and commission agents to be able to help them with their daily tasks," Vince said. However, AI is not helping financial firms make money yet. Banks still need to specify their exact use cases for the technology, the chief AI and data officer of BMO Financial Group told the conference on Wednesday. "The hype cycle brought a lot of positive attention to this space. I am chief AI officer now because there was a little bit of a hype cycle," said Kristin Milchanowski, who was appointed to the role at BMO, one of Canada's largest banks, in October. "I do believe that people thought it was going to impact the revenue or have a cost takeout different from what the effect actually has been," Milchanowski said, adding: "We're not seeing revenue-generating activity." So far, AI has been most useful in tasks such as shrinking the time BMO's equities teams need to produce reports - an important part of many investment banks' offerings - from more than four hours a day to less than one, leaving the analysts free to do more creative tasks. It is important to identify specific use cases for AI in the future, Milchanowski added, and pinpointed potential applications in optimising trades and generating clients.NoneK-pop in 2025: The rookies and acts hyped to make a big splash next year
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 27, 2024 / SPETZ INC. (the "Company" or "Spetz") (CSE:SPTZ)(OTC Pink:DBKSF) is pleased to announce that it is arranging a private placement offering (the "Offering") of up to 5,000,000 Common Shares, at a price of $0.10 per share, for gross proceeds of up to $500,000. In addition, Spetz is proposing to settle an aggregate of $445,645.89 in accounts payable to arm's length parties by way of the issuance of 4,456,458 shares for debt at an issue price of 0.10 per share (the "Shares for Debt Transactions"), and is negotiating the restructuring of certain outstanding debt, in the aggregate principal amount of $1,017,673, consisting primarily of convertible debentures that have become due, as further described below (the "New Debentures"). The Company has been working on the foregoing initiatives for the past several weeks and believes that they are in the best interests of the Company. The Offering Spetz intends to close the Offering shortly. The proceeds from the Offering will be used for general working capital purposes and to seek additional business opportunities that will create value. Spetz does not anticipate any insider participation in the Offering, or the creation of a new insider or control person as a result of the closing of the Offering. No finder's fees or other compensation will be paid in connection with the Offering. Shares for Debt Transactions The Company is proposing to settle an aggregate of $445,645.89 of current payables to arm's length parties by the proposed issuance of a total of 4,456,458 shares, at an issue price of $0.10 per share. Spetz does not anticipate the creation of a new insider or control person as a result of the closing of the Shares for Debt Transactions. The closing of the Shares for Debt Transactions is anticipated to close concurrently with the Offering. New Debentures Spetz is working to issue new convertible debentures in the aggregate principal amount of $1,017,673, replacing primarily the principal amount of outstanding convertible debentures that have matured and are currently due and payable by Spetz. The principal amount of the new debentures would be convertible into units of the Company ("Units"), at a price per Unit of $0.20, with each Unit comprised of one (1) Common Share and one-half (1/2) of a common share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each whole Warrant would be exercisable for one Common Share, at a price of $0.40 per share, for a period of 24 months following the issuance of the Warrants. The New Debentures would be outstanding for a minimum of 18 months following the closing in order to allow Spetz to execute its business. Otherwise, the New Debentures would be unsecured obligations of the Company and bear interest at a rate of 12% per annum. Assuming conversion of the entire principal amount of the New Debentures, the Company would issue an aggregate of up to 5,088,365 Common Shares and up to 2,544,182 Warrants. The Company believes that the Offering, the Shares for Debt Transactions and the New Debentures are in the best interests of the Company, and the foregoing have been approved by the independent directors of the Company as well due to the fact that the completion of the proposed transactions, taken as a whole, would result in the issuance of more than 100% of the currently issued and outstanding Common Shares of Spetz, on a fully-diluted basis. Accordingly, as a result of the potential significant dilution of the Common Shares, the Company intends to issue the securities contemplated in the Offering, the Shares for Debt Transactions and the New Debentures without securityholder approval in reliance on the exceptions outlined in Section 4.6(2)(b) of CSE Policy 4, as the Company is in serious financial difficulty. The Company has explored several avenues to secure additional funding in order to continue ongoing operations and to service its outstanding debt obligations. To date, the Company has been unable to secure any such funding due to challenging capital markets conditions for venture issuers and the Company's current debt obligations. The Company recently secured some interim relief (see press release dated November 29, 2024) wherein the board of directors waived their compensation and the current holders of the outstanding secured debentures agreed to extend the maturity date from October 31, 2024 to December 31, 2024. The Company currently does not have sufficient funding to continue as a going concern, and therefore, if the proposed Offering, the Shares for Debt Transactions and the New Debentures are not completed, and no alternative arrangements are secured, there is significant doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The Company's independent directors have also determined that the Offering, the Shares for Debt Transactions and the New Debentures are in the best interests of the Company and reasonable based on the Company's current financial circumstances in order keep the Company solvent. The Company's independent directors have determined that neither (i) seeking shareholder approval for the Offering, the Shares for Debt Transactions and the New Debentures nor (ii) a rights offering to existing securityholders on the same terms as the Offering would be feasible to complete, based on the Company's immediate liquidity requirements. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering, the Shares for Debt Transactions and the New Debentures will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day after the closing of the Offering, the Shares for Debt Transactions and the New Debentures, respectively. Completion of the Offering, the Shares for Debt Transactions and the New Debentures is subject to a number of conditions, including, without limitation, receipt of all regulatory approvals, including approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. None of the securities issued in the Offering, the Shares for Debt Transactions or the New Debentures will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and none of them may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state where such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. About Spetz Inc. Spetz Inc. is a multinational technology company that operates Spetz, a global online, AI-powered marketplace platform that dynamically connects consumers to nearby top-rated service providers in around 30 seconds. Spetz is available in the USA, United Kingdom, Australia, and Israel. The Spetz vision is to reinvent how people around the world connect to services in their moment of need. Connecting them immediately with the top-matched service provider for any need, anytime, anywhere. Spetz Website: www.spetz.app Spetz Investor information: https://investor.spetz.app/ Company Contacts: Investor Relations Email: Investors@spetz.app Phone: 647-956-6033 NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE, NOR THEIR REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements Certain information herein constitutes "forward-looking information" as defined under Canadian securities laws, which reflect management's expectations regarding objectives, plans, goals, strategies, future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities of the Company. The words "plans", "expects", "does not expect", "scheduled", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", "projects", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements to the effect that certain actions, events or results "may", "will", "could", "would", "might", "occur", "be achieved", or "continue" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management as of the date hereof, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, the Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Spetz Inc. View the original on accesswire.com
NoneVancouver's ranking in World’s Best Cities has us "hockey-loving hipsters" confused
ROME (AP) — In 2020, it was a run to the Champions League quarterfinals just as Bergamo was becoming the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic . Last season, it was an upset victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final to end the German club’s European-record unbeaten run at 51 games. Atalanta keeps on surprising and its latest exploit was moving atop Serie A following a 3-1 win at Parma on Saturday for its seventh straight win in the Italian league. And to think that coach Gian Piero Gasperini considered leaving Atalanta toward the end of last season. Now, Gasperini has the chance to guide “La Dea” (The Goddess), as the team is nicknamed, to its first ever Italian league title. There’s a long way to go, though, and it should be noted that Atalanta is level on points with second-place Inter Milan, which routed Hellas Verona 5-0 earlier, and that Napoli has a chance to reclaim the lead when it hosts Roma on Sunday. Also Saturday, AC Milan and Juventus drew 0-0 at the San Siro in a match with few chances from both sides. Milan produced one shot on goal and Juventus created two. Atalanta's Mateo Retegui scored his league-leading 12th goal of the season, Ederson made it 2-0 before the break and Europa League final hero Ademola Lookman restored the two-goal advantage after Matteo Cancellieri had pulled one back for Parma. Retegui’s fourth headed goal of the season put him atop that category across Europe’s five major leagues, according to Opta, while Lookman volleyed in a cross from Juan Cuadrado after having two goals disallowed. Gasperini was sent off midway through the second half for protests. But he was smiling in the stands at the final whistle. Atalanta's 34 goals are the most in Italy, and trail only Barcelona (42), Bayern Munich (36) and Paris Saint-Germain (36) across Europe's top five leagues. Atalanta has won two and drawn two in the Champions League this season. Marcus Thuram scored twice for defending champion Inter at Verona. Inter was missing top striker Lautaro Martinez, who was out sick. But five goals in the first half made Lautaro’s absence a non-issue. Joaquin Correa opened the scoring 17 minutes in, Thuram then scored twice before more goals from Stefan de Vrij and Yann Aurel Bisseck. Correa nearly added another in second-half stoppage time but his effort hit the woodwork. Inter's only loss across all competitions this season was a derby defeat to Milan in September. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerCroatia's incumbent president and NATO critic leads in exit poll after presidential electionVICTORIA — British Columbia Premier David Eby says 25-per-cent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods would be "devastating" for the province's lumber and forestry industries. He made the comment ahead of a meeting with fellow first ministers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Eby was scheduled to participate in the virtual meeting on Wednesday to discuss U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's threat to impose the tariffs unless Canada and Mexico stop illegal border crossings and prevent illicit drugs from entering the United States. Eby said the lumber and forestry sectors are already strained by a recent increase in duties amid the ongoing U.S.-Canada dispute over softwood lumber. He said after the first meeting of his new cabinet in Victoria that the tariffs are "unjustified," and they would hurt Americans as much as they would Canadians. The premier said B.C. is a source of natural gas, wood products, minerals and other products that U.S. businesses depend on, and the tariff would hinder jobs and opportunities in the province while making "life more expensive for Americans." Eby and Ottawa have called for a united front dealing with Trump's tariff plan, which he announced on social media on Monday. Eby said B.C. officials had repeatedly raised concerns with Ottawa over organized crime and illicit drugs, such as fentanyl, in relation to border security. "It's a priority for us. It has been for a while, we've written to Ottawa about it. Doesn't justify the tariffs, but it does mean that we can talk about those issues as well." Eby said Trump's proposed tariff "doesn't make economic sense," and the measure is not necessary to address issues at the border. The premier said he believes B.C. has a strong case to make for the tariff being "badly placed" if Trump's priority is to reduce costs for Americans. "I think the premiers are unified," Eby said. "There are 13 of us plus the prime minister. It's a big group of people with different political perspectives, but on this issue of ensuring that we're protecting the people in our country from these unjustified tariffs, I believe we're completely in line on that question." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024. The Canadian Press
The Bell Capital Cup continued Saturday with even more teams making their debut appearances. The U13 AA Karawanken Bears from Austria were on the ice at the Nepean Sportsplex early Saturday morning. The team also consists of players from Slovenia and Croatia. It was a full-day trip for the players and their parents, who came out in support, but for Skyler Furey, the trip isn't unfamiliar. Furey's parents were both born in Canada but now live in Austria where he also resides. While his parents were unable to make the trip to Ottawa, his grandfather, who lives in the city, was at the game supporting him. "It's nice to come back to Canada once in a while," Furey said. "We battled really good and it was a tough game." The Bears defeated the Cumberland Jr. Grads 5-3. A few hours later, the Greater Bay Tigers stepped onto the ice. The team consisting of players from Hong Kong, Southern China and Taiwan, got their first taste of action in the tournament. Most of the players arrived in the city days before the event due to travel times. Tigers owner Gregory Smyth says he cherishes being able to come back to Canada and see his team competing against the best. "It's an eye opener, to see how good the hockey is," Smyth said. "We're competitive too, and I think that's probably an eye opener for some of the local teams here as well because these kids can skate, shoot and pass. They did well today." Smyth says the team has enjoyed the festivities during the opening ceremonies at Hockey Fest and are treating the boys to a couple of World Junior games in the city, including Canada versus the United States on New Years Eve. More international teams also got underway today including many from the United States and the defending Division A champions from Slovenia, who played a friendly game in Rockland. The tournament runs until Dec. 31. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks Here Are All The Best Amazon Boxing Day Deals You Can Find On Beauty Products In Canada These Walking Pads Will Help You Get 10,000 Steps Every Day (And They're On Sale In The Name Of Boxing Day) 10 Family Calendars And Planners That'll Help You Keep Track Of Everything In The New Year Home If You're Headed Somewhere Warm On Vacation, Don't Forget To Pack These 16 Things Our Guide To The Best Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) 14 Of The Best Home Security Devices You Can Find Online Right Now (And They've Got The Reviews To Prove It) Gifts The Clock Is Ticking — Shop These 25 Last-Minute Amazon Prime Gifts Now If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 70+ Crowd-Pleasing Gifts Will Still Arrive Before Christmas If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 50 Brilliant Stocking Stuffers Will Still Arrive Before Christmas Beauty 20 Products Your Dry, Dehydrated Skin Will Thank You For Ordering 14 Hydrating Face Masks That’ll Save Your Skin This December 12 Budget-Friendly Products To Add To Your Winter Skincare Routine Deals 11 Bestselling Coffee Makers And Espresso Machines You Can Get On Sale Right Now Don’t Walk, Run! These LEGO Kits Are On Sale For Boxing Day 2024 The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 41% Off For Boxing Day Ottawa Top Stories Here's how you can watch CTV News at Six tonight during the NFL game G2 driver stopped going more than 100 km/h over the speed limit on Hwy. 401 in eastern Ontario TC Energy says early morning gas leak near Cornwall, Ont. resolved International teams make their debut at the Bell Capital Cup in Ottawa Families enjoy unique programming at Ottawa museums over holiday break Environment Canada lifts freezing rain warning for Ottawa Major hockey tournaments, holiday shoppers bring big business to Ottawa Here’s what’s next for your Christmas tree CTVNews.ca Top Stories Canadian model Dayle Haddon dies from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning Dayle Haddon, an actor, activist and trailblazing former 'Sports Illustrated' model who pushed back against age discrimination by reentering the industry as a widow, has died in a Pennsylvania home from what authorities believe was carbon monoxide poisoning. Mississauga tow truck driver charged for impersonating a cop in northern Ont. A southern Ontario resident has been charged for allegedly impersonating a peace officer during a towing incident in northwestern Ontario. If you're mentally struggling during the holidays, here’s how to cope For many people, celebrating New Year’s Day can include reflecting on a life well lived or a chance to start anew. But for some, the holiday may have dark undertones, according to a recent large study. G2 driver stopped going more than 100 km/h over the speed limit on Hwy. 401 in eastern Ontario A 17-year-old driver is facing charges after being caught speeding and driving dangerously on Highway 401 in eastern Ontario Friday evening, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Magnus Carlsen quits World Rapid and Blitz Championships after refusing to change out of jeans World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen quit the World Rapid Chess Championship on Friday after he refused to change out of the jeans he was wearing, according to the International Chess Federation (FIDE). Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Physical therapy is 'the best-kept secret in health care' If you think physical therapy is only about rehabilitation after surgery or recovering from an accident, think again. For the vast majority, seeing a physical therapist should be about prevention, routine assessment and staying well. Friend of Quebec man killed in Florida boat explosion says his sister also injured A childhood friend of the Quebec man killed in a Florida boat explosion earlier this week says one of the victim's sisters was among the other six passengers injured in the blast. Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal joins growing chorus of Liberals calling for Trudeau to step down Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal has publicly released letters he sent to the Liberal caucus and president of the Liberal Party of Canada, calling on them to begin the process of moving on from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Atlantic No one injured after vehicle crashes into Shoppers Drug Mart: N.S. RCMP RCMP is investigating after a vehicle crashed into a Shoppers Drug Mart in Lower Sackville, N.S. on Saturday. Nova Scotia Muslim Society making hot meals and winter care packages for those in need For the fourth consecutive year, the Nova Scotia Islamic Society got together on Saturday to prepare warm meals and winter care packages to hand out for their community. Environment Canada forecasts mix of freezing rain and rain for parts of Maritimes Some nasty weather is headed toward parts of the Maritimes over the next few days, bringing with it a mix of freezing rain, rain and snow. Toronto Toronto, GTA to see ‘significant rainfall’ on Sunday Toronto and neighbouring areas are expected to see “significant rainfall” on Sunday. Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for most of the Greater Toronto Area. 1 person in hospital, suspect in police custody following stabbing in Fairbank One person is in hospital, and a suspect is in custody following a stabbing in Toronto’s Fairbank neighbourhood on Saturday. One person injured, suspect charged with arson following Etobicoke apartment fire A suspect has been charged with arson after a two-alarm fire at an Etobicoke apartment complex early Saturday morning left one person with injuries. Montreal Friend of Quebec man killed in Florida boat explosion says his sister also injured A childhood friend of the Quebec man killed in a Florida boat explosion earlier this week says one of the victim's sisters was among the other six passengers injured in the blast. Poulin has game winner as Montreal Victoire tops Minnesota Frost 3-2 for 3rd straight win Mariah Keopple and Alexandra Labelle scored their first goals of the season and the Montreal Victoire edged the Minnesota Frost 3-2 on Saturday. Here's how you can watch CTV News Montreal at Six on Saturday during the NFL season With CTV broadcasting NFL football games on Saturday this season, CTV News Montreal at Six will be broadcasting live on our website and the CTV News App. Northern Ontario Pair of 911 calls leads to two impaired driving arrests in three hours A pair of 911 calls from concerned citizens led to two separate impaired driving charges in a single northern Ontario town within three hours. Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal joins growing chorus of Liberals calling for Trudeau to step down Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal has publicly released letters he sent to the Liberal caucus and president of the Liberal Party of Canada, calling on them to begin the process of moving on from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont. A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges. Windsor Community partners in Windsor propose education campaign to veer people away from payday loans In a move aimed at combatting the financial strain caused by payday loans, the City of Windsor is considering the launch of a comprehensive education campaign to promote alternative financial options. Ex-boyfriend arrested for violating bail conditions Chatham-Kent police have made an arrest after a man allegedly violated his bail conditions. Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. London St. Thomas fraud victim loses nearly $100K to job scam According to police, the victim was investing money into a company that they believed they were employed by for over a month. Ending the year with above seasonal temperatures Warmer conditions are expected in the London, Ont. region this weekend, with the high forecast in the double digits. Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Kitchener Minor flooding possible with snow melt, rain on way: GRCA The Waterloo Region and the city of Guelph will be wrapping up 2024 with unusually warm weather over the weekend. Stretch of Kitchener road closed after gas leak at abandoned building Kitchener Fire is investigating after a "strange odor" was reported on Courtland Avenue East Saturday. Cambridge structure fire leads to road closure Emergency Services are on scene of a Cambridge structure fire Saturday morning. Barrie Deluxe taxi goes up in flames in Barrie parking lot Some locals were quick to pull out their cellphones and capture a minivan as it went up in hot flames in a Barrie parking lot. Boxing Day bust: Police allege shopper stole from LCBO amid holiday rush While Boxing Day is known for securing the best deals, one local shopper took things too far and allegedly tried to score a deal at a free cost. County Road 56 reopens following afternoon collision County Road 56 in Essa Township was closed for an afternoon collision. Winnipeg The most-read stories on CTV Winnipeg in 2024 Historic events, community pride and significant losses dominated headlines in Manitoba in 2024. Here’s a list of the most-read stories of each month of 2024 on CTV News Winnipeg. Cross-country ski race returns to Windsor Park The Prairie Holiday Loppet made its long-awaited return to Winnipeg’s Windsor Park Saturday, with dozens of racers hitting the trails. Have you seen Genevieve? RCMP search for woman last seen on Christmas Eve Thompson RCMP are searching for a woman who went missing from Split Lake earlier this week. Calgary Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal joins growing chorus of Liberals calling for Trudeau to step down Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal has publicly released letters he sent to the Liberal caucus and president of the Liberal Party of Canada, calling on them to begin the process of moving on from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Lethbridge Police investigating suspicious death inside motel room Lethbridge Police are investigating after a body was found inside a southside motel room on Saturday. Calgary Boxing Day crash victim identified, mother and sister still in hospital A nine-year-old girl has died in hospital after the vehicle she was in was struck by a driver in a stolen vehicle fleeing from police. Edmonton Edmonton street photographer captures moments and people one frame at a time A local photographer who is passionate about capturing moments in one-hundredth of a second embraced many styles of his trade before landing on one which truly represents his mantra: street photography. 2 vehicles fall through ice at Sylvan Lake, promoting police warning RCMP issued a warning Saturday after two vehicles fell through the ice on Sylvan Lake. ESPN reports that Panthers to put Canadian Hubbard on season-ending IR It appears Canadian Chuba Hubbard's breakout 2024 season is over. Regina 'A great holiday memory': Echo Valley Provincial Park gets plenty of visitors at Skate the Park launch Families and groups of friends made use of the good weather as the new season of Skate the Park got underway at Echo Valley Provincial Park. Missing 89-year-old Moose Jaw man found dead, no foul play suspected: Police Regina police chief says new initiatives to enhance community safety will come in 2025 Looking back after one year in his new role as the chief of the Regina Police Service, Farooq Hassan Sheikh is highlighting challenges the city faces, what has worked during his tenure and what can be done to improve policing in 2025. Saskatoon The thrill is gone from Boxing Week shopping, Saskatoon residents say Christmas has come and gone for most people, but the shopping hype continues as some get out of the house to take in the post-Christmas scene. Police made two arrests following a shooting in Saskatoon A swift response from Saskatoon police led to the arrest of a man and woman following a reported shooting Friday afternoon. Saskatoon fire crews battle house fire Saskatoon firefighters responded to a house fire on the 100 block of Klassen Crescent Friday afternoon. Vancouver Delta, B.C., port terminals closed after 'machinery fire' Saturday morning A large fire at the port in Delta, B.C., sent a plume of smoke into the sky Saturday morning. 2 dozen guns, 'significant amount' of foreign currency stolen in Chilliwack, RCMP say Police in Chilliwack are warning the public after as many as two dozen firearms were stolen during a break-in at a home in the city this week. New Canadians, non-traditional demographics boost minor hockey uptake in B.C. Participation in hockey in British Columbia was struggling in 2021 — the pandemic had dealt a heavy blow to player registrations, and numbers had already been flagging before COVID-19 arrived. Vancouver Island New Canadians, non-traditional demographics boost minor hockey uptake in B.C. Participation in hockey in British Columbia was struggling in 2021 — the pandemic had dealt a heavy blow to player registrations, and numbers had already been flagging before COVID-19 arrived. 'We're sending a clear message': B.C. prepares for home flipping tax amid criticism Next week, when the calendars turn to 2025, the provincial government will begin imposing a 20-per-cent tax on all profits if a home is sold within a year of purchasing it. Former B.C. lawyer disbarred for 2nd time over sexual harassment A former lawyer who was convicted of sexual assault in 2020 and disbarred last year has been handed a second disbarment for sexual harassment of a different client. Kelowna B.C. team building 100 beaver 'starter homes' in the name of wetland preservation More than 70 manmade beaver dams have been installed in Interior waterways since the B.C. Wildlife Federation project launched last year with the goal of building 100 dams by the end of 2025. B.C. man charged with drug trafficking and weapons offences after CBSA investigation A resident of B.C.'s Interior has been charged with weapon and drug trafficking offences after an investigation launched by border agents at Vancouver International Airport earlier this year. B.C woman awarded nearly $750K in court case against contractor A B.C. woman has been awarded nearly $750,000 in damages in a dispute with a contractor who strung her along for a year and a half and failed to complete a renovation, according to a recent court decision. Stay Connected
Wisconsin faces its first losing season in 23 years and the end of a bowl streak when the Badgers host arch-rival Minnesota on Friday in the annual Big Ten battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe. Minnesota (6-5, 4-4) lost to No. 4 Penn State 26-25. Wisconsin (5-6, 3-5 Big Ten) lost its fourth straight, 44-25, at Nebraska in a game that was not as close as the score. "Well 1890 is the first time we played this football team coming up and this is what it's all about," Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck said of the rivalry. "And you wouldn't want to have it any other way, being able to end the season with one of your biggest rivals. I know our guys will be ready to go, ready to play." Wisconsin has 22 consecutive winning seasons since going 5-7 under Barry Alvarez in 2001, the longest active streak among Power 4 teams. The Badgers also have played in a bowl game in each of the last 22 seasons, the longest active streak in the Big Ten and third-longest in FBS. Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell is more concerned with the rivalry game than the winning season and bowl streaks. "I'm not downplaying it, I'm not saying it's not important, I'm not saying it's another thing that's on our plate," Fickell said Monday. "But when it gets down to this last week, it's about one thing, it's about the rivalry. It's about preparing to play in the most important game of the year." The Gophers have dropped their last two games after winning four in a row. Minnesota averages 26.6 points per game, while allowing 18.5, 15th-best in the country. Max Brosmer has completed 67 percent of his passes for 221 per game with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. Daniel Jackson is the top target with 69 catches for 802 yards and three scores, and Darius Taylor is the top rusher with 730 yards at 4.8 per carry with nine touchdowns. One week after leading Oregon after three quarters, the Wisconsin defense was shredded for 473 yards and five touchdowns by Nebraska. Braedyn Locke, who took over at quarterback when Tyler Van Dyke suffered an early season-ending knee injury, has thrown at least one interception in eight consecutive games. Locke has completed 56.4 percent of his passes for 180.6 yards per game, with 12 touchdowns and 10 picks. Tawee Walker is the leading rusher with 828 yards at 4.7 per carry with 10 touchdowns. He has failed to reach 60 yards in three of the last four games. Former Wisconsin and NFL standout JJ Watt posted on social media his assessment - and frustration - with the Badgers after the Nebraska game. "Losing happens, it's part of the game. Hearing announcers talk about how much tougher and more physical Nebraska & Iowa are while getting blown out ... that's the issue," Watt wrote on X. "We are Wisconsin. Physicality, running game, great O-Line and great defense. That is our identity." Wisconsin defeated the Gophers 28-14 last after Minnesota had won the previous two meetings. The Badgers have won 7 of the last 10 and lead the storied series 63-62-8. --Field Level Media
Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney says Canada didn't live up to its values on immigration over the last few years as it allowed more people into the country than it could absorb. Carney, who is currently a special adviser to the Liberal party, made those comments during an event in Ottawa held by Cardus, a Christian think tank. Carney says Canada let newcomers down by admitting more workers and students than it could provide for, including with housing, health care and social services. Earlier this fall, the Liberal government announced a plan to significantly reduced its immigration target for permanent residents and to dramatically scale back the number of temporary residents in Canada. Those changes came about after a period of strong population growth that led to mounting criticism of the Liberal government's immigration policies. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged that the federal government did not get the balance right on immigration after the COVID-19 pandemic. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024.
Afghan Taliban border guards and terrorists from the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) mounted unprovoked heavy weapon fire on Pakistani border posts after security forces thwarted two infiltration attempts in the night between December 27 and 28, sources said on Saturday — the day a senior Taliban leader indicated that they would continue to shelter TTP terrorists, describing them as "guests." "A group of 20-25 'Khawarij' attempted to infiltrate Pakistan from two locations in Kurram and North Waziristan districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) bordering Afghanistan, reportedly using the border posts of Afghan Taliban," the sources said. However, Pakistani security forces thwarted the infiltration attempt, they added. In the morning of December 28, the Khawarij - a name given to the TTP terrorists - again used the Afghan Taliban border posts to sneak into Pakistan, the sources said. In the second attempt, the Khawarij and Afghan Taliban jointly launched unprovoked heavy weapon fire on the Pakistani posts at dawn. Pakistan's security forces retaliated decisively, the sources added. According to verified reports, the Afghan side suffered heavy losses, with initial information indicating that more than 15 Khawarij and Afghan Taliban border guards were killed and several others injured during the retaliatory action. The Afghan Taliban were forced to abandon six posts and flee, the sources said, adding that losses on the Afghan side might have increased. On the Pakistani side, meanwhile, there were no fatalities, and only three personnel sustained minor injuries, according to the sources. The interim Afghan government has repeatedly been asked not to allow its territory to be used by the TTP terrorists against Pakistan. Instead of controlling these groups and neutralising their fighters, the Afghan Taliban continue to shelter them, the sources said. The "Khawarij" enjoy complete freedom of movement in Afghanistan and are extensively using Afghan soil for anti-Pakistan terrorist attacks. The Afghan Taliban have always denied the existence of TTP fighters in their country, claiming that no foreign terrorists are allowed to operate and pose a threat to other nations from the Afghan soil. However, on Friday, a senior minister in the interim Taliban government indicated that they provide refuge to anti-Pakistan terrorists. "We must honour the Afghan nation's commitment to safeguarding these guests, friends," Khairullah Khairkhwa, the interim information minister, said while referring to the TTP in his speech aired by Taliban-controlled state television and shared via X social media platform. According to the Voice of America, Khairkhwa made the rare admission just days after the Pakistani security forces reportedly conducted airstrikes against terrorist locations in an eastern Afghan border province. The Taliban claimed that Tuesday's attack in Paktika resulted in the deaths of nearly 50 civilians, predominantly refugees from Pakistan. However, the claims could not be verified from independent sources. Khairkhwa stressed the need for Pakistan "to draw lessons from the consequences of military interventions" in Afghanistan by Britain, the former Soviet Union and the United States, respectively, since the 19th century. "Anyone who attacks Afghanistan or harbours such intentions must learn from the defeat of three superpowers," he added. This is the first public admission by a senior Taliban leader regarding the presence of TTP operatives in the country. Islamabad has not acknowledged the cross-border strikes, but independent sources said that several "terrorist hideouts" of the TTP were targeted in the strikes in which several key TTP commanders were also eliminated. The TTP, which has been designated as a global terrorist organisation by the United Nations, has stepped up attacks in Pakistan since the Taliban's August 2021 return to power in Kabul. "Unfortunately, the TTP continues to operate from there and killing innocent people inside Pakistan. This cannot go on," Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said during a cabinet meeting on Friday. "They must rein in the TTP. This constitutes a red line for us. The TTP operating from Afghan soil is unacceptable under any circumstances," he said, adding that his government was ready to talk with the Afghan government to address the issue. "But there can be no progress if, on the one hand, they seek to foster relations with Pakistan while simultaneously permitting TTP to operate with impunity," he said. Also on Friday, the Pakistani military reported that its counterterrorism operations and clashes with TTP terrorists resulted in the killings of over 900 "terrorists" this year, including 27 Afghan suicide bombers and fighters. The violence also left nearly 400 Pakistani security forces and officers martyred, said DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our
Bad Axe: Wisconsin wary of rival Minnesota with bowl bid in perilKraken pull off stunning rally to top Canucks 5-4 in overtimeCOLUMBUS — Will Howard passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another, TreVeyon Henderson ran for a score and No. 2 Ohio State beat previously undefeated No. 5 Indiana 38-15 on Saturday. All Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, CFP No. 2) has to do now is beat Michigan at home next Saturday and it will earn a return to the Big Ten championship game for the first time since 2020 and get a rematch with No. 1 Oregon. The Ducks beat Ohio State 32-31 in a wild one back on Oct. 12. The Hoosiers (10-1, 7-1, No. 5 CFP) had their best chance to beat the Buckeyes for the first time since 1988 but were hurt by special teams mistakes and disrupted by an Ohio State defense that sacked quarterback Kurtis Rourke five times. “In life, all good things come to an end,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said. Late in the first half, Indiana punter James Evans fumbled a snap and was buried at his own 7-yardline with the Buckeyes taking over. That turned quickly into a 4-yard TD run by Henderson that gave the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead. Early in the second half, Caleb Downs fielded an Evans punt at the Ohio State 21, raced down the right sideline, cut to the middle and outran the coverage for a TD that put the Buckeyes up 21-7. It was the first time a Buckeye returned a punt for a touchdown since 2014. Howard finished 22 for 26 for 201 yards. Emeka Egbuka had seven catches for 80 yards and a TD. “Our guys just played with a chip today, and that’s the way you got to play the game of football,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. Indiana scored on its first possession of the game and its last, both short runs by Ty Son Lawson, who paced the Hoosiers with 79 rushing yards. Rourke was 8 for 18 for 68 yards. “We had communication errors, pass (protection), every time we dropped back to pass, something bad happened," Cignetti said. Indiana's 151 total yards was its lowest of the season. And it was the most points surrendered by the Hoosier's defense. Indiana: Its special season was blemished by the Buckeyes, who beat the Hoosiers for the 30th straight time. Indiana was eyeing its first conference crown since sharing one with two other teams in 1967. That won't happen now. “Ohio State deserved to win,” Cignetti said. “They had those (third quarter scores), and we just couldn’t respond.” Ohio State: Didn't waste the opportunities presented by the Hoosiers when they got sloppy. The Buckeyes led 14-7 at the break and took control in the second half. An offensive line patched together because of multiple injuries performed surprisingly well. “We know what was at stake," Day said. “We don't win this game, and we have no chance to go to Indianapolis and play in the Big Ten championship. And that's real. We've had that approach for the last few weeks now, more than that.” Some voters were obviously unsure of Indiana because it hadn't played a nationally ranked team before Ohio State. After this one, the Hoosiers will drop. Howard made history by completing 80% of his passes for the sixth time this season. No other Ohio State quarterback has done that. He completed his first 14 passes in a row and finished with a 85% completion rate. “I think Buckeye nation is now seeing, after 11 games, that this guy is a winner, he's tough, he cares about his teammates, he's a leader,” Day said. Indiana hosts Purdue in the regular-season finale next Saturday. Ohio State hosts rival Michigan on Saturday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
Barclays PLC lowered its position in shares of Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. ( NYSE:AMBP – Free Report ) by 11.9% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 385,653 shares of the company’s stock after selling 52,222 shares during the period. Barclays PLC owned approximately 0.06% of Ardagh Metal Packaging worth $1,454,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in AMBP. Ballentine Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Ardagh Metal Packaging during the 3rd quarter valued at $42,000. nVerses Capital LLC boosted its position in Ardagh Metal Packaging by 70.4% in the 3rd quarter. nVerses Capital LLC now owns 12,100 shares of the company’s stock valued at $46,000 after buying an additional 5,000 shares during the last quarter. Quarry LP purchased a new position in Ardagh Metal Packaging in the 2nd quarter valued at about $45,000. Signaturefd LLC grew its stake in shares of Ardagh Metal Packaging by 23.1% during the third quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 18,739 shares of the company’s stock valued at $71,000 after acquiring an additional 3,515 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Principal Financial Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Ardagh Metal Packaging by 34.5% during the second quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 19,521 shares of the company’s stock worth $66,000 after acquiring an additional 5,009 shares during the last quarter. 16.93% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Ardagh Metal Packaging Stock Performance AMBP stock opened at $3.02 on Friday. The stock’s 50 day simple moving average is $3.55 and its 200 day simple moving average is $3.57. Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. has a 12-month low of $2.95 and a 12-month high of $4.26. The firm has a market cap of $1.80 billion, a P/E ratio of -25.16, a P/E/G ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a current ratio of 1.17, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 124.21. Ardagh Metal Packaging Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 5th were issued a $0.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 5th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 13.25%. Ardagh Metal Packaging’s dividend payout ratio is currently -333.33%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages recently commented on AMBP. Wells Fargo & Company raised Ardagh Metal Packaging from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating and increased their price target for the company from $4.25 to $5.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 15th. Citigroup raised their price target on shares of Ardagh Metal Packaging from $4.00 to $4.50 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 2nd. Finally, Bank of America cut shares of Ardagh Metal Packaging from a “buy” rating to an “underperform” rating and cut their price target for the company from $4.90 to $4.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 11th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Ardagh Metal Packaging currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $3.92. View Our Latest Stock Report on AMBP Ardagh Metal Packaging Profile ( Free Report ) Ardagh Metal Packaging SA, together with its subsidiaries, supplies consumer metal beverage cans in Europe, the United States, and Brazil. Its products are used in various end-use categories, including beer, carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, hard seltzers, juices, pre-mixed cocktails, teas, sparkling waters, and wine. Featured Articles Five stocks we like better than Ardagh Metal Packaging How to Calculate Options Profits Buffett Takes the Bait; Berkshire Buys More Oxy in December 3 Stocks to Protect Your Portfolio from the Coronavirus Contagion Top 3 ETFs to Hedge Against Inflation in 2025 Insider Trading – What You Need to Know These 3 Chip Stock Kings Are Still Buys for 2025 Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AMBP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. ( NYSE:AMBP – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Ardagh Metal Packaging Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ardagh Metal Packaging and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Geode Capital Management LLC Buys 11,027 Shares of Evolus, Inc. (NASDAQ:EOLS)
