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Kash Patel, Trump’s pick to lead FBI, appears to have support of GOP while alarming the left
ORLANDO, Fla. — UCF coach Gus Malzahn is resigning after four seasons with the school. ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the first to report the move, which will see Malzahn to leave to take the offensive coordinator job at Florida State. Malzahn previously worked with FSU coach Mike Norvell during their time at Tulsa under then-coach Todd Graham from 2007-08. The Knights ended a disappointing 4-8 season in which they lost eight of their last nine games, the longest losing streak since 2015. Malzahn, 59, was in the fourth year of a contract through 2028. His buyout, it is reported, would have been $13.75 million. He finished 27-25 at UCF but lost 16 of his last 22 games and was a dismal 4-14 in two seasons in the Big 12. After back-to-back nine-win seasons in 2021-22, the Knights went 6-7 in 2023 and 4-8 in 2024. People are also reading... 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Roster limits in college sports put athletes on chopping block, coaches look for answers From the earth, for the earth: Why plant-based eating is here to stay This season started with high expectations as Malzahn made sweeping changes to the program. He retooled the strength and conditioning department and hired Ted Roof and Tim Harris Jr. as defensive and offensive coordinators, respectively. He also added nearly 50 new players to the roster, leaning heavily on the transfer market. UCF started by winning its first three games against New Hampshire, Sam Houston and a thrilling comeback at TCU, but offensive struggles saw the Knights tumble through a TBD-game losing streak to finish the season. Terry Mohajir hired Malzahn on Feb. 15, 2021, six days after he was hired to replace Danny White. The move came eight weeks after Malzahn had been fired at Auburn after eight seasons of coaching the Tigers. The two briefly worked together at Arkansas State in 2012 before Malzahn left for the Auburn job. “When he [Mohajir] offered the job, I was like, ‘I’m in.’ There wasn’t thinking about or talking about ...,” Malzahn said during his introductory press conference. “This will be one of the best programs in college football in a short time. This is a job that I plan on being here and building it.” UCF opened the 2021 season with non-conference wins over Boise State and Bethune-Cookman before traveling to Louisville on Sept. 17, where quarterback Dillon Gabriel suffered a fractured collarbone in the final minute of a 42-35 loss. Backup Mikey Keene would finish out the season as Gabriel announced his intention to transfer. The Knights would finish the season on the plus side by accepting a bid to join the Big 12 Conference in September and then by defeating Florida 29-17 in the Gasparilla Bowl. Malzahn struck transfer portal gold in the offseason when he signed former Ole Miss quarterback John Rhys Plumlee. Plumlee, a two-sport star with the Rebels, helped guide UCF to the American Athletic Conference Championship in its final season. However, Plumlee’s injury forced the Knights to go with Keene and freshman Thomas Castellanos. The team finished with losses to Tulane in the conference championship and Duke in the Military Bowl. Plumlee would return in 2023 as UCF transitioned to the Big 12 but would go down with a knee injury in the final minute of the Knights’ 18-16 win at Boise State on Sept. 9. He would miss the next four games as backup Timmy McClain took over the team. Even on his return, Plumlee couldn’t help UCF, on a five-game losing streak to open conference play. The Knights got their first Big 12 win at Cincinnati on Nov. 4 and upset No. 15 Oklahoma State the following week, but the team still needed a win over Houston in the regular-season finale to secure a bowl bid for the eighth straight season. From the moment Malzahn stepped on campus, he prioritized recruiting, particularly in Central Florida. “We’re going to recruit like our hair’s on fire,” Malzahn said at the time. “We’re going to go after the best players in America and we’re not backing down to anybody.” From 2007 to 2020, UCF signed 10 four-star high school and junior college prospects. Eight four-star prospects were in the three recruiting classes signed under Malzahn. The 2024 recruiting class earned a composite ranking of 39 from 247Sports, the highest-ranked class in school history. The 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 41 and has commitments from three four-star prospects. Malzahn has always leaned on the transfer market, signing 60 players over the past three seasons. Some have paid huge