NEWTOWN, Pa., Dec. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating claims regarding data privacy violations by American Addiction Centers, Inc. ("AAC"). AAC learned of suspicious activity on or about September 26, 2024. About American Addiction Centers, Inc. Founded in 2007, American Addiction Centers and its affiliated providers, AdCare, the Greenhouse, Desert Hope Center, Oxford Treatment Center, Recovery First, Sunrise House, River Oaks Treatment Center, and Laguna Treatment Hospital, provides comprehensive addiction treatment services. With facilities in eight states, AAC delivers personalized care designed to address substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. What happened? On or about September 26, 2024, AAC discovered that it was experiencing a cybersecurity incident. AAC initiated an investigation and engaged cybersecurity experts for assistance. On October 3, 2024, the investigation revealed that an unauthorized party had accessed data from AAC's computer systems between September 23 and September 26, 2024. Some personal information may have been compromised during this data breach, including names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, medical record numbers, Social Security numbers, and health insurance details. More than 420,000 individuals have been affected by this incident. How can I protect my personal data? If you receive a data breach notification, you must guard against possible misuse of your personal information, including identity theft and fraud, by regularly reviewing your account statements and monitoring your credit reports for suspicious or unauthorized activity. Additionally, you should consider legal options for mitigating such risks. Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a class action lawsuit to seek legal remedies for customers who may have had their sensitive personal and patient data compromised by the AAC data breach. For more information, please contact: Marc H. Edelson, Esq. EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300 Newtown, PA 18940 Phone: 844-696-7492 Email: medelson@edelson-law.com Web: www.edelson-law.com About Edelson Lechtzin LLP Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to cases involving data breaches, our lawyers focus on class and collective litigation in cases alleging securities and investment fraud, violations of the federal antitrust laws, employee benefit plans under ERISA, wage theft and unpaid overtime, consumer fraud, and catastrophic injuries. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. No class has been certified in this case, so counsel does not represent you unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing now. Your ability to share in any potential future recovery does not depend on serving as lead plaintiff. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
The Kerala BJP is witnessing internal turmoil following a humiliating defeat in the Palakkad Assembly bypoll. Party leaders, both covertly and overtly, have criticized the state leadership for its dismal performance in a constituency where the BJP was seen as having a strong chance of victory. After polling concluded on November 20, BJP state president K Surendran had expressed confidence in a comfortable win. However, the election result served as a stark setback, highlighting the party’s inability to capitalize on its decade-long influence in the Palakkad municipal region. The loss has exacerbated discontent within the party, exposing internal rifts and dissatisfaction among its ranks. The BJP’s vote share in Palakkad has dropped significantly, erasing gains made over the past decade. In 2016, Sobha Surendran garnered 40,076 votes (29.08%), while in 2021 E Sreedharan increased the tally to 50,220 votes (35.34%). This time, the party’s vote count plunged to 39,246 (28.63%), 830 votes fewer than in 2016. Advertisement The defeat has led to calls for accountability. Many leaders have intensified their criticism of K Surendran, with demands for him to take responsibility. BJP national council member N. Sivarajan hinted at top-level failures, stating, “The party’s foundation is intact, but its leadership needs strengthening.” State committee member CV Sajani also criticized the leadership, stating on Facebook that “BJP is no one’s waqf property.” Similarly, Palakkad district committee member Surendran Tharoor noted failures in candidate selection and campaign strategy. BJP vice president B. Gopalakrishnan publicly questioned Surendran’s role in the defeat. Another critical voice came from BJP state committee member Sandeep Vachaspati, who pointed out the irony of vote leakage occurring under the direct supervision of the state president. The decision to field C Krishna Kumar as the candidate, despite local opposition, has drawn ire from party members. Many believe that if Sobha Surendran had been nominated, the outcome would have been different. Local leaders felt that bypolls require a non-controversial, widely accepted candidate, which the state leadership overlooked. Adding to the BJP’s woes was the departure of Sandeep Warrier, a prominent leader who joined the Congress just before the election. His exit, coupled with allegations of factionalism within the BJP, has caused further damage. Warrier accused Surendran and a coterie, including former union minister V Muraleedharan and Krishna Kumar, of undemocratic practices and fostering internal discontent. The BJP’s alleged compromises with the ruling CPI(M) have also alienated its base. The failure to pursue high-profile corruption cases involving CPI(M) leaders and their allies has led to accusations of political collusion, further demoralizing cadres. Political observers argue that the central BJP leadership must also bear responsibility for the crisis. Prakash Javadekar, the party’s Kerala in-charge, reportedly dismissed Warrier’s grievances, a decision now seen as a missed opportunity to prevent his defection. The defeat in Palakkad underscores a broader challenge for the BJP in Kerala: addressing internal discord, regaining its core base, and rebuilding trust among cadres and supporters. AdvertisementCIBC Asset Management Inc bought a new stake in shares of Cathay General Bancorp ( NASDAQ:CATY – Free Report ) in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 4,683 shares of the bank’s stock, valued at approximately $201,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. SG Americas Securities LLC raised its stake in shares of Cathay General Bancorp by 504.2% in the second quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 24,568 shares of the bank’s stock worth $927,000 after buying an additional 20,502 shares during the period. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Cathay General Bancorp in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $378,000. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Cathay General Bancorp by 39.4% in the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 29,804 shares of the bank’s stock worth $1,124,000 after acquiring an additional 8,429 shares in the last quarter. Choreo LLC bought a new stake in Cathay General Bancorp during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $499,000. Finally, CWA Asset Management Group LLC purchased a new position in Cathay General Bancorp during the third quarter valued at approximately $671,000. 75.01% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently commented on CATY shares. Wedbush raised their price objective on shares of Cathay General Bancorp from $50.00 to $52.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 23rd. Truist Financial increased their price target on Cathay General Bancorp from $45.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research note on Friday, September 20th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $44.00. Cathay General Bancorp Trading Up 2.5 % Shares of CATY opened at $52.81 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $3.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.30 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 1.03. Cathay General Bancorp has a 1 year low of $33.88 and a 1 year high of $54.07. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $46.08 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $41.84. Cathay General Bancorp ( NASDAQ:CATY – Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Monday, October 21st. The bank reported $0.94 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.95 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $359.86 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $182.70 million. Cathay General Bancorp had a net margin of 20.57% and a return on equity of 11.30%. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.13 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that Cathay General Bancorp will post 3.99 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Cathay General Bancorp Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 9th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 27th will be issued a $0.34 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 27th. This represents a $1.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.58%. Cathay General Bancorp’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 34.26%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Thomas M. Lo sold 900 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $47.00, for a total value of $42,300.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 3,359 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $157,873. This trade represents a 21.13 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Also, Vice Chairman Peter Wu sold 40,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.87, for a total value of $2,114,800.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 295,252 shares in the company, valued at $15,609,973.24. The trade was a 11.93 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last three months, insiders have sold 60,590 shares of company stock worth $3,055,488. Corporate insiders own 4.76% of the company’s stock. Cathay General Bancorp Profile ( Free Report ) Cathay General Bancorp operates as the holding company for Cathay Bank that offers various commercial banking products and services to individuals, professionals, and small to medium-sized businesses in the United States. The company offers various deposit products, including passbook accounts, checking accounts, money market deposit accounts, certificates of deposit, individual retirement accounts, and public funds deposits. Featured Articles Five stocks we like better than Cathay General Bancorp High Dividend REITs: Are They an Ideal Way to Diversify? Vertiv’s Cool Tech Makes Its Stock Red-Hot What Are Dividend Contenders? Investing in Dividend Contenders MarketBeat Week in Review – 11/18 – 11/22 Best Stocks Under $10.00 2 Finance Stocks With Competitive Advantages You Can’t Ignore Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CATY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Cathay General Bancorp ( NASDAQ:CATY – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Cathay General Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cathay General Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Altria Group MO , and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in MO usually suggests something big is about to happen. We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 19 extraordinary options activities for Altria Group. This level of activity is out of the ordinary. The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 47% leaning bullish and 47% bearish. Among these notable options, 8 are puts, totaling $746,410, and 11 are calls, amounting to $1,187,025. Predicted Price Range Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $37.5 to $55.0 for Altria Group over the recent three months. Volume & Open Interest Development In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Altria Group stands at 1434.1, with a total volume reaching 32,436.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Altria Group, situated within the strike price corridor from $37.5 to $55.0, throughout the last 30 days. Altria Group Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview Significant Options Trades Detected: Symbol PUT/CALL Trade Type Sentiment Exp. Date Ask Bid Price Strike Price Total Trade Price Open Interest Volume MO CALL SWEEP BULLISH 09/19/25 $8.45 $8.35 $8.45 $45.00 $252.6K 528 300 MO PUT SWEEP BEARISH 03/21/25 $0.8 $0.76 $0.8 $50.00 $232.4K 3.4K 9.0K MO CALL SWEEP BULLISH 06/20/25 $8.2 $8.1 $8.2 $45.00 $223.8K 2.0K 274 MO CALL SWEEP BULLISH 06/20/25 $6.1 $6.0 $6.1 $47.50 $181.7K 2.5K 300 MO CALL SWEEP BULLISH 01/17/25 $12.8 $12.7 $12.77 $40.00 $109.8K 723 86 About Altria Group Altria comprises Philip Morris USA, us Smokeless Tobacco, John Middleton, Horizon Innovations, and Helix Innovations. Through its tobacco subsidiaries, Altria maintains the leading position in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in the United States and the number-two spot in machine-made cigars. The company's Marlboro brand is the leading cigarette brand in the us with 42% annual share in 2023. Beyond its core business, it holds an 8% interest in the world's largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev, a 42% stake in cannabis manufacturer Cronos, acquired Njoy Holdings in 2023, and operates a joint venture with Japan Tobacco in the heated tobacco category. It also recently disposed of its investment in Juul Labs. Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Altria Group, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance. Altria Group's Current Market Status With a volume of 2,514,562, the price of MO is down -0.46% at $52.36. RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be oversold. Next earnings are expected to be released in 34 days. What Analysts Are Saying About Altria Group Over the past month, 1 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $65.0. Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days? 20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. Click here for access .* An analyst from B of A Securities upgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $65. Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Altria Group with Benzinga Pro for real-time alerts. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Human Rights activist, Mr Femi Falana, has asked the Federal Government to set up machinery to compensate the families of those who lost their loved ones in the stampedes that occurred in different parts of the country. Pointedly, Falana said the Nigeria Police should be held responsible for the stampedes that led to the loss of lives in some states in the part of the country as they shirked their responsibilities during the event that led to the death of more than 70 people. Also, Falana asked the government under Lucky Aiyedatiwa to do everything possible to ensure reconciliation with the family of his boss, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, so that there would be harmony before next year’s memorial lecture in honour of the former governor. The lecture titled: “Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace, Stability, and Development: The Ondo State Example ” was delivered in honour of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State Falana noted that the stampedes that occurred during the distribution of food items and other palliatives in the country were a national tragedy. He, however, said the Nigerian police, saddled with the right under the constitution to protect the citizens of the country at all public gatherings, failed to live up to its responsibilities. His words “The blame should also go to the Nigeria Police Force because of their sheer incompetence to protect those who lost their lives in those stampedes. “If there is any noise that disturbed the neighbours, the police would come. If a few people gathered on the street in a tumultuous manner, the police would come. “Under Section 83, subsection 4 of the Police Establishment Act, 2020, if there is a rally, public meeting, or state rally, the police shall provide adequate security for the people. “It was a failure that led to the loss of lives in those stampedes. In traditional political meetings and protests, the law states that the police shall provide security so that hoodlums would not break into protests and cause mayhem.” Falana called for systemic reforms to protect the dignity and lives of the citizens, Falana advised the Nigerian police to always take decisive steps to forestall such incidents. According to him, the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu should ensure there is compensation for the families of the victims. His words “It is the management of protests and public meetings in our country that is the problem in our country. I therefore suggest that because we operate a capitalist system, somebody must bear responsibility for any damage. “The federal government must pay compensation to the families of those who lost their lives in the stampedes because of the failure and negligence of the Nigeria Police Force,” he added. In his remark, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the former Ondo governor, Akeredolu, as a man of courage who always spoke the “truth” to power. Aiyedatiwa noted that the late Akeredolu fought for the advancement of democracy and the rule of law in the country. Aiyedatiwa said “As we pay tribute to this legendary citizen of Nigeria, this event is a testament to his enduring legacy and the profound impacts he had on our state and Nigeria at large. “We must continue to remember his unwavering commitment to the welfare and development of our state. We must celebrate him for his selfless service, visionary leadership, and infectious passion for progress, which continue to inspire us. “Arakunrin Akeredolu was that courageous leader who spoke truth to power and fought for the advancement of democracy and the Rule of Law in our country.”
Calgary Flames (12-6-3, in the Pacific Division) vs. Ottawa Senators (8-11-1, in the Atlantic Division) Ottawa, Ontario; Monday, 7:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Ottawa Senators host the Calgary Flames after the Flames defeated the Minnesota Wild 4-3 in a shootout. Ottawa has an 8-11-1 record overall and a 5-5-1 record in home games. The Senators are 3-4-1 in one-goal games. Calgary is 3-3-3 on the road and 12-6-3 overall. The Flames have gone 7-0-2 in games they have fewer penalties than their opponent. Monday's game is the first time these teams square off this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Tim Stutzle has nine goals and 15 assists for the Senators. Tyler Kleven has scored goals over the last 10 games. Rasmus Andersson has scored five goals with eight assists for the Flames. Matthew Coronato has over the past 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Senators: 3-6-1, averaging 2.3 goals, 4.1 assists, five penalties and 11.7 penalty minutes while giving up three goals per game. Flames: 6-2-2, averaging 2.3 goals, 3.5 assists, 3.2 penalties and seven penalty minutes while giving up 2.1 goals per game. INJURIES: Senators: None listed. Flames: None listed. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar . The Associated Press