Britain, Germany, France, Italy and several other European countries said Monday they would freeze all pending asylum requests from Syrians, a day after the ouster of president Bashar al-Assad. While Berlin and other governments said they were watching the fast-moving developments in the war-ravaged nation, Austria signalled it would soon deport refugees back to Syria. Far-right politicians elsewhere made similar demands, including in Germany -- home to Europe's largest Syrian community -- at a time when immigration has become a hot-button issue across the continent. Alice Weidel, of the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany, reacted with disdain to Sunday's mass rallies by jubilant Syrians celebrating Assad's downfall. "Anyone in Germany who celebrates 'free Syria' evidently no longer has any reason to flee," she wrote on X. "They should return to Syria immediately." World leaders and Syrians abroad watched in disbelief at the weekend as Islamist-led rebels swept into Damascus, ending Assad's brutal rule while also sparking new uncertainty. A German foreign ministry spokesman pointed out that "the fact that the Assad regime has been ended is unfortunately no guarantee of peaceful developments" in the future. Germany has taken in almost one million Syrians, with most arriving in 2015-16 under ex-chancellor Angela Merkel. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said many Syrian refugees "now finally have hope of returning to their Syrian homeland" but cautioned that "the situation in Syria is currently very unclear". The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees had imposed a freeze on decisions for ongoing asylum procedures "until the situation is clearer". She added that "concrete possibilities of return cannot yet be predicted and it would be unprofessional to speculate in such a volatile situation". Rights group Amnesty International slammed Germany's freeze on asylum decisions, stressing that for now "the human rights situation in the country is completely unclear". The head of the UN refugee agency also cautioned that "patience and vigilance" were needed on the issue of refugee returns. In Austria, where about 100,000 Syrians live, conservative Chancellor Karl Nehammer instructed the interior ministry "to suspend all ongoing Syrian asylum applications and to review all asylum grants". Interior Minister Gerhard Karner added he had "instructed the ministry to prepare an orderly repatriation and deportation programme to Syria". "The political situation in Syria has changed fundamentally and, above all, rapidly in recent days," the ministry said, adding it is "currently monitoring and analysing the new situation". The French interior ministry said it too would put asylum requests from Syrians on hold, with authorities in Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway announcing similar moves. Britain's interior ministry said it was taking the same measure "whilst we assess the current situation". The Italian government said late Monday after a cabinet meeting that it too was suspending asylum request "in line with other European partners." The leader of the far-right Sweden Democrats, a coalition partner in the government, said residence permits for Syrian refugees should now be "reviewed". "Destructive Islamist forces are behind the change of power" in Syria, wrote their leader Jimmie Akesson on X. "I see that groups are happy about this development here in Sweden. You should see it as a good opportunity to go home." In Greece, a government spokesman voiced hope that Assad's fall will eventually allow "the safe return of Syrian refugees" to their country, but without announcing concrete measures. In Germany, the debate gained momentum as the country heads towards February elections. Achim Brotel, president of a grouping of German communes, called for border controls to stop fleeing Assad loyalists reaching Germany. The centre-right opposition CDU suggested that rejected Syrian asylum-seekers should now lose so-called subsidiary protection. "If the reason for protection no longer applies, then refugees will have to return to their home country," CDU legislator Thorsten Frei told Welt TV. CDU MP Jens Spahn suggested that Berlin charter flights to Syria and offer 1,000 euros ($1,057) to "anyone who wants to return". A member of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats criticised the debate as "populist and irresponsible". Greens party deputy Anton Hofreiter also said "it is completely unclear what will happen next in Syria" and deportation talk was "completely out of place". Many Syrians in Germany have watched the events in their home country with great joy but prefer to wait and see before deciding whether to return. "We want to go back to Syria," said Mahmoud Zaml, 25, who works in an Arabic pastry shop in Berlin, adding that he hopes to help "rebuild" his country. "But we have to wait a bit now," he told AFP. "We have to see what happens and if it is really 100 percent safe, then we will go back to Syria." burs-fz/rlp/phz/gv/giv
Donald Trump Jr. and Elon Musk over the weekend called on Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). Linda Yaccarino, the CEO of X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday, said that she and the company are urging for the passage of KOSA after the bill text had been updated to address some concerns: At X, protecting our children is our top priority. As I’ve always said, freedom of speech and safety can and must coexist. And as a mother, it’s personal. When X testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee last January, we committed to working with Congress on child safety legislation. We’ve heard the pleas of parents and youth advocates who seek sensible guardrails across online platforms, and the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) addresses that need. After working with the bill authors, I’m proud to share that we’ve made progress to further protect freedom of speech while maintaining safety for minors online. Thank you to @MarshaBlackburn and @SenBlumenthal for your leadership, dedication and collaboration on this issue and landmark legislation. We urge Congress and the House to pass the Kids Online Safety Act this year. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) has led the led the push to pass the legislation. The Kids Online Safety Act aims to empower parents to take control over children’s online experiences to protect their health and well-being, and the Open App Markets Act, a bill that would break up the Apple and Google app store duopoly. The Kids Online Safety Act passed in the Senate with an overwhelming 91-3 vote, and now advocates hope to get it through the House. It faces an uncertain fate, as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) oppose the bill, as currently written. On Tuesday, advocates plan to hold a rally on Tuesday to have it pass through Congress’s lower chamber. This includes: Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) Matthew Allaire, Design It For Us Advocate Tracy Ann Bancroft, Parent Advocate, Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy, & Action Shamail Henderson, Victim/Survivor of Online Sex Trafficking Vanessa Li, Policy Officer for the American Youth Association and Design It For Us Advocate Cheryl McCormick Brown, Mother of Mckenna Brown, Forever 16 Erin Popolo, Mother of Emily Murillo, Forever 17 Shama Reed, Mother of Shamail Henderson Mary Rodee, Mother of Riley Basford, Forever 15 Blackburn told Breitbart News Daily in 2023 that the legislation would “disable some of these tracking features that push addictive products and behavior. And also it requires the social media platforms to be transparent with their algorithmic black boxes, to open these up.” Sean Moran is a policy reporter for Breitbart News. Follow him on X @SeanMoran3 .
Darnold greeted by Vikings 'mayhem' after key winGovernment to block incinerators that do not contribute to green plans
Chemists selling spurious meds may face prosecutionI'm obsessed with my air fryer, and I've used it to cook dishes from to . To put the appliance to the test, I decided to try making a week's worth of dinners in my . Here's what I will and won't be making again. The I found from food blogger Melanie Cooks couldn't be more straightforward. First, I chopped the eggplant into 1-inch cubes. Then, I tossed them in olive oil, garlic powder, red pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I placed my seasoned cubes into the preheated air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, shaking halfway through. I'd make this again as a side dish This was my first time cooking eggplant, and I thought the dish turned out surprisingly well. The bites were flavorful and a bit crispy — not overly mushy, which can happen often with eggplant dishes. Overall, this was super easy to make and delicious, just not super filling. I'd make it again as a side for a heartier main course. Food blogger said these were the "best hot dogs" I would ever make. I was skeptical about , but I loved not having to boil them and deal with the gross-smelling water that results from that. After preheating the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit, I made a few shallow cuts on the hot dogs to prevent them from inflating or exploding. Next, I put them in the air fryer for six minutes. I also toasted my buns in the air fryer. These hot dogs were great The buns were the true game changer. Before this, I'd eat my hot dogs with untoasted buns because I found them difficult to crisp properly in a regular toaster. But, after just a few minutes in the air fryer, they were perfect for the well-cooked hot dogs. I will definitely make this recipe again. I loosely followed a recipe from the blogger l, who wrote you could make this pizza in the oven for 10 minutes and get the same results as doing so in the air fryer. This recipe calls for premade crust, but I used a frozen pizza as my base. Fortunately, this wasn't an issue. My air-fryer baskets are small, so I had to cut my pizza before cooking it. I put the pizza in the air fryer for about six to seven minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The crust cooked quickly. Then, I followed the directions like it was a plain crust and topped it with slices of mozzarella and tomato. The recipe said to use Campari tomatoes, but I used cherry ones. They were so small that they slid off my pizza while it heated up in the air fryer. Still, I popped my pizza slices back into the air-fryer baskets and cooked them for five or so minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The cheese quickly melted, and I topped my slices with fresh basil and olive oil. The finished product came out tasty, with good texture and flavor I liked how crispy the crust turned out, and the pizza had a nice flavor. Although this was delicious, it was more complicated than just placing a whole pizza in the oven. My air-fryer baskets are small, so I had to cook four slices at a time instead of an entire pie at once. I'm sure it'd be just as tasty with a plain crust, too. Even so, it seemed unnecessary to use an air fryer instead of my oven. Food blog requires only bone-in, skin-on chicken (trimmed) and some spices. I shook my chicken thighs in a large bag with kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and onion powder to coat it in seasonings. Once the air fryer was preheated to 380 degrees Fahrenheit, it was time to cook them. First, I sprayed the baskets with oil and placed the thighs skin-side down for 12 minutes. I then flipped them and cooked them for another 10 minutes. I was impressed by how quickly and easily this recipe came together. The resulting chicken thighs had crispy, well-seasoned skin and juicy, tender meat. I had fun making mozzarella sticks The food blogger quick mozarella-stick recipe calls for light string cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, an egg, and flour, plus marinara sauce for dipping. First, I put my egg, breadcrumbs, and flour in three separate containers. After unwrapping the cheese, I coated it in flour, dipped it in egg, and then breadcrumbs. My favorite part was making sure each stick was perfectly coated in crumbles, which felt therapeutic and oddly satisfying. Then, the cheese sticks needed to be frozen for about an hour so they could firm up before being fried. Once they were done chilling, I popped the sticks into my 400-degree-Fahrenheit air fryer for four minutes, flipped them, and cooked them for another four minutes. These came out cheesy and delicious Some of the cheese ended up oozing out of the breading, especially after I flipped them. Still, they stayed together pretty well and tasted delicious. I also liked dipping the sticks in marinara. The vegan I used is from Allrecipes, and its main ingredients include potato, onion, and corn tortillas. The potato had to be cooked so I could make my filling, so I microwaved it for a bit to try to speed up the process. While the potato cooked, I made the sauce by simmering minced garlic and chopped onion in vegan butter. Next, I mashed my potato and combined it with salt, pepper, almond milk, and the buttery mixture. Then, I put the filling aside and heated my tortillas so I could roll the taquitos up. I heated the tortillas on the grate of a gas stove to make them easily rollable. This was tedious, and I found they could burn quickly if I looked away for even a minute. Once I had my tortilla perfectly heated, I put a spoonful of my inside it and rolled it up. Finally, I put the rolled taquitos in the preheated air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After seven minutes, I flipped them, sprayed them with oil, then cooked them for three more minutes. These came out OK but were more work than I'd prefer These taquitos took a little more time to prepare than I'd anticipated. The filling was good and tasted like garlic mashed potatoes, but I would've preferred to eat it without the semi-crunchy tortilla wrapper that almost overpowered its flavor. It's nice that these were vegan, but I almost wish I'd chosen a recipe with meat to add some texture. Even so, the taquitos weren't too hard to make and tasted good enough for a snack. Food blogger makes her with three simple, classic ingredients: bread, cheese, and butter. I buttered one side of each piece of bread, placed cheese inside, then cooked my sandwich in a preheated air fryer at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for four minutes on each side. My sandwich turned out wonderfully cheesy The recipe recommends using toothpicks to hold the bread down, but I didn't have any, so I had to rearrange the bread midway through cooking, as it had blown off. Still, these sandwiches came out cheesy and fabulous — though I could've almost as easily made them in a pan. Each recipe was good enough to try, and I'd probably make all but 2 again I wouldn't cook the pizza or taquitos in the air fryer next time, but everything else felt surprisingly easier to make in the small-but-mighty appliance. The , grilled cheese, eggplant, and mozzarella sticks were all winners — and the chicken thighs took the crown for most filling and worthwhile. Read the original article on
European Countries Suspend Syrian Asylum Decisions After Assad's Fall
Portadown boss Niall Currie says his team's forward play was "very, very average" in the 2-0 derby defeat by Glenavon on Boxing Day. The visitors were 1-0 down through Peter Campbell's opener when they had keeper Aaron McCarey sent off. Niall Quinn's excellent free-kick secured victory for the Lurgan Blues. "It was a hugely disappointing day - I don't think we played," said Currie. "Unfortunately offensively we were very, very average. We didn't cause a threat, we got very little going forward in the areas that we needed and have been so good for us all season." Currie added that he had "no complaints" over McCarey's dismissal after he rushed out of the box to try to deny Michael O'Connor, who was through on goal. Portadown started the day in second spot but the defeat sees them slip two places to fourth. "Unfortunately when you come to games like this you can't carry players, so we ended up carrying four-five players. You will not get away with that as this level. "I said to players in the changing room that we could've played to midnight and we wouldn't have scored. "We got decisions wrong in the last third of the pitch - it was a really, really poor day for us."Developers will have to show that their project either helps reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste going to landfill, or replaces an older, less efficient incinerator. The move forms part of the Government’s drive to increase recycling rates, which have held at about 45% of household waste since 2015. Environment minister Mary Creagh said: “For far too long, the nation has seen its recycling rates stagnate and relied on burning household waste, rather than supporting communities to keep resources in use for longer. “That ends today, with clear conditions for new energy from waste plants – they must be efficient and support net zero and our economic growth mission, before they can get the backing needed to be built.” Developers will also have to ensure their incinerators are ready for carbon capture technology, and demonstrate how the heat they produce can be used to help cut heating bills for households. The Government expects that its “crackdown” on new incinerators will mean only a limited number are built, while still reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill and enabling the country to process the waste it produces. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the country was almost at the point where it had enough waste facilities to handle non-recyclable rubbish, and so had limited need for new incinerators. But the proposals stop short of the plans included in the Conservatives’ 2024 manifesto, which committed to a complete ban on new incinerators due to their “impact on local communities” and declining demand as recycling increased.The strategy was announced at the company’s Innovation Day which featured a curated set of 14 construction robotics companies from across the globe that are pioneering the field Dubai, United Arab Emirates – November 25, 2024 – At its annual Innovation Day event, ALEC unveiled its ‘Robotics Strategy’, focused on transforming core construction processes through the use of cutting-edge automation solutions. Aligning with the company’s broader Innovation Agenda, this program will see ALEC forge partnerships with global robotics leaders to implement innovative solutions in its construction projects as well as to bring these technologies to the region, thereby elevating the sector as a whole. Describing how through this strategy, ALEC is demonstrating its commitment to supporting government initiatives in the region, Barry Lewis, CEO at ALEC said, “Since the construction industry employs a large percentage of the workforce, as a forward-thinking and innovative company, ALEC recognizes the importance of integrating robotics into our operations. At the same time, we are working closely with all industry stakeholders. A rising tide lifts all boats and an industry-wide increase in automation will address many of our sector’s most pressing issues, enhancing sustainability, addressing skilled labour shortages, and meeting tight project details.” The new ALEC Robotics Strategy extends on the ALEC Robotics Brief, which since its launch in 2017, has seen the company test and conduct real-world deployments of nine innovative robotics solutions. Doubling down on this momentum, the company will now collaborate closely with government agencies, local and international universities, and robotics companies and start-ups to evaluate up to 20 robotics ideas and partnerships each year. Over a 5-year period, the company aims to have 5% of its construction activities automated by mature robotic solutions. In the first phase of its Robotics Strategy, ALEC intends to focus on pioneering the use of already mature robotics technologies from across the world as well as helping accelerate the advancement of more nascent but promising robotics projects. Some providers of these technologies have already been identified by the company, and several of them were showcased at the company’s Innovation Day. Among the 14 construction robotics pioneers from around the globe present at this event, were NYU Abu Dhabi who have been exploring AI and Robotics for Autonomous Data Acquisition in Construction projects. HILTI offered an impressive live demo of its Jaibot, a semi-automated construction robot designed for mechanical, electrical, plumbing and interior finishing installation work while Construction Robotics impressed attendees with MULE, a lift-assist solution designed and built to handle and place heavy material on construction sites. In the rapidly advancing field of drone-based solutions, Angelswing stood out for its innovative drone-based digital twin platform that drives effectiveness throughout a project — from planning to completion. “At the nexus of market shifts, environmental awareness and rapid technological advancement, is the opportunity for the construction sector to surge forward into an era of enhanced efficiency, sustainability and excellence. ALEC is leading this transformation, and driven by our dedicated department, innovation has been embedded into the DNA of our organization. Through meticulously detailed frameworks, we have set out clear objectives with tangible milestones that ensure continued improvement. As the region’s leading construction firm, ALEC recognizes that our successes will stand testament to the value and feasibility of new approaches to construction. Galvanized by this, we will continue to partner will the best talent from across the world to deliver the best solutions and exceed our stakeholder’s expectations,” said Imad Itani, Head of Innovation at ALEC. -Ends- Photo Caption: Imad Itani, Head of Innovation at ALEC About ALEC ALEC, part of the Investment Corporate of Dubai (ICD), is a leading construction and related businesses group operating in the UAE and KSA. The company builds and provides construction solutions that set industry benchmarks for quality, safety, functionality, and aesthetics. ALEC offers its clients complete turnkey solutions in construction, MEP, fit-out, marine, oil & gas, modular construction, energy efficiency and solar projects, heavy equipment rental, technology systems and asset maintenance. With these capabilities, the company successfully serves a diverse range of sectors including airports, retail, hotels & resorts, high-rise buildings, and themed projects. For more information, please visit https://alec.ae/ . Related
Rachel Kiley is a writer who sometimes writes things and sometimes is based in L.A., but is definitely always on Twitter @rachelkiley.