dividends, such as Javon Baker, Lee Hunter, Kobe Hudson, Tylan Grable, Bula Schmidt, Amari Kight, Marcellus Marshall, Trent Whittemore, Gage King, Ethan Barr, Deshawn Pace and Plumlee. Others haven’t been as successful, such as quarterback KJ Jefferson, who started the first five games of this season before being benched for poor performance. Jefferson’s struggles forced the Knights to play musical chairs at quarterback, with true freshman EJ Colson, redshirt sophomore Jacurri Brown and redshirt freshman Dylan Rizk all seeing action at one point or another this season. This season’s struggles led to several players utilizing the NCAA’s redshirt rule after four games, including starting slot receiver Xavier Townsend and kicker Colton Boomer, who have also entered the transfer portal. Defensive end Kaven Call posted a letter to Malzahn on Twitter in which he accused the UCF coaching staff of recently kicking him off the team when he requested to be redshirted. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Nebraska defensive end Jimari Butler enters transfer portal
Australian PM ready to 'engage' with Musk on social media teen banSimon Harris’s Fine Gael party and coalition partner Fianna Fail look set to return to government after the Irish election, but the prime minister could face a battle to keep his post after his popular support appeared to drop. With counting still ongoing, early tallies and the official exit poll showed little to separate the two main incumbent parties and the opposition Sinn Fein. With no party having enough support to govern alone, the status quo will likely remain after Fine Gael and Fianna Fail ruled out a deal with Sinn Fein. Although the overall outcome looks increasingly clear, it’s far from certain Harris will emerge with the upper hand in what could be difficult negotiations with Fianna Fail. Micheal Martin’s party trailed in the official exit poll, but early results suggest it could emerge with the most first-preference votes — the simplest gauge of popular support — putting him in a better position in talks. “It’s far too hard to call at this stage as to who will come out as the largest party,” Harris told RTE on Saturday. “What is clear is that Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein will be tightly bunched when it comes to final seats.” Martin predicted his Fianna Fail would outperform the exit poll, telling reporters there’s a “route to a very strong finish” for his party. But he cautioned that electoral fragmentation meant forming a government would be “challenging.” To be sure, the picture could change as counting takes in second-choice and subsequent preferences to determine final makeup of the Dail or parliament. A tight race is far from what Harris envisaged when he called the vote early — it wasn’t scheduled to be held until March — to try to capitalize on Fine Gael’s surge in support since he became Taoiseach in April. The media dubbed it the “Harris hop” and the 38-year-old made his campaign slogan “new energy” — despite being a former health minister and established government figure. A giveaway budget and what appeared to be a slump in support for Sinn Fein made it seem the optimal time to seek a new mandate. But Harris’s campaign was beset with slip-ups, starting with Ryanair Holdings Plc Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary using a Fine Gael event to make a jibe about teachers serving in government. The worst, though, was a viral video of Harris walking away from a disability care worker and dismissing her view that the government wasn’t doing enough. He later apologized. “Fine Gael may be a little bit disappointed that they didn’t make more gains,” said Lisa Keenan, political science assistant professor at Trinity College Dublin, though she added that given the campaign gaffes, Harris is also likely to be somewhat relieved. “We’ve seen a stabilization there.” From a commanding poll lead as late as September, Fine Gael appears to have slipped back into a three-party scramble to win the popular vote. It’s a key moment. Whoever forms the next government will enjoy a budget surplus and soaring tax receipts from U.S. companies including Apple Inc. operating there. What to do with Ireland’s billions has been a key focus of the election, with parties competing on spending ideas — even as the reelection of Donald Trump in the U.S. and his threat of trade tariffs injected a sense of caution. Worryingly for Harris, the exit poll also showed the premier trailing his two main rivals on the question of who should be next Taoiseach. Only 27% said they want the Fine Gael leader leading the country, while 35% said they would like Fianna Fail’s Martin, and 