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REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 9, 2024-- Zuora, Inc. (NYSE: ZUO), a leading monetization suite for modern business, today announced financial results for its fiscal third quarter ended October 31, 2024. Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results: Revenue: Subscription revenue was $105.3 million, an increase of 7% year-over-year. Total revenue was $116.9 million, an increase of 6% year-over-year. GAAP Loss from Operations: GAAP loss from operations was $11.7 million, compared to a loss from operations of $8.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. Non-GAAP Income from Operations: Non-GAAP income from operations was $25.1 million, compared to non-GAAP income from operations of $16.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. GAAP Net Loss: GAAP net loss was $32.2 million, or 28% of revenue, compared to a net loss of $5.5 million, or 5% of revenue, in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. GAAP net loss per share was $0.21 based on 152.3 million weighted-average shares outstanding, compared to a net loss per share of $0.04 based on 141.5 million weighted-average shares outstanding in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. The GAAP net loss reflects increased costs associated with our proposed acquisition, including a debt redemption liability of $20.2 million as of October 31, 2024 associated with our obligation to repurchase a portion of our 2029 Notes pursuant to our proposed acquisition, and $9.8 million of legal, consulting, and other transaction related costs. Refer below for further information on the proposed acquisition. Non-GAAP Net Income: Non-GAAP net income was $24.8 million, compared to non-GAAP net income of $12.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. Non-GAAP net income per share was $0.16 based on 152.3 million weighted-average shares outstanding, compared to non-GAAP net income per share of $0.09 based on 141.5 million weighted-average shares outstanding in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. Cash Flow: Net cash provided by operating activities was $22.4 million, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $55.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. Adjusted Free Cash Flow: Adjusted free cash flow was $25.5 million compared to $12.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. Cash and Investments: Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were $558.5 million as of October 31, 2024. Descriptions of our non-GAAP financial measures are contained in the section titled "Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below and reconciliations of GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures are contained in the tables below. Proposed Acquisition; Conference Call and Guidance On October 17, 2024, we announced that Zuora entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Silver Lake, the global leader in technology investing, in partnership with an affiliate of GIC Pte. Ltd. (“GIC”). The transaction is valued at $1.7 billion, with Silver Lake and GIC to acquire all outstanding shares of Zuora common stock for $10.00 per share in cash. The acquisition is expected to close in the first calendar quarter of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions and approvals, including the receipt of the required regulatory approvals. Upon completion of the transaction, Zuora will become a privately held company. Given the proposed acquisition of Zuora, we will not be holding a conference call or live webcast to discuss Zuora's third quarter of fiscal 2025 financial results, we will not be providing any forward looking guidance, and we are withdrawing all previously provided goals, outlook, and guidance. Key Operational and Financial Metrics: Customers with annual contract value (ACV) equal to or greater than $250,000 were 451, compared to 453 as of October 31, 2023. Dollar-based retention rate (DBRR) was 103%, compared to 108% as of October 31, 2023. Annual recurring revenue (ARR) was $419.9 million compared to $396.0 million as of October 31, 2023, representing ARR growth of 6%. Explanation of Key Operational and Financial Metrics: Annual Contract Value (ACV) . We define ACV as the subscription revenue we would contractually expect to recognize from a customer over the next twelve months, assuming no increases or reductions in their subscriptions. We define the number of customers at the end of any particular period as the number of parties or organizations that have entered into a distinct subscription contract with us and for which the term has not ended. Each party with whom we have entered into a distinct subscription contract is considered a unique customer, and in some cases, there may be more than one customer within a single organization. Dollar-based Retention Rate (DBRR) . We calculate DBRR as of a period end by starting with the sum of the ACV from all customers as of twelve months prior to such period end, or prior period ACV. We then calculate the sum of the ACV from these same customers as of the current period end, or current period ACV. Current period ACV includes any upsells and also reflects contraction or attrition over the trailing twelve months but excludes revenue from new customers added in the current period. We then divide the current period ACV by the prior period ACV to arrive at our dollar-based retention rate. Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR). ARR represents the annualized recurring value at the time of initial booking or contract modification for all active subscription contracts at the end of a reporting period. ARR excludes the value of non-recurring revenue such as professional services revenue as well as contracts with new customers with a term of less than one year. ARR should be viewed independently of revenue and deferred revenue, and is not intended to be a substitute for, or combined with, any of these items. ARR growth is calculated by dividing the ARR as of a period end by the ARR for the corresponding period end of the prior fiscal year. Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures: In addition to financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), this press release and the accompanying tables contain non-GAAP financial measures including: non-GAAP cost of subscription revenue; non-GAAP subscription gross margin; non-GAAP cost of professional services revenue; non-GAAP professional services gross margin; non-GAAP gross profit; non-GAAP gross margin; non-GAAP income from operations; non-GAAP operating margin; non-GAAP net income; non-GAAP net income per share; and adjusted free cash flow. The presentation of these financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. We use non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with GAAP measures as part of our overall assessment of our performance, including the preparation of our annual operating budget and quarterly forecasts, to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies and to communicate with our Board of Directors concerning our financial performance. We believe these non-GAAP measures provide investors consistency and comparability with our past financial performance and facilitate period-to-period comparisons of our operating results. We also believe these non-GAAP measures are useful in evaluating our operating performance compared to that of other companies in our industry, as they generally eliminate the effects of certain items that may vary for different companies for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance. We exclude the following items from one or more of our non-GAAP financial measures: Stock-based compensation expense . We exclude stock-based compensation expense, which is a non-cash expense, because we believe that excluding this item provides meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In particular, stock-based compensation expense is not comparable across companies given it is calculated using a variety of valuation methodologies and subjective assumptions. Amortization of acquired intangible assets . We exclude amortization of acquired intangible assets, which is a non-cash expense, because we do not believe it has a direct correlation to the operation of our business. Charitable contributions. We exclude expenses associated with charitable donations of our common stock. We believe that excluding these non-cash expenses allows investors to make more meaningful comparisons between our operating results and those of other companies. Shareholder matters . We exclude non-recurring charges and benefits, net of insurance recoveries, including litigation expenses, settlements and other legal, consulting and advisory fees, related to shareholder matters that are outside of the ordinary course of our business, including expenses related to a cooperation agreement. We believe these charges and benefits do not have a direct correlation to the operations of our business and may vary in size depending on the timing, results and resolution of such litigation, settlements, agreements or other shareholder matters. Asset impairment . We exclude non-cash charges for impairment of assets, including impairments related to internal-use software, office leases, and acquired intangible assets. Impairment charges can vary significantly in terms of amount and timing and we do not consider these charges indicative of our current or past operating performance. Moreover, we believe that excluding the effects of these charges allows investors to make more meaningful comparisons between our operating results and those of other companies. Change in fair value of debt derivative and warrant liabilities. We exclude fair value adjustments related to the debt derivative and warrant liabilities, which are non-cash gains or losses, as they can fluctuate significantly with changes in Zuora's stock price and market volatility, and do not reflect the underlying cash flows or operational results of the business. Acquisition-related expenses . We exclude acquisition-related expenses (including integration-related charges) that are not related to our ongoing operations. These expenses include gains or losses recognized on contingent consideration related to acquisitions, including costs associated with our proposed acquisition. We do not consider these transaction expenses as reflective of our core business or ongoing operating performance. Workforce reductions . We exclude charges related to workforce reduction plans, including severance, health care and related expenses. We believe these charges are not indicative of our continuing operations. Additionally, we disclose "adjusted free cash flow", which is a non-GAAP measure that includes adjustments to operating cash flows for cash impacts related to Shareholder matters and Acquisition-related expenses described above, and net purchases of property and equipment. We include the impact of net purchases of property and equipment in our adjusted free cash flow calculation because we consider these capital expenditures to be a necessary component of our ongoing operations. We believe this measure is meaningful to investors because management reviews cash flows generated from operations excluding such expenditures that are not related to our ongoing operations. Investors are cautioned that there are material limitations associated with the use of non-GAAP financial measures as an analytical tool. The non-GAAP measures we use may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes. We compensate for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP items excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Words