In late November, $140 billion of American savings disappeared into thin air. This was the result of a revision to the U.S. personal savings rate by the BEA. Of course, the money only ever existed in a government-published report. But the original “bullish” data was widely cited as a sign that all was well with the economy. In truth, Americans are burning through their savings at a rapid pace. During the pandemic citizens reached record savings levels due to stimulus checks and programs, but since then all those excess savings have been burned through. Biden’s inflationary and anti-growth policies have taken their toll. U.S. credit card debt recently surpassed $1.14 trillion, a new record, while growing at unprecedented speed. Compounding the problem, APRs on credit card debt are also at record highs, well over 20% on average, with certain cards reaching APRs of over 33%. That’s not far away from payday loan APRs. And it’s not just American savings data that has been manipulated to appear healthier than it truly is. New home sales data for the U.S. over the summer was also recently revised sharply downwards. Payroll data and job openings have also been revised downward this fall. All sorts of bullish economic beats have been quietly revised to misses . It appears that the Biden administration broadly exaggerated economic statistics in an attempt to make the economy appear healthier than it truly was. Strangely, these data corrections don’t get nearly as much attention as the original (incorrect) reporting did. Once the “good” headline number comes out, traders and algorithms react immediately to the news. But they largely ignore subsequent bearish revisions, which don’t get nearly as much coverage in the news. It’s just the way the world works. When investors want to see positive economic data, they’ll find it. But eventually, the country will have to address these underlying issues head-on. Fortunately, we will soon have a competent leader in the White House to do so. A Renewed Sense of Purpose If this economy was a game of poker, Donald Trump would have been dealt a 2-7 off suit. It’s a bad hand, statistically speaking. But I believe that the Trump administration will, in time, overcome the subpar cards they were dealt. President Trump is set to cut red tape, eliminate waste, and make smart infrastructure investments. These aspects alone will have a highly significant impact on our financial outlook. Moreover, since the election, there’s a renewed sense of purpose in the country. Investors and business people understand how important this outcome was for the country. Before Trump’s win, there was widespread malaise throughout the country. There simply wasn’t much cause for optimism. Now the nation feels reinvigorated. The country is excited about the idea of Elon and Vivek’s DOGE slashing government waste. The people want to see widespread agency corruption ended. And when was the last time you saw this much attention paid to cabinet picks? Never. Americans have finally re-engaged with their government. This morale boost will be immensely helpful as we work through these headwinds. In economics, attitude matters almost as much as fundamentals. I still expect a recession to hit soon, if we’re not already in it, due to the Biden administration’s economic fumbles. It remains to be seen just how bad things might get in the short run. In terms of Trump’s policy plan, the new tariffs will encourage foreign companies to manufacture in the U.S. It’s simple: if you want to sell to America, set up shop here and create jobs. Trump made some progress on this during his first term, but now that the GOP has control of Congress and a mandate from the American people, it should be a smoother process this time around. Tariffs can also be a powerful bargaining tool, as Trump has already shown with Canada and Mexico. Importantly, Trump’s team understands that it is impossible to tax our way out of this situation. The only path forward is to grow the economy faster than the debt. Once we turn that corner, the problem begins to address itself. I’m not saying it’s going to be all smooth sailing. True reform is always a challenging process. There will almost certainly be more inflation on the horizon (but not nearly as bad as if Kamala had won). This is an unavoidable consequence of decades of reckless government spending. Still, the outlook for the nation has improved dramatically since November 5th. We have a rare chance to make meaningful, lasting change in America. It’s exciting to see it finally taking shape.