34% preferred Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald. McDonald’s strength comes from her support among young people, and that gels with the exit poll showing housing and homelessness were the biggest issues for voters, followed by the cost of living. Data published on election day showed homelessness in Ireland reached a record figure of almost 15,000. Sinn Fein’s steady rise has shaken up Irish politics since McDonald took over from Gerry Adams as president in 2018, becoming its first leader unconnected to the sectarian violence in Northern Ireland known as the Troubles. Its left-leaning agenda appealed to voters struggling with a housing shortage and rising inflation. While its support is well below the start of the year, when Sinn Fein appeared on course to form a government, the exit poll and early counting shows McDonald has established Sinn Fein as an electoral force. That has major implications for Irish politics. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael led every government since the state was formed 100 years ago, and while that looks set to continue, Sinn Fein’s emergence changes the dynamic. Still, without the option of a coalition with Fine Gael or Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein has no clear route to power. That means the focus in the coming days and likely weeks will be on Fine Gael and Fianna Fail and the arrangement they come to. Early tallies suggest Fianna Fail will improve on its performance in 2020, when the party that was in power during the 2008 financial crash reentered government for the first time in almost a decade. It’s possible that it wins several more seats than Fine Gael, which would give it considerable bargaining power in coalition talks and potentially restoring Martin, who served as prime minister for almost two years as part of the job share agreement between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael last time, as Taoiseach. Any deal between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail would not be the end of the story. Even combining their support, the two parties are likely to fall short of the 88 seats needed for a majority in the 174-seat parliament. The third coalition partner last time, the Green Party, face losses — not unusual for minor parties and also reflecting trends for green parties across Europe. Tallies suggest it could lose the majority of its 12 seats. But other smaller parties are expected to make gains. The Social Democrats, whose leader Holly Cairns gave birth on election day, could pick up seats. Labour are also optimistic. Although vote counting began at 9 a.m. on Saturday, a fuller picture is not expected until Sunday. Then the negotiations will begin. ©2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.After Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair injured Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence with a dangerous hit on Sunday, football fans have unearthed old clips of some of his other questionable hits. In a compilation video posted by the X account @NFL_Memes, it shows other dangerous actions by the linebacker over the course of his career which included one instance where he wrapped his hand around Tom Brady’s throat during a play. That particular instance occurred while Al-Shaair was with the 49ers and Brady was in his final year with the Buccaneers in 2022. Another clip showed a separate incident in which he could clearly be seen throwing a punch at Bears running back Roschon Johnson after the whistle in a game earlier this year. The latest incident occurred during the second quarter of Sunday’s game in which the Texans defeated the Jaguars. Lawrence had started sliding after the Jags QB opted to run with the ball. As Lawrence slid, Al-Shaair came in with the hit that got the quarterback in the head and forced him to leave the game with a concussion. The hit kicked off a melee between the two teams and Al-Shaair was ejected. More discipline is expected to come from the incident for Al-Shaair. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that it is “anticipated” that he will be suspended for the hit, though it wasn’t clear for how long. Al-Shaair issued a lengthy statement on Monday via social media apologizing to Lawrence, while also criticizing the media and “racist” fans. “To Trevor I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening. Before the game we spoke and I told you how it was great to see you back out on the field and wished you well. I would never want to see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them especially one that’s deemed ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary,’” part of the statement read.
