NoneOTTAWA, Ontario — (the “ ” or “ ”) is pleased to announce its intention to increase the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement financing from $1,100,000 to $1,800,000. The Company may now issue up to 36,000,000 units of the Company at a price of $0.05 per unit. All other terms of the offering will remain the same. Please see the Company’s news release dated December 6, 2024 for further information regarding the offering. The offering remains subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. Edgewater Wireless ( ) is the industry leader in innovative Spectrum Slicing technology for residential and commercial markets. We develop advanced Wi-Fi silicon solutions, Access Points, and IP licensing designed to meet the high-density and high quality-of-service needs of service providers and their customers. With 26 granted patents, Edgewater’s In-band Multi-Channel Wi-Fi technology revolutionizes Wi-Fi, delivering next-generation Wi-Fi today. Edgewater’s physical layer allows a frequency band to be divided or sliced to enable more radios to operate in a given area. Think of like moving from a single-lane road to a multi-lane highway — regardless of Wi-Fi technology. The recently completed Proof of Concept (PoC) with a major Tier 1 Service Provider showed 7 to 18 times performance gains in 75% of homes surveyed. Interestingly, homes with the most devices saw the greatest improvements. For more information, visit . Andrew Skafel, President and CEO E: Bill Mitoulas, Investor Relations E: T: +1.416.479.9547Brewer's 20 lead Florida International over Stetson 81-72
Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2024 / Electric Metals (USA) Limited ("EML" or the "Company") (TSXV:EML)(OTCQB:EMUSF) announces that, further to its news release dated October 31, 2024 , it has closed the first tranche of the Company's non brokered private placement (the "Offering") issuing an aggregate of 5,837,000 common shares ("the "Shares") at $0.10 per share for gross proceeds of C$583,700. The Company also announces that it has obtained an additional 30-day extension from the TSX Venture the "TSXV") Exchange to close a second tranche of the Offering. The final closing and filing acceptance of all documentation required by the TSXV in respect of the Offering has been extended from December 13, 2024, to January 13, 2025. The Shares issued under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance of such securities for Canadian subscribers and six months from the date of issuance for U.S. subscribers. Under the Offering, directors of the Corporation have subscribed for a total of 3,737,000 Shares for a total consideration of C$373,700, which constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Regulation 61-101 respecting Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("Regulation 61-101") and TSXV Policy 5.9 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. However, the directors of the Corporation who voted in favor of the Offering have determined that the exemptions from formal valuation and minority approval requirements provided for respectively under subsections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of Regulation 61-101 can be relied on as neither the fair market value of the Shares issued to this insider, nor the fair market value of the consideration paid exceeded 25% of the Corporation's market capitalization. None of the Corporation's directors have expressed any contrary views or disagreements with respect to the foregoing. A material change report in respect of this related party transaction will be filed by the Corporation but could not be filed earlier than 21 days prior to the closing of the Offering, due to the fact that the terms of the participation of each of the non-related parties and the related parties of the Offering were not confirmed. The securities of the Company have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an available exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there by any sale of the securities referenced in this press release, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Electric Metals (USA) Limited Electric Metals (USA) Limited (TSXV:EML)(OTCQB:EMUSF) is a US-based mineral development company with manganese and silver projects geared to supporting the transition to clean energy. The Company's principal asset is the Emily Manganese Project in Minnesota, the highest-grade manganese deposit in North America, which has been the subject of considerable technical studies, including National Instrument 43-101 Technical Reports - Resource Estimates. The Company's mission in Minnesota is to become a domestic US producer of high-value, high-purity manganese metal and chemical products to supply the North American electric vehicle battery, technology and industrial markets. With manganese playing a critical and prominent role in lithium-ion battery formulations, and with no current domestic supply or active mines for manganese in North America, the development of the Emily Manganese Project represents a significant opportunity for America, the State of Minnesota and for the Company's shareholders. For further information, please contact: Electric Metals (USA) Limited Brian Savage CEO & Director (303) 656-9197 or Valerie Kimball Director Investor Relations 720-933-1150 info@electricmetals.com Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Such statements in this news release include, without limitation: the ability of the Company to complete the Offering; the size, terms and timing of the Offering; participation in the Offering by insiders of the Company; the timing and receipt of TSXV and other approvals required in connection with the Offering; the intended use of proceeds of the Offering; the Company's mission to become a domestic US producer of high-value, high-purity manganese metal and chemical products to supply the North American electric vehicle battery, technology and industrial markets; that manganese will continue to play a critical and prominent role in lithium-ion battery formulations; that with no current domestic supply or active mines for manganese in North America, the development of the Emily Manganese Project represents a significant opportunity for America, Minnesota and for the Company's shareholders; and planned or potential developments in ongoing work by Electric Metals. These statements address future events and conditions and so involve inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, the failure to obtain all necessary stock exchange and regulatory approvals; investor interest in participating in the Offering; and risks related to the exploration and other plans of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of trends, updated conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events, or developments, except as required by law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Electric Metals (USA) Limited View the original on accesswire.com