Judge weighs whether to order Fani Willis to comply with lawmakers’ subpoenas over Trump caseNPP National Chairman Stephen Ntim shakes Asutifi South ConstituencyNone
ST. PAUL — A former lawmaker who is the longest-serving woman in the history of the Minnesota House has suffered a stroke. Former Rep. Mary Murphy, DFL-Hermantown, experienced a stroke last week and is in comfort care following complications, House Speaker Melissa Hortman said in a Facebook post late Monday. Hortman said Murphy remains hospitalized until she can be transferred to a hospice care facility. “Mary has had some visitors. Her family hopes that Mary could feel and appreciate their presence,” Hortman said. “While heart-wrenching, the family has determined that hospice is the best solution. Mary will receive comfort care at the hospital until she can be placed in a hospice care facility, which they expect to happen soon.” Murphy, 85, is the second-longest-serving member of the Minnesota House and the longest-serving female legislator. She was first elected in 1976 and was defeated in her bid to represent the Duluth-area seat in 2022 by 33 votes. She’s also a former history and social studies teacher. Murphy was supposed to participate in last week’s Electoral College voting last week at the Capitol, an honor bestowed by party officials. She didn’t attend and an alternate was elevated. Hortman said Murphy’s family is grateful for the love and support shown by her friends, colleagues and community. This story was originally published on MPRNews.orgVera Therapeutics Reports Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)
Telfar, famous for the ‘Bushwick Birkin,’ holding open mic and ‘wild surprises’ at opening of new NYC store: ‘It’s going to be a show’Timberwolves may acquire veteran NBA champion to bolster backcourt | Sporting News
PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AP) — When the referee whistled for the free kick just outside the area, Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez quickly picked up the ball and moved in position to take the shot. “When I saw the free kick, I told Rodri (Rodrigo De Paul) that I felt confident with the shot,” Álvarez said. “And it was a great goal.” Álvarez, , has not been lacking confidence lately. The Argentina forward curled in the free kick shot in the 15th minute for the first of his two goals in the team’s 6-0 rout of Brest in the Champions League on Tuesday — the team’s biggest ever away win in European competitions. “We’ll keep rotating who takes the free kicks,” said Álvarez, who also found the net in the 59th. It was Álvarez’s seventh goal in the last 10 matches, and third in his last three games across all competitions. The 24-year-old had a slow start to his first season with Atletico, scoring twice in 10 matches. “It was a matter of time before we started connecting well with each other,” said Álvarez, who joined Atletico after two seasons at Manchester City. “We have to stay on this path to keep improving.” Ángel Correa also scored two goals for Atletico, with Marcos Llorente and Antoine Griezmann adding one each. “We know that in this format of the competition we need to keep adding the three points and scoring goals,” Álvarez said. “It’s important to get the points and the goals.” Atletico was sitting in 13th place in the 36-team league standings. ___ AP soccer:BEIRUT — Israel's military launched airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, unleashing explosions throughout the country and killing at least 31 while Israeli leaders appeared to be closing in on a negotiated ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group. Israeli strikes hit commercial and residential buildings in Beirut as well as in the port city of Tyre. Military officials claimed they targeted areas known as Hezbollah strongholds. They issued evacuation orders for Beirut's southern suburbs, and strikes landed across the city, including meters from a Lebanese police base and the city's largest public park. The barrage came as officials indicated they were nearing agreement on a ceasefire, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Security Cabinet prepared to discuss an offer on the table. Bulldozers remove the rubble of a destroyed building Monday that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. Foreign ministers from the world’s leading industrialized nations also expressed cautious optimism Monday about possible progress on a ceasefire. “Knock on wood,” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said as he opened the Group of Seven meeting outside Rome. “We are perhaps close to a ceasefire in Lebanon," he said. "Let's hope it's true and that there's no backing down at the last-minute.” A ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon was foremost on the agenda of the G7 meeting in Fiuggi, outside Rome, that gathered ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, in the last G7 encounter of the Biden administration. For the first time, the G7 ministers were joined by their counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as well as the Secretary General of the Arab League. Thick smoke, flames and debris erupt Monday from an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in Tayouneh, Beirut, Lebanon. Meanwhile, massive explosions lit up Lebanon's skies with flashes of orange, sending towering plumes of smoke into the air as Israeli airstrikes pounded Beirut's southern suburbs Monday. The blasts damaged buildings and left shattered glass and debris scattered across nearby streets. Some of the strikes landed close to central Beirut and near Christian neighborhoods and other targets where Israel