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Analytic Partners Recognized as a Leader in Inaugural Gartner® Magic QuadrantTM for Marketing Mix Modeling SolutionsIsrael and Lebanon's Hezbollah start a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fighting
It is fair to say that ( ) doesn't get anywhere near as much attention as the likes of ( ) or ( ). But that doesn't mean that this ASX 300 stock isn't a high-quality option with a bright future. Just ask the team at Goldman Sachs, which is tipping the billing and customer care solution provider's shares as a buy right now. What is the broker saying about the ASX 300 tech stock? Goldman was pleased with Hansen's annual general meeting update, which saw management reiterate its belief that it can continue to grow its revenue organically by 5% to 7% each year for the foreseeable future. It said: HSN's AGM update highlighted mgmt's view that +5-7% organic revenue growth is sustainable, driven by structural digital transformation tailwinds across both verticals. Per our analysis, HSN's FY25E guidance implies that sales in the core business (ex Powercloud) are accelerating to ~8% y/y in FY25E, following a trend that started in FY20A of consistent improvements in organic growth. HSN is in late-stage discussions for several large-sized contracts (some >A$30mn in TCV), which may be incremental to the +5-7% range in FY25E (and/or support an increase to the revenue growth guidance in future years). The broker also sees the recently acquired Powercloud business as a significant driver of growth in the future. Goldman believes that once its cost outs are complete, it will hit an earnings inflection. Goldman adds: Bringing forward profitability to 2H25E (vs 4Q25E) and providing detail around cost-out execution (incl. reducing headcount from 390 to 140) increases our confidence in HSN's ability to bring Powercloud's margins toward ~30% (FY27 GSe), particularly given headcount was ~50 before Powercloud's global expansion (i.e. further room to cut costs). HSN's stated ~A$27mn of annualised cost-out to date is almost 50% of Powercloud's pre-acquisition cost base and in our view implies Powercloud should be entering FY26E generating ~A$10-15mn of annualised EBITDA – a key pillar of HSN inflecting from +7% EBITDA growth in FY25E to +24% in FY26E (we sit +6% vs FY26E VA Cons.). Big returns Goldman thinks that the ASX 300 tech stock is being undervalued by the market. It explains: We believe FY26E is the appropriate year to capitalise into valuation as Powercloud moves into profitability. On this basis, HSN is trading on 9.4x EV/EBITDA (vs ~11x historical average), and is on 0.7x growth-adjusted vs 1.5x AU Tech peers. In light of this, the broker has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $6.35. Based on its current share price of $5.57, this implies potential upside of 14% for investors. In addition, a 1.8% dividend yield is expected in FY 2025.
An individual reported missing in the backcountry near Princeton hunkered down overnight before being found safe on Sunday, Nov. 24. The Penticton and District Search and Rescue team was called to provide mutual aid for the Princeton team after Princeton SAR spent Saturday night searching for the missing person. The conditions were reported to be dangerously cool overnight. As PenSAR's team members readied to deploy to the search in the air and on the ground, the missing person was found safe and uninjured. "Thanks to the hard work of Princeton SAR who searched all night, and the smart actions of the subject for remaining in their vehicle given the frigid temps, the search had a happy conclusion this morning," PenSAR wrote in a post to social media. The search and rescue team is warning that snow and winter conditions are now present, particularly in backcountry areas. PenSAR urges any backcountry explorers to ensure they are adequately prepared with emergency and recovery supplies, including extra food, water, warm layers and an SOS device, as well as items like tracks and chains for vehicles.(CNN) — Republican Rep. Nancy Mace as recently as last year called herself “pro-transgender rights” and said she supported children exploring gender identities with different hairstyles, clothing and preferred pronouns, a stark contrast to more recent comments that have put her in the national spotlight. Last week, the South Carolina Republican introduced a resolution to amend the rules of the US House of Representatives to ban transgender women from using women’s restrooms at the Capitol and filed broader legislation that would apply to every federal building and federally funded school. The resolution came in direct response to the election of Democratic Rep.-elect Sarah McBride of Delaware, the first out transgender person elected to Congress. In hundreds of tweets over the last week, Mace has used a flood of anti-transgender rhetoric, including repeatedly calling transgender people “mentally ill,” which is a stark — and unexplained — departure from her past positioning as a self-proclaimed pro-LGBTQ Republican. In July 2023, Mace described herself as “pro-transgender rights” and voiced support for children exploring their identities, such as by changing pronouns, hairstyles or clothing. “If they wanna take on a different pronoun or a different gender identity or grow their hair out, or wear a dress or wear pants, or do those things as a minor –— those are all things that I think most people would support. Be who you want to be, but don’t make permanent changes as a child,” Mace said in an interview last year. Mace made the comments in the context of saying she opposed gender-affirming care for minors. “They may decide as an adult, ‘Hey, instead of being Johnny, I want to be Jill’ — that’s OK,” she said. “But let them figure that out and make that decision when they can consent.” It’s hard to pinpoint a clear through line for when Mace shifted her tone to be so harshly anti-transgender. Just a month after describing herself as “pro-transgender rights” and supporting children exploring their identities, Mace spoke out against transgender women competing in women’s sports. While the shift might not necessarily be contradictory in policy, it represented a departure in tone, moving from seemingly supportive and inclusive language to critical rhetoric. In texts with CNN, Mace reiterated her past support for LGBTQ rights, including voting for same-sex marriage. She clarified that while she has no issue with individuals dressing as they choose or using preferred pronouns, she opposes transgender women accessing women’s private spaces, citing concerns about protecting women and girls. Mace, however, also described transgender individuals as needing to “seek help.” “Voted for gay marriage twice. Would do it again. Have supported pro LGBTQ legislation. Draw the line at women being forced to undress in front of men or men using our bathrooms or any private spaces,” Mace told CNN. Mace has in the past credited her personal connections to LGBTQ individuals for shaping her inclusive rhetoric In 2021, she co-sponsored the Fairness for All Act, which aimed to ban discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation while carving out exemptions for religious institutions. “I strongly support LGBTQ rights and equality,” she said at the time. “No one should be discriminated against. ... I have friends and family that identify as LGBTQ. Understanding how they feel and how they’ve been treated is important. Having been around gay, lesbian and transgender people has informed my opinion over my lifetime.” House Speaker Mike Johnson said last week there is a policy throughout the Capitol complex that effectively bans transgender women from women’s restrooms and other female-designated spaces in the Capitol. “All single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings — such as restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms — are reserved for individuals of that biological sex,” the Louisiana Republican said in a statement . He did not outline how the policy would be enforced but noted that unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol. McBride responded on social media, “I’m not here to fight about bathrooms. I’m here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down costs facing families. Like all members, I will follow the rules as outlined by Speaker Johnson, even if I disagree with them.” The-CNN-Wire TM & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
Netanyahu's office says his security Cabinet has approved ceasefire deal with Hezbollah108 Contemporary presents VisionMakers 2024, juried by Duane Reed, on view now through Jan. 25 and is a must-see for art lovers. VisionMakers is 108 Contemporary’s signature juried biennial exhibition for contemporary, fine craft-based artists in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico and Texas. With an internationally recognized juror and cash awards, this exhibition showcases work that bridges cutting-edge concepts and traditional skills. Reed is the owner of the Duane Reed Gallery, a prominent leader in the fine craft/art movement in St. Louis, where he has exhibited and represented such successful contemporary artists such as Michael Eastman, Jun Kaneko, Joseph Piccillo, Albert Paley, Wendell Castle, Dale Chihuly and Rudy Autio. “This year, the VisionMakers exhibition has more artworks from around the seven-state area than ever before,” said Jen Boyd Martin, executive director of 108 Contemporary. People are also reading... Muskogee board rejects Matt Hennesy's return as Roughers' head football coach The 12 best new restaurants of 2024 Berry Tramel: Barry Switzer's 1980s players salute their lion-in-winter coach. Read their letter Mike Gundy appears headed for complete turnover among coaching staff Daughter of country music star Wynonna Judd pleads guilty to drug, theft charges Where to eat on Christmas Day Berry Tramel: Another OU-Navy game and another historically inept Sooner offense Four northeastern Oklahoma educators' teaching certificates suspended Loren Montgomery: An inside look at Bixby's record-setting football coach Tulsa school board votes to proceed with Jennettie Marshall, E’Lena Ashley lawsuit OU releases depth chart for Armed Forces Bowl vs. Navy; Here are notable changes Muskogee board set to vote on Wagoner's Dale Condict as head football coach Bible, Christianity feature heavily in proposed social studies standards for students Gov. Kevin Stitt orders state agencies to end most remote work Sink your teeth into 20 of Tulsa's best sandwiches The exhibit's quality and variety are seen in the works that the juror picked, and it is excellently displayed in this Tulsa gem of a gallery. Just a few of my favorites from the show are "The Wacky Doctor’s Game" by Cynthia Marcoux, who again knocks it out of the park with her quirky mix of nostalgia and impeccable workmanship in cardboard and beads. Jean Ann Fausser’s "Psyche" sculptural work in embroidery floss, wire, beads and repurposed hand form is also one of the best this local artist has produced. "The Earth Heals Herself" by Texas artist Jane Dunnewold is also a striking artwork in silk noil, and embroidery and photo transfer. This exhibition, and many of the exhibits that 108 Contemporary puts on, just underlines the conclusion that Tom and Marcia Manhart’s exhibition from Philbrook Museum of Art in 1987 that tore down distinctions between the concept of what was considered “Art” and “Craft”. The exhibit is a must-see, and we are so lucky to have this first-class gallery in Tulsa. The show is on display at 108 Contemporary, 108 E. Reconciliation Way. TAC goes back to its roots “Home Fires” will celebrate the rekindling of the Tulsa Artists’ Coalition community as the Annual Members' Show returns to the TAC gallery at 9 E. Reconciliation Way after 13 years. The Members' Show will open at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, as the organization's opportunity to expose its members’ contemporary visual arts to a wide audience. This prominent Tulsa regional showcase highlights the exceptional work of emerging and established artists in all media. Entries are judged by a panel of independent jurors, and awards are given for Best of Show and two Jurors’ Choice Awards. Just as home fires burn bright to welcome and unite, this exhibition will bring TAC members back to the space that has long supported their creative voices. With a wide array of styles and perspectives, “Home Fires” is a testament to the enduring spirit of Tulsa’s art community and the shared bonds that make TAC a place to come home to. TAC membership includes artists of all mediums and disciplines, from painters and illustrators to sculptors, ceramists, photographers and traditional craftspeople. The coalition supports its members through an online member directory, a beautiful gallery space and the annual member show. The show will close Jan. 25. The Tulsa World is where your story lives
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Welcome to the Thanksgiving week Cardinals chat here at StlToday.com . There undoubtedly will be the usual maelstrom of fascinating questions, biting criticism, and incisive challenges from readers, but in keeping with the spirit of the week don't be afraid to sprinkle in something you're thankful. I'll start. I'm thankful for a fan base ravenous for baseball conversation year round and one that is both respectful of the history of baseball in St. Louis and demanding because of that history. That's powerful blend, and it makes covering a club like the Cardinals in a city and region like St. Louis a great opportunity for a baseball fan and baseball writer like me. Aren't you already thankful I avoided Thanksgiving imagery in the above paragraph? I cannot promise that will last. Enough prelude. Let's get to the stuffing of this Cardinals chat. As always, a real-time transcript of the chat will be available below the chat window. You'll be able to read questions and answers just as you any article here at StlToday.com on your mobile, your desktop, or your tablet. Questions are not edited for spelling or grammar. They are ignored for vulgarities and threats. Onward! Bake21: Hey Derek. Most teams play their weakest defender in LF. The Cardinals have theirs in RF. Has there been any talk of moving Walker to LF. DG: There have been questions about it -- from reporters like me. Often. Much to their chagrin. The answer has always been that Jordan Walker is more comfortable in right field. During a recent podcast with baseball writer Dayn Perry, I brought up another reason why the Cardinals have had him focus on right field. Let me offer you some statistics. There were 11 outfielders with at least 1,000 innings in center, and they averaged 348 putouts. There were nine LF with at least 1,000 innings there, and they averaged 251 putouts. There were six RF with at least 1,000 innings there, and they averaged 252. And that is a lot closer than helps my illustration. But look deeper -- 10 center fielders had at least 300 putouts, two left fielders, and zero right fielders. The Cardinals had more putouts in RF than LF this past season, but overall the thinking is there are fewer baseballs hit to RF, fewer plays in RF, and that that would be a contributing reason for having a novice outfielder play out there. One more thing: Jordan Walker has an excellent arm. When he played third base, scouts thought his arm was an asset there and compensated for other elements of his fielding. He has a strong arm that can be beneficial in right field. That too is a factor -- it's a spot where one of his skills can still stand out. Millo Miller: Derrick, since Nolan Arenado has not demanded a trade as of now, but has given the Cardinals the ok to explore the market, would it be in the Cardinals best interest to keep him until the trade deadline next year? I know the contract might make this hard to do. Your thoughts? DG: Sure seems like that would not the best route here. Not for the complexity of his contact. Not for the offer. And not to do the best thing for Arenado. How much you want the Cardinals to weigh in what's best for Arenado here can be debated, but they will take that into account as they have for players in the past. And why not give him a chance to start the season with a team, in a good spot to contend, and set up his family there and all of that ... Keep in mind, too, at the trade deadline -- what happens if you bank on that but there's no place appealing in his opinion? RedbirdFarmhands: Hey Derrick do you think Boston could be a legit landing spot for Arenado DG: There are reports that they plan to move Devers to first base to make room for Alex Bregman. Seems like that would also apply. I do not know if that's a landing spot that Arenado would approve. It would be a team that would take more time to figure out a trade because Boston is pursuing many free agents first. Bboy Bird: DG, The Cardinals OF depth chart is heavily LH. Do you expect them to make a minor free-agent signing for an RH OF, perhaps a complement to Siani in CF? Thanks! DG: That is definitely on their mind and could be a move later in the winter, or even during spring, more for their bench. They also see Jordan Walker as that RH OF, of course. Let me quickly add: There is nothing wrong with having a lot of left-handed hitters. A lineup with left-handed production time and time and time again is better, deeper lineup as a result, and a left-handed presence (or few) sure seems essential to October success when you look at teams that do well in the playoffs. Bake21: Regarding Walker in RF, that's a good point about the putouts. And I do think Walker is athletic enough and has a good arm. The issue is he terrible out there. He doesn't appear to track balls well at all. And if you're going to misplace a ball in LF it might only be one base, if you misplace a ball in RF it's more than likely two bases. DG: Entirely fair, and that has been part of the questions for the Cardinals. When you think about how poor the defense was early in 2023, it was because of the outfield -- where misplays didn't cost 90 feet, they cost 180 feet. Darrell M: Good morning Mr. Goold. I have very much enjoyed your Cardinals coverage over the years and would like to say thank you for all of your work. DG: Thank you, Darrell. Much appreciated. Duffy in CT: Mark Feinsand today wrote "Ryan Helsley is likely to be traded". Does he know something we do not know or is he speculating? DG: That probably is a better question for him than for a chat here, because I'll just repeat to you our reporting on the subject. That seems like the best thing for me to do, no? But here's the deal. Mark Feinsand, an executive writer for MLB-dot-com, has a baseball card in the recently released Allen & Ginter set from Topps. I was thrilled to recently get an autographed card sent to me. I've added it to my collection . Mark has been a friend for a long time and I'm thrilled he's joined our group of wax-pack writers. He referenced the Cardinals "likely" trading Ryan Helsley as part of a piece tying one free agent to every team. Already he had a difficult task -- linking the Cardinals, who have publicly stated they won't do much shopping this winter, to that exact thing. And then adding to that difficult -- his description was picked up without context by another outlet. A bold headline was slapped on it. And here we are again. It's going to be a long winter of this, and I feel the frustration readers must have. Truly. And if you have any suggestions on how to combat that and helped readers, I'm eager to do so. Mark made his description very clear. Just as I will mine. I've spoken to multiple sources aware of the Cardinals conversations or directly involved in those conversations, and one walked away feeling the Cardinals are leaning toward keeping Helsley. Two others told me that the Cardinals are adopting that stance so that they will only trade him if overwhelmed by an offer. There are teams calling the Cardinals making their bid for Helsley. So they'll have choices to sort through. Duffy in CT: Giovanni to the Dodgers. Surprised? DG: No. Michael: Can you share any details about the upcoming writers' dinner in January? DG: Absolutely. Thanks for asking. It is set for Jan. 19 here in St. Louis at the Missouri Athletic Club downtown. Tickets go on sale Friday, and there will be news of who will be honored and other plans as Friday approaches. Here's a hint: Ryan Helsley will receive one of the headline awards, and our hope is to have a surprise and fitting guest there to present him with it. Ken: Hi Derrick! Can you help me understand what’s happening with Nolan ? ( This reminds me of that song by the Clash ).Does he want to leave ? Does he want to stay ? DG: All those questions are fair, Ken. And the answers are direct -- because it will depend on the offers the Cardinals get. Keep in mind that Arenado has not formally requested a trade, per multiple sources. Wrote a whole reported, tightly sourced story about that -- and it's bit of shared history with what happened 2007 -- this past week. Best for me to guide you to that story then to rewrite all of the answers in it here. Millo Miller: Derrick, were you surprised the Rays non-tendered D. Carlson? I feel sorry for the kid. He's young but just can't stay healthy and get on track. DG: I was. Longtime chatters will know what I've written about Dylan Carlson's talent, ceiling, or however you want to phrase it. A switch-hitter with a good feel for the strike zone -- and capable of playing all three spots in the outfield. Sure seems like he needs a team that unlocks