EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The game had suddenly gone sideways for the Minnesota Vikings , their 11-point lead on the Chicago Bears having evaporated in the closing seconds. They straightened it out in overtime, no sweat, because Sam Darnold simply hasn't been fazed. Save for his occasional rash of turnovers, in games the Vikings still managed to win, Darnold proved again on Sunday in defeating the Bears that he's directing a passing attack with the potential to be one of the NFL 's most potent. “I think he’s a mentally tough guy. I think he’s a physically tough guy. I think he’s confident in the guys around him, and I think he’s confident in our system,” coach Kevin O'Connell said after the 30-27 victory. “I think when he just continues to play quarterback at a high level, I think we’re a tough team.” After the defense forced the Bears to punt on the opening possession of overtime, Darnold led the Vikings on a 68-yard drive to set up the game-ending field goal while overcoming a 7-yard sack on the first play and two subsequent setbacks with a false start and a holding penalty. On third-and-10 from the 21, he hit Jordan Addison near the sideline for 13 yards. On first-and-15 from the 29, Darnold threaded a throw to Justin Jefferson for 20 yards after he'd muscled his way through Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson on a post route for the clutch catch after he'd been all but silenced all afternoon by a defense determined to constantly bracket him with double coverage. On second-and-11 from the 48, Darnold connected with a wide-open T.J. Hockenson underneath for 12 yards. Then two plays later off a second-and-8 play-action fake, he found Hockenson again on a deep corner route for 29 yards to put Parker Romo in prime position for the walk-off winner. “Just execute. It’s as simple as that. Just one play at a time," said Darnold, who went 22 for 34 for 330 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. “I think I tell the guys that every single time in the huddle, but that’s my mindset every single time I’m out there on the field, especially in that situation.” Even when Jefferson continues to draw an extraordinary amount of coverage , the Vikings with Addison, Hockenson, Aaron Jones and the rest of their crew running O'Connell's system have proven they have an offense that can go win a game when it's required. That wouldn't be possible without Darnold, whose career rebirth has helped spark the Vikings (9-2) become one of the league's biggest surprises in what's now its most difficult division. “He’s cool, calm, collected,” Hockenson said. "That’s what you want as the leader of the huddle.” The Vikings' defense ranks ninth in the league on third downs, allowing a conversion rate of 34.5% after limiting the Bears to a 6-for-17 performance. The Vikings are tied for first on fourth downs with an allowance of 36.4% after the Bears went 2 for 3. Both conversions came in the fourth quarter during touchdown drives. The Vikings also rank fourth in the NFL in opponent points per drive (1.52). The Vikings had seven possessions that crossed the 20-yard line in Chicago, but only three of them yielded touchdowns. Their lone turnover was the type of game-altering giveaways they've struggled to eliminate this month, a fumble by Aaron Jones at the 1-yard line that ruined a promising first drive. The Vikings are tied for 20th in the league in red zone touchdown rate (53.9%) and are 17th in goal-to-go touchdowns (72%). Addison had eight catches for 162 yards, both career highs, and a touchdown on nine throws from Darnold. The second-year wide receiver has had a quieter season than his rookie year, but he stepped up in a significant way on an afternoon when Jefferson was as smothered by the opposing secondary as ever. TE Johnny Mundt had the onside kick glance off his shin as he charged toward the coverage, and the first kicking team recovery in the NFL this season helped the Bears extend the game. Mundt also had the false start on the overtime drive. His lone catch was a 7-yard gain when he was stopped short of the goal line, one play before the lost fumble. Mundt played 33 of 71 snaps and Hockenson took 48 snaps with Oliver out. The Vikings lost LT Cam Robinson (foot) and LB Ivan Pace (hamstring) to injuries in the first quarter against the Bears, and O'Connell said on Monday those players were still in "evaluation mode." Oliver (ankle) will have an opportunity to return after being sidelined last week. 101.7 — Darnold's passer rating, which ranks ninth in the NFL. Darnold has posted a 100-plus passer rating in nine of 11 games this season. He had only 12 such performances in 56 career starts before joining the Vikings. The Vikings have four of their next five games at home, starting with Arizona (6-5) this week, Atlanta (6-5) on Dec. 8 and a rematch with Chicago (4-7) in a Monday night game on Dec. 16. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLRobert Lighthizer – a Washington veteran who served as Donald Trump's U.S. trade representative in his last term – is reportedly on the outs with the president-elect’s new transition team and may not join the administration at all, according to a new report. And that could come with a price for people who valued the economic policies that he successfully saw through in Trump’s first term, POLITICO reported. “It is a bitter blow to protectionists and a sign of the fluidity in Trump’s political camp that someone as respected and trusted as Lighthizer could be cast aside,” according to the report. “His exclusion from Trump’s Cabinet this time around gives the voices from Wall Street in the White House a much stronger hand in the incoming administration.” The revelation also calls into question Trump’s threats of imposing sharp new tariffs in his second term on imports from Mexico , Canada and China , the publication noted — Lighthizer was the architect of Trump’s first-term trade agenda and a key adviser of this year's campaign. ALSO READ: Will Trump back the FBI’s battle against domestic extremists? He won’t say. He reportedly sought the high-profile cabinet positions of Treasury or Commerce secretary and was unlikely to accept a lesser role along the lines of a potential “ trade czar.” “Lighthizer has been a champion of Trump for at least 15 years, and he’s been in the background, giving Trump ideas, and putting Trump in the spotlight. And I think he really felt like this was his turn to get rewarded,” one ex-Trump administration official close to Lighthizer told POLITICO. The official added that Lighthizer’s potential absence from the next administration means the tariff views of Trump’s picks to lead the Treasury and Commerce departments – Scott Bessent and Howard Lutnick – will likely win out, the report said. “It appears like he’s being frozen out,” one person close to the Trump transition team who supports a pro-tariff agenda told POLITICO.
If Toronto fails to deliver this one piece of infrastructure, it will reveal an ugly truth
NEW YORK, Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Light & Wonder, Inc. LNW resulting from allegations that Light & Wonder may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased Light & Wonder securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=29678 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On September 24, 2024, the Las Vegas Review-Journal published an article entitled "Slot manufacturer scores major win against Las Vegas-based rival." It stated that "Aristocrat Technologies Inc.'s request for a preliminary injunction in its trade-secret and copyright infringement lawsuit against Light & Wonder" had been granted, and that the "order prohibits [Light & Wonder] from the ‘continued or planned sale, leasing, or other commercialization of Dragon Train,' which Aristocrat claims uses intellectual property developed for its Dragon Link and Lightning Link games." On this news, the price of Light & Wonder common stock fell 19.49% on September 24, 2024. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Hair loss can be an incredibly challenging experience — for many people hair thinning or breakage can feel like a visible reminder of ageing, hormonal shifts, or even genetic predisposition. In particular, conditions such as dry, thinning hair or scalp psoriasis are not just uncomfortable but can make daily life feel like an uphill battle. But what if there was a simple, all-natural solution that could help restore hair’s vitality and encourage healthy hair growth? Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Let me introduce you to Indagare’s Organic Hair Renewal Oil which retails from $49. It’s a product that has been so effective that it has won Best Hair Oil at the prestigious Beauty Shortlist Awards not once, but twice. It’s packed with potent, natural ingredients including the powerhouse rosemary oil. This hair oil offers more than just a quick fix but provides a long-term solution for hair care that’s backed by science and nature. Shopper Marisa A shared her personal experience: “I had noticed my hair looking thinner along with fallout.” “I have used Indagare’s hair oil several times now and am so pleased with the result: hair loss is no longer noticeable, and I believe my hair looks thicker.” For many, hair thinning becomes particularly noticeable around the temples, often as a result of hormonal changes like perimenopause. What starts as a minor nuisance can escalate into a source of stress. Thankfully, solutions like Indagare’s Organic Hair Renewal Oil that are designed to nourish, strengthen, and stimulate hair growth have come to the rescue. One of the most significant ingredients in this miracle oil is rosemary, a well-known herb with a long history in both culinary and medicinal use. Recent research has revealed its surprising effectiveness in promoting hair growth, making it a popular ingredient in natural hair care treatments. In a landmark study published in PubMed in 2015, researchers compared the hair growth effects of rosemary oil with minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, a prescription medication for hair loss. The study found that both rosemary oil and minoxidil produced similar results in terms of hair regrowth after six months. However, the rosemary group experienced a bonus: a reduction in scalp itching, a common side effect associated with minoxidil use. This means that rosemary oil offers an effective solution for hair regrowth without the toxic chemicals and unwanted side effects found in many conventional