Maryland is suing the company that produces the waterproof material Gore-Tex often used for raincoats and other outdoor gear, alleging its leaders kept using “forever chemicals” long after learning about serious health risks associated with them. The complaint, which was filed last week in federal court, focuses on a cluster of 13 facilities in northeastern Maryland operated by Delaware-based W.L. Gore & Associates. It alleges the company polluted the air and water around its facilities with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances , jeopardizing the health of surrounding communities while raking in profits. The lawsuit adds to other claims filed in recent years, including a class action on behalf of Cecil County residents in 2023 demanding Gore foot the bill for water filtration systems, medical bills and other damages associated with decades of harmful pollution in the largely rural community. “PFAS are linked to cancer, weakened immune systems, and can even harm the ability to bear children,” Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said in a statement. “It is unacceptable for any company to knowingly contaminate our drinking water with these toxins, putting Marylanders at risk of severe health conditions.” Gore spokesperson Donna Leinwand Leger said the company is “surprised by the Maryland Attorney General’s decision to initiate legal action, particularly in light of our proactive and intensive engagement with state regulators over the past two years.” “We have been working with Maryland, employing the most current, reliable science and technology to assess the potential impact of our operations and guide our ongoing, collaborative efforts to protect the environment,” the company said in a statement, noting a Dec. 18 report that contains nearly two years of groundwater testing results. But attorney Philip Federico, who represents plaintiffs in the class action and other lawsuits against Gore, called the company’s efforts “too little, much too late.” In the meantime, he said, residents are continuing to suffer — one of his clients was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer. “It’s typical corporate environmental contamination,” he said. “They’re in no hurry to fix the problem.” The synthetic chemicals are especially harmful because they’re nearly indestructible and can build up in various environments, including the human body. In addition to cancers and immune system problems, exposure to certain levels of PFAS has been linked to increased cholesterol levels, reproductive health issues and developmental delays in children, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Gore leaders failed to warn people living near its Maryland facilities about the potential impacts, hoping to protect their corporate image and avoid liability, according to the state’s lawsuit. The result has been “a toxic legacy for generations to come,” the lawsuit alleges. Since the chemicals are already in the local environment, protecting residents now often means installing complex and expensive water filtration systems. People with private wells have found highly elevated levels of dangerous chemicals in their water, according to the class action lawsuit. The Maryland facilities are located in a rural area just across the border from Delaware, where Gore has become a longtime fixture in the community. The company, which today employs more than 13,000 people, was founded in 1958 after Wilbert Gore left the chemical giant DuPont to start his own business. Its profile rose with the development of Gore-Tex , a lightweight waterproof material created by stretching polytetrafluoroethylene, which is better known by the brand name Teflon that’s used to coat nonstick pans. The membrane within Gore-Tex fabric has billions of pores that are smaller than water droplets, making it especially effective for outdoor gear. The state’s complaint traces Gore’s longstanding relationship with DuPont , arguing that information about the chemicals' dangers was long known within both companies as they sought to keep things quiet and boost profits. It alleges that as early as 1961, DuPont scientists knew the chemical caused adverse liver reactions in rats and dogs. DuPont has faced widespread litigation in recent years. Along with two spinoff companies, it announced a $1.18 billion deal last year to resolve complaints of polluting many U.S. drinking water systems with forever chemicals. The Maryland lawsuit seeks to hold Gore responsible for costs associated with the state’s ongoing investigations and cleanup efforts, among other damages. State oversight has ramped up following litigation from residents alleging their drinking water was contaminated. Until then, the company operated in Cecil County with little scrutiny. Gore announced in 2014 that it had eliminated perfluorooctanoic acid from the raw materials used to create Gore-Tex. But it’s still causing long-term impacts because it persists for so long in the environment, attorneys say. Over the past two years, Gore has hired an environmental consulting firm to conduct testing in the area and provided bottled water and water filtration systems to residents near certain Maryland facilities, according to a webpage describing its efforts. Recent testing of drinking water at residences near certain Gore sites revealed perfluorooctanoic acid levels well above what the EPA considers safe, according to state officials. Attorneys for the state acknowledged Gore’s ongoing efforts to investigate and address the problem but said the company needs to step up and be a better neighbor. “While we appreciate Gore’s limited investigation to ascertain the extent of PFAS contamination around its facilities, much more needs to be done to protect the community and the health of residents,” Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain said in a statement. “We must remove these forever chemicals from our natural resources urgently, and we expect responsible parties to pay for this remediation.”An ancient Chinese art, Feng Shui is about creating balance and harmony within our surroundings. And, while it's often referred to in interior design, the philosophy can help influence our outdoor spaces, too. Garden Feng Shui incorporates elements such as water features, curved shapes, and certain color palettes. Plant choice is also important for a peaceful and positive space, and a patio – which tends to be the hub of a backyard – is the perfect place to utilize well-suited options. I asked gardening experts for their recommended plants to Feng Shui a patio. Below, you'll find five beautiful picks, as well as tips on how to care for them. 1. Ferns Low-maintenance ferns with their feathery foliage are ideal for a calming space Nikki regards ferns as the ultimate choice for tranquility – and easy to care for, too. 'Their size stays smaller, so they are a great choice for patios,' she says. She recommends the ' Autumn Brilliance' fern, an evergreen plant available from Perfect Plants Nursery which showcases shades of red and orange. 