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US lawmakers back Covid Chinese lab leak theory after two-year probe
Frankfurt, Germany–(Newsfile Corp. – December 26, 2024) – SMBC Bank EU AG is proud to announce the launch of Zinsify , a cutting-edge fixed- term deposit platform offering German consumers a secure and rewarding way to grow their savings. With annual interest rates of 3% and deposits up to €100,000 backed by the statutory deposit guarantee scheme, Zinsify is set to redefine trust and innovation in the banking sector. Zinsify: trusted partner for secure savings in a fast-paced digital world. A Bold Step into Consumer Banking As a trusted player in the financial industry, SMBC Bank EU AG is expanding its reach beyond institutional banking by introducing Zinsify. This new offering aims to empower consumers by providing reliable and straightforward banking products. “Zinsify represents our commitment to addressing the growing demand for secure, high-yield savings options in a rapidly evolving digital world,” said Niklas Dieterich,board member at SMBC Bank EU AG. “We’re leveraging technology and trust to create a safe haven for savers.” AI-Powered Creativity for a Safer Digital World In a groundbreaking approach to marketing, Zinsify’s launch campaign harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to craft visually striking and emotionally resonant advertisements. These AI-designed visuals emphasize Zinsify’s commitment to security and trust in an increasingly deceptive digital environment. The campaign’s messaging centers around Zinsify’s role as a steadfast financial partner, standing out in a world rife with scams and cyber threats. “We recognize how easy it is to fall victim to scams today,” explained Benjamin Krüger, Head of Marketing at Zinsify. “Our campaign not only highlights the importance of financial security but also positions Zinsify as a beacon of trust. By using AI, we’ve been able to create designs that capture the attention of digital-savvy audiences while reinforcing the core values of reliability and safety.” Navigating a Dangerous Digital Landscape The proliferation of online fraud has created a climate of uncertainty for consumers. Fake banking websites, phishing scams, and fraudulent investment schemes are on the rise, making it imperative for individuals to partner with reputable institutions. Zinsify’s campaign directly addresses these concerns, offering consumers the reassurance that their savings are in secure hands. “In a time where scams are alarmingly sophisticated, we want our customers to feel confident in their decision to bank with Zinsify,” added Niklas Dieterich. “Our robust security measures, combined with the trusted legacy of SMBC Bank EU AG, ensure that our customers can focus on growing their savings without fear.” About Zinsify Zinsify is a consumer-focused platform by SMBC Bank EU AG, providing secure, high-yield fixed-term deposits. With a 3% annual interest rate and deposits guaranteed up to €100,000, Zinsify delivers financial peace of mind in a simple, user-friendly package. Backed by SMBC Bank EU AG’s decades-long reputation for excellence, Zinsify combines trust and innovation to redefine consumer banking. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235265 #distroReview by Senate Democrats finds more unreported luxury trips by Clarence ThomasShould Knicks Bench Bridges?
Bangladesh has called on Myanmar to address the ongoing crisis in the Rakhine state and its borders, stressing that it cannot engage in negotiations with non-state actors, such as the Arakan Army. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain conveyed this message to Myanmar during an informal consultation held on Thursday in Thailand. During the meeting, Hossain also emphasised that peace and stability in the region would remain elusive without a resolution to the Rohingya crisis. Senior representatives from Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, China, Laos, and other nations attended the consultation focused on Myanmar. "I informed Myanmar that the border is no longer under your control. Non-state actors like the Arakan Army are controlling it. As a state, we cannot engage with them. Myanmar must find a way to resolve the issues related to the border and Rakhine," Hossain yesterday told reporters in the capital, sharing details of his discussions at the consultation. In reply, Myanmar said they are trying to regain control of the border. Hossain said that the meeting focused on a few key issues regarding Myanmar, including the border, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and its political future. On Myanmar's political future, Hossain noted that all participants expressed support for its efforts to resolve internal issues and move forward. "Everyone said they would support Myanmar, and if they choose a federal structure, we will not intervene. But we want a resolution," Hossain said. The meeting on Thursday was chaired by Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsar. The attendees included Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Swe, Laos's Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and China's Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu. Meanwhile, speaking as the chief guest at an international seminar in Dhaka, the foreign adviser said peace in Myanmar is crucial to unlocking the full potential of the Bay of Bengal and its surrounding countries and that peace cannot be