hair products. But that’s not all. Rosemary oil provides a number of additional benefits for hair and scalp health that make it a standout in the realm of hair care. These include improved circulation, stronger and thicker hair, dandruff prevention and soothing scalp properties. Indagare’s Organic Hair Renewal Oil is more than just rosemary oil — it’s a blend of carefully selected natural ingredients that work synergistically to nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. It’s also free from chemicals, parabens, silicone, and toxins, this oil provides an all-natural alternative to harsh, synthetic products that can strip the scalp of essential oils and leave hair looking dry and lifeless. The oil’s unique formulation includes nutrient-rich oils that condition, protect, and rejuvenate hair, while also providing relief for dry, itchy, and inflamed scalps. As user Hanna C. explained: “I’ve had severe psoriasis on my scalp for YEARS now and have tried every single shampoo, scalp treatment, and tool under the sun to soothe it. “The first time I tried this oil, I left it on for 8 hours and immediately saw a difference. Not only did I have no psoriasis flare-ups and no flaking, but I didn’t have to wash my hair for a week!” For those looking to restore the vitality of their hair and promote healthier growth, this hair oil is a game-changer. It’s a nourishing, all-natural alternative to chemical-laden products and prescription treatments that often come with unpleasant side effects. To purchase the hair oil, head to Indagare’s website here.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Connecticut couple has been charged in Minnesota with being part of a shoplifting ring suspected of stealing around $1 million in goods across the country from the upscale athletic wear retailer Lululemon. Jadion Anthony Richards, 44, and Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, 45, both of Danbury, Connecticut, were charged this month with one felony count of organized retail theft. Both went free last week after posting bail bonds of $100,000 for him and $30,000 for her, court records show. They're due back in Ramsey County District Court in St. Paul on Dec. 16. According to the criminal complaints, a Lululemon investigator had been tracking the pair even before police first confronted them on Nov. 14 at a store in suburban Roseville. The investigator told police the couple were responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses across the country, the complaints said. They would steal items and make fraudulent returns, it said. Police found suitcases containing more than $50,000 worth of Lululemon clothing when they searched the couple's hotel room in Bloomington, the complaint said. According to the investigator, they were also suspected in thefts from Lululemon stores in Colorado, Utah, New York and Connecticut, the complaint said. Within Minnesota, they were also accused of thefts at stores in Minneapolis and the suburbs of Woodbury, Edina and Minnetonka. The investigator said the two were part of a group that would usually travel to a city and hit Lululemon stores there for two days, return to the East Coast to exchange the items without receipts for new items, take back the new items with the return receipts for credit card refunds, then head back out to commit more thefts, the complaint said. In at least some of the thefts, it said, Richards would enter the store first and buy one or two cheap items. He'd then return to the sales floor where, with help from Lawes-Richards, they would remove a security sensor from another item and put it on one of the items he had just purchased. Lawes-Richards and another woman would then conceal leggings under their clothing. They would then leave together. When the security sensors at the door went off, he would offer staff the bag with the items he had bought, while the women would keep walking out, fooling the staff into thinking it was his sensor that had set off the alarm, the complaint said. Richards' attorney declined comment. Lawes-Richards' public defender did not immediately return a call seeking comment Monday. “This outcome continues to underscore our ongoing collaboration with law enforcement and our investments in advanced technology, team training and investigative capabilities to combat retail crime and hold offenders accountable,” Tristen Shields, Lululemon's vice president of asset protection, said in a statement. "We remain dedicated to continuing these efforts to address and prevent this industrywide issue.” The two are being prosecuted under a state law enacted last year that seeks to crack down on organized retail theft. One of its chief authors, Sen. Ron Latz, of St. Louis Park, said 34 states already had organized retail crime laws on their books. “I am glad to see it is working as intended to bring down criminal operations," Latz said in a statement. "This type of theft harms retailers in myriad ways, including lost economic activity, job loss, and threats to worker safety when crime goes unaddressed. It also harms consumers through rising costs and compromised products being resold online.” Two Minnesota women were also charged under the new law in August. They were accused of targeting a Lululemon store in Minneapolis.