The Advantages of 980nm and 1470nm Diode Laser Technology for Body ContouringIn 2024, curiosity was as intense as a solar eclipse—or even more so. The top Google searches of 2024 reveal a world grappling with major events and everyday mysteries, whether understanding celestial phenomena, untangling political controversies, or keeping up with pop culture. Here are Canadian's most searched "what", "why" and "how" according to Google Trends. In the "What" category, the skies—and the screens—dominated our attention. The most pressing question was, “What time is the solar eclipse?” as people worldwide didn’t want to miss the rare event. Combat sports lovers wanted to know “What time is the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight?” —an unusual clash of generations. Political intrigue was high with “What is Project 2025?” and “What time is the Presidential debate?” showing the upcoming election’s impact. Meanwhile, concerns about health, language, and technology appeared with questions like “What is Mpox?” , “What does demure mean?” , and “What is CrowdStrike?” The "Why" questions suggest a year of global conflicts, pop culture intrigue, and societal shifts. People sought explanations for pivotal events, from solar safety ( “Why can’t you look at a solar eclipse?” ) to political outcomes ( “Why did Trump win?”). Drake’s influence continued with “Why is Drake trending?” while geopolitical crises drove queries like “Why did Israel attack the Iranian embassy?” and “Why did ISIS attack Moscow?” On a lighter note, Canadian sports fans wanted to know “Why is Nylander not playing?” —a question underscoring the nation’s hockey fervour. The "How" list reflected practical concerns and a thirst for knowledge. Civic-minded searches like “How many electoral votes are there?” and “How to register to vote in the US?” led the charge. Sports remained a priority with “How to watch the Olympics in Canada?” and “How many Canadians on the Florida Panthers?” Health-related questions included “How does being barefoot affect your health?” Meanwhile, the eclipse generated queries like “How long will the eclipse last?” and “How to make solar eclipse glasses?” These top searches reflect a world where people want to be informed, prepared, and entertained—whether by an eclipse, a debate, or a celebrity headline.Exposing Qatar: The truth behind its global influence
Q: This past spring, we tried starting some of our own plants from seed indoors, but they got tall, spindly and weak by the time we wanted to plant them outdoors. What did we do wrong? — Tyler P. A: Seedlings growing tall and spindly indoors is an age-old problem, and the same wisdom holds true now that it did years ago. The problem occurs if plants are started too early and the light level isn’t intense enough. ADVERTISEMENT Because plants grow at different rates, some types need to be started very early, while others should wait until April for seeding indoors. Begonias and onions require many weeks to grow and can be seeded in February. March 1 is the recommended date for seeding petunias, impatiens, coleus and snapdragons. March 15 is the date to seed peppers, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. Tomatoes and marigolds should wait until April 1, and zinnias until April 15. If seeds are started earlier than their recommended date, plants can languish indoors, becoming lanky and weak. In addition, seedlings need high light levels to remain stocky and strong. Plants grown with too little light often stretch and become weak-stemmed. Seedlings can be grown in a sunny window, but many windows don’t receive full, all-day sunshine as the sun moves across the sky, unless the windows are very wide. The short days of winter and early spring also keep light levels lower than seedlings prefer. A perfect way to provide seedlings with optimal light is with artificial lights, which can be standard LEDs, fluorescent, or special plant-type lights. Tube-type bulbs distribute light over seedling trays better than round bulbs. Seedling trays should be kept within several inches of the bulbs. Lights can be set on a timer with 16 hours on and eight hours off, similar to humans getting the recommended eight hours of sleep, which is how I remember it. Q: Thanks for the recent article on Blue By You salvia. Do you know where we can purchase this perennial come spring? — Rachelle S. A: Blue By You perennial salvia, an All-America Selections award winner and an outstanding feature in our perennial beds and landscapes, has been on the market for about two years, which is relatively recent as new plants go. ADVERTISEMENT As with many new cultivars, it takes time for new plant material to be widely available. Your best bet is to contact locally owned garden centers and inquire, which can be done now. This can give garden centers the opportunity to order the plants if they haven’t already. With the tens of thousands of plant cultivars available, no garden center can stock them all, but if they receive requests for specific types, they can often add them to their selection. Garden centers plan their inventory far in advance of the spring season, so the earlier a request is made, the more likely it can be fulfilled. Q: I know you prefer starting cuttings, such as houseplants, in mixtures of vermiculite, sand or potting mix instead of water. I’m curious why that is. Sometimes I have luck in water, but sometimes the cuttings rot. — Jenny S. A: Some plant types, such as pothos, root very easily in water and can even grow in water for many weeks. Other cutting types rot easily in water, which is why a solid-type medium often works best for coaxing cuttings to root. Sometimes I use high-quality potting mix, other times vermiculite, perlite or sand, and sometimes mixtures. Besides being less prone to rotting, starting cuttings in a solid-type medium has another important advantage. Roots that form in water are accustomed to growing in water, and when the cuttings are transferred into potting mix, there can be a stressful period of adjustment and shock. When roots begin forming in solid media, they are often more fibrous, well-branched and less gangly. Because they’re accustomed to growing in a solid medium, there’s usually less transplant shock when transferred into potting mix. For easy-to-root plants, rooting in water is handy, but solid media has distinct advantages. ADVERTISEMENT If you have a gardening or lawn care question, email Don Kinzler, NDSU Extension-Cass County, at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu . Questions with broad appeal may be published, so please include your name, city and state for appropriate advice.