achieved without solving the Rohingya crisis. "Peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar, and consequently in the region, unless the safe and secure return of Rohingyas to their homes," he said at the seminar titled "Reconnecting the Bay of Bengal Region: Exploring the Convergence of Interest," at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in the capital. Noting that a civil war situation is currently prevailing in Myanmar, he said at least 1.2 million Rohingyas, who have fled the Rakhine state facing extreme atrocities, have fled to Bangladesh in the last seven years. "There has been no progress in their repatriation and the situation is further complicated by a non-state actor, the Arakan Army, taking control of the entire border with Bangladesh," he said. "It is incumbent on Myanmar and the regional powers to create a congenial atmosphere for their return," said the foreign adviser. Supported by the Embassy of Japan, the BIISS, in collaboration with the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO), hosted the international seminar. He said that the Bay of Bengal has emerged as a focal point of geopolitical and economic activity with its vast natural resources, crucial shipping routes, and potential for economic integration. Touhid said the countries surrounding the Bay and other stakeholders should align their diverse interests, "ensuring that the Bay of Bengal becomes a region of collaboration rather than conflict; a hub of connectivity rather than contention". He said the Bay has been historically a commercial and cultural hub. However, its strategic importance has grown immensely as it links South and Southeast Asia, two growing economic zones, to the global economy. "By fostering strategic partnerships, embracing a unified vision, and adopting innovative approaches, we can unlock the vast potential of this region, benefiting all stakeholders and creating a legacy of prosperity for future generations," he observed. He said Bangladesh is uniquely poised to become a regional transit hub and a key player in the global value chain with its strategic location and growing industrial base. "In order to unlock these possibilities, Bangladesh must address pressing challenges and seize emerging opportunities," the adviser said. He acknowledged that initiatives like the "Bay of Bengal Industrial Value Chain," championed by Japan, provide a blueprint for achieving this transformation by leveraging investment, technology, and labour. The adviser also lauded Japan's overall contribution to Bangladesh's development. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori, BIISS Chairman Gousal Azam Sarkar and Director General Major General Iftekhar Anis, among others, spoke at the event. Responding to a question about a potential new influx of Rohingyas, Hossain said, though the government is concerned, he does not believe such an event is on the cards. Hossain reaffirmed Bangladesh's policy of not allowing any further Rohingya refugees to enter the country. However, he acknowledged that, under certain circumstances, Bangladesh had to accept 60,000 Rohingyas through various unofficial routes. "They are coming through multiple routes, making it very difficult to stop [the infiltrations]," Hossain said, adding that widespread corruption is making the task more difficult. Bangladesh has called on Myanmar to address the ongoing crisis in the Rakhine state and its borders, stressing that it cannot engage in negotiations with non-state actors, such as the Arakan Army. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain conveyed this message to Myanmar during an informal consultation held on Thursday in Thailand. During the meeting, Hossain also emphasised that peace and stability in the region would remain elusive without a resolution to the Rohingya crisis. Senior representatives from Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, China, Laos, and other nations attended the consultation focused on Myanmar. "I informed Myanmar that the border is no longer under your control. Non-state actors like the Arakan Army are controlling it. As a state, we cannot engage with them. Myanmar must find a way to resolve the issues related to the border and Rakhine," Hossain yesterday told reporters in the capital, sharing details of his discussions at the consultation. In reply, Myanmar said they are trying to regain control of the border. Hossain said that the meeting focused on a few key issues regarding Myanmar, including the border, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and its political future. On Myanmar's political future, Hossain noted that all participants expressed support for its efforts to resolve internal issues and move forward. "Everyone said they would support Myanmar, and if they choose a federal structure, we will not intervene. But we want a resolution," Hossain said. The meeting on Thursday was chaired by Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsar. The attendees included Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Swe, Laos's Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and China's Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu. Meanwhile, speaking as the chief guest at an international seminar in Dhaka, the foreign adviser said peace in Myanmar is crucial to unlocking the full potential of the Bay of Bengal and its surrounding countries and that peace cannot be achieved without solving the Rohingya