Missed kicks. Poor tackling. Costly penalties. Week 12 was filled with sloppy play around the NFL, leading to some upsets and surprising outcomes. Jayden Daniels nearly led Washington to an improbable comeback down 10 in the final two minutes against Dallas only to fall short because Austin Seibert's extra point sailed wide left. After a field goal and successful onside kick, Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin on an 86-yard catch-and-run touchdown to bring the Commanders within one point with 21 seconds remaining. But Seibert's point-after attempt failed and the Cowboys returned the ensuing onside kick for a touchdown to seal a 34-26 victory. Special teams were atrocious for both teams. Seibert also missed his first extra point and Washington allowed KaVontae Turpin's 99-yard kickoff return for a score earlier in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys missed a field goal, had another blocked and had a punt blocked. "What a wild special teams moment of blocked punts, kicks, kickoff returns, blocked field goals, just a number of things going to that spot," Commanders coach Dan Quinn said. Washington (7-5) was a 10 1/2-point favorite over the undermanned Cowboys (4-7) but ended up losing a third straight game. The Houston Texans were 8-point favorites against the lowly Tennessee Titans and let the game come down to Ka'imi Fairbairn missing a 28-yard field goal that would have tied it with just under two minutes left. C.J. Stroud threw two interceptions, was sacked four times and the Texans (7-5) committed 11 penalties, including an illegal shift that negated a go-ahead 33-yard TD pass to Nico Collins on the drive that ended with Fairbairn's miss in the 32-27 loss. The Titans (3-8) averaged just 17 points per game before putting 32 on the scoreboard against Houston's defense that entered No. 4 in the league. "We didn't do anything well enough to win this game," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. "Out of all the positives that we did have, there were way too many negatives. Too many negative plays. Score, get a penalty, get touchdowns called back. Get penalties on special teams. Just way too many negative plays defensively, like unexplainable explosives for touchdowns. We just didn't play good across the board." The San Francisco 49ers didn't have quarterback Brock Purdy, star edge rusher Nick Bosa and All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams against Green Bay. That was no excuse for their undisciplined performance. The Niners committed nine penalties and their tackling was shoddy in a 38-10 loss to the Packers. The defending NFC champions are 5-6 with a trip to Buffalo (9-2) coming up. They're still only one game behind Seattle and Arizona in the NFC West. "I'm really not concerned right now about how many guys were missing. We didn't play good enough, so that's not a factor. But, when you are missing some guys, you do have to be better. When you have those penalties and we didn't stop the run like we did and we had those three turnovers in the second half, that's how you get embarrassed." Coming off their first loss of the season, the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs needed Patrick Mahomes' heroics on the final drive to beat Carolina 30-27. Mahomes ran 33 yards to set up Spencer Schrader's 31-yard field goal as time expired. Kansas City had 10 penalties, including a pass interference that gave the Panthers (3-8) another chance to make the 2-point conversion that tied the game with 1:46 remaining. On defense, the Chiefs (10-1) suddenly shaky unit gave up 334 total yards against Bryce Young and an offense that entered last in the NFL. "We've got to do better. We're doing good in the red zone but that's only a third of the field," Chiefs safety Bryan Cook said. "We will go back and look at the film to see what we're doing week to week, and see the tendencies that we're giving up, and just move forward from there. At the end of the day, we're all vets in the room for the most part. ... got to go back to the drawing board and see what we're doing and correct it from there." The Vikings allowed the Bears to recover an onside kick with 21 seconds left and Caleb Williams followed with a 27-yard pass to D.J. Moore to set up Cairo Santos' tying 48-yard field goal. But Minnesota won in overtime, 30-27. The Chiefs and Vikings overcame their mistakes in narrow victories. The Commanders, Texans and 49ers couldn't. They have to be better down the stretch to make a playoff run. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
NEW YORK , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global data center colocation and managed hosting services market size is estimated to grow by USD 236.9 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16.82% during the forecast period. The report provides a comprehensive forecast of key segments below- Segmentation Overview 1.1 BFSI 1.2 Healthcare 1.3 E-commerce 1.4 Telecommunication 1.5 Others 2.1 Wholesale 2.2 Retail 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: The banking and financial services sector (BFSI) is experiencing significant growth in m-commerce and e-commerce activities in North America , Europe , and developing economies like India and China in APAC. Financial data, including customer financials, account information, cardholder data, and transaction and personal information, is highly regulated by regulatory bodies such as the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). BFSI