Jordan Peterson is leaving Toronto. Peterson, appearing on his daughter Mikhaila’s podcast in an episode posted Dec. 6, officially announced his move to a sunnier home in the United States, where there “are decided advantages” over living in Toronto. A psychologist who rose to prominence rallying against preferred pronoun use at the University of Toronto, Peterson has become a popular talking head among conservative and right-wing media in recent years. “The issue with the College (of Psychologists of Ontario) ... is very annoying, to say the least,” Peterson said, citing reasons why he decided to leave Toronto. “And the new legislation that the (federal) Liberals are attempting to push through, Bill C-63 (Online Harms Act) — we’d all be living in a totalitarian hellhole if it passes.” “The tax situation is out of hand, the government in Canada at the federal level is incompetent beyond belief. And it’s become uncomfortable for me in my neighbourhood in Toronto.” Peterson’s spat with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) stems from complaints over social media posts about, among other things, a “not beautiful” plus-size model. The college ordered Peterson to undergo a coaching program on professionalism in public statements. In August, three Superior Court judges comprising a panel of Divisional Court, ruled it was reasonable for the CPO to order Peterson to take a course on professionalism in communications. The governing body for psychologists made the order after receiving numerous complaints over Peterson’s commentary, which has been criticized for attacking feminism and racial diversity. Peterson has repeatedly taken aim at the Online Harms Act, or Bill C-63, which has sparked debate over how Ottawa should best strike the balance between protecting its citizens and their right to express themselves freely. There are seven categories of harm are laid out in the bill — three deal with protecting children from exploitative or harmful content, another category covers the sharing of intimate images without consent, and the remaining categories include content that promotes hatred, content that incites violence, and content that incites violent extremism or terrorism. to ensure the child safety guidelines could be passed into law. Peterson didn’t specify where in the U.S. he has moved to, but mentioned that he was near his daughter, who lives in Arizona. Peterson didn’t say exactly where he lived in Toronto, but that he had “modest semi in Seaton Village.” On the podcast episode he said he lived in a “kind of champagne socialist neighbourhood” and was “less popular in my own neighbourhood than I am anywhere else in the world, literally.” He called the Toronto District School Board “probably the most woke institution in North America, which is really saying something,” over its handling of the COVID pandemic, and said Toronto is “run by the wife (Olivia Chow) of the last leader of the socialist party in Canada (Jack Layton), and so the goal in Toronto was to turn it into Portland or San Francisco. And that’s happening.” He said he moved once he and his son, whom he lived close to, became uncomfortable living in Toronto. “I didn’t ever expect that to be something that happened in Canada. But under Justin (Trudeau) and the woke mob, that’s definitely something that’s happened,” Peterson said. It’s been almost a decade since Peterson rocketed to national consciousness — and controversy — by arguing that being forced to use pronouns such as “ze” and “zir” was a violation of free speech while lecturing at the University of Toronto. He emerged as part public intellectual, part internet celebrity and a fighter against perceived political correctness. He was author of the bestselling book, “12 Rules for Life: Antidote to Chaos,” which urged readers to seize responsibility for their own lives, sparking speaking tours, lucrative crowdfunding and official merchandise and launched him into global fame. Peterson also parted ways with U of T, writing in the National Post in 2022 that he’d resigned from the full-time, tenured position. There were a few reasons, he wrote. Chief among them was the “appalling ideology currently demolishing the universities and, downstream, the general culture.” He has since and regularly appears on conservative media, rallying against and . Then, testifying under oath at a public inquiry into foreign interference in October, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared to reference recent American allegations that RT — a media mouthpiece for the Russian government — had been covertly bankrolling right-wing influencers, allegedly , according to the prime minister. Peterson denied those claims, telling the National Post, “I don’t think it’s reasonable for the prime minister of this country to basically label me a traitor and I don’t find it amusing.” He has said he is considering legal action.