'Keep it happy with indirect sunlight and make sure the soil is always moist.' Other pretty examples include the marginal wood fern, available from Nature Hills , which is neat and compact. Most ferns are good shade plants , bringing life to gloomy corners, but always check the label when choosing the best planting position. Ferns are also a great Feng Shui plant for indoors . Nikki Bruner is the marketing manager at Perfect Plants Nursery. With a passion for plants and expertise in marketing, Nikki combines her knowledge of the nursery industry with her creative thinking to promote and highlight the exceptional offerings of Perfect Plants Nursery. She is dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction and providing valuable insights for plant lovers. 2. Red Mandevilla Bring vibrancy into your space with this flowering vine 'The color red is said to be a powerful color in Feng Shui, so a splash of red from a tropical mandevilla plant can help activate positive energy,' says Justin Hancock of Costa Farms. 'Vining varieties can climb to 10 feet or so and need a trellis, fence, or other support,' Justin continues. 'Because of their vertical nature, these mandevilla varieties can be a great way to add more color to a small space.' Mounding varieties, on the other hand, grow to about 18 inches tall and wide. 'They don’t need support and can be used as landscape accents (such as lining a meandering path to guide positive energy), or in container gardens ,' he says. In terms of care, Justin says mandevilla grows and blooms best in all-day sun or afternoon sun and morning shade. It’s somewhat drought tolerant , he adds. Justin Hancock is a Costa Farms horticulturist with over 25 years in the industry. A plant enthusiast and educator, he has a degree in horticultural science and has worked in garden centers and botanical gardens, as a garden designer, and in garden publishing (including at Better Homes and Gardens ). He has experience gardening across the country, from Minnesota to Oregon to Miami. Justin is also co-host of the Costa Farms podcast Plant Rx . 3. Star Jasmine Try training this climber around your seating space Fragrant plants are perfect for a calming, sensory garden , and star jasmine (available at Perfect Plants Nursery ) is one of the best. Plus, in Feng Shui, it's said to attract prosperity. It's also a climbing plant , so it can add vertical interest to your patio, notes Nikki. 'Train jasmine to grow on a pergola or trellis to create a tranquil nook or provide privacy . 'It likes direct sunlight but can tolerate a bit of shade. Keep it mildly moist,' she adds. 'Give it a little trim after it blooms to keep it bushy and happy.' 4. Lavender Lavender is known for its soothing scent Another well-loved fragrant plant, lavender is said to attract wealth and good luck in Feng Shui, and is recommended by Anna Ohler of Bright Lane Gardens for a patio. It's also a good plant for pollinators , enticing butterflies and bees. 'Try putting it in pretty pots along sunny edges or use it to frame your patio for a welcoming vibe,' Anna says. 'It loves full sun and well-drained soil, so water it deeply but only when the soil is dry. A quick trim after it flowers keeps it looking neat and encourages new blooms.' At Homes & Gardens, we like the look of the 'Sensational!®' lavender from Nature Hills , a sturdy, silver-leaved variety with large blooms. Anna is an avid plant hobbyist and the owner and operator of Bright Lane Gardens, a boutique plant nursery in Northern Michigan. With over a decade of experience in gardening and landscaping, she takes every opportunity to share her knowledge on all things plant-related. She also runs the company's YouTube channel , which is full of practical advice. 5. Tropical hibiscus Bring uplifting color to your yard Also known as Chinese hibiscus , this flowering shrub is believed to symbolize creativity and passion. While it comes in a range of hot hues, Justin recommends opting for a yellow variety. Yellow can be an uplifting color, he explains, so a splash of it strategically placed on your patio can help improve your space’s Feng Shui. 'This plant can bloom practically non-stop from spring to fall (and all year long in frost-free climates),' he says. It appreciates a sunny spot (at least a half day of sun), he adds, as well as abundant water. Top tip: 'Newer varieties, such as "HibisQs®", can produce more flowers over the course of the season than older varieties,' Justin adds. Whether indoors or out, dying plants are no good for positive vibes, so be sure you know how to water plants properly and site them in suitable locations. It's also said that spiky plants are bad for Feng Shui, so consider giving cacti in your landscaping a miss. You may also wish to consider plant placement, as well as pot color and shape, to create a well-balanced environment. If you're looking for more ways to harmonize your home, consider these Feng Shui front door colors , too.
Arsenal moved into second place in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Ipswich at the Emirates. In their final fixture of 2024, Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game midway through the opening period. Arsenal’s victory takes them back to within six points of leaders Liverpool, having played one match more than the Reds, and a point clear of Chelsea following their Boxing Day defeat to Fulham. Ipswich, although much improved in the second half, have now lost five of their last six games, and remain just one place off the bottom of the table, three points away from safety. ? pic.twitter.com/hDd5bkHwXr — Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 27, 2024 Mikel Arteta’s men have been rocked by Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury which could keep the England winger, who has nine goals and 13 assists this season, out of action for the next two months. Gabriel Martinelli was handed the unenviable task of filling Saka’s shoes on Arsenal’s right-hand side and the Brazilian was involved in the only goal of the evening. The Ipswich defence failed to deal with Martinelli’s cross, with the ball falling to Leandro Trossard on the opposite side of the area. Trossard fought his way to the byline before fizzing his cross into the box for Havertz to convert from a matter of yards. It was Havertz’s third goal in four matches, his 12th of the season, and no less than the hosts, who at that stage of the match had enjoyed a staggering 91.4 per cent of the possession, deserved. Heading into Friday’s fixture, Arsenal had lost only one of their last 75 Premier League games when they had opened the scoring, and their triumph here rarely looked in doubt