companies, including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and Co., and Morgan Stanley, require optimal uptime, security, connectivity, and data integrity for sharing information across networks. Traditional data center ownership poses high operating costs for global BFSI companies, leading them to outsource colocation space from vendors or lease servers from managed hosting service providers. This shift towards outsourcing is expected to drive the growth of the BFSI segment of the data center colocation and managed hosting services market during the forecast period. Analyst Review The Data Center Colocation and Managed Hosting Services market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for cybersecurity, data management, and remote work solutions. With the rise of artificial intelligence, automation, IoT devices, and hybrid work models, businesses require secure and efficient data center solutions to manage their digital transformation. IT security professionals are prioritizing data security, endpoint security, and network monitoring to protect sensitive information. Differentiating customer experiences and building strong client relationships are crucial for gaining a competitive edge. Deployment models, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance, such as HIPAA in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, are also key considerations. Enterprises are turning to colocation and managed hosting services to meet their unique needs, drive innovation, and stay ahead of the competition. Market Overview In the digital age, businesses increasingly rely on Data Center Colocation and Managed Hosting Services to manage their IT infrastructure. These services offer operational efficiency, overhead cost savings, and access to advanced technologies such as Cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. With the shift to remote work solutions and hybrid work models, data security and cybersecurity have become paramount. IT security professionals are tasked with safeguarding against cyber threats, data leakage, malware, and attack surfaces. The market ecosystem includes IT & telecom, manufacturing, retail & consumer goods, healthcare & life sciences, energy & utilities, media & entertainment, and various verticals. Industry expansion brings new opportunities but also pricing pressures, requiring differentiation through superior customer experiences and client relationships. Deployment models range from on-premises infrastructure to DCaaS, with IT executives leveraging these services to gain a competitive edge. In the Metaverse concept, data centers play a crucial role in supporting digital services, online customer experiences, e-commerce, and online retail. Companies like Rackspace Technology and Google Cloud are leading the charge, offering managed hosting services tailored to various industries, from healthcare and pharmaceuticals to enterprises. The retail industry, in particular, benefits from data management, enabling transaction history analysis, cashierless checkout, and personalized marketing through social media and mobile shopping apps. However, the increasing use of these services also presents challenges. Ensuring HIPAA compliance in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, addressing cybersecurity concerns, and maintaining availability and business continuity through service-level agreements are critical. As the market evolves, providers must stay ahead of the curve, offering advanced security features like cyber hardening and endpoint security, as well as network monitoring and automation to meet the demands of distributed teams. To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Key Topics Covered: About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE TechnavioWhen I woke up the day after the U.S. election to learn that Donald Trump would, once again, become president of the United States, the temptation to panic and sell my investments kicked in as it did in 2016. Then, I’d just quit my job, joining the ranks of people who are Financially Independent and Retired Early (FIRE), and started living off the capital gains, dividends and interest of my portfolio. I don’t have nerves of steel. I get nervous during turbulence on planes. I’m terrified of heights. And as someone who grew up in China on 44 cents a day, my parents told me that only savings accounts and houses are safe. Investing feels as foreign to me as the hot showers, drinkable tap water and central heating felt when I first came to Canada. But knowing that my portfolio not only survived the calamities of the past eight years, but thrived and doubled, gives me confidence to stay the course. If you find investing in the stock market terrifying, especially given this election result, you can use the three Ds of investing to stay calm and focused. Diversification Having a diversified portfolio means that you don’t invest in individual stocks. Instead, you buy exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track specific indexes. For example, one of the ETFs I own in my portfolio is VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index) which tracks the entire U.S equity market and holds over 3,700 stocks, including small-, mid- and large-cap companies. Another way I diversify my portfolio is by adding an international ETF that gives me exposure to European, Asian and Australian stock markets. Global diversification, in addition to stock diversification, ensures that one country’s politics and economics can’t ruin