his offense and gives him the playing time to make it happen. He'll have suitors eager to do that. Sam: Hi Derrick, happy thanksgiving! Do you have a sense of what kind of return the team is targeting with a potential trade of Helsley? High upside low level prospects? Near MLB players? Players currently on the other teams 26 man? similar question for Nado: how much money will the team kick in for a trade to get back a quality return instead of pure salary relief? Thanks! DG: Great question, and the answer is that it will depend on the team on the other side of the conversation. The Cardinals can toggle between those two asks because a guiding goal for them in any of these conversations is stocking the prospect depth chart. That's what they want to do. And they want to do that at a variety of levels, if possible -- both prospects at the lower levels with higher ceilings and prospects on the brink of the majors with higher floors and clear routes to contribute. "Collecting depth" or "collecting talent" are the phrases used by the Cardinals' front office. In these deals, it's likely they try to accumulate several players who fit each of the descriptions: predictably close to the majors, high upside but young and farther away, and pitching. As for Arenado. There is $74 million remaining on his contract, and some of that money will be covered by the Rockies (who owe payments for 2025 and 2026). The Cardinals are on the hook for all of his 2027 salary, which was a year they added during the conversations to make the trade. That year is $15 million, and if past precedent means anything interested teams are going to point out that the Cardinals added that so the should pay it. The Cardinals feel -- and they're not alone in this, based on conversations I've had with non-Cardinals folks -- that Arenado's deal has value that will be clear when some of the free agents sign. And it's a shorter commitment. Cardinals are not looking for pure salary relief. They're looking for the right fit for them and if it's an agreeable fit for Arenado, too. MS Bird Brain: One reason I've remained a long time Cardinal fan is that they value the team culture as a factor along with the business side. No it doesn't trump business, but it is a big factor that keeps me as a fan. Nolan Arenado has turned down millions of dollars because he wanted to stay in St. Louis. As far as we know he has not asked to be traded. As a fan, if they trade him, they better improve the on the field team enough to show that the culture factor was included. If it's just about money, I will be deeply ashamed of them. DG: This obviously has been a topic of conversation for me with lots of people in the past few weeks, and I can write again what I've attempted to convey. From the article above: "(New 'clarity' on their finances) allows them to explore deals that gives the club a favorable return and the veteran player a favorable destination to win, if possible." Bob the Subscriber: Without revealing your ballot, what're your thoughts on the HoF ballot this year? DG: I just got it in the mail. Haven't had a chance to five into the usual research I do. There are some holdovers that I've voted for in past years, so I'll start with them, and see how much room I have, and then re-rank them all to see who fits in the 10 spots. Here is one sure thing: I will eagerly rush to put an X beside Ichiro Suzuki. Cannot wait be one of the voters who pave his way into Cooperstown. Mike: Good morning! We know that the cardinals want to go younger, do you see them trying to ADD any younger major league talent on the pitching side this offseason or at the trade deadline? DG: Oh, absolutely. That is always a good goal for any team -- but, yes, it's an area where the Cardinals can, will focus, need to focus. However you want to phrase it. Building pitching depth is an area of focus for them -- and that's not just acquiring players (it's a big part of it), but it's also about building the support staff, facilities, and so on to improve development, too. Bob the Subscriber: Gotcha, thnaks. So should we expect an Arenado trade (if it happens at all) to occur later in the off-season? DG: At last check, the Cardinals expect the pace of the market to pick up at the winter meetings -- or going into the winter meetings. That is, of course, echoed by the reporters about the Soto courtship. Given that Bregman is available to teams interested in adding a 3B, and given that a few of the teams with an eye on Bregman first have to figure out where Soto signs ... you can see how all of these conversations are linked and where the Cardinals may have to wait for movement elsewhere to get the best offer they can take to Arenado. November Rain: Would the Cardinals consider trading Gorman or Walker if blown away by an offer? DG: Yes. Cards Fan 1941: Derek, I look forward to your column and podcasts. You recently mentioned a hitters machine that can be programmed for a particular pitcher, At $800k, that is a big investment. Do the Cardinals seem interested? DG: They have two of them. They have one at Busch Stadium that the big-leaguers use, and they have one in Jupiter, at the complex down there. Initially in the podcast, when I was asked if the Cardinals had a Trajekt machine, I said no. I was wrong. I did ask about it during the season, and may have misunderstood the answer or asked the wrong person. That's on me to figure out, and I'm being candid with you here. I subsequently learned that they had two. And I've updated and corrected the podcast to reflect that. Chris: Which team could be the 2025 version of the Royals leveraging what I expect will be a heavy buyers market in the free agent pool given all the revenue issues? DG: Detroit Tigers. Bob the Subscriber: I understand that Sasaki is unlikely to sign here. But is the team going to make a pitch to him? DG: They usually do, yeah. Just to make sure they don't wonder. They want to be told no. That's pretty standard for the Cardinals and other teams. If you don't try, you don't know for sure. You want to hear the no. CJ: There seem to be a lot more online "news" outlets nowadays that pump out clickbait headlines that read "cards pursuing x or y superstar" with no sources cited. As a legitimate reporter yourself, how does that impact the work that you do and is there anything you or the PD can do to stop it or raise awareness to fans? DG: What we've seen elsewhere is aggregation devours the reporters providing the info for aggregation. The Post-Dispatch invests heavily in coverage of the Cardinals and Blues and Mizzou, and does so with dedicated reporters and clear standards of practice. And that needs the support of subscribers. It's an issue if that reporter or reporting is skimmed or misrepresented -- and I hope that readers, like you, recognize it and seek out the media outlets that invest the coverage and offer you clear and concise attribution and accountability. I get that rumors and speculation are entertaining, but more and more and more we're seeing speculation become what fans remember, not the hard, tangible reported facts. There is a lot of coverage out there coming from sites that are taking from reporters on site, from outlets that pay to have professionals in place to cover the team, and the Post-Dispatch is not alone in that when it comes to the Cardinals. What happens if readers don't value the difference ... We can all see where that leads, because we've already seen media outlets close or change, from august publications like Sports Illustrated to newspapers throughout the country. Raising awareness, as you say, is key. I'm trying to do that. Doesn't always play well on Xwitter, of course. But I'll keep trying. Thanks for the compliment. chico: Happy Thanksgiving,DG,you're the reason that I subscribe to the Post. Just one question:What does a special assistant to the President do? Then,what does the Assistant GM do then? I'm confused. DG: Thank you for subscribing. This is a great question, and a lot of it has to do with what you'd call an organizational flow chart. For a team that has a president of baseball operations -- president puts that person on the same level as president of business operations -- there is usually a vice president or senior vice president who is the GM. Most folks just know his/her title as GM, not the VP part. But the VP part puts them in the organizational chart, right? Assistant GMs would then be one tier below, and increasingly they oversee specific silos of baseball ops -- draft, minors, analytics, etc. Starting to see the tree? I'm sure there are examples in other industries. In newspapers, it's executive editor, section editors, deputy editors, and then on into the writers from senior writers to lead writers to columnists, etc. Now an assistant or special assistant to the GM is one who reports to the GM, and same for the assistant or special assistant to the President. That usually is someone who contributes to all facets of the organization without running one specific one. An example would be when Alan Benes was a special assistant and did scouting, or when Chaim Bloom had a similar title and spent the past year auditing the minor-league system. Special assistant is a broader title that can lead to broader responsibilities. Hope that helps. Ron: When will we hear more on coach hiring and farm director DG: It was supposed to be soon. Likely next week, unless it's before Wednesday. A check last week was that it's still near-term. They want to put together a sizeable amount of the staff and then announce. They were still doing some offers/interviews. Chris: I was surprised to read in your past chats or a report, I forget, that the Cardinals are still thinking of trying Liberatore as a starter. He was so effective in the bullpen and could grow into the next closer. Why not commit him to that path given his past struggles in the rotation? DG: Mostly because a left-handed starter is so valuable to teams and the Cardinals (and others) see Liberatore's upside as a starter, even if his immediate role for the Cardinals is relief. They don't want to limit his potential. They've seen how that goes, too. Recently. ud: Brendan Rodgers non tendered in Colorado. He looks like s pretty useful second baseman. Why would they let him go? I don't see us going after him but he'd be an upgrade at that position. DG: Cost. He was about to get a third crack at arbitration and see a raise. The Rockies made the determination that his production for them was not likely to be worth the cost to them. And they did try to trade him and shopped him around before making the move. Teams were reluctant to part with much because they could read the Rockies' intentions and why not just wait for him to become a free agent and not tied to the arbitration process. His salary set by the market, not the argument. Also: Pretty telling that Rockies go from that choice to signing Kyle Farmer. Davel: Hi Derrick and thanks to you along with the rest of the P-D baseball writers for great reporting. What are you hearing about the chances of Ken Boyer finally getting elected to the HOF? DG: That discussion, that vote is going to happen pretty soon -- right on the eve of the winter meetings. I do not yet know if Boyer will have a strong advocate in the room. That is usually what it takes. He has a strong case, of course, and just needs a strong advocate to make it in the room. Looking at the list of other candidates, sure does appear it's going to be a difficult bid to get 75% of the voters. The other names on the Classic Era ballot: Dave Parker, Tommy John, Dick Allen, John Donaldson, Steve Garvey, Vic Harris, and Luis Tiant. Parker has a strong case, and so does former Cardinal Dick Allen and there's a lot of growing support for Tommy John. It's going to be in the room where it happens. Matt S: Are the Cardinals looking to clear a path for Mcgreevy by trading one of Mikolas or Matz? DG: They are exploring those talks, yes, and not just for the purpose of clearing a way for McGreevy. They see there already is a path for him to start. There are teams at least intrigued by Matz. We'll see if that manifests into offers. Mike: I have been a little suprised over the past several years not to see the Cardinals more active in the Japanese player market, or exciting international players in general, is that something you see changing with Bloom? DG: They have certainly tried. They positioned themselves to make several offers over the past few years, and just have been outbid. They hired a full-time scout in Japan who had strong relationships with the reps there and familiarity with the teams. Matt Slater has spent years developing and advocating for relationships and scouting there in Japan. They've signed a handful of players from there, some of them are U.S. players who went abroad only to return and sign with the Cardinals. There is also Won-Bin Cho from Korea, and he's one of the Cardinals top prospects and their first amateur signed of Asia. Chen-Wei Lin is also a top prospect for the Cardinals and could zoom up the rankings in 2025. He was signed out of Taipei for $500,000, and at 6-7 he sports a 97 mph fastball. So, on the horizon, there are players coming from that activity. JolietDave: I bought opening day tickets last Wednesday as a “so called” VIP. I am closer to the field and at lower cost than the past few years.,Seems the lower attendance last year has made the message of unhappy fans clear? DG: Ownership has said as much, yep. And actions suggest that too Jim from DeBary FL: Didn't Matt Slater leave the organization? Will that have a negative impact on their Asian relationships? Who will be taking his place. DG: He did leave the organization, yes. He was an advocate for the talent in Asia. How this sorts out will be clear as Bloom puts his group together. Assistant general manager Moises Rodriguez continues to be heavily involved in overseeing the international amateur scouting. Travis W: I am thankful that there will be a direct-to-customer option to watch the Cardinals in St. Louis next year. Despite the product on the field possibly being worse next year, I'll easily watch 3x as many games now DG: Every scenario with the broadcast situation will ultimately be better for fans. It may not be immediate and it will come at a cost, but it access will be better. That's where this is headed. Ron the usher: Happy Thanksgiving to all at the O-D. On those days when rain bad weather is threatening, what is the decision-making process on whether or not to play, and who makes these decisions? DG: Major League Baseball and the clubs make that decision with MLB more involved than ever over the past few years on whether a game is ppd or played. And coming out of 2020, MLB and the clubs have sought to be more proactive with those calls, sometimes making them a day in advance or in the morning before a night game. Once a ballpark is open, however, MLB and the clubs will try to have that game played, and if it's the final meeting between the teams it could be a long night of trying to make that happen. Twister18: Miles Mikolas in a high leverage relief role next year, crazy or crazy smart? He can get his fastball into the upper 90's and has good secondary pitches. DG: Would have to strike out more batters for that to make sense, given the modern makeup of bullpens and leverage spots. Missing bats is what teams want. Missing bats is repeatedly what the Cardinals say they seek for those roles. RedbirdFarmhands: hey derrick do they have an order of who they may want to trade first. Is Arenado first priority then Helsley or is there not a a certian order they priotirite DG: They do not. They can a) multitask and b) aim for the best offer when they think they can get it because they've shed salary to a point where it doesn't have to be a trade driven by dropping costs. Ryan: What I struggle with to connect the dots is how/why the Cards FO thinks that they’ll be able to compete in the NL next year and why a player like Arenado or Gray thinks they can. I mean, they just don’t have the starting pitching. Gray sure. Pallante as a #4 you bet. But posturing Fedde, Mikolas and Matz as #’s 2, 3 & 5 you just can’t win 90+ with that. Maybe McGreevy pulls a Wacha or Buehler rookie year. But that’s asking a lot. Unfortunately they don’t have the staff. And what else is close as SP’s are 4’s&5’s that will be on inning limits. Guess we should buckle up for 5 1/3 of 5.25 ERA ball from Lizard King. DG: They do play in the NL Central, still. Jim: Do you have any sense of what level the Cards would like to start Wetherholt at the beginning of the season? Do you think he gets an invite (even if its a cup of coffee to get aclimated) to spring training? DG: It does seem likely that he'll get an invite to spring training -- or at least make an appearance at some point during spring training with the big-league club. So, if not invited for the start of it, you'll see him in Grapefruit League games (maybe even a start?) at some point during spring. As far as what level he'll start at? With a new farm director coming in and new leadership for the development, I don't have past practice to base an answer on, and I'm eager to get a chance to talk with them about their philosophy. The Cardinals liked to advance a player during the season, so might start him at High-A and then plan on midseason to Double-A. The new group might have a new approach and see where his spring takes him or seek to challenge him with an aggressive promotion. The internal view is that he's an advanced hitter -- one that fits the description of reaching Class AA at some point in 2025 and could be one of the reps for the Cardinals in the Arizona Fall League a year from now. Taguchi99: Hi Derrick, it feels like the Cardinals are pleasantly surprised that they've already cut payroll to the point where they no longer NEED to trade to cut salary. But all the decisions to this point have been entirely in their control (FA, options, etc.) Does this attitude have more to do with the outcome of the TV deal? Seems like the cuts may not be as deep as we've braced for? DG: It is entirely the TV deal and getting certainty there. When the offseason started they were looking at all sorts of possibilities -- Diamond Sports Group liquidizing and deals vanishing along with that revenue; a steep cut in broadcast rights as they jumped to MLB Media, as the Reds are faced with; or some cut from their expected deal that would at least be more revenue than either of the previous two scenarios. They got that done at a cut of 23%. At one point they were workshopping what would happen with a 40% cut or worse. So, it is entirely getting that deal done and knowing what it looks like for 2025. Aaron Knopf: Thanks for the book recommendation of “How High We Go in the Dark” in your recent podcast with Dayn Perry. I wasn’t familiar with the title or the author, but it’s a great read so far. Maybe you could add a regular “what I’m reading” segment to the BPIB. DG: I would like to start a Best Book Club in Baseball. Is there any St. Louis store interested? Drop me a line. Bryan C: Is there any exciting news from the Cardinals you can share to make us less boarded so far this off season? I hope you and your family has a Happy Thanksgiving. DG: The sleeve logo from City Connect jerseys that features the arch and fleur-de-lis with the STL initials is under consideration for a more prominent spot in the Cardinals' look for 2025. It could be on one of the team's official hats, which would mean it pops up in spring or batting practice. That's probably exciting for the uniform devotees. Mike: I don't know if you can write in candidates for the HOF ballot, but if you only end up with 9 (or less) selections on your ballot, I'd hope you'd write in Dale Murphy. A travesty (like Boyer) that he isn't in the Hall yet. And a further travesty that he wasn't on the Classic Era Ballot this year...but, alas, we have Steve Garvey on there. He of 38 career WAR. DG: Write-in candidates are not permitted. There is no line for it, and there is no way to do that. The ballot is likely to be thrown out. If write-in candidates were allowed, you can bet there would have been many writers from decades ago who wrote in Pete Rose. That didn't happen. Murphy is a strong candidate for look from one of the eras committees, and here's hoping he gets it. He's never appeared on a ballot that I received. MS Bird Brain: I've seen some '24 WAR estimates for free agent SPs now on the market. With the intangibles he brought, in almost any revenue scenerio it was simply a bad business decision to let go of Gibson. They won't be able to replace those wins and innings for the value they already had. DG: I did try to point that out as the decision approached. It would be a telling move. It was. MS Bird Brain: Charley Hustle a lock this year? DG: He is not up for consideration because he's on the permanently ineligible list. Cardinals make the signing of Jose Barrero official . It's a minor-league deal with invite to spring. larry harnly: Larry harnly is there a chance mo will try to sign kittredge. he could be the closer if helsley is traded. i am thankful for these chats and your podcasts. DG: As of right now, the Cardinals do not plan to make a bid for Kittredge's return, and he expects to sign elsewhere. Mike: This is more of an opinion question, but if you could pick a player to exceed expectations next year, who would it be? DG: Given the expectations for the Cardinals that I see in these comments and questions and my email inbox, it sure seems like I could pick anyone and likely be right. Expectations are pretty low it seems. So, finding the