crisis. "Peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar, and consequently in the region, unless the safe and secure return of Rohingyas to their homes," he said at the seminar titled "Reconnecting the Bay of Bengal Region: Exploring the Convergence of Interest," at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in the capital. Noting that a civil war situation is currently prevailing in Myanmar, he said at least 1.2 million Rohingyas, who have fled the Rakhine state facing extreme atrocities, have fled to Bangladesh in the last seven years. "There has been no progress in their repatriation and the situation is further complicated by a non-state actor, the Arakan Army, taking control of the entire border with Bangladesh," he said. "It is incumbent on Myanmar and the regional powers to create a congenial atmosphere for their return," said the foreign adviser. Supported by the Embassy of Japan, the BIISS, in collaboration with the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO), hosted the international seminar. He said that the Bay of Bengal has emerged as a focal point of geopolitical and economic activity with its vast natural resources, crucial shipping routes, and potential for economic integration. Touhid said the countries surrounding the Bay and other stakeholders should align their diverse interests, "ensuring that the Bay of Bengal becomes a region of collaboration rather than conflict; a hub of connectivity rather than contention". He said the Bay has been historically a commercial and cultural hub. However, its strategic importance has grown immensely as it links South and Southeast Asia, two growing economic zones, to the global economy. "By fostering strategic partnerships, embracing a unified vision, and adopting innovative approaches, we can unlock the vast potential of this region, benefiting all stakeholders and creating a legacy of prosperity for future generations," he observed. He said Bangladesh is uniquely poised to become a regional transit hub and a key player in the global value chain with its strategic location and growing industrial base. "In order to unlock these possibilities, Bangladesh must address pressing challenges and seize emerging opportunities," the adviser said. He acknowledged that initiatives like the "Bay of Bengal Industrial Value Chain," championed by Japan, provide a blueprint for achieving this transformation by leveraging investment, technology, and labour. The adviser also lauded Japan's overall contribution to Bangladesh's development. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori, BIISS Chairman Gousal Azam Sarkar and Director General Major General Iftekhar Anis, among others, spoke at the event. Responding to a question about a potential new influx of Rohingyas, Hossain said, though the government is concerned, he does not believe such an event is on the cards. Hossain reaffirmed Bangladesh's policy of not allowing any further Rohingya refugees to enter the country. However, he acknowledged that, under certain circumstances, Bangladesh had to accept 60,000 Rohingyas through various unofficial routes. "They are coming through multiple routes, making it very difficult to stop [the infiltrations]," Hossain said, adding that widespread corruption is making the task more difficult.None
No. 12 West Virginia women beat Boise State 82-47 to reach title game of Gulf Coast ShowcaseWhile Aaron Judge claimed he hasn't talked to Juan Soto, the Yankees' captain has been in contact with the team's owner.
Hormel Foods ( HRL 1.60% ) is a Dividend King offering a historically high 3.6% dividend yield. It appears to be on the sale rack right now, and a few years from now, long-term dividend investors will probably wish they had bought it. Here are four reasons why you should consider adding Hormel to your portfolio despite the headwinds it is facing today. 1. Hormel has an insider that thinks like you Companies answer to their investors. In theory, that should mean they make decisions that are in the best long-term interests of their investors. However, most companies know that their shares are owned by large institutions and asset management shops. So, the interests of small investors can often be overlooked. That's not likely to happen at Hormel. The Hormel Foundation controls roughly 46.8% of Hormel's stock. It was created by the founding family to ensure that Hormel would remain an independent company and support the local community in a philanthropic way. The stock control handles the first task; the dividends that Hormel pays are used to fund the second task. Or, to put it more simply, The Hormel Foundation wants Hormel, the food maker, to pay a sustainable and growing dividend over time. And Hormel, the food maker, has no choice but to listen because The Hormel Foundation is its largest shareholder. The best part of this, however, is that The Hormel Foundation's goal is likely to align with your own, assuming you are a conservative long-term dividend investor . 