my retirement. Dividends If you had an orange orchard, the trees would be the stocks, and the oranges would be the dividends in your portfolio. When you sell stocks, you either harvest capital gains or sustain capital losses. But selling is like digging up some of your orange trees. Dividends , however, get paid out regardless of the capital value of your stocks and you don’t need to sell anything. This is like harvesting and eating the oranges. You’re not hurting the tree, and it will continue to grow. Since I retired, I realized that you could build an additional level of retirement safety by keeping your basic living expenses (rent, food, utilities, etc.) within the dividend and interest income of your portfolio. Other “nice to have” things like travel can be paid for by selling stocks if you’ve just had a good year, but if you’ve just had a down year, you don’t have to. Living off your dividends helps you stay invested during market crashes because you’re getting paid regardless of the capital value of your stocks. Dollar-cost averaging Dollar-cost averaging is the concept of buying stocks at regular intervals, regardless of price. So instead of dumping in all your money and picking up stocks at a single price point, you are “averaging” out the cost over time. This strategy helps beginner investors get comfortable with the idea of investing because instead of jumping into the deep end and investing their life savings all at once, they are wading into these waters slowly. It also helps with market crashes. Rather than selling everything and going to cash, you keep investing as the market falls, which allows you to buy ETFs at better prices. It’s how we got through the financial crisis of 2008, and it’s how we’re going to get through future stock market crashes. According to a 10-year study done by Fidelity , the best-performing group of clients were those who’d forgotten they had accounts. The reason for this is that most investors are nervous and try to time the markets based on what they hear in the news. Despite multiple stock market dips since we’ve stopped working, our FIRE approach has not wavered. That’s because seasoned FIRE investors know that no matter what happens in the world, over the long term the stock market will keep rising, so if you’ve built a globally diversified, dividend-yielding portfolio, and use dollar-cost averaging to keep putting your savings into it, you’ll be richer over the long run. Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung retired in their 30s and are authors of the bestselling book Quit Like a Millionaire .
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The game had suddenly gone sideways for the Minnesota Vikings , their 11-point lead on the Chicago Bears having evaporated in the closing seconds. They straightened it out in overtime, no sweat, because Sam Darnold simply hasn't been fazed. Save for his occasional rash of turnovers, in games the Vikings still managed to win, Darnold proved again on Sunday in defeating the Bears that he's directing a passing attack with the potential to be one of the NFL 's most potent. “I think he’s a mentally tough guy. I think he’s a physically tough guy. I think he’s confident in the guys around him, and I think he’s confident in our system,” coach Kevin O'Connell said after the 30-27 victory. “I think when he just continues to play quarterback at a high level, I think we’re a tough team.” After the defense forced the Bears to punt on the opening possession of overtime, Darnold led the Vikings on a 68-yard drive to set up the game-ending field goal while overcoming a 7-yard sack on the first play and two subsequent setbacks with a false start and a holding penalty. On third-and-10 from the 21, he hit Jordan Addison near the sideline for 13 yards. On first-and-15 from the 29, Darnold threaded a throw to Justin Jefferson for 20 yards after he'd muscled his way through Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson on a post route for the clutch catch after he'd been all but silenced all afternoon by a defense determined to constantly bracket him with double coverage. On second-and-11 from the 48, Darnold connected with a wide-open T.J. Hockenson underneath for 12 yards. Then two plays later off a second-and-8 play-action fake, he found Hockenson again on a deep corner route for 29 yards to put Parker Romo in prime position for the walk-off winner. “Just execute. It’s as simple as that. Just one play at a time," said Darnold, who went 22 for 34 for 330 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. “I think I tell the guys that every single time in the huddle, but that’s my mindset every single time I’m out there on the field, especially in that situation.” Even when Jefferson continues to draw an extraordinary amount of coverage , the Vikings with Addison, Hockenson, Aaron Jones and the rest of their crew running O'Connell's system have proven they have an offense that can go win a game when it's required. That wouldn't be possible without Darnold, whose career rebirth has helped spark the Vikings (9-2) become one of the league's biggest surprises in what's now its most difficult division. “He’s cool, calm, collected,” Hockenson said. "That’s what you want as the leader of the huddle.” The Vikings' defense ranks ninth in the league on third downs, allowing a conversion rate of 34.5% after limiting the Bears to a 6-for-17 performance. The Vikings are tied for first on fourth downs with an allowance of 36.4% after the Bears went 2 for 3. Both