Iga Swiatek recently appeared on Season 2 of the ‘Tennis Insider Club’ podcast. In the podcast, she discussed her journey, her mindset, and her approach to competition and opened up about how challenging the past few months have been for her. The five-time Grand Slam champion also commented that she was trying to enjoy life a bit more and emphasized the need for balance in one’s life. Iga Swiatek is the only player representing Poland to win a Grand Slam. She has won 22 singles titles, including the 2023 WTA Finals and ten WTA 1000 titles. In 2024, she became the first Polish tennis player to win an Olympic medal, earning bronze in singles at the Paris Olympics. I would say before I was only tennis-tennis-tennis... Even like I’m deleting Instagram, Twitter, the notifications on my email. So in the beginning, it was a good way for me to be more focused. But now you just can’t do that anymore because if you’re going to do that for what like 40 weeks per year? That’s not a life anymore. Iga Swiatek had a 2024 season filled with significant achievements and notable challenges. She began the year triumphantly, winning titles at the Qatar Open, Indian Wells, Madrid Open, Italian Open, and clinching her fourth French Open crown, showcasing her dominance on both clay and hard courts. Season 2 is almost here! Our first episode is with @iga_swiatek , where we got the chance to discover her incredible journey, her mindset and approach to competition, and she also shared with us how tough the last months have been for her. Coming out on Jan 6th. pic.twitter.com/Dw4xkV1Udl Despite these victories, Swiatek faced some hurdles that tested her mettle. She had a surprising early exit at the Australian Open and a challenging period post-Olympics. Her WTA Finals journey was cut short after Barbora Krejcikova ‘s victory over Coco Gauff , preventing Swiatek from advancing to the semifinals. Nonetheless, the 23-year-old has finished the season with a World Ranking of 2. Iga Swiatek – her doping case and 2025 season Perhaps the most challenging part of the year for Iga Swiatek would be her doping case. In August 2024, Swiatek, tested positive for trimetazidine , a substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) determined that the positive test resulted from contamination in a melatonin supplement she was using to address sleep issues. Given the unintentional nature of the violation and Swiatek’s prompt cooperation, the ITIA imposed a one-month suspension, which she accepted. The suspension spanned from September 12 to October 4, 2024, during which Swiatek missed three tournaments and forfeited her prize money from the Cincinnati Open. The reactions to her doping case have been varied. Some have supported her during this challenging period of her career, while others, such as Nick Kyrgios and Simona Halep , have been openly critical of the lenient handling of the situation. Iga Swiatek recently participated in the 2024 World Tennis League (WTL) in Abu Dhabi as a member of the Eagles team. Her team included players like Paula Badosa , Alexander Shevchenko , and Stefanos Tsitsipas . Despite her efforts, including a notable doubles victory with Badosa against Caroline Garcia and Elena Rybakina , the Eagles faced challenges throughout the tournament. They secured their only win in that doubles match, with Swiatek also achieving a singles victory over Jasmine Paolini . However, the Eagles were unable to advance to the finals. This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.
Trade warSUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Spencer Knight made 20 saves, Mackie Samoskevich scored with less than a second left in the second period, and the Florida Panthers got four goals in the third to beat the Carolina Hurricanes 6-0 on Saturday and complete a two-day sweep. Aleksander Barkov, Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, Evan Rodrigues and Adam Boqvist also scored for Florida, which won 6-3 at Carolina on Friday. The Panthers have won three straight — that streak following a stretch of six losses in seven games for the Stanley Cup champions. It was Knight's fourth career shutout, his first since Nov. 9, 2022 — also at home against Carolina. Spencer Martin made 23 saves on 28 shots for the Hurricanes, who have dropped four of their last six games (2-3-1). It was Martin's fourth consecutive start for Carolina. Hurricanes: This was the first time all season that the Hurricanes failed to get a point in the game immediately following a loss. Carolina was 4-0-1 after a defeat entering Saturday. Panthers: A big day for Samoskevich — his alma mater Michigan beat Ohio State in football on Saturday, that game ending just before the Florida-Carolina game started. The Panthers are 5-0-0 when he scores this season. Sam Reinhart had each of the four most recent Florida goals at 19:59, before Samoskevich got his Saturday. The Panthers scored two goals 11 seconds apart in the third to make it 5-0, and Yaniv Perets replaced Martin in the Hurricanes' net with 8:12 remaining. It was the second NHL appearance for Perets, who came on once in relief for Carolina last season. Ekblad's goal was his first in a span of 1,045 regular-season shifts since Feb. 20. Carolina starts a two-game homestand Tuesday against Seattle. Florida goes to Pittsburgh to start a two-game trip on Tuesday. AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL
Mikaela Shiffrin suffers abrasion on hip during crash on final run of World Cup giant slalom
The CEO of Huawei Nigeria, a global technology leader, Chris Lu has said that his company is investing in local cloud as it launched the first Nigeria Local Cloud in Lagos. The company made a significant stride in Nigeria’s digital landscape by unveiling the country’s inaugural hyperscale local cloud. Huawei is the first international cloud provider to offer such advanced services within Nigeria. Powered by Tier 3+ data centers, the new local cloud delivers ultra-fast services with mere 15-millisecond latency. By ensuring that data storage and computing resources remain within Nigeria’s borders, Lu said the cloud will directly benefit local businesses, particularly fintech companies that must adhere to stringent data protection regulations. During the launch event, themed, “Leap Now With A Better Cloud,” held in Lagos, the Huawei Nigeria CEO emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy. He highlighted the benefits of storing data within the country, citing improved security, performance, and compliance with local regulations. The CEO emphasised the challenges associated with traditional cloud solutions, where data is often stored in remote locations like Ireland. This can lead to potential security risks, latency issues, and compliance hurdles. “While cloud computing offers numerous benefits, data security remains a concern. Many major cloud providers store data in locations outside of Nigeria, raising concerns about data privacy and outages due to geographical distance. “To address these concerns, Huawei