2. Hormel has a great track record Hormel is run for the long term, which is great. However, even better, Hormel's long-term success is really impressive. As noted, the company is a Dividend King . The dividend has been increased every single year for 58 consecutive years. That's not something that happens by accident; it requires a strong business model that is well executed over time. Given the involvement of The Hormel Foundation, it probably isn't shocking that Hormel is a Dividend King, but the proof of success is still nice to see. HRL data by YCharts 3. Every company goes through tough times That said, even the best companies in the world face periods where they underperform. That's just the normal business cycle at work. Clearly, Hormel has had to deal with some tough periods over the past 58 years. That span includes the raging inflation of the 1970s, the Dot.com bust, the Great Recession , and the COVID-19 pandemic, just to pick some notable highlights. It muddled through them all, with the exception of the pandemic impact, which is a lingering headwind right now. Given the history, though, there's no particular reason to believe Hormel won't muddle through again. 4. The list is long, but the problems are all manageable What is wrong today that has investors so worried about Hormel while the stock's yield is near historic highs? There's a list. The company has had a difficult time passing inflationary input costs on to consumers, the avian flu has been more difficult than usual, China's pandemic recovery has been slower than expected, and Hormel bought the Planters brand right when the nut segment of the snacking niche started to slow down. That is a long list, and it is understandable that investors are concerned. However, none of the issues is, individually, a company killer. Each one will either resolve itself or will be dealt with in time. The near-term impact of the collection, however, is weak financial results, which isn't good news. But Hormel isn't sitting around and waiting for better days. It is taking action. For example, cost-cutting efforts that had to be put on hold during the pandemic are now back up and running. The company is leaning into innovation to help boost demand in the U.S., China, and specifically for the Planters brand, which didn't see much innovation under the former owners. Notably, innovation is a key historical strength for Hormel. There's no reason to believe that this lever can't be used to reinvigorate consumer demand again. The real problem here is that solving the current slate of problems will take time, and Wall Street is looking for quick results. A quick recovery isn't in the cards at Hormel, but that's exactly why long-term dividend investors have the opportunity they have in front of them. If you can handle collecting a large yield while you wait for Hormel to muddle through another difficult period, then this stock could be a great addition to your income portfolio. Hormel is different today, but the goal is still the same To be fair, Hormel has changed over the last decade or so, going from a meat producer to a branded products company. So, this isn't the same business it was before. However, the goal of steady long-term business growth, supporting reliable dividend growth, hasn't changed. It is possible that Wall Street is reevaluating the stock and placing a lower valuation on the shares because of the changed business. Or it could just be investors thinking short-term, creating an investment opportunity for long-term income investors. The interesting thing is you can pretty much win either way. If this is a revaluation, then you are buying with a historically high yield that becomes the new normal yield. Hormel is still a well-run company that pays a large and reliable dividend. If investors are underestimating Hormel's ability to return to a faster growth path, then you will get a high yield and capital appreciation when Wall Street catches up to Hormel's improving performance.Home for the holidays? Show relatives you care with some tech support
Court Boice Secures Another Term as Oregon State Representative
“I am headed to Atlantis the Royal to advance my career ... it is my dream to work there,” said Kanchan Rai. She passed her apprenticeship interview at one of the most luxurious properties in the UAE, and credits it to her late mother. She says, “I can feel my mother watching over me. After returning to Nepal, I want to start a restaurant in her name.” Other young Nepalis recruited recently by the company Vision and Value shared similar excitement about star chefs at Atlantis they would work with, the multinational colleagues, and opportunities to learn new skills. “Atlantis the Royal in my CV will set me up for life,” beamed another candidate. Migrating out of ‘compulsion’ is a common theme in Nepal’s public discourse. But here, बाध्यता as a driver for migration was not a prominent feature, in fact it barely came up. Upward mobility during migration merits more attention. Reputable employers offer opportunities for cross-training and career advancement. Seven years ago, Bikash Tripathi went to the UAE to work as a packing staff. A year into his contract, he used his month-long break to cross-train and five promotions later now works as a pastry chef managing a multinational team of eight. “I was always preparing for the next job when I was working, even if it meant using my holidays or covering for colleagues when they were absent. My supervisors took notice,” says Tripathi, who wants to open a restaurant on return to Nepal. “In addition to saving money, I am glad my parents now have financial freedom and don’t have to worry about making ends meet like they did,” he says. Some motivated workers invest in their own upskilling. Dharmendra Sah went as a labourer to Qatar at a salary of 700 Riyal. When he left seven years later he was working as a lifting supervisor and earning 6000 Riyals because he followed his colleague’s