conversions came in the fourth quarter during touchdown drives. The Vikings also rank fourth in the NFL in opponent points per drive (1.52). The Vikings had seven possessions that crossed the 20-yard line in Chicago, but only three of them yielded touchdowns. Their lone turnover was the type of game-altering giveaways they've struggled to eliminate this month, a fumble by Aaron Jones at the 1-yard line that ruined a promising first drive. The Vikings are tied for 20th in the league in red zone touchdown rate (53.9%) and are 17th in goal-to-go touchdowns (72%). Addison had eight catches for 162 yards, both career highs, and a touchdown on nine throws from Darnold. The second-year wide receiver has had a quieter season than his rookie year, but he stepped up in a significant way on an afternoon when Jefferson was as smothered by the opposing secondary as ever. TE Johnny Mundt had the onside kick glance off his shin as he charged toward the coverage, and the first kicking team recovery in the NFL this season helped the Bears extend the game. Mundt also had the false start on the overtime drive. His lone catch was a 7-yard gain when he was stopped short of the goal line, one play before the lost fumble. Mundt played 33 of 71 snaps and Hockenson took 48 snaps with Oliver out. The Vikings lost LT Cam Robinson (foot) and LB Ivan Pace (hamstring) to injuries in the first quarter against the Bears, and O'Connell said on Monday those players were still in "evaluation mode." Oliver (ankle) will have an opportunity to return after being sidelined last week. 101.7 — Darnold's passer rating, which ranks ninth in the NFL. Darnold has posted a 100-plus passer rating in nine of 11 games this season. He had only 12 such performances in 56 career starts before joining the Vikings. The Vikings have four of their next five games at home, starting with Arizona (6-5) this week, Atlanta (6-5) on Dec. 8 and a rematch with Chicago (4-7) in a Monday night game on Dec. 16. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
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CHICAGO (WLS) -- U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel is back home in Chicago, with a very blunt assessment of the election. But, he was also very coy about his own future after his time in Japan ends next year. ABC7 Chicago political reporter Craig Wall sat down with him for a one-on-one interview, during which Emanuel had some tough words for the Democratic Party. Former Mayor Emanuel came back to Chicago to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family over the holiday weekend. But, the results of the presidential election were nothing for the lifelong Democrat to be thankful for. He's not pulling punches in assessing what went wrong. Emanuel, a self-described political junkie, had a lot to say about the outcome of the election. When asked if he was surprised by the results, Emanuel said "yes and no." "That's the honest truth. I don't know if my head was one place, my heart was another place," he said. RELATED: IL Dem Rep. Casten introduces new resolution to force Ethics Committee to release Gaetz report But, his frustrations with Kamala Harris' campaign and the state of the Democratic Party were in many other places. He said the campaign's messaging was wrong. Former two-term Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama were pushed aside, and the Democratic Party became the establishment that voters rejected, he said. "We, as a party, go from the anti-establishment, in COVID, wear the coat of the establishment: Listen, put a mask on, close the schools, shut this down. And we become the establishment," Emanuel said. He said Donald Trump's victory was a vote against the establishment instead of a vote for change. And it should be a wake-up call for the Democratic Party, which he said is in disarray. "And here's what I would say to the Democrats: You have a YETI cup? Sit down and shut up. Stop telling people how to live their lives. Start listening to them a little more," Emanuel said. Emanuel will tender his resignation as ambassador to Japan when Trump takes office. He has served in that position since March of 2022. When asked if he was interested in being chair of the Democratic National Committee, which has been speculated in some political circles, Emanuel said, "That's not what I was thinking about for my life." "But, I think we're at a very crucial point, and there's a lot of different ways, doesn't have to be party chairman to contribute to the development and kind of 'regirding' the party for the future because we are on our back heels right now," he said. Emanuel also brushed off questions about whether he wants to run for Senate or governor. But, he made it clear he is not done with public service. When he gets back in six weeks, he will take a break, and then evaluate the possibilities.