resonant answer here is tricky. I'll try. Paul Goldschmidt. Mike: If you'll indulge me, let's talk a bit about Pete Rose. Like you, I'm a "put them in with transgressions on the plaque" type of guy. I hear on the interwebs and with friends the argument that, "Pete knew he couldn't get into the Hall when he accepted his punishment". However, this is factually untrue. He accepted his ban from baseball in 1989. However, the Hall didn't change the rules until 1991 -- in direct response to Pete Rose then being eligible for the ballot for the first time. Would he have made a different decision -- or specifically sought to remain eligible in his settlement with MLB -- if the rules had been in place in 1989? DG: That is a fair question -- but not to ask me. I don't know, nor do I have much background talking with Rose to crawl inside his thoughts and give you any kind of answer at all. Your best bet? Probably to see if someone actually asked him that question. There have been many great articles about him and his view of things, especially from writers there in Cincinnati for the Cincinnati Enquirer and The Athletic. I have not yet seen the documentary. It's on my list to watch this offseason so I can see how well C. Trent Rosecrans does in it. So if Rose touches on this topic in it -- I'll find out then. I won't even try to guess his thoughts. Craig: I love that. Now I wish they would add more players names on these City Connect jerseys. Masyn Winn for example. My 10 year old son really wants one. They are missing a real marketing opportunity, and revenue! DG: Yes, Cardinals need more Winn merch in general at the ballpark from what I hear. mikemk: Do you see boras throwing a wrench into the post season by holding out on his FAs untill spring training again? DG: Some of his clients may not sign until spring training. That's always likely -- not just with him, but with this market. As far as the headliners? The general sense from many in the game is that the winter meetings are going to be a bonanza of Boras. Brace yourself. Darron: It seems like Alec Burleson is one of the best young hitters on the roster, but most of the talk is centered around him being a platoon bat vs. right handers. Do the Cardinals feel that he has reached his ceiling? It seems like "letting the kids play" could include an opportunity for Burley to figure it out vs. lefties. (Although I'll admit his .514 OPS last year vs. lefties is pretty rough) DG: The Cardinals do not feel that he's reached his ceiling. You've done a classic job of answering your own question. I'll only note that the platoon talk with Burleson was about 1B/DH and was not like a strict platoon, just a description of how he and Contreras could appear at the same positions and be in the same lineup. SE Steve: Derrick, greetings from SE Colorado. You think Rockies want Noland back? I bet Dick would pay another $50 million and toss in Doyle and couple 1st rounders (hehehe). DG: Some teams rebuild. The Cardinals reset. The Rockies just seem stuck on repeat. Ken: Derrick if they move Miles and Matz . Who will take their place ? That leave two starters DG: McGreevy will take one spot. Maybe Liberatore takes another. Or the Cardinals continue to say they might circle back to Kyle Gibson about returning. That is a possibility, too. Matt S: Once the Cardinals decide who they plan on trading or keeping, is there any chance they sign players on one year deals looking for a prove it deal? Then, they could trade that player at the deadline. DG: Yes, there is. They are doing some of that with the minor moves, and they'll look at some of those moves for big-leaguers, too. Don't expect to be wowed by the moves. But they'll look for such additions, yes. pugger: I'm curious what 'your' thoughts are in terms of keep/trade Helsley... Isn't it logical to take a 30 y/o reliever, coming off a great year, but also has had multiple injuries, on a team that is in a stated 'retool' to trade that player and try to obtain a solid building block for the long haul?? I don't see the logic in keeping a player like that.. It would be different if he were a rotation centerpiece, or a solid everyday hitter.. Closers change literally during the year. Like Luke Weaver of the Yankees... Cardinals need long term assetts, as they are building for the long term... DG: I don't know why you put 'your' in quotes. Have we entered an era of the chat where I need to say at the start that AI is not writing these answers? If it sounds like AI is writing these answers, then blame the writer, not question his 'humanity.' Closing is a volatile business, and you outline the situation well. Trading a closer at the highest value makes sense for a team that is pivoting into a 'reset,' and that's what they're calling it so it's why you see it in quotes. Any way, trying to maximize the return is a good strategy, and that is where the Cardinals would be Helsley. It's a similar spot that the Yankees were in with Chapman or Miller, and in 2016 at the deadline they flipped both of those elite relievers into talent at the trade deadline. Which is part of the calculus here. The Cardinals have to determine if they might get more for him at the deadline, and if the risk of keeping him and risk of injury is worth the potential payoff. There is also another factor here, and it's one that you should keep in mind. Helsley is arbitration eligible. That means that he and the Cardinals have until early January to agree on a salary or they will swap figures. The Cardinals are file-and-trial. If they swap figures, they'll go to the arbiter. As you know arbitrations hearings can get feisty. Some players come out of them frustrated, irritated, etc. Tyler O'Neill said he could not sleep heading toward his. Helsley said he was irked by some of the things the Cardinals rep said about his performance in the hearing. Stay with me here. There's a payoff. If you're a team interested in Helsley, then you trade for him now with the intent to sign him before that hearing -- because why would you want his first experience with a new team to be a confrontation in arbitration. Or, just let the Cardinals do that. Have the hearing. Set his salary. Then make the trade and be the new team that brought him to a better spot. You want to know if/when/how they might trade Helsley, consider the arbitration schedule. I know it's not sexy and thrilling and its not generating fun, crazy, wild rumors of his trade now. But, hey, it's pragmatic. Wouldn't you wait if you were an interested team? marpdagn: Hey Derrick. Any chance we see a hit and run once in a while next year? Maybe a stolen base or two? I long for the days of Whiteyball. DG: Yes, you will see both of those things. Probably several times. Likely even in the same game. Brad: There's a hot new St Louis band called The Band Feel. Opened for ZZ Top recently. Check'em out, Derrick. DG: Thanks for the heads up. Also need a new theme song for the podcast. Got to find a band interested in doing that ... SE Steve: Derrick, do you get the sense we are riding out this year until Bloom takes over POBO. Cards have the TV deal, so why not be active in free agency. It just feels weird this offseason. DG: Who else is active in free agency other than the Angels? The Cardinals have explained why they're not going after the headliners. You are welcome to disagree. The TV was a major part, but not the only part of that decision. SE Steve: Derrick, what is going to happen with Tampa Bay? Seems like the area can not settle on a new stadium. Seems like that team is begging to move now. DG: I don't know. I suggest you check out of the coverage from Marc Topkin at the Tampa Bay Times. He's got all the details and is a superb baseball writer. Thomas: The diamondbacks are looking to shed Monty, and they need relievers. Odds we send Matz and Helsley and get Monty and a prospect in return? Could a bigger package that nets Jake McCarthy be had? DG: I don't see that scenario as likely at all. The Cardinals don't seem to be aching for a reunion with Montgomery. There are reports from Arizona outlets about the Diamondbacks are considering trading McCarthy. Cardinals seem more likely to streamline their outfield choices at this point, not add another one to the mix, as appealing as McCarthy might be. marpdagn: With the coming reset, do you see the Cards being active in the Rule 5 draft? DG: No more so than usual. They've often looked into the Rule 5 draft to take a specific type of player or a pitcher with a specific upside pitch. They'll do the same this year. Carbondale Mike: Lets say Cardinals trade Helsley and Arenado for near ready or ready prospects and dont trade for any known bat or starter making the rotation gray, fedde, pallante, and the 4th/5th a choice of mcgreevy, mathews, hence, liberatore... Do you think this team is a better rotation and lineup than past season if you were a betting man? DG: I am not a betting man. The lineup could be better. The rotation would have more questions -- and that could turn out well, but we've seen it more likely to leave the Cardinals gasping for innings when they need them to contend. SE Steve: maybe even a bunt DG: Don't get greedy. marpdagn: Agree with Pugger. Makes no sense to keep Helsley with their stated intent to reset. DG: Noted. marpdagn: Seems like the Cards are in a tough spot with Walker. If they keep him and let him play this year and he doesn't hit, his value craters more than it already has. Would they trade him now in a package for one of Seattle's young starters? DG: They aren't eager to trade Jordan Walker. They would listen if that's the conversation that the Mariners want to have. No indication Seattle is seeking that talk. alabama cards fan: Derrick, too bad you dont make commissions or bonus based on how many subscribers you are responsible for.....I bet more than anyone ! Does the rebuild make you more likely to look at other situations, or are you still happy in the Lou? DG: Ha. Thanks for the kind words. I like the framing of the question, too. The nest empty now, kid off to college. But I'm hoping to stay and see this thing through as long as The Lou will have me. Mark1082: Hey Derrick, thanks for the chat! Who do the Cardinals view as their catcher of the future? Herrera, Crooks, Bernal or even Pages? Or too soon to tell? I think that's a big question to answer don't you? DG: The answer is ... yes. They see one or two from that list as their catchers of the future, and they're thrilled to be in a position here they can let performance dictate that -- or what offers they get for those talents shape that choice. They have high expectations for Crooks, and they are really intrigued by what he could bring in the coming two years to the majors. He's also complement for either of the catchers already there. And I'm glad you brought up Bernal. Some see him as the best of the group you've listed. It is a big question for the Cardinals. They don't want to miss on the answer in the way they have with outfielders, and they don't want to miss on the chance to utilize this depth to make other deals. Honestly, this could be one of the first defining decisions for the Bloom front office. Brad: Hey Derrick, Happy Thanksgiving and always enjoy your chats. I'm all in on 'letting the kids play' and finally seeing what we have. My concern is that this regime won't go 'all in'. I'd love to see them go with VS2 in CF, commit a rotation spot to both Pallante and McGreevy and give the overwhelming majority of the C starts to Herrera. Do you think they'll go all in and really let the kids play? DG: The Cardinals' habit is to come just shy of all-in. You could argue Contreras at first base is an example of that. I have argued that past decisions with signing starting pitchers has been that. It does seem like they're going to at least hit 2 of the 3 things you'd like to see. Victor Scott II is going to get a chance to make that decision for the Cardinals with his play in spring training. CF is going to be a competitive spot for the Cardinals this spring, and it does not appear like it's going to be a duel just between Scott and Michael Siani. We'll see. Bob the Subscriber: What kind of off-season work are Walker and Gorman doing to get their bats back on track? thanks! DG: New hitting coach Brant Brown has been in contact with the hitters. Walker has been in Jupiter working there at the facility, and getting input from the Cardinals coaches. Gorman is in Arizona, where he's working at a facility there, and he has done so with a plan put together by the Cardinals and now added to by Brown. Jojo Disco: I know DeWitt III highlighted fan engagement as a focus for next year. I have an idea; they should create a new character as a Fredbird counterpart named Larry the Lame Duck, as a nod to the theme of this coming season and the many people/players in the organization in that situation . He could walk around the stadium with a bag full of old giveaways they had in storage and hand them out to fans. DG: This season is going to be a gas. Cards fan in Bama: Hi DG, happy thanksgiving week to you and the folks at the Post Dispatch ! i know we are all hungry for trade news regarding the home team, but wouldn't it be just as prudent to hang on to some of these guys in the rumor mills until the trade deadline next year ? i mean if they are playing .500 ball in July or a little above, that looks a whole lot different than 10 games under and out of the race. Maybe the FO has a little more clarity by then of the roster going forward and what they really need to target besides just more depth or redundancy ? DG: There is a definitely something to taking this approach, and I like how you positioned it about using the season like they describe -- to create playing time and see what develops. And then see where the needs are. That makes some sense. It does come with some risk -- because you have the chance for injury, the chance for the market to shift, any of that stuff come the trade deadline. You do hint at something that the Cardinals and others looking at the Cardinals are wondering: What if these moves -- similar to the moves the Brewers made a year ago -- reveal a better team? There is at least some conversation on how they could position themselves to add at the deadline. To do that they would have to also know what they had -- and they would through the production. Which is the best answer they could get. Capstone: Cards have in past oscillated between needing a left-handed bat to a right-handed bat. They simply need an OF bat that can consistently slug and hit 25+ HR/year over a sustained period AND play defense. Noot has tools but health and performance meant he has not done it; Burleson tailed off as league caught up. Cards CF'ers have been defense-first for a decade. Chase Davis is at least two years away, even if he progresses. Even if Nado stays, doesn't look like they have enough power; they don't have elite base-stealers; pitching is iffy. Not clear Cards have an identity. As a 60+ years fan, sure hope they engineer a better team. DG: Of all the things the Cardinals could acquire, somewhere on that list is identity. That 2022 certainly captured the imagination of fans with Albert Pujols' pursuit of 700. But did the team? I think it's been a real fascinating part of the past few years -- that the Cardinals haven't really seized the city with charisma. I don't know why that is. It cannot only be losing. It could be the staleness that we've discussed. But at the same time the Cardinals did add Nolan Arenado in that time, did have two MVP candidates at the same time, and neither were Albert Pujols, and so on. So, why haven't the Cardinals inspired that buzz? Identity would be a good addition. Not as impactful as a 30-homer outfielder from somewhere -- internally or externally -- but definitely important. Heck, maybe can get both of those things with the same person. Craig: Derrick, what do the Cardinals see as Gorman's primary reason for struggling last season? Is it mechanical, pitch selection, mental or some combination? I've always thought he has trouble keeping his head down/eye on the ball with the way his front foot is not aligned with his back foot and seems to pull his body (and head) towards right field. I'm no hitting guru obviously, but it seems really hard to hit that way. DG: Swing path, mostly. That would be fall into mechanics, but also touch on the other categories you mention. He had returned to a swing that the upward slant that just made it difficult for him to reach pitches at the top of the zone, and teams just seized on it. I spoke with a few scouts through the year about what they saw and how Gorman just made it difficult on himself with a swing path that left him vulnerable. The Cardinals coaches and Gorman worked on it, and that was part of the move back to the minors. The adjustment just didn't happen in the majors, and opponents seized. bo: Derrick- i dont understand the signing of barrero . He is a career under .200 hitter whose fielding metrics have not been good . He is 26 if the cards are truly all in on their prospects why sign this guy to take one of their places at triple a. DG: They need a backup shortstop -- either to take over at Memphis when Saggese makes the big-league team, or to be there as a reliable fielder to spell Masyn Winn. Also, they don't really want to only play two shortstops all of spring trainng. JoJo Disco: Sorry - I've sent this in a couple times but I just need to know. I’m still not understanding the math with the Cardinals approach to 2025. You reported that the amended TV deal lops off $17.3m a year in revenue for the Cardinals and Gray is due a $15m raise in 2025. Add another couple million dollars for additional instructors and let’s call the total $35m. They have carved almost $70m off last year’s payroll, more than enough to absorb the TV shortfall and Gray’s increase, and still leave them $30m+ ahead. And that doesn’t even contemplate an Arenado or Helsley trade. Where is that money going and why isn’t it being redeployed into the major league club? DG: Let's do this. 1) You're already operating with more information than the Cardinals had when they held the press conference to disclose their offseason plans. 2) With that more information -- really the TV deal, but also the drop in salaries -- the Cardinals have also talked about adjusting some of their approach, and not looking at trades as a way to shed salary, rather as a chance to seek the deals that are best for them and maybe appealing to the players. To use your phrase: The math has changed. 3) I'm not really sure where there's a question or any misunderstanding other than you wanted them to comment in early November as if they had the information of late November. This is pretty common. Hindsight fuels a lot of questions when fans have more info than the team did when it made the call. That's the gig. When you have to make the decision, you don't always know how it's going to turn out. When you judge the decision, a lot of times it's already happened. 