has invested in a local cloud infrastructure in Nigeria. By doing so, the company aims to empower Nigerian businesses to leverage advanced cloud technology while ensuring their data remains within the country’s borders. “Here at Huawei, we understand the importance of data security and digital sovereignty. That’s why we’ve chosen to build a local cloud infrastructure in Nigeria. We’re not alone in this approach – other providers are building local clouds in Kenya and South Africa. “Our decision to invest in a Nigerian cloud goes beyond just market potential. We believe in working with local partners to develop applications and digital services that cater to Nigerian businesses and consumers.” The CEO further explained that a local cloud offers significant performance advantages. Reduced latency, resulting from storing and processing data locally, can lead to faster response times and a smoother user experience. “Having your data stored in Nigeria provides peace of mind. Your data remains within the country, adhering to local regulations and enhancing data security. Additionally, a local cloud offers significantly lower latency compared to data centers located thousands of kilometers away. This translates to better performance and a seamless user experience for your customers.” The Vice President of Huawei Cloud Sub-Saharan Africa, Roc Bai, introduced Huawei Cloud’s latest technologies, including Huawei Cloud Stack 8.5, cloud-native databases, and large AI models. He underscored the significance of local cloud architecture for digital transformation, stating, “Enterprises need innovative solutions to address the challenges of industry transformation.” The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat praised the initiative as a transformative achievement for Nigeria. He highlighted the critical role of cloud technology in driving economic growth, innovation, and national security. The deputy governor emphasised the need to prioritize data security and privacy by storing data within the country. By leveraging local cloud solutions, Nigeria can reduce reliance on foreign infrastructure and mitigate potential security risks. “As we embark on this digital revolution, it is imperative to prioritise data sovereignty and cybersecurity. By leveraging local cloud solutions, we can ensure that our data remains within our borders, safeguarding our digital assets and promoting national security.” Additionally, he called on technology companies to invest in local infrastructure and collaborate with Nigerian businesses to develop innovative solutions that address local needs. “Nigeria’s strategic location, coupled with a rapidly growing digital economy, makes it an attractive destination for cloud infrastructure investment. We encourage global technology companies to partner with Nigerian businesses and institutions to develop innovative solutions that address local needs,” he said. Also, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) emphasised the need for a strategic approach to cloud computing in Nigeria.Within three weeks of launching an intensified tuberculosis screening campaign, a total of 1,794 persons were diagnosed with the disease in Tamil Nadu. In line with India’s mission to eliminate TB by 2025, the government of Tamil Nadu launched ‘Nikshay Shivir’ - Kasanoi Illaa Tamil Nadu Campaign - across 22 districts on December 7. The 100-day campaign focuses on proactive TB screening, awareness creation and comprehensive care particularly targeting vulnerable populations. Since its launch, around 1.4 lakh persons with presumptive TB were identified through verbal screening (symptom screening including fever and cold). Of them, 43,203 persons were offered any one test - either sputum or X-ray. Out of them, 1,794 patients were diagnosed with TB, Asha Frederick, State TB Officer, said. “The aim of the drive is to increase awareness. The drive focuses on the vulnerable population such as persons with diabetes, family members of past TB patients and past TB patients themselves. Through Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam , we have a list of persons with diabetes. We have generated a block-wise line list for the campaign,” she said. The intensified TB screening drive aims at identifying cases early and initiating timely treatment. Vulnerable populations including those living in urban slums, tribal areas and underprivileged settings are the primary beneficiaries of the initiative, an official release said. Mobile diagnostic units, equipped with digital X-ray machines and Truenat/GeneXpert diagnostic tools, travel to remote and underserved areas to conduct TB screenings. It also facilitates on-the-spot diagnosis as those suspected to have TB undergo immediate sputum testing and chest X-rays, ensuring rapid diagnosis and initiation of treatment. The campaign includes an extensive sensitisation component to address the stigma surrounding TB and to promote awareness. Localised health camps, street plays, and interactive sessions are organised to educate communities about TB prevention, symptoms and treatment adherence. The initiative has led to a significant increase in TB case notifications particularly among vulnerable groups. The deployment of mobile diagnostic units and integration of advanced technology has strengthened the State’s healthcare capacity to combat TB, the release said. Published - December 28, 2024 07:49 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit
As the Year of the Snake rolls in, the celestial shift promises a wave of fresh energy and opportunities. ET Year-end Special Reads Take That: The gamechanger weapon's India acquired in 2024 10 big-bang policy moves Modi government made in 2024 How governments tried to rein in the social media beast The 2025 Year of the Snake, beginning on January 29 and ending on February 16, 2026, brings with it the wisdom, agility, and strategic foresight associated with this ancient symbol in Chinese culture. While each zodiac sign will feel the effects of the Snake’s influence differently, some signs are set to experience a particularly auspicious year ahead. Let’s take a closer look at the luckiest Chinese zodiac signs for 2025, and how the stars will align for them in terms of career, wealth, and love, as mentioned in a report by Lifestyle Asia. Rat: A Year of Leadership and Growth Those born under the sign of the Rat can breathe a sigh of relief in 2025. After turbulent years, this year signals a period of career advancements and personal growth. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Rats will have a chance to shine, particularly at work, where their unique insights and ideas will lead to success. The early part of the year will be an ideal time for Rats to foster stronger personal relationships, including romantic ones. However, Rats should keep their pride in check, as arrogance could lead to unexpected setbacks. It’s also essential to focus on maintaining good health by balancing work with self-care practices like yoga and meditation. Ox: Stability and Success in Love and Career The Ox is set for a stable and prosperous year in 2025. This period marks a fantastic opportunity for Oxen to consider a career change, as their social and professional standing will rise. A boost in income and unexpected romantic attention are also on the horizon. However, Oxen must be cautious in love, ensuring clear communication in their relationships to avoid misunderstandings. As career success flourishes, they should guard against the emotional toll of relationship woes, which could affect their overall well-being. Rabbit: Hard Work Pays Off Rabbits are among the luckiest signs in 2025, as their perseverance and hard work will finally pay off. Their career will stabilize, and financial security is within reach, especially with prudent spending. Romance will also be favorable, but Rabbits must be cautious when choosing partners, as their gentle nature could make them vulnerable to heartbreak. The year is also a good time to explore new ventures like real estate or furthering their skills for future career growth. Despite this prosperity, health remains an area to focus on, requiring attention to regular exercise and a balanced lifestyle. Snake: A Year of Prosperity As the Year of the Snake, this period is particularly beneficial for those born under this sign. The Snake’s natural intelligence and charm will be amplified in 2025, ensuring a prosperous year in terms of career, business ventures, and personal growth. Snakes will attract positive attention and could see a rise in their professional success. However, it’s crucial for Snakes to avoid overindulgence, particularly in romantic matters, to keep their relationships balanced. By focusing on their health and maintaining calm, Snakes will thrive throughout the year. Monkey: Financial Success and Networking The Monkey, known for its adaptability and quick thinking, will experience a year of stable finances and career growth. 2025 promises to be a year of networking and making breakthroughs. The Monkey’s clever decision-making will ensure they handle challenges effectively and tap into new opportunities. Financial stability is assured, and there’s a chance of unexpected wealth. In love, however, Monkeys should ensure clear communication to avoid distractions and misunderstandings. Proactive care for their health will also be key to navigating the year successfully. Rooster: Hard Work Leads to Reward Roosters can look forward to a year filled with professional rewards and personal growth. Their diligence and perseverance will lead to career advancements, earning them respect and recognition. Roosters may also experience a financial windfall, either through their salary or investments. However, they must be cautious with their spending habits to avoid unnecessary financial strain. In relationships, Roosters should address challenges head-on and focus on nurturing their home environment to create peace and harmony. FAQs What is the Chinese Zodiac? The Chinese Zodiac is a 12-year cycle in which each year is associated with one of 12 animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal represents specific personality traits and influences the year. How is the Chinese Zodiac different from the Western Zodiac? Unlike the Western Zodiac, which is based on months and the position of celestial bodies, the Chinese Zodiac follows the lunar calendar, assigning an animal to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )ATLANTA , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cousins Properties Incorporated (the "Company" or "Cousins") (NYSE:CUZ) announced today that its operating partnership, Cousins Properties LP (the "Operating Partnership"), has priced an offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior unsecured notes due 2032 at 99.463% of the principal amount. The offering is expected to close on December 17, 2024 , subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Cousins intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to fund a portion of the purchase price of 601 West 2nd Street, also known as Sail Tower, an 804,000 square foot trophy lifestyle office property in Austin (the "Sail Tower Acquisition"), and the remainder to repay borrowings under its credit facility and for general corporate purposes. In the event the Sail Tower Acquisition is not completed, Cousins will use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition and development of office properties, other opportunistic investments and the repayment of debt. The notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company. J.P. Morgan, Truist Securities, US Bancorp, BofA Securities, Morgan Stanley, PNC Capital Markets LLC, TD Securities and Wells Fargo Securities are acting as joint book-running managers. A shelf registration statement relating to these securities is effective with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. Copies of these documents may be obtained by contacting J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 383 Madison Avenue, New York, New York , 10179, Attention: Investment Grade Syndicate Desk, 3rd Floor, telephone collect at 1-212-834-4533; Truist Securities, Inc., Attention: Prospectus Department, 303 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, telephone: 800-685-4786, or e-mail: TruistSecurities.prospectus@Truist.com ; or U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., Attention: High Grade Syndicate, 214 North Tryon Street, 26th Floor, Charlotte, NC 28202, or by telephone at: (877) 558-2607. Electronic copies of these documents are also available from the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov . This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell the notes, nor shall it constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Cousins Properties Cousins Properties is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust ("REIT"). The Company, based in Atlanta, GA and acting through the Operating Partnership, primarily invests in Class A office buildings located in high growth Sun Belt markets. Founded in 1958, Cousins creates shareholder value through its extensive expertise in the development, acquisition, leasing, and management of high-quality real estate assets. The Company has a comprehensive strategy in place based on a simple platform, trophy assets, and opportunistic investments. Forward-Looking Statements Certain matters contained in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws and are subject to uncertainties and risks, as itemized in Item 1A included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 . These forward-looking statements include information about the Company's possible or assumed future results of the business and the Company's financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans, and objectives. They also include, among other things, statements regarding subjects that are forward-looking by their nature, such as: guidance and underlying assumptions; business and financial