issued evacuation warnings, including in Tyre and Nabatiyeh province. Israeli airstrikes also hit the northeast Baalbek-Hermel region without warning. Lebanon's Health Ministry said Monday that 26 people were killed in southern Lebanon, four in the eastern Baalbek-Hermel province and one in Choueifat, a neighborhood in Beirut's southern suburbs that was not subjected to evacuation warnings on Monday. The deaths brought the total toll to 3,768 killed in Lebanon throughout 13 months of war between Israel and Hezbollah and nearly two months since Israel launched its ground invasion. Many of those killed since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah have been civilians, and health officials said some of the recovered bodies were so severely damaged that DNA testing would be required to confirm their identities. Israel claims to have killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Lebanon's Health Ministry says the war has displaced 1.2 million people. Destroyed buildings stand Monday in the area of a village in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel. Israeli ground forces invaded southern Lebanon in early October, meeting heavy resistance in a narrow strip of land along the border. The military previously exchanged attacks across the border with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group that began firing rockets into Israel the day after the war in Gaza began last year. Lebanese politicians have decried the ongoing airstrikes and said they are impeding ceasefire negotiations. The country's deputy parliament speaker accused Israel of ramping up its bombardment to pressure Lebanon to make concessions in indirect ceasefire negotiations with Hezbollah. Elias Bousaab, an ally of the militant group, said Monday that the pressure has increased because "we are close to the hour that is decisive regarding reaching a ceasefire." Israeli officials voiced similar optimism Monday about prospects for a ceasefire. Mike Herzog, the country's ambassador to Washington, earlier in the day told Israeli Army Radio that several points had yet to be finalized. Though any deal would require agreement from the government, Herzog said Israel and Hezbollah were "close to a deal." "It can happen within days," he said. Israeli officials have said the sides are close to an agreement that would include withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and a pullback of Hezbollah fighters from the Israeli border. But several sticking points remain. A member of the Israeli security forces inspects an impact site Sunday after a rocket fired from Lebanon hit an area in Rinatya, outskirts of Tel Aviv, Israel. After previous hopes for a ceasefire were dashed, U.S. officials cautioned that negotiations were not yet complete and noted that there could be last-minute hitches that either delay or destroy an agreement. "Nothing is done until everything is done," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Monday. The proposal under discussion to end the fighting calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. The withdrawals would be accompanied by an influx of thousands more Lebanese army troops, who have been largely sidelined in the war, to patrol the border area along with an existing U.N. peacekeeping force. Western diplomats and Israeli officials said Israel demands the right to strike in Lebanon if it believes Hezbollah is violating the terms. The Lebanese government says such an arrangement would authorize violations of the country's sovereignty. On paper, being more sustainable and eco-friendly while shopping sounds great—so why don't more people do it? There is growing consumer consciousness about the environmental impact of where people choose to shop and the sustainability of the products they buy. According to McKinsey, over 60% of individuals surveyed in 2020 said they would be willing to pay more for a product that is packaged in an eco-friendly way. Since 2019, products marketed as being environmentally sustainable have seen a 28% growth in revenue compared to 20% for products with no such marketing, a 2023 McKinsey and NielsenIQ report found. Much of this is thanks to the preferences and attitudes of Gen Z, who, on average, care more than their older counterparts about being informed shoppers. The younger generation also has more social justice and environmental awareness altogether. Shoppers are willing to spend around 9.7% more on a product they know is sourced or manufactured sustainably, with 46% saying they would do so explicitly because they want to reduce their environmental footprint, according to a 2024 PwC report. Sustainable practices consumers look for from companies include production methods, packaging, and water conservation. But despite the growing consciousness around being more environmentally responsible, consumer actions don't always align with their values. In psychology, this is defined as the "say-do gap": the phenomenon wherein people openly express concern and intention around an issue, but fail to take tangible action to make a change. According to the Harvard Business Review in 2019, most consumers (65%) say they want to buy from brands that promote sustainability, but only 1 in 4 follow through. So why don't people actually shop sustainably, despite how much they express a preference for eco-friendly products—and how can we close the gap? The RealReal examined reports from the Harvard Business Review and other sources to explore why some shoppers want to buy sustainably but struggle to follow through. This lack of action isn't due to a lack of caring—in many cases, it's hard to know how to be a sustainable consumer and