following Havertz’s strike. Three points that take Arsenal into second ? #ARSIPS pic.twitter.com/Dx3s6XlwQ2 — Premier League (@premierleague) December 27, 2024 Havertz thought he had doubled Arsenal’s lead with 34 minutes gone when he converted Gabriel Jesus’ cross. But Jesus – handed his third successive start for the first time in a year – strayed into an offside position in the build-up. When referee Darren England blew for half-time, Ipswich had failed to touch the ball in Arsenal’s box, becoming just the second side to do so in the Premier League this season. Nottingham Forest were the other, away at Liverpool, before they went on to inflict Arne Slot’s sole defeat of his tenure so far. And for all of Arsenal’s possession, while they held just a one-goal advantage, Ipswich knew they were still in the game. An encouraging start to the second half for the Tractor Boys ensued, albeit without testing David Raya in the Arsenal goal. Shortly after the hour mark, Gabriel should have settled any growing Emirates nerves when he arrived unmarked to Declan Rice’s corner, but the defender headed wide of Arijanet Muric’s post when it looked easier to score. Just over an hour on the clock. #ARSIPS pic.twitter.com/JXNipX1J1Z — IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) December 27, 2024 Martin Odegaard then forced a fine fingertip save from Muric at his near post after a mazy run and shot from the Arsenal skipper. Rice’s stinging goal-bound volley from the following corner was blocked by Dara O’Shea as Arsenal pushed for a game-killing second. Havertz should have tapped home Trossard’s header but he fluffed his lines. And moments later, substitute Mikel Merino’s effort was diverted from danger by a diving Muric. Ipswich looked to catch Arsenal on the counter, but the match ended without them registering a single effort on Raya’s goal. Ipswich fans goaded their opponents with chants of “boring, boring Arsenal”, but it was the Gunners who enjoyed the last laugh as they saw out 2024 with a win which keeps the pressure on Liverpool.McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules
Sports on TV for Friday, Dec. 20Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game for the 49ers with a shoulder injury
As I mentioned last week, our Thanksgiving newspaper this year was produced in advance so that it could arrive in customers’ mailboxes on Wednesday. Thursday was a postal holiday, so we had to choose between Wednesday and Friday delivery. Because the early delivery meant early deadlines, we chose a feature story about charity fundraising by Beaches Restaurant & Bar for the front page. I thought it was a perfect choice for a Thanksgiving Day paper. Holidays are good days for good news. As our plans for that newspaper came together, I wondered what previous Columbian Thanksgiving papers were like, so I went back to our microfilm, which is available to the public (for a fee) at newspapers.com . I looked first at the Nov. 25, 2004, edition and was struck by some of the similarities between the news then and the news today. Our top story was about an election recount in the governor’s race. After a statewide machine recount of the ballots, Republican Dino Rossi led Democrat Christine O. Gregoire by only 42 votes. (Gregoire was named the winner after a hand recount was conducted.) This year, of course, we are looking at recounts in the 18th District Senate and Clark County Council Position 4 races. Inside, I found a story about how Vladimir Putin’s Russia was trying to take over Ukraine by rigging an election and installing pro-Kremlin leadership. In the local news section, Ridgefield school administrators were talking about overcrowded facilities and trying to get voters to pass a bond to fund construction. Again, that story persists. I did spot this major difference: In 2004, Video Only advertised 50-inch flat panel TVs for $5,999. In this year’s ad, they are priced as low as $219. Thanksgiving 2014 Next I skipped ahead to 2014. The first thing that caught my eye was a front-page story about holiday shopping that seemed like it could have been written this year. Here’s how it started: “Falling gas prices. Soaring stock market. Unemployment at a six-year low. All signs point to a successful holiday shopping season. Despite the economic tail winds, though, retailers are finding themselves having to work to get shoppers into stores.” Inside, there was a story about how University of Washington researchers were suggesting more use of naloxone to fight the state’s growing epidemic opioid addiction. According to that story, doctors were hesitant to prescribe it. A decade later, it’s available without a prescription and is even found in local vending machines. Another story caught my eye that seemed similar to today: Puget Sound’s orcas were struggling, despite a decade of federal protection. Thanksgiving 1924 By now I had found enough similarities with today’s news. So I went back 100 years. Newspapers were different in those days. The Wednesday Nov. 26 edition (there was no Thanksgiving paper) contained 21 front-page stories and a political cartoon. My favorite was headlined “She Never Knew Her Husband’s Business; Now He’s Dead Bandit.” It started like this: “‘He was just a good, sympathetic pal. He never confided in me. When I would ask him questions about his business affairs he would just say, “You’re young, dear, and it would only worry you.” How I wish now that he had told me how matters really were.’ “In these few words, Mrs. I.C. Peterson, 20 and pretty, speaking in a voice whose hardened, weary tone betrayed the intense strain under which she was laboring, summed up the history of her 11-weeks marriage to Karl Peterson, 36, internationally known convict, who was killed by a Seattle detective in the Puget Sound city Monday after a running gun fight.” Now that’s a story!Maryland sues maker of Gore-Tex over pollution from toxic 'forever chemicals'