strategy; future debt financings; future acquisitions and dispositions of operating assets or joint venture interests; future acquisitions and dispositions of land, including ground leases; future acquisitions of investments in real estate debt; future development and redevelopment opportunities; future issuances and repurchases of common stock, limited partnership units, or preferred stock; future distributions; projected capital expenditures; market and industry trends; future occupancy or volume and velocity of leasing activity; entry into new markets, changes in existing market concentrations, or exits from existing markets; future changes in interest rates and liquidity of capital markets; and all statements that address operating performance, events, investments, or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to creating value for stockholders. Any forward-looking statements are based upon management's beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of our future performance, taking into account information that is currently available. These beliefs, assumptions, and expectations may change as a result of possible events or factors, not all of which are known. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary from forward-looking statements due to, but not limited to, the following: the availability and terms of capital and our ability to obtain and maintain financing arrangements on terms favorable to us or at all; the ability to refinance or repay indebtedness as it matures; any changes to our credit rating; the failure of purchase, sale, or other contracts to ultimately close; the failure to achieve anticipated benefits from acquisitions, developments, investments, or dispositions; the effect of common stock or operating partnership unit issuances, including those undertaken on a forward basis, which may negatively affect the market price of our common stock; the availability of buyers and pricing with respect to the disposition of assets; changes in national and local economic conditions, the real estate industry, and the commercial real estate markets in which we operate (including supply and demand changes), particularly in Atlanta , Austin , Tampa , Charlotte , Phoenix , Dallas , and Nashville , including the impact of high unemployment, volatility in the public equity and debt markets, and international economic and other conditions; threatened terrorist attacks or sociopolitical unrest such as political instability, civil unrest, armed hostilities, or political activism, which may result in a disruption of day-to-day building operations; changes to our strategy in regard to our real estate assets may require impairment to be recognized; leasing risks, including the ability to obtain new tenants or renew expiring tenants, the ability to lease newly-developed and/or recently acquired space, the failure of a tenant to commence or complete tenant improvements on schedule or to occupy leased space, and the risk of declining leasing rates; changes in the preferences of our tenants brought about by the desire for co-working arrangements, trends toward utilizing less office space per employee, and the effect of employees working remotely; any adverse change in the financial condition or liquidity of one or more of our tenants or borrowers under our real estate debt investments; volatility in interest rates (including the impact upon the effectiveness of forward interest rate contract arrangements) and insurance rates; inflation; competition from other developers or investors; the risks associated with real estate developments (such as zoning approval, receipt of required permits, construction delays, cost overruns, and leasing risk); supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and increased construction costs; risks associated with security breaches through cyberattacks, cyber intrusions or otherwise, as well as other significant disruptions of our information technology networks and related systems, which support our operations and our buildings; changes in senior management, changes in the Company's board of directors, and the loss of key personnel; the potential liability for uninsured losses, condemnation, or environmental issues; the potential liability for a failure to meet regulatory requirements, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar laws or the impact of any investigation regarding the same; the financial condition and liquidity of, or disputes with, joint venture partners; any failure to comply with debt covenants under debt instruments and credit agreements; any failure to continue to qualify for taxation as a real estate investment trust or meet regulatory requirements; potential changes to state, local, or federal regulations applicable to our business; material changes in dividend rates on common shares or other securities or the ability to pay those dividends; potential changes to the tax laws impacting real estate investment trusts and real estate in general; risks associated with climate change and severe weather events, as well as the regulatory efforts intended to reduce the effects of climate changes and investor and public perception of our efforts to respond to the same; the impact of newly adopted accounting principles on our accounting policies and on period-to-period comparisons of financial results; risks associated with possible federal, state, local, or property tax audits; and those additional risks and environmental or other factors discussed in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company cannot guarantee the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements contained in this press release, and the Company does not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contacts Roni Imbeaux Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations 404-407-1104 rimbeaux@cousins.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cousins-properties-announces-pricing-of-senior-notes-offering-302330787.html SOURCE Cousins Properties