other factors are often outside of shoppers' control. But the more people shop sustainably, the easier and more accessible that market will be for everyone—making it much easier for folks to buy aligned with their values. There are many obstacles preventing shoppers from upholding eco-friendly habits as much as they may want to—but not all of these barriers are necessarily real, or accurately understood. Shopping sustainably simply isn't convenient or accessible for many. Those who live in apartment buildings are 50% less likely to recycle , according to Ipsos. Reasons for this can vary from lack of space to buildings being excluded altogether because of recycling contamination issues. Many believe that sustainable products are too expensive or of a lower quality. The former is often true, which does create a hurdle for many: The manufacturing processes and materials for sustainable products are pricey. For instance, organic cotton requires an intensive production process free of certain chemicals or pesticides; by definition, true eco-friendly products can't be mass-produced, further upping their price tag. Using recycled materials for packaging, or obtaining an eco certification, can also be expensive. However, although the narrative of eco-friendly products being more expensive is true, there is often more of an effort to use better quality materials that last longer than their noneco-friendly counterparts. This could end up saving consumers money in the long run: By paying more upfront, they can get more wear out of sustainable fashion, for instance. There is also undeniable political rhetoric surrounding eco-friendly products—however, despite many Conservative politicians decrying sustainable products, members of all generations are increasingly choosing to prioritize shopping sustainably regardless of their political affiliation, according to research from NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business . This finding shows a trend toward seeing sustainability as a nonpartisan subject everyone can benefit from, no matter where they lie on the political spectrum. Some might think eco-friendly clothing, in particular, is not fashion-forward; after all, many of the top clothing retailers in the world partake in fast fashion. However, brands are increasingly being recognized as 'cool' and 'trendy' for supporting environmentally ethical practices, particularly as younger generations prioritize sustainability, as noted before. Many increasingly popular online stores are taking advantage of this paradigm shift by offering secondhand shopping options that are not only fashionable, but also more affordable, like ThredUp or Poshmark. Additionally, many legacy large-name brands are hopping on the sustainability movement and are gaining appreciation from loyal customers. Amazon's Climate Pledge Friendly program partners with third-party certification bodies to make it easier for shoppers to identify eco-friendly products as they browse the website. H&M's newly launched H&M Rewear program debuts a resale platform that allows the resale of all clothing brands—not just their own. Similarly, Patagonia's Worn Wear program allows shoppers to trade in and buy used gear and clothing. The federal government is also working to close this gap. The Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice program is attempting to make sustainable shopping easier for consumers and companies alike. It includes a directory of certified products, a list of safer chemicals to look out for on labels, a "Safer Choice" label that products can earn to denote they are eco-friendly, and resources for manufacturers looking to adopt more sustainable practices. Most of all, though, the biggest way shoppers can shift toward sustainable shopping is through their behaviors and attitudes amongst their peers and communities. Studies show that humans largely care what others think of their actions; the more shoppers make environmentally conscious shopping the norm, the more others will follow suit. From an economic perspective, the more consumers shop eco-friendly, the more affordable and accessible these products will become, too: Sustainable products are currently more expensive because they are not in high demand. Once demand rises, production rates and prices can lower, making these products more accessible for all. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. This story originally appeared on The RealReal and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Be the first to know
Nvidia is on the brink of another potential surge as it aims to surpass its 50-day moving average again, delighting investors. The company’s stock has already jumped a staggering 182% this year. The steady climb in Nvidia’s stock price highlights growing investor optimism, especially as the fiscal year heads into Q4. Many market watchers believe there’s a chance for further gains as expectations for a positive quarterly earnings report rise. Investors Eyeing Nvidia’s Next Move As Nvidia stands at a pivotal moment, interested investors are looking for ways to benefit from the potential upswing while managing their risks. An increase similar to the previous months might be on the horizon, making it an intriguing time for those considering investments in the tech giant. Many speculate that if Nvidia maintains its current trajectory, it could continue to show impressive growth. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming financial results fuels this optimism, leading to increased interest and activity among stockholders. Navigating the Risks Given the uncertainties associated with stock investments, those keen on Nvidia’s prospects are exploring strategies that balance potential gains with caution. These strategies aim to capitalize on potential upward movements without exposing investors to undue risk. As 2023 unfolds, all eyes are on Nvidia’s subsequent steps and the upcoming Q4 report, which could solidify the company’s position as a heavyweight in the industry. With opportunities ripe for exploration, Nvidia stands at an exciting crossroads with promising possibilities. Nvidia’s Meteoric Rise: Opportunities and Challenges in the Tech Market Overview of Nvidia’s Continued Growth and Market Reactions As Nvidia edges closer to surpassing its 50-day moving average once again, market analysts and investors alike are buzzing with anticipation. This year, Nvidia’s stock has already soared by an impressive 182%, underscoring the significant interest in this tech powerhouse. As the company approaches its Q4 of the fiscal year, expectations for favorable earnings reports are high, further energizing market watchers who see potential for continued gains. Predictions and Insights: Navigating Nvidia’s Future Financial experts are increasingly focused on Nvidia’s future growth prospects. Many predict that if the company maintains its current trajectory, stockholders could witness even more significant gains. However, predicting stock behavior is fraught with complexities and requires keen market insight. The upcoming financial results could be a defining factor, strengthening Nvidia’s standing as a formidable entity in the tech industry. Nvidia’s Tech Innovations: What’s Driving Growth? What lies behind Nvidia’s recent success is not just market speculation but also its robust portfolio of tech innovations. Nvidia’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), gaming, and data center solutions have bolstered its reputation. The company’s powerful GPUs are increasingly being employed in cutting-edge applications, ranging from AI and machine learning to autonomous vehicles and advanced simulations. Sustainability and Security in Tech: Nvidia’s Commitment Beyond raw performance, Nvidia is also enhancing its sustainability and security measures. The company is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint by optimizing data center energy use and recycling old hardware. Furthermore, Nvidia places a strong emphasis on security, employing advanced measures to protect its technology and data, ensuring they adhere to the highest standards of cybersecurity. Potential Challenges and Market Speculations Despite the optimism, investors must be aware of potential market volatility. Stock investments invariably come with risks, and managing these uncertainties is crucial for long-term success. The impending Q4 earnings report is a key event that could either boost investor confidence or introduce fluctuations in stock value if outcomes disappoint. Strategies for Potential Investors Potential investors are advised to employ strategic diversification to mitigate risks while seizing opportunities. Balancing potential upsides with possible downsides is essential. Engaging with financial advisors or market experts can provide invaluable insights into developing robust investment strategies. Conclusion: Navigating Nvidia’s Promising Future As 2023 progresses, Nvidia’s journey continues to captivate investors and analysts. Whether the company will sustain its rapid growth remains contingent on multiple factors, including technological advancements and market dynamics. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Nvidia appears poised to retain its position as a leader in the tech arena, navigating the waves of market opportunities and challenges. For more on Nvidia and its innovations, visit their official website .Marathon Petroleum MPC has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 4.43% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 17.8%. Currently, Marathon Petroleum has a market capitalization of $43.42 billion. Buying $1000 In MPC: If an investor had bought $1000 of MPC stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $2,241.64 today based on a price of $135.10 for MPC at the time of writing. Marathon Petroleum's Performance Over Last 5 Years Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time. This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Brits will watch FIVE hours of telly a day over Christmas and ‘lie’ to loved ones to avoid socialising for a boxset
Israel launches new strikes on Lebanon as leaders draw closer to ceasefire with Hezbollah
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Eugene Boakye Antwi Reflects on NPP’s 2024 Defeat and the Lessons LearnedFofana 2-3 1-2 5, Jones 4-6 8-8 17, Lewis 2-3 2-2 6, Fuller 2-8 6-6 10, Washington 3-7 3-5 9, Adams 8-12 3-3 19, Martindale 1-2 3-4 6, Brinson 3-3 3-4 9, Beard 1-4 0-0 2, Barbee 1-2 0-0 2, Cain 0-1 4-4 4, Thibiant 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 27-52 33-38 89. Pickett 1-4 0-0 3, Addo-Ankrah 1-6 0-0 3, Craig 3-7 0-0 8, Lee 2-6 2-2 8, Shogbonyo 6-11 1-1 15, Lopez-Sanvicente 3-4 3-6 10, Akins 2-9 2-5 7, Mani 0-5 0-0 0, Bowen 0-1 4-4 4, Carney 1-3 0-0 2. Totals 19-56 12-18 60. Halftime_CS Northridge 48-33. 3-Point Goals_CS Northridge 2-14 (Jones 1-1, Martindale 1-2, Barbee 0-1, Cain 0-1, Thibiant 0-1, Beard 0-2, Washington 0-2, Fuller 0-4), Denver 10-30 (Lee 2-2, Shogbonyo 2-4, Craig 2-5, Lopez-Sanvicente 1-1, Pickett 1-3, Addo-Ankrah 1-5, Akins 1-5, Bowen 0-1, Carney 0-2, Mani 0-2). Fouled Out_Lee, Akins. Rebounds_CS Northridge 40 (Adams 11), Denver 18 (Lopez-Sanvicente 5). Assists_CS Northridge 9 (Beard 4), Denver 10 (Lopez-Sanvicente 3). Total Fouls_CS Northridge 19, Denver 29. A_109 (7,321).