Apple products are undeniably impressive, but their premium price tags often make them feel out of reach for many. If a tablet has been on your wishlist, or you’re searching for a standout last-minute gift, the Apple iPad (10th Gen) , currently discounted, could be the perfect choice. This tablet, which comes in four color options, features a modern, sleek design. You’ll get a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display that does a great job of bringing your content to life with crisp details and vibrant colors. The edge-to-edge design maximizes screen space and makes the iPad feel sleek and contemporary, which is perfect for both work and play. This 10th-generation Apple iPad is powered by the A14 Bionic chip, which makes multitasking easier than ever. You will be able to do everything from switching between apps, editing high-resolution photos, and even gaming. The all-day battery life is another bonus, which means you won’t have to worry about charging constantly. If creativity is on your mind, pair it with the Apple Pencil (sold separately). This will help you use it for sketching, note-taking, or annotating documents with precision. And with all that creativity and multitasking, you’ll need space to store your work. The 10th-generation iPad offers storage options to fit your needs, starting with 64 GB for everyday tasks. Some other features that deserve a mention are the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage and the fast Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for easy streaming and downloads. The Touch ID feature adds convenience as well, by allowing you to perform actions with just a tap. Grab this Apple iPad (64 GB, Wi-Fi only) for $279 after a 20% discount. Four colors are available at this price: blue, pink, silver, and yellow. The silver model also has an additional $29.01 on-page coupon. Also check out the options for 256 GB and Wi-Fi + Cellular, as well as a bundle with AppleCare+. Apple iPad (10th Gen) Make Tech Easier may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox Zainab is an Actuarial Sciences graduate from Pakistan with a passion for technology. When she's not busy writing insightful pieces on Windows and the latest tech trends, you'll find her with her nose buried in a productivity book, always on the lookout for ways to optimize her workflow and stay ahead of the curve.Minnesota looks to stop skid vs. Bethune-Cookman
Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball will miss at least 2 weeks with a left calf strainAltria Group Options Trading: A Deep Dive into Market Sentiment
Price Over Earnings Overview: Bank of New York MellonIf you are hunting for a great Black Friday deal on binoculars, the Nikon Prostaff P3 are a brilliant option. Right now, you can save $53 in this Black Friday binocular deal at Amazon. Get the Nikon Prostaff P3 with 35% off in this Amazon binoculars deal — now just $96.95. The Prostaff P3 binoculars have over 600+ five-star ratings on Amazon. While we have not reviewed the 10x42, in our review of the Prostaff P3 8x42 binoculars , we summed up the performance of the Nikon Prostaff P3 binoculars by saying, "If you’re looking for a pair of entry-level binoculars, working to a budget but want quality where it counts (in the optics) then the Prostaff P3s are a great option." We continued by adding, "The Prostaff P3 design lends itself well to casual observers or hobbyist wildlife spotters thanks to its slim profile, making them a lightweight and portable binocular that should last you for years to come." We think this is great deal saving you $53 on our favorite compact binoculars where the only difference from the 8x42 is the magnification. Save 35% The Nikon Prostaff P3 binoculars are renowned for their superb optical performance. They are lightweight and durable and with a huge 35% discount, now is the time to grab a pair of these brilliant all-rounder Nikon binoculars. Read our review: Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 We are busy hunting the internet for the best Black Friday deals on Science kit and we're highlighting all the deepest discounts on air purifiers , telescopes , cameras and telescopes . This Nikon Prostaff P3 binocular deal comes with a carry case and a neck strap along with objective lens caps and eyepiece covers. We felt these could be a little better in quality though and noted they feel a bit cheap to touch. However the quality is in the optics and for this bargain price, the cheaper accessories are not a dealbreaker. Their rubber armoring gives them good shock resistance and a good grip which is beneficial if you are buying for your child with us rating them as one of the best binoculars for kids, especially for teens. They are very lightweight at just 585 g/20.6 oz and can easily be carried in a bag or large coat pocket. Key features: 10x magnification, 42mm objective lens diameter, 7-degree angular field of view, 122 m/367 ft field of view, 15.7mm eye relief, roof prism. Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox. Product launched: June 2022. Price history: This is the lowest price we have seen the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 since Prime Day this year with these binoculars tending to only drop as low as this on these big deal weekends so this offer will not last. Price comparison: Amazon: $96.95 | Walmart : $96.95 | B&H Photo: $96.95 Reviews consensus: The impressive optical quality for binoculars at this price is the key feature and they produce a pin-sharp view. Their slimline, lightweight build makes for easy on-the-go use and the waterproof and fogproof design makes them convenient and comfortable in all weather. LiveScience: ★★★★ | Space: ★★★★ ✅ Buy it if: You are a beginner looking for your first pair of binoculars and are after a great value set. We think the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 is a great option. ❌ Don't buy it if: You want to do some serious astronomy or are looking to upgrade from a basic pair to some of the best binoculars for stargazing . Check out our other guides to the best air purifiers , air purifiers for allergies , the best telescopes , microscopes for students , binoculars , rowing machines , electric toothbrushes and more.Nikita Hand said the Dec. 9, 2018, assault after a night of partying left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced the woman to do anything against her will and said she fabricated the allegations after the two had consensual sex. His lawyer had called Hand a gold digger. The fighter, once the face of the Ultimate Fighting Championship but now past his prime, shook his head as the jury of eight women and four men found him liable for assault after deliberating about six hours in the High Court in Dublin. He was mobbed by cameras as he left court but did not comment. He later said on the social platform X that he would appeal the verdict and the "modest award." Hand's voice cracked and her hands trembled as she read a statement outside the courthouse, saying she would never forget what happened to her but would now be able to move on with her life. She thanked her family, partner, friends, jurors, the judge and all the supporters that had reached out to her online, but particularly her daughter. "She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing forward for justice," she said. "I want to show (her) and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served." The Associated Press generally does not name alleged victims of sexual violence unless they come forward publicly, as Hand has done. Under Irish law, she did not have the anonymity she would have been granted in a criminal proceeding and was named publicly throughout the trial. Her lawyer told jurors that McGregor was angry about a fight he had lost in Las Vegas two months earlier and took it out on his client. "He's not a man, he's a coward," attorney John Gordon said in his closing speech. "A devious coward and you should treat him for what he is." Gordon said his client never pretended to be a saint and was only looking to have fun when she sent McGregor a message through Instagram after attending a Christmas party. He said Hand knew McGregor socially and that they had grown up in the same area. She said he picked her and a friend up in a car and shared cocaine with them, which McGregor admitted in court, on the way to the Beacon Hotel. Hand said she told McGregor she didn't want to have sex with him and that she was menstruating. She said she told him "no" as he started kissing her but he eventually pinned her to a bed and she couldn't move. McGregor put her in a chokehold and later told her, "now you know how I felt in the octagon where I tapped out three times," referring to a UFC match when he had to admit defeat, she said. Hand had to take several breaks in emotional testimony over three days. She said McGregor threatened to kill her during the encounter and she feared she would never see her young daughter again. Eventually, he let go of her. "I remember saying I was sorry, as I felt that I did something wrong and I wanted to reassure him that I wouldn't tell anyone so he wouldn't hurt me again," she testified. She said she then let him do what he wanted and he had sex with her. A paramedic who examined Hand the next day testified that she had never before seen someone with that intensity of bruising. A doctor told jurors Hand had multiple injuries. Hand said the trauma of the attack had left her unable to work as a hairdresser, she fell behind on her mortgage and had to move out of her house. Police investigated the woman's complaint but prosecutors declined to bring charges, saying there was insufficient evidence and a conviction was unlikely. McGregor, in his post on X, said he was disappointed jurors didn't see all the evidence prosecutors had reviewed. He testified that the two had athletic and vigorous sex, but that it was not rough. He said "she never said 'no' or stopped" and testified that everything she said was a lie. "It is a full blown lie among many lies," he said when asked about the chokehold allegation. "How anyone could believe that me, as a prideful person, would highlight my shortcomings." McGregor's lawyer told jurors they had to set aside their animus toward the fighter. "You may have an active dislike of him, some of you may even loathe him – there is no point pretending that the situation might be otherwise," attorney Remy Farrell said. "I'm not asking you to invite him to Sunday brunch." The defense said the woman never told investigators McGregor threatened her life. They also showed surveillance video in court that they said appeared to show the woman kiss McGregor's arm and hug him after they left the hotel room. Farrell said she looked "happy, happy, happy." McGregor said he was "beyond petrified" when first questioned by police and read them a prepared statement. On the advice of his lawyer, he refused to answer more than 100 follow-up questions. The jury ruled against Hand in a case she brought against one of McGregor's friends, James Lawrence, whom she accused of having sex with her in the hotel without consent.
A U.S. appeals court has halted enforcement of an anti-money laundering law that requires corporate entities to disclose the identities of their real beneficial owners to the U.S. Treasury Department ahead of a deadline for most companies to do so. The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals late Thursday reinstated a nationwide injunction that had been issued earlier this month by a federal judge in Texas who had concluded the Corporate Transparency Act was unconstitutional. The order marked a change of course for the court. On Monday, a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit at the urging of the U.S. Department of Justice put the injunction on hold while the government appealed the Texas judge's decision. But a different panel will ultimately decide whether to uphold the judge's ruling, and in Thursday's order, the court said it decided to keep enforcement of the law paused "to preserve the constitutional status quo while the merits panel considers the parties' weighty substantive arguments." Most companies had before Thursday's order faced a Jan. 13 deadline to submit their initial reports to the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Invest wisely: Best online brokers The injunction had been obtained by the National Federation of Independent Business, which along with several small businesses challenged the law through lawyers at the conservative Center for Individual Rights. Holiday week stocks: The stock market is slumping today. Why is the 'Santa rally' over? "Given that we have established that the CTA is likely unconstitutional, this intrusive form of government surveillance should be halted until the law's fate is finally resolved," Todd Gaziano, the Center for Individual Rights' president, said in a statement. FinCEN did not respond to requests for comment. Under the law, which was enacted in 2021, corporations and LLCs were required to report information concerning their beneficial owners to FinCEN, which collects and analyzes information about financial transactions to combat money laundering and other crimes. The measure's supporters said it was designed to address the country's growing popularity as a venue for criminals to launder illicit funds by setting up entities like limited liability companies under state laws without disclosing their involvement. U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant in Sherman, Texas, on Dec. 3 ruled Congress had no authority under its powers to regulate commerce, taxes and foreign affairs to adopt the "quasi-Orwellian statute" and that it likely violated states' rights under the U.S. Constitution's Tenth Amendment. Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Chizu NomiyamaFOBI AI Inc. Announces Proposed Private Placement and BCSC Order