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Connecticut couple has been charged in Minnesota with being part of a shoplifting ring suspected of stealing around $1 million in goods across the country from the upscale athletic wear retailer Lululemon. Jadion Anthony Richards, 44, and Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, 45, both of Danbury, Connecticut, were charged this month with one felony count of organized retail theft. Both went free last week after posting bail bonds of $100,000 for him and $30,000 for her, court records show. They're due back in Ramsey County District Court in St. Paul on Dec. 16. According to the criminal complaints, a Lululemon investigator had been tracking the pair even before police first confronted them on Nov. 14 at a store in suburban Roseville. The investigator told police the couple were responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses across the country, the complaints said. They would steal items and make fraudulent returns, it said. Police found suitcases containing more than $50,000 worth of Lululemon clothing when they searched the couple's hotel room in Bloomington, the complaint said. According to the investigator, they were also suspected in thefts from Lululemon stores in Colorado, Utah, New York and Connecticut, the complaint said. Within Minnesota, they were also accused of thefts at stores in Minneapolis and the suburbs of Woodbury, Edina and Minnetonka. The investigator said the two were part of a group that would usually travel to a city and hit Lululemon stores there for two days, return to the East Coast to exchange the items without receipts for new items, take back the new items with the return receipts for credit card refunds, then head back out to commit more thefts, the complaint said. In at least some of the thefts, it said, Richards would enter the store first and buy one or two cheap items. He'd then return to the sales floor where, with help from Lawes-Richards, they would remove a security sensor from another item and put it on one of the items he had just purchased. Lawes-Richards and another woman would then conceal leggings under their clothing. They would then leave together. When the security sensors at the door went off, he would offer staff the bag with the items he had bought, while the women would keep walking out, fooling the staff into thinking it was his sensor that had set off the alarm, the complaint said. Richards' attorney declined comment. Lawes-Richards' public defender did not immediately return a call seeking comment Monday. “This outcome continues to underscore our ongoing collaboration with law enforcement and our investments in advanced technology, team training and investigative capabilities to combat retail crime and hold offenders accountable,” Tristen Shields, Lululemon's vice president of asset protection, said in a statement. "We remain dedicated to continuing these efforts to address and prevent this industrywide issue.” The two are being prosecuted under a state law enacted last year that seeks to crack down on organized retail theft. One of its chief authors, Sen. Ron Latz, of St. Louis Park, said 34 states already had organized retail crime laws on their books. “I am glad to see it is working as intended to bring down criminal operations," Latz said in a statement. "This type of theft harms retailers in myriad ways, including lost economic activity, job loss, and threats to worker safety when crime goes unaddressed. It also harms consumers through rising costs and compromised products being resold online.” Two Minnesota women were also charged under the new law in August. They were accused of targeting a Lululemon store in Minneapolis.NEW YORK (AP) — Chad Chronister, Donald Trump’s pick to run the Drug Enforcement Administration, said Tuesday he was withdrawing his name from consideration, becoming the second person selected by the president-elect to bow out quickly after being nominated for a position requiring Senate confirmation. Sheriff Chronister, the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County, Florida, said in a post on X that he was backing away from the opportunity, which he called “the honor of a lifetime.” “Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration,” Chronister wrote. He did not elaborate, and Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Chronister follows former Republican congressman , Trump’s first pick to serve as attorney general, in withdrawing his name for a post in the administration. Gaetz withdrew following scrutiny over that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. Trump’s pick of Chronister for the DEA job drew backlash from conservatives, who raised concerns over his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his saying that his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities.” In March 2020, Chronister arrested the pastor of a megachurch who held services with hundreds of people and violated a safer-at-home order in place aimed at limiting the spread of the Covid virus. “Shame on this pastor, their legal staff and the leaders of this staff for forcing us to do our job. That’s not what we wanted to do during a declared state of emergency,” Chronister said at the time. “We are hopeful that this will be a wakeup call.” U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky, was among those airing public complaints, saying Chronister should be “disqualified” for the arrest. Others flagged comments Chronister made in a video about Florida’s immigration laws that he released in 2023 that circulated again online after Trump named him last weekend. Related Articles In the video, Chronister praised the “rich diversity” of his community and called it “a place where people from all walks of life come together.” He said it was important to note his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities. We do not target individuals based on their immigration status. That’s the authority of federal agencies.” Trump has made a sweeping crackdown on immigration a central focus of his campaign and his aims for his coming administration.
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