advice to take a training course. “I did not know what work I would be doing overseas or what my future had in store for me,” he recalls. “I paid 1000 riyals from my own pocket for the training, but it was worth it because it opened up better opportunities.” The hard-earned perception that Nepalis are loyal and hard-working works to their advantage. But also important is the role of a trusted labour mobility industry to attract the best employers. Ultimately it is the recruiters who matchmake workers and employers. While the internet and more awareness among workers may gradually decrease reliance on them, for now recruitment is heavily intermediated. Factors like under-the-table commissions play a role in helping recruiters bag job demands from overseas employers. These costs are eventually borne by workers as recruitment fees. The competition can be unhealthy with thousands of recruiters from other countries competing against each other. In this race-to-the-bottom, standing out as good actors and responsible businesses can be difficult. Strong credentials are needed, including international licenses and accreditations, marketing and research skills, thorough audits, references from previous clients, capacity to screen and mobilise the right candidates, among others. These aspects of building a strong labour mobility industry have not received adequate policy attention in Nepal. The government also needs to engage more proactively with host country industry associations, employers, and government counterparts. Recruiters often struggle to have a direct approach with employers and instead themselves rely on intermediaries. Interviews with workers in senior positions in the hospitality sector overseas show that Nepal’s recruitment process is rife with bureaucratic hurdles that dissuade employers looking to hire in small numbers. For example, a hotel looking to hire a chef or operation manager would rather not hire from Nepal as it is significantly easier and quicker to do so from the Philippines or India. While these delays are less problematic for bulk hiring, they become a major obstacle for smaller recruitment efforts, or vacancies that need to be filled quickly even when employers are willing to cover all costs and offer competitive salary packages. Attracting good employers to Nepal is not only helpful for migrants’ financial and career growth, but is a way to prevent abuses in the first place. The risk of wage theft or contract infringement is reduced when reputable companies hire directly, and in the event of such incidents, the likelihood of corrective action is higher. Attracting quality employers should be central to Nepal’s foreign employment policy. Setting up migrants for success overseas also means preparing them for success upon return. After working abroad as a rope access cleaner, Rudra Bahadur Gurung established the Asset Integrity Group in Kathmandu, providing internationally accredited training and licensing to both Nepali and non-Nepali migrants seeking to upskill during their vacations. Shiva Sharan Khatri returned to Nepal after working in hotels in Qatar, the UAE, and Seychelles to set up Sankalpa Management Facilities Service, a cleaning company that now employs over 80 workers. Both Rudra and Shiva began their migration journeys in low-paying positions and leveraged their overseas experiences to create successful enterprises at home. Not only did they earn more, but also applied their experience in their business enterprises back home. A World Bank study in Bangladesh has shown how temporary migration can help migrant workers overcome credit constraints so they can invest in business creation. Unfortunately, this ‘continuum’ is lacking in many migrant workers. Take Gyanendra’s story. His father was the first to migrate to Qatar and villagers called him ‘Arabe Kafle’ because he has moved across Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and is now headed to Dubai. Gyanendra had to start from scratch each time, and as a cleaner in his new job in the UAE will work for the same basic salary as younger peers migrating for the first time. Remigration is common from Nepal, but many workers like Gyanendra struggle to build on previous experiences. While they can still use earnings to meet household expenses back home, professional growth takes a backseat with each migration episode. In some case, they are compelled to even accept lower wages and benefits. The bar is currently set very low, and many workers worry if they will get the promised job, or be able to pay off recruitment loans. Nepalis need reliable employers and recruiters so ‘good migration outcome’ is not just simply about workers getting the promised job or wages, but about attaining their full potential. Outgoing workers need better guidance to make the most of their overseas opportunity. They currently are required to take pre-departure orientation training courses that cover basic do’s and don'ts. But also needed is practical career guidance to improve job readiness with advice on cross-training, building soft skills, networking, promotions so they can make the most of their migration with long-term growth. Successful returnees like Rudra and Shiva would be stellar mentors for younger workers. Exposure, work ethic, learning, skills, technology transfer, and networks are ‘social remittances’ and can be positive gains for Nepal besides financial remittances.
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