The Japanese government and ruling parties are arranging to raise the income cap on earnings by a householder's dependent offspring to qualify householders for tax deductions to 1.50 million yen from 1.03 million yen, possibly starting next year, sources close to the matter said Thursday. The plan comes as the ruling bloc, led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party, has accepted several demands from an opposition party whose cooperation it is seeking in parliament after the coalition lost its majority in the House of Representatives in October's general election. With the agreement between the coalition and the Democratic Party for the People, a 13.9 trillion yen draft supplementary budget for fiscal 2024, aimed at funding an inflation relief package, passed the lower chamber, setting the stage for its approval during the parliamentary session ending Dec. 21. Currently, if a householder has a dependent aged 19 to 22 earning more than 1.03 million yen annually, he or she is ineligible for a special tax exemption for that dependent. The threshold has been seen as one of the key factors discouraging part-time employees from working longer hours despite a labor shortage in Japan. Earnings above the threshold could reduce the household's total income through loss of the tax deduction. As part of measures to bolster people's disposable income, the DPP, which quadrupled its lower house seats in the October election with a platform to raise wages, insisted the tax break ceiling should be lifted to at least 1.50 million yen from 2025. The LDP and its junior coalition partner the Komeito party had earlier proposed increasing the level to 1.30 million yen starting in 2026, as they have remained concerned about a potential decline in tax revenues. The ruling parties are looking to finalize the DPP-initiated proposal for incorporation in their tax reform plans for fiscal 2025, to be compiled by the end of the month, the sources said. In a related move, the LDP and Komeito agreed Wednesday with the DPP to raise the tax-free income threshold, currently set at 1.03 million yen and also seen as disincentivizing part-time workers, from next year. The three parties will aim to lift the threshold to 1.78 million yen as demanded by the DPP. With the extra budget, Ishiba's administration seeks to implement an economic package totaling 39 trillion yen, featuring subsidies to curb higher energy costs and cash handouts to low-income households, as rising prices continue to weigh on consumers. The government's spending plans for the current fiscal year also include costs for reconstruction efforts in the disaster-hit Noto Peninsula. The ruling bloc adjusted the draft supplementary budget in line with the leading opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan's request to increase disaster relief expenditures. It was later approved in the lower house plenary session. The extra budget will be deliberated next at the House of Councillors, or upper chamber.North Dakota regulators OK underground storage for proposed Midwest carbon dioxide pipeline
Beyond the social benefits, miles donations also qualify as activity on your loyalty account and can prevent the rest of your rewards from expiring . But if you’re in the habit of maximizing points and miles, you might also want to stretch the value of your charitable donations as far as possible. And by that measure, some methods of donating points and miles fall short. Here’s what to consider before donating your miles and points . Many loyalty programs make it easy to redeem your points and miles for a donation directly through their rewards portals. But some portals — especially those from airline and hotel programs — don’t publish the cash value a charity will receive for your miles or points. That means the charity may receive less value for your donation than you’d think, while also making it hard to compare the value of a donation with the value of other options for redeeming your points. Best Western Rewards is one of the few loyalty programs that publishes a cash value for charitable points donations. The charity will receive $2 for every 500 points you donate, for a point a value of 0.4 cent each. NerdWallet values Best Western points at 0.6 cent apiece, so you would receive 33% less value for your donation relative to using them for a hotel stay. Generally, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) doesn’t count points and miles as a source of income, so if you donate them, you can't deduct the cash value of your gift. This lack of favorable tax treatment for the consumer combined with the uncertain value you’ll often receive for miles and points donations should have you at least consider other avenues for your philanthropic endeavors. Keep in mind that this drawback only matters for taxpayers who itemize deductions on their income tax returns. If you're like most people and take the standard deduction instead of itemizing, you wouldn't be able to get a charitable tax deduction from any donation. Some rewards programs have a minimum donation amount for select charities. For example, you’d have to donate at least 2,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points for a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. That minimum amount makes it tougher to donate points that may be collecting dust in your loyalty account. To maximize the value of your donation, consider a charity that books travel directly with your miles or points rather than donating directly through your loyalty program's portal. For example, Miles4Migrants uses donated airline miles and credit card points to directly book award travel for refugees and asylum seekers. “Instead of maximizing points and miles to book a dream trip, we do it to help refugees reach safe new beginnings,” said Patrick Stouffer, partnerships manager at Miles4Migrants, in an email. Miles4Migrants has redeemed over 775 million donated miles in pursuit of their mission, with a cash value of over $17 million. That expertise allows them to get more value out of every donation. “Our team has the specialized knowledge necessary to stretch the value of every point or mile, ensuring donations go as far as possible,” Stouffer said. “Even if you aren’t able to reap any tax advantages of donating your points, at least you’ll know they made the largest possible impact.” Direct cash donations help avoid the downsides of donating miles and points. If you have a credit card that earns cash back , or if you earn cash rewards through a shopping portal like TopCashBack or Rakuten , consider cashing out and donating those rewards instead of your miles and points. With a cash donation, you’ll know the exact value a charity will receive from your donation and likely qualify for a potential itemized deduction on your taxes. Some rewards programs make this process simple and transparent. Travel rewards programs sometimes incentivize charitable giving by offering bonus points for your cash donations. For example, American Airlines offers 10 AAdvantage miles for every dollar members contribute to the charity Stand Up To Cancer. That extra incentive can be an individual boon for your charitable donation. Just be aware that any points or miles you receive from such promotions will reduce the tax deductibility of your contribution. American Airlines values those bonus miles you receive through donations at 3 cents each. So if you donate $100 and receive 1,000 AAdvantage miles, American values those miles at $30. You’ll receive a tax form declaring those rewards as $30 in income, giving you a qualifying tax deduction of $70. When you donate cash and receive bonus points, the charity still receives your full donation and you get a slug of points. While you'll have to pay taxes on those points, it can still be a big win for your future travel plans. More From NerdWallet Craig Joseph writes for NerdWallet. Email: cjoseph@nerdwallet.com . The article Should You Donate Your Points and Miles to Charity? originally appeared on NerdWallet.