3) Where is the money going? Well, some of it is going to expanded staff, expanded facilities, and upgraded tech -- all of the advertised investments in minors that were discussed. Some of it will go to free agents yet to sign. Some of it, ownership said, will be targeted for additions later to outfit a team built on youth. Some of it will go to raises due players. You mentioned Gray. That's the significant one, but not the only raise. Some of it won't be spent. The Cardinals have said they'll have a smaller payroll than 2024. They've advertised that, and they have not backed off that. How much less they have adjusted because they know more today than they did three weeks ago. 4) You've left out the biggest unknown they're facing. Ticket sales. They have long tied payroll to ticket revenue, and they acknowledge that ticket sales will be slow -- for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the past two seasons and the standings. Cool? Ed AuBuchon: The key to the Cardinal reset is Gorman and Walker. Without them meeting their potential free agent signings will be expensive. DG: Can definitely make that case. Jrmomo1000: Happy Thanksgiving DG: Thank you. And same to you. Jrmomo1000: Do you think they are done trading now that the payroll is better. DG: I still expect them to pursue trades and likely make at least one. Mr Boondy: Watching both the Blues and City SC be aggressive with coaching changes and adding players to become better, just makes the Cardinals negligence worse. Very bad look DG: Does it? Could somebody elaborate on this? I'm quite curious, and I don't really have a view or opinion on this other than wanting to know more why? Because it sure seems like the NHL is too fickle and I'm still learning the MLS landscape for coaches. MLB tends to be less volatile, less fickle, and now it seems like you want it to be more so? That would be different for the whole game, no? Jrmomo1000: Would you use the young pitchers in the bullpen DG: Sure. I think that has been and can be a valuable part of development, for sure. Jim from DeBary FL: I read your possible timeline of a trade of Helsey. But if the situation is awaiting the resolution of the arbitration hearing, doesn't that mean a trade during spring training. Isn't thar when the arbitration hearings are conducted? DG: Thank you for pointing that out. Starting to see why some folks in the know think they'll keep him unless it's a deal that a team just has to get done? mystic: Are the Cardinals cognizant of how they are compared to other teams like the Blues? The Blues are also in a rebuild but aren't throwing in the towel and are actually trying to make their team better NOW. Do the Cards realize how bad they look in comparison? DG: The Cardinals are cognizant of the Blues, yes. They have a good relationship from a business standpoint, a link with their broadcast partner and future broadcast plans, and they also exist together in this same bubble when it comes to perception. I don't know if the Cardinals share your opinion for the Blues or the comparison of the two teams. I cannot speak for them. I do not agree with it. The Blues are not off to a good start this year. Full stop. They have not been in the playoffs since the same year the Cardinals were last in the playoffs, and they have only once been out of the first round of the playoffs since winning the Stanley Cup in 2019. Similarly, the Cardinals have not won a playoff round since that fall, in 2019. So, again where are the differences? I guess one difference is that more NHL teams make the playoffs than MLB teams, and still the Blues have not been there the past two years. That's splitting percentages. The Cardinals have not once said they're "throwing in the towel." If that's your view of their actions, then cool -- you could totally make that point and defend that opinion. Just as someone could make the point and defend the opinion that the Blues aren't doing enough to make their team better. Or they're too late to do so. Either way, let's just be blunt about a few things from your comparison. The Blues are doing things now because their season is going on now. They have games to win, time to change their trajectory. The Cardinals do not have games to play, any standings to change. So, there is still a lot of time for the Cardinals to give some sense of their direction, some sense of where they're throwing the towel, to use your phrase. They don't play tomorrow. The Blues play tonight. I think there is something about the Blues messaging. I think there is something about the grace purchased by the 2019 Stanley Cup -- the first and only in Blues' history. If it was their 11th, I would imagine there wouldn't be as much patience. And that is ultimately where I see the difference in the two teams. Blues have solid messaging that fans respond to, and the Cardinals haven't had that same resonance. Maybe that's because expectations are higher for the Cardinals. As they should be. Jrmomo1000: I wonder if they could trade miles and matz for Montgomery DG: That's not likely to happen. Brad: curious what you're thinking here.... is this Noot, with Donovan in left, or are you thinking they'll bring someone in from the outside? DG: The Cardinals current view of their outfield is Nootbaar in left, Siani in center, and Walker in right. Ed AuBuchon: The Cardinals always project their outfield. Never seems to workout ! DG: It's been an issue, yes, in recent years. Brad: "The Cardinals current view of their outfield is Nootbaar... " yes, understood. I was just asking about your response saying it's not just a competition between Sianni and VS2 in CF. Was curious what you meant by that. DG: Gotcha! OK. That didn't come through in the question. That's the tech, not you. Thanks for coming back with more details. Yes, Nootbaar would be in the CF conversation. We'll see how much. That's something that will be discussed more in the coming month, and we'll get a sense by watching the playing time in spring. 50Umpire: Some of the trade proposals I have read were so far out that the guy writing about must before the Team trading with... 2 or 3 of our Best young guys for 1 guy regardless who it is in most case to me would be out of the question. No idea where MO's mind might be & hope Bloom is got a say in it as it will impact him REAL soon...:):) DG: Bloom has a say in any of the deals that would impact the team he's inheriting. Mozeliak said that, almost using those words, during I conversation I had with him following the presser. That had not changed by the time they got to the GM meetings and were having several conversations in tandem, discussions in duo. However you want to phrase that. Mozeliak is going to be the public face of the organization and do a lot of the media access for the coming year. But don't read that as Bloom not being involved in the answers. Brad: MLB laid out their Top 25 Prospects today: JJ Wetherholt is #13 a tick behind Bazzana. DG: MLB-dot-com, yes. Draft spot matters. They'll be jockeying for a higher ranking this time next year. JoJo Disco: Thank you for the detailed answer. However, ticket sales are a self-fulfilling prophecy. The Cardinals operated like they were a utility for years, the last two seasons have informed them that they are in fact a luxury item when they under-deliver because of minimal effort to acquire top-shelf talent. DG: Ticket sales are not a self-fulfilling prophecy in the sense that good teams generate good ticket sales. It was a pretty good playoff bound team for the Cardinals that did not sell out a playoff game, you'll remember. April has an outsized effect on ticket sales, as many teams, including the Cardinals, will tell you, and then explain. Performance in April -- off to a strong start -- tends to goose ticket sales down the road, and a good April can even help a team sell tickets despite a disappointing June. But a hot July? Well, that may not generate much when it comes to ticket sales, and a late run like say winning 18 games as school starts and budgets have been made an entertainment dollars spent doesn't generate the ticket boost like a compelling April will. Keep that in mind as April arrives. The utility analogy is compelling, and I appreciate the layers to it. Baseball is in the entertainment industry, and throughout the economy we have seen shifting entertainment tastes and spending. No different here. People with fewer entertainment dollars to spend are being more selective with how they spend them. And that is a real factor for the Cardinals. A real followup question -- and it's one I've asked and will ask again -- is whether the Cardinals could spend on the quality of team to invite spending from fans to see that team. Would an investment on the front end bring support from the fans? That's always part of the business proposition, and I wonder how the team sees its fans right now -- would they respond to spending, or are they skeptical? bo: Derrick - to answer your question on the blues approach they saw a top coach available and fired their current coach to get arguably one of the best coaches in hockey. The cards have stuck with a guy who the last 2 years has had a very poor record and their are certainly potential managers with better track records out there .Maybe the cards think he is a better manager than the other guys out there but i would disagree. As to adding players the Blues went out and got arguably 2 of the best young players available as RFAs . that would be akin to the cards going on the international market and signing the top guys [not just a bunch of lesser FA] which they have also never done . DG: I get what you're saying. I couple of thoughts: Again, the NHL has a culture of being fickle with coaches, and I felt some of the comments from the Blues about having a coach grow with young players vs. a coach already set to lead young players were interesting. That said, MLB doesn't really have that same fickleness with managers, outside of it seems White Sox and Miami, and if you want the Cardinals to be more like them, then cool, that would certainly be something to cover. Again, I hear where you're coming from on this -- but what's the example? Chasing Francona or chasing Schumaker this winter? That is still different than what the Blues did because it's not in-season, in-stride, so does that make the Cardinals less urgent? One thing is clear, the Cardinals have a different view of their manager than you or others. And that's going to happen. But their actions are most revealing when it comes to their opinion, and check out there actions as you've detailed. Must say everything about how they view the manager, whether you or I agree with them or not. bo: Derrick -if the cards spent to get a Soto i think yes there would be an uptick in ticket sales , spending on the Lynn's , Gibson's etc may have kept some season ticket holders last year but not new sales DG: Would there be enough tickets sold to cover the cost of Soto? Interesting homework for the evening. All of that supposes that Soto has any interest at all of coming to the Cardinals when he has these other teams in other markets vying for him. So how much would the Cardinals have to top the Yankees offer to woo him? Scott Boras' fondness for the Cardinals only goes so far ... Ed AuBuchon: I thought it was a bad look for the Blues to fire Drew Bannister. They were just waiting for the coach they really wanted to be available. DG: Thank you for pointing that out. I have enjoyed Matthew DeFranks' coverage of the change and learned a lot from it. JoJo Disco: Must see players is a pretty good start. And when I say must see I don't mean past relics rolled out to ping our nostalgia, I mean young and exciting talent. Winn is a terrific starting point but he doesn't have the cache of a masher like Soto yet. A dominant starter would also do wonders. Now at the risk of contradicting myself I think a guy named Max on a 1-year deal would get people down there every 5 days. DG: That is correct ... In one major-league season Masyn Winn, a shortstop with a gifted glove, has yet to equal the production or impact of Juan Soto, the most talented hitter of his generation. What are we doing here? Can we come up with comparisons that aren't rigged so you can always claim to be disappointed? The Cardinals traded for the best all-around player in the National League ahead of the 2021 season. And you didn't even bring that up as a ticket-mover. Why that move isn't brought up more is fascinating. Guess it doesn't fit the narratives that persist, even without roots, in some corners here. Clearly the chat and social media are not adequate representatives of what moves tickets. 50Umpire: HI Derrick, Good info But are the Cardinals in a hurry to do anything before Christmas.. Let things play out a bit & then make some "Educated Decisions" ..I would Hope... Thought trade Contras (sp) would have made more since than moving to 1st base & block Burly & Baker..& resigning Gibson or Lynn won't be a bad Idea...Thanks Happy Turkey Day!!1 DG: That's possible. Cardinals feel that there will be a pick up in the pace of their conversations by the winter meetings, and even some activity there or coming out of the meetings. That's their feel. Tyler: It's easy to hope this "reset" produces multiple starters for years to come - maybe even a star or two. I'm certainly hoping for that to be the case - but what happens if we experience the worst-case scenario? What's the plan for 2026 if the kids can't play? Surely we wouldn't double down and let the kids play again? DG: This is a great question and it's one that doesn't yet have an answer, but it's one worth watching and always including in the discussion. Well done, Tyler. And in a lot of ways it's the question. If the Cardinals do not get the production they expect from players they are counting on longterm, then what kind of team does Chaim Bloom inherit other than one he has to overhaul from the start. As I think more about this question it would really put the Cardinals in this spot: Not a build-upon or build-up or build-better, but a true and complete rebuild that they cannot run from or call a reset. They would have to confront it. DCG: DG, Knowing you get tons of questions and and many (most?) don't make the chat, I'm going to try again with one that I really want to get your response to because it's something I've begun to wonder about and you brought it up on a recent BPIB. Are the Cardinals truly all in on this reset? I don't mean selling off all big contract and tanking. But so far, it does feel like a half-measure, which is a word you used on the podcast. If the season began today (yes, I know it doesn't), the only real difference is Contreras at first. The starting staff seems immune to the reset even with letting Gibson and Lynn gone. It's still mostly older vets. So, do you believe the Cardinals would be fine starting next season with what they have as of today? If so, is the reset simply about money reallocation and giving Walker and Gorman more time to develop without threat of benching/demotion? DG: Money was clearly a major driver in their early decisions, and I would push back slightly on the idea that the rotation is largely the same. It's changed. And there's a spot in it for Pallante. The Cardinals aren't talking about him competing for a spot, like they would have with a similar young pitcher in past seasons. I think -- and I made this case in the podcast -- you could argue that the Cardinals remain in the middle, just shifting to the other side of it. Some of that has to do with the TV deal getting done at the amount it did, leaving them in a different spot than they had to brace for. The last thing you mention is no small thing. Gorman got a long look this past season. Walker did not get that same look, and while he was a starter for a long time in 2023, there's still a sense that the Cardinals aren't as patient with prospects as some other teams who are then rewarded with production. They do seem prepared to do that at catcher, in the outfield, and at second with someone. Oh, and often at DH, too. That is the shift. And it does seem like they're not willing to completely pull out of the idea of contending, even if they want to reduce the expectations or weight placed on the team to do so. Thomas: Do you think the Cardinals will have any interest in non-tendered players? Kyle Finnegan could be a good addition with an adjustment to his pitch mix. DG: Yes. That's a good name to keep in mind. Max: As a BPIB listener since day one (and baseball nerd that gets alerts when new episodes drop), I just wanted to shout out the past two episodes as being really stellar. The episode with Dayn Perry was especially enjoyable and I think it's important to hear from a fan every now and then. The one with Rob Bradford was excellent as well, especially the conversation about how the Cards never went past their puke point. Has your reporting ever found that there were advocates for signing Harper in the FO? His personality (not to mention skills) is something the team just hasn't had in a awhile and I remember thinking at the time that he would've been a perfect Cardinal for the edge he could've given the team. DG: Thank for listening. There were advocates, yes. And there were discussions. But if you recall how that offseason unfolded, the pursuit of Paul Goldschmidt quickly dominated their interests and they wanted to move fast to do so. When they pulled that off, it became about keeping him too. The Cardinals really thought that Goldschmidt was the best fit for them -- and the kind of player is rarely available to them and would not be in free agency. Once that deal took place, they kind positioned as getting their guy and not engaging in the pursuit of Harper. They did not see their chances of signing him as strong as say some on Harper's side did. Maybe that was leverage. Maybe that was just trying to pull another bidder into the mix, sure. But certainly some of the things Harper said then and later about his free agency would have suggested the Cardinals as a fit. Once Goldschmidt was done, did not hear much from the Cardinals about Harper, and that checked out with them not really participating in the bidding. pugger: Derrick.. Just wanted to say thanks for the chats and bringing us good information to take in, even debate it a little bit.. I was saddened to read in your last chat someone who not only took a jab at you, but the late great Rick Hummel. I respect that you put all opinions out there... But, I found the comment in such poor taste and just infuriating.. Disagreeing is fine, debate is fine.. But to stoop to such levels.. Shows you how openly disrespectful behavior, and frankly, infantile behavior, are becoming the norm.... I don't always agree with you, and that's part of the fun in having a spirited convo/debate... Here's hoping there's more of that, and less idiocy in the chats.. Thanks again Derrick!! DG: Thank you for the note. Enjoy the holiday. marpdagn: Sure seems like a good time to try to find an ace, or at least a number two starter. Would Nootbaar/Siani or Donovan/Siani be enough to persuade the Mariners to part with one of their young guns? DG: The Cardinals would really like that ace to emerge from within their system. Neither of those deals would draw the Mariners into moving one of their starters. Britt: Derrick, On thing I'm thankful for are these weekly chats to get more insight into our favorite club. Thank you! There's been mention on many of the trade questions over the past few chats about the 'Cardinals being overwhelmed by an offer' to trade someone. How likely is it that anyone is going to overwhelm them with an offer since it seems like, most???, all???, front offices want to win the trade nowadays. Doesn't that seem to contradict the way baseball is operating these days that overwhelming offers are few and far between? DG: A contender looking at the bullpen and seeing a hole in the ninth inning and a lot of loses leaking in the back end would be motivated to add a sure thing, and that would definitely lead to a strong offer. That's possible. Right now: It's that kind if position and Ryan Helsley had that kind of year. Duffy in CT: Thanks for all your chats. We appreciate all the time you devote to them.Just an opinion not a question. With the youth movement, Helsley is the Cards most reliable player. Wins will certainly be dear and a lock down closer will help the youth-their confidence and incentive to do their part. Plus there is no obvious repla event closer. DG: Here is the other side of the discussion that has been laced through this chat about when to keep, when to move, and what to get in return for an ace closer. mrr: Thank you for doing the chat(which, to my understanding, is a STL today innovation for sports writers), and the wonderful posting of the transcript below!!! I'm thankful for both of those!! Now for the questions--if the cardinals do hire additional instruction field staff (which will be focused on the minor leagues), how do those young players recently promoted (Herrera and Walker, for example) get "caught up" to an acceptable level? Would you see those additional resources at the major league level this year? Finally, have there been any names announced for these instructional positions? Thank you, as always, and have a wonderful holiday DG: This is an interesting question. I will give it a go here, because I think I can answer this. A lot of what the Cardinals want to do in the minors already is available in the majors, or at least something similar. The expanded staff? The Cardinals have done that over the past few years in the majors, and they've done it again this winter. The expanded tech? Well, for hitters, it's been there either in the hitting barn in Jupiter, or at the cages in STL. So, it's not a matter of the players now in the majors "catching up" -- they've had a lot of this. But it's also about the Cardinals offering them greater support to, not to catch up, but to get ahead. This about raising the entire organization, so I don't think the players who are in the majors are going to be overlooked here or miss out on things, because they've already had this or they're going to get it too. There have been not been official hires for some of the roles, no. Those are expected soon. DCG: DG, In terms of the reset and chance to see what they young players can do, this weirdly seems to apply only to the position players. As of now, they starting staff would by four 30 year olds (Gray, Mikolas, Fedde, Matz) and Pallante (who turns 27 next season). Mean while, years are burning off Graceffo, and McGreevey, and Thompson is quietly already 27. They've really wasted his career with the yoyo-ing of roles and opportunity. Anyone, I don't really see the reset plan re: pitching. What is it? DG: You outlined it. But you need to add Tink Hence and Tekoah Roby. And Quinn Mathews. And Cooper Hjerpe. They're in the mix, too. Lei down the road, and others. Iowa dude: Thanksgiving, Thankful that it's the final week of November and yet you commit to this chat. Very much appreciate that. Question: Hard to replace Helsley's performance. Why not offer new deal with big increase for 2025 plus 2 more years? Trading Nado -- if that happens -- I assume, frees up a lot more $ as they retool for 2026. DG: If there was going to be an extension conversation, sure seemed like this past spring was the time to do it. Helsley told me he was open to that conversation, and the timing seemed right with the potential then of what did happen. Now, not sure either side has motivation for that. Helsley could strike it rich as a free agent with a repeat, and it could end with a contender depending on how the Cardinals season goes. Cardinals don't want to commit in that role until they know more about what the coming years look like and the actual pace of their "reset," not the expected or planned. Jim from DeBary FL: Derrick, I always look forward to your chats. The only one I'm willing to spend the hours it takes to monitor. I know I'm getting more of the facts from reporting, and not speculating fantasy. I'm hoping the Cards can swing a good deal for Helsey. Relief pitchers are such a volatile position, and he is currently at his peak. With Drew Rom outrighted to Memphis, is