The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has demanded that the Centre make an official statement in the Parliament regarding the “ corrupt practices of Adani Group ”. “The illusion of clean governance under the Modi government was shattered by the Adani scam,” B.V. Raghavulu alleged, accusing former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of behaving like a “clever thief” and highlighting that the deal would burden the State’s people by ₹1 lakh crore. Also Read: Former A.P. CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy accused of taking ₹1,750 crore for power purchase deal They pointed out that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), when in the opposition, had criticised the deal, but now chose to remain silent. The deal involved corruption to the quantum of ₹2,029 crore. ₹1,757 crore of which allegedly went to Mr. Jagan, as alleged by the U.S. Department of Justice. The government should release documents explaining the deal and why electricity, which costs ₹1.99 per unit, is being bought at ₹2.49. They also wanted the cancellation of the deal. The CPI(M) leaders also criticised the Central government for arresting political leaders like Arvind Kejriwal and Hemant Soren in minor cases while avoiding any investigation into Mr. Jagan. The ED and CBI should investigate the Adani deal and take necessary action. Why did Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, despite knowing about the huge scam, remain silent, they wondered, urging both Mr. Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party (JSP) president Pawan Kalyan to end their silence and take action against Mr. Jagan. CPI(M) State Secretary V. Srinivasa Rao strongly opposed amendments to the Waqf Act, stating that the Central government was trying to undermine the independent status of Waqf boards by placing BJP-friendly individuals in charge. He called on TDP and JSP to join the fight against the “undemocratic move” in Parliament. Published - November 26, 2024 04:40 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Andhra Pradesh / VijayawadaTyson-Paul promoter responds to rigging rumors
Nathan Reiter/Daily Herald. Matthew Cudmore of the Prince Albert Predators attempts a shot on goal during Founders Cup play-in action at Al Ritchie Memorial Arena in Regina on Sunday afternoon. The Prairie Gold Lacrosse League (PGLL) is still months away from beginning the 2025 season, but the Prince Albert Predators are already beginning to put in some work to prepare. The Predators will be hosting winter camps once a week at St. Francis School from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for 12 weeks beginning on Jan. 5, 2025. The camps are open to all U17 and U21 players. Predators head coach Lucas Wells says the camp provides an opportunity for the team to get used to the sport of lacrosse and adjust to the systems that the team will implement during the season. “I think it’s vital for our organization, not just for the new kids, but the older guys that are in school or working. Just getting their sticks in their hands, getting their feet back moving. We can implement some things instead of having to do it at training camp or the first couple practices. We can work on things throughout the winter (and) be prepared. When the first game starts, we know we’re ready to go and we’re loaded with all of our systems and all the new guys are ready to go.” It was a historic season in 2024 for the Predators. Prince Albert repeated as PGLL champions going undefeated in league play. The Predators also made a bid to appear at the Founders’ Cup and defeated the Saskatchewan SWAT in a play-in game on May 24. The following weekend, the Predators would play the Queen City Kings in the first of a best-of-three with the winner advancing to the Founders’ Cup. Queen City took the first game 11-10 in overtime in Prince Albert, before eliminating the Predators from Founders’ Cup contention with an 11-3 win in Regina on Jun. 30. That would be the only two games that Prince Albert would lose all season long. With Founders’ no longer a possibility, the Predators would attend the MacDonald Cup in Brooks, Alberta. They would go undefeated in round robin play and defeated the Lakeland Heat 12-3 in the gold medal game. The last Saskatchewan team to win the MacDonald Cup was the Biggar Roadrunners back in 1979. With the success the Predators have had, Wells expects a lot of younger players to be eager to make the jump to the PGLL to replace the graduating talent. “I know that there’s going to be a lot of younger guys looking to step up and there’s a lot of spots available. As a coaching staff, we’ve always said that it doesn’t matter if you’ve played in the league three years, one year or haven’t played in the league. We’re going put the best people on the floor that we believe give us the best chance to win.” “With so many open spots, I think that a lot of young guys are going to be hungry, especially after the success we’ve had. A lot of young guys are going to be hungry to take that next step and maybe try and take a spot away from those older guys. It’ll be nice to just see and watch them develop and watch them kind of learn the junior game and see how they improve and react to the physicality of the speed. Just little things like that and see if they can handle it in a winter camp.” sports@paherald.sk.ca -Advertisement-