he exposed to the Rule 5 draft? DG: He is, yes. November Rain: Your recent podcast was awesome - thanks for chatting with the guy from Boston. Lot's of similarities between the two 21st C juggernauts. So, I'm thinking about the stress Mo put himself under with the new operating philosophy he launched at the end of year presser. With Contreras and Gray wanting to remain in St Louis, will Moe regret his "let the kids play reset" for the organization if he can't trade Arenado? Really, if Nolan A. remains on the Cards exactly what "kids" are going to have opportunities? Also factor in that Mikolas and Matz may stick around, too, which greatly affects the young pitchers. In order to have a true reset Mo needs to move the older veterans. I'd say that's some serious stress. How about you? DG: I could completely see what you mean with the rotation, and that numbers there don't lie. That said, it usually takes 8-9 starters to get through a season, right, so the innings will be there. I don't see the same roadblock that you do at third base with Nolan Arenado. We can agree to disagree. I don't see his return as some block to the growth of some young player, not one the Cardinals couldn't find a way to work around that would still benefit the young player. MS Bird Brain: Hey DG. At the risk of being sappy I am very thankful for all the fun and life lessons I have received as a life-long Cardinal fan. There is a reason they have the BFinBB. As a given for my question I say that the Cards have a core need for some right-handed damage in their lineup in general, and their outfield in particular. In looking at the available free-agents, there are surprisingly few options in the price range they will shop in. That leaves trade options and in-house options. I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject in general, but here is my question: What surprises could we see in ST for non-grass right swinging defenders out there trying to get noticed shagging flies? Some I wonder about are Saggese and Herrerra. We can probably rule out Baker? How about Prieto? Are you seeing or hearing anything along those lines? DG: Definitely not hearing any such things about Herrera or Baker. Cardinals have gone out of their way this winter to say that Herrera is going to get a run at catcher, alongside and in tandem with Pages. The outfield thing is quite literally far from what they've described. Saggese, yes, that's a possibility. Have not heard that about Prieto, but honestly that's because I haven't asked. The reason why I haven't asked is because the Cardinals have talked about trying to streamline their choices in the outfield (again) and get playing time for Nootbaar, Siani, and Walker. Maybe it's just me, but when that is the answer to the question and we've been asking it for so many years about outfielders not getting their chance -- Arozarena leaps to mind, maybe Thomas, too -- then it seems disingenuous to make that point over and over and over again and then when they say, OK, here is the priority group, start asking about the possibility of adding more to the mix by moving infielders out there, too. Donald N: Good morning Derrick; Why is Andrew Kittridge returning apparently not on Cards radar? Guy pitched his arm off and with some new/young arms in rotation, strong bull pen more important than ever. I guess money, is that the only factor? Thanks and Happy Holidays to you and your family. Donald L DG: Money is the factor, yes. They expect that he'll get a better offer out there than they are willing to make, and they're right. chico: Does the fact that the TV and on demand situation has been cleared up in any way help the Cardinals plan a budget regarding the team? DG: Helps a bunch. Gives what ownership told me was "clarity" they did not have a few weeks ago. DCG: Derrick, I try to listen to each podcast, and I'm not sure if it was the last one or the one before that, but you asked the question that really has me concerned: Are the Cardinals in danger of continuing their trend of half-measures by repeating that with their youth push. As excited as I was when they announced the new direction, as of now (and I get that it's early), with the decision of Gray and Contreras to stay, they will will have an old rotation and almost the exact same lineup minus PG. If that's how it ends up, then all that press conference really meant was they will lower payroll (fine with me) and give Walker all the time he needs to prove himself. Other than that, status quo. If they don't trade NA, then what has really changed other than money allocation? DG: Since you asked, and I just want to make clear, this is a list of what changed, not advocacy that it was a lot or even a measure of how much was changed. The rotation changed. The bullpen has changed. The catching situation changed. First base has changed. The hitting coach changed. The outfield coach changed. And there will be another member of Marmol's coaching staff yet to come. So there have been changes, and each of the above changes with the exception of first base has been a change toward youth or a setup to give support to that youth. The question becomes of it's not everywhere, is it enough? Or, because it's not everywhere is the better for the youth to thrive? As we look into the winter, I'm starting think that it's a lot like what I wrote about the Blues. This isn't just about clearing innings and starts for youth. That's part of it, and that may even be the guiding compass. But it also seems like the Cardinals are trying to do something that will be difficult. Lower expectations. Alright, just updated the transcript below this window -- and it turns out to be 100 more inches of questions and answers. Guess I got a little carried away in the past hour. And that prompted a look at the clock. Time to move on to some other assignments and a few other spots on the to-do list today. It's already dark, and it was coffee time when this thing started. Thanks for the great and challenging questions. This was a good conversation, and as always I'm intrigued by the themes that developed. Many of them from this chat are worth revisiting as the winter unfolds -- and even as July arrives and there are standings and there are games and the urgency for change can be measured from the Cardinals in the same circumstance as the Blues. Enjoy the holiday. Travel safe. The chat will return just in time for turkey sandwiches next Monday. -
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NoneAntetokounmpo raises his game to help Bucks make quick turnaround from poor startOther Voices: Not so different after all
The launch of the "Fight Fight Fight" perfume has already generated a buzz in the fragrance industry, with many anticipating its success and popularity among Trump supporters and fragrance enthusiasts alike. The perfume is set to be available for purchase online and in select retail stores, with a portion of the proceeds going towards charitable causes that support veterans and humanitarian efforts.WASHINGTON - Chinese President Xi Jinping is not expected to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration in January after the American president-elect had personally offered an invite to the ceremony, according to news reports. CBS News first reported on Thursday that the Chinese ambassador to the U.S. and his wife will attend the swearing-in ceremony and that other officials from Beijing could also join. CNN similarly reported that a delegation of senior Chinese officials are expected to attend in place of the Chinese president. Trump previously praised Jinping as a “brilliant guy” and a “ very good friend ,” despite Jinping leading an authoritarian government and squashing pro-democracy activism . But Trump has taken a hard economic stance on China, saying that he plans to sign an executive order imposing an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese goods coming into the U.S. Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s incoming White House press secretary, confirmed Trump’s invitation to Jinping in a Fox and Friends interview on Thursday, adding that Jinping’s attendance was “to be determined. She also said that Trump had offered an invitation to other world leaders, without giving further details. Trump said Thursday in New York that he was thinking about "inviting certain people" to his inauguration, though he did not specify who. "And some people said, ‘Wow, that’s a little risky, isn’t it?’” Trump said. “And I said, ‘Maybe it is. We’ll see. We’ll see what happens.’ But we like to take little chances.” The Chinese embassy in Washington told USA TODAY that it had no information to share regarding Jinping’s invitation to Trump’s inauguration. The Trump transition team did not respond to a request for comment.
NBA Makes LeBron James Admission After Lakers-ThunderHennessy Advisors, Inc. Announces Listing Transfer for the Hennessy Stance ESG ETF (STNC) to The Nasdaq Stock Market LLCAftermath of Village Committee's Response to Drone Crash at Sea During Fireworks ShowColombia map. INQUIRER STOCK PHOTO BOGOTA — Colombian authorities on Friday denied a United Nations report claiming that the bodies of 20,000 people who were forcibly disappeared over decades of conflict were being kept at Bogota airport. On Thursday, the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances stated that “thousands of unidentified bodies lie in poorly managed cemeteries or storage facilities,” citing “a hangar at Bogota airport where around 20,000 unidentified bodies are currently stored.” Bogota Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan denied the report that followed a visit by a UN delegation to Colombia. He asked the UN to substantiate its claims. Isabelita Mercado, senior advisor on peace and reconciliation at Bogota town hall, told the W station the city’s cemeteries held the bodies of around 5,500 unidentified missing people or people who had been identified but whose bodies have not been claimed. READ: Colombia turns drug-fumigation planes into fire fighters The UN said its report was based on information it had received from local authorities but didn’t say which ones. A press officer did not respond to Agence France-Presse’s requests for comment. The UN’s special envoy to Colombia, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, also questioned the report. He told Noticias Caracol news channel that its authors did “not represent any United Nations entity” and asked them to “clarify” the report and possibly “rectify” it. READ: From Colombia’s jungle to the world’s fish tanks The Search Unit for Persons Reported Missing, which is in charge of locating and identifying the thousands of people who disappeared over the course of six decades of conflict, said it had “no information” on the existence of a “site of forensic interest” near the airport. The organization has counted more than 104,000 people who went missing during the conflict between security forces, guerrillas, paramilitaries and drug cartels which began in the 1960s. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . The biggest guerrilla group, FARC, laid down arms after signing a peace deal in 2016 but a handful of armed groups remain active in the country.
In response to these allegations, the South Korean government has taken decisive action by imposing a travel ban on the Police Chief. This move reflects the government's commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability among public officials. It sends a clear message that misconduct and abuse of power will not be tolerated, especially in times of crisis when the protection of human rights is paramount.
Volunteering is a gift that changes livesROSEN, LEADING TRIAL ATTORNEYS, Encourages Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action First Filed by the Firm – CMG
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump used his image as a successful New York businessman to become a celebrity, a reality television star and eventually the president. Now he will get to revel in one of the most visible symbols of success in the city when he rings the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday as he's also named Time Magazine's Person of the Year. Trump is expected to be on Wall Street to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, according to four people with knowledge of his plans. He will also be announced Thursday as Time's 2024 Person of the Year , according to a person familiar with the selection. The people who confirmed the stock exchange appearance and Time award were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. It will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who at times has treated the stock market as a measure of public approval and has long-prized signifiers of his success in New York's business world and his appearances on the covers of magazines — especially Time. Trump was named the magazine's Person of the Year in 2016, when he was first elected to the White House. He had already been listed as a finalist for this year's award alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, X owner Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kate, the Princess of Wales. Time declined to confirm the selection ahead of Thursday morning's announcement. “Time does not comment on its annual choice for Person of the Year prior to publication,” a spokesperson for the magazine said Wednesday. The ringing of the bell is a powerful symbol of U.S. capitalism — and a good New York photo opportunity at that. Despite his decades as a New York businessman, Trump has never done it before. It was unclear whether Trump, a Republican, would meet with New York's embattled mayor, Democrat Eric Adams , who has warmed to Trump and has not ruled out changing his political party. Adams has been charged with federal corruption crimes and accused of selling influence to foreign nationals; he has denied wrongdoing. Trump himself was once a symbol of New York, but he gave up living full-time in his namesake Trump Tower in Manhattan and moved to Florida after leaving the White House. CNN first reported Wednesday Trump’s visit to the stock exchange and Politico reported that Trump was expected to be unveiled as Time's Person of the Year. The stock exchange regularly invites celebrities and business leaders to participate in the ceremonial opening and closing of trading. During Trump’s first term, his wife, Melania Trump, rang the bell to promote her “Be Best” initiative on children’s well-being. Last year, Time CEO Jessica Sibley rang the opening bell to unveil the magazine's 2023 Person of the Year: Taylor Swift . After the Nov. 5 election, the S&P 500 rallied 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,508 points, or 3.6%, while the Nasdaq composite jumped 3%. All three indexes topped records they had set in recent weeks. The U.S. stock market has historically tended to rise regardless of which party wins the White House, with Democrats scoring bigger average gains since 1945. But Republican control could mean big shifts in the winning and losing industries underneath the surface, and investors are adding to bets built earlier on what the higher tariffs, lower tax rates and lighter regulation that Trump favors will mean. Trump has long courted the business community based on his own status as a wealthy real estate developer who gained additional fame as the star of the TV show “The Apprentice” in which competitors tried to impress him with their business skills. He won the election in part by tapping into Americans' deep anxieties about an economy that seemed unable to meet the needs of the middle class. The larger business community has applauded his promises to reduce corporate taxes and cut regulations. But there are also concerns about his stated plans to impose broad tariffs and possibly target companies that he sees as not aligning with his own political interests. Trump spends the bulk of his time at his Florida home but was in New York for weeks this spring during his hush money trial there. He was convicted, but his lawyers are pushing for the case to be thrown out in light of his election. While he spent hours in a Manhattan courthouse every day during his criminal trial, Trump took his presidential campaign to the streets of the heavily Democratic city, holding a rally in the Bronx and popping up at settings for working-class New Yorkers: a bodega, a construction site and a firehouse. Trump returned to the city in September to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Manhattan tower and again in the final stretch of the presidential campaign when he held a rally at Madison Square Garden that drew immediate blowback as speakers made rude and racist insults and incendiary remarks . At the stock exchange, the ringing of the bell has been a tradition since the 1800s. The first guest to do it was a 10-year-old boy named Leonard Ross, in 1956, who won a quiz show answering questions about the stock market. Many times, companies listing on the exchange would ring the bell at 9:30 a.m. to commemorate their initial offerings as trading began. But the appearances have become an important marker of culture and politics -- something that Trump hopes to seize as he’s promised historic levels of economic growth. The anti-apartheid advocate and South African President Nelson Mandela rang the bell, as has Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone with his castmates from the film “The Expendables.” So, too, have the actors Robert Downey Jr. and Jeremy Renner for an “Avengers” movie and the Olympians Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin. In 1985, Ronald Reagan became the first sitting U.S. president to ring the bell. “With tax reform and budget control, our economy will be free to expand to its full potential, driving the bears back into permanent hibernation,” Reagan said at the time. “We’re going to turn the bull loose.” The crowd of traders on the floor chanted, “Ronnie! Ronnie! Ronnie!” The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed in 1985 and 1986, but it suffered a decline in October 1987 in an event known as “Black Monday.” Long reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield said in a statement that its decision to backpedal resulted from “significant widespread misinformation” about the policy. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.
Suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing charged with murder in New York, court records showSir Keir Starmer has been warned by a trade union not to impose “blunt headcount targets” for the size of the Civil Service but Government sources insisted there would be no set limit, although the number “cannot keep growing”. Departments have been ordered to find 5% “efficiency savings” as part of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spending review, potentially putting jobs at risk. The size of the Civil Service has increased from a low of around 384,000 in mid-2016, and the Tories went into the general election promising to reduce numbers by 70,000 to fund extra defence spending. Any reduction under Labour would be more modest, with the Guardian reporting more than 10,000 jobs could be lost. A Government spokesman said: “Under our plan for change, we are making sure every part of government is delivering on working people’s priorities — delivering growth, putting more money in people’s pockets, getting the NHS back on its feet, rebuilding Britain and securing our borders in a decade of national renewal. “We are committed to making the Civil Service more efficient and effective, with bold measures to improve skills and harness new technologies.” Mike Clancy, general secretary of the Prospect trade union said: “We need a clear plan for the future of the civil service that goes beyond the blunt headcount targets that have failed in the past. “This plan needs to be developed in partnership with civil servants and their unions, and we look forward to deeper engagement with the government in the coming months.” A Government source said: “The number of civil servants cannot keep growing. “But we will not set an arbitrary cap. “The last government tried that and ended up spending loads on more expensive consultants.” The Government is already risking a confrontation with unions over proposals to limit pay rises for more than a million public servants to 2.8%, a figure only just over the projected 2.6% rate of inflation next year. Unions representing teachers, doctors and nurses have condemned the proposals. In the face of the union backlash, Downing Street said the public sector must improve productivity to justify real-terms pay increases. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “It’s vital that pay awards are fair for both taxpayers and workers.” Asked whether higher pay settlements to staff would mean departmental cuts elsewhere, the spokesman said: “Real-terms pay increases must be matched by productivity gains and departments will only be able to fund pay awards above inflation over the medium-term if they become more productive and workforces become more productive.” TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “It’s hard to see how you address the crisis in our services without meaningful pay rises. “And it’s hard to see how services cut to the bone by 14 years of Tory government will find significant cash savings. “The Government must now engage unions and the millions of public sector workers we represent in a serious conversation about public service reform and delivery.”
MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. Announces Closing of Public Offering