such as “believes,” “may,” “will,” “determine,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continues,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “expects,” “could,” “would,” “projects,” “plans,” “targets,” “strategy,” “likely,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding the proposed acquisition of Zuora, including the expected timing of the closing of the acquisition, and expectations for Zuora following the completion of the acquisition. Forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations as of the date of this filing and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control. Our actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to, risks detailed in our Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2024 as well as other documents that may be filed by us from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2024. In particular, the following factors, among others, could cause results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements: the possibility that the closing conditions to the proposed acquisition are not satisfied (or waived), including the risk that required approvals from Zuora’s stockholders for the proposed acquisition or required regulatory approvals to consummate the acquisition are not obtained in a timely manner (or at all); the outcome of the current complaint and any potential litigation relating to the proposed acquisition; uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the proposed acquisition; the ability of each party to consummate the proposed acquisition; our ability to attract new customers and retain and expand sales to existing customers; our ability to manage our future revenue and profitability plans effectively; adoption of monetization platform software and related solutions, as well as consumer adoption of products and services that are provided through such solutions; our ability to develop and release new products and services, or successful enhancements, new features and modifications; challenges related to growing our relationships with strategic partners; loss of key employees; our ability to compete in our markets; adverse impacts on our business and financial condition due to macroeconomic or market conditions; the impact of actions to improve operational efficiencies and operating costs; our history of net losses and ability to achieve or sustain profitability; market acceptance of our products; the success of our product development efforts; risks associated with currency exchange rate fluctuations; risks associated with our debt obligations; successful deployment of our solutions by customers after entering into a subscription agreement with us; the success of our sales and product initiatives; our security measures; our ability to adequately protect our intellectual property; interruptions or performance problems; litigation and other shareholder related costs; the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and ability to integrate operations and technology of any acquired company; geopolitical conflicts or destabilizing events; other business effects, including those related to industry, market, economic, political, regulatory and global health conditions and other risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent our views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. We undertake no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Important Information and Where to Find It In connection with the proposed acquisition, Zuora has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a proxy statement in preliminary form on November 25, 2024, a definitive version of which will be mailed or otherwise provided to its stockholders. The Company and affiliates of the Company have jointly filed a transaction statement on Schedule 13E-3 (the Schedule 13E-3). Zuora may also file other documents with the SEC regarding the potential transaction. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, ZUORA’S STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND THE SCHEDULE 13E-3 IN THEIR ENTIRETY AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the proxy statement, the Schedule 13E-3 and other documents that Zuora files with the SEC from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and Zuora’s website at investor.zuora.com . In addition, the proxy statement, the Schedule 13E-3 and other documents filed by Zuora with the SEC (when available) may be obtained from Zuora free of charge by directing a request to Zuora’s Investor Relations at investorrelations@zuora.com . Participants in the Solicitation Zuora and certain of its directors, executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Zuora’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of the stockholders of Zuora in connection with the proposed transaction, including a description of their respective direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise will be set forth in the proxy statement and Schedule 13E-3 and other materials to be filed with the SEC. You may also find additional information about Zuora’s directors and executive officers in Zuora’s proxy statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on May 16, 2024 (the “Annual Meeting Proxy Statement”). To the extent holdings of securities by potential participants (or the identity of such participants) have changed since the information printed in the Annual Meeting Proxy Statement, such information has been or will be reflected in Zuora’s Statements of Change in Ownership on Forms 3 and 4 filed with the SEC. You can obtain free copies of these documents from Zuora using the contact information above. About Zuora, Inc. Zuora provides a leading monetization suite to build, run and grow a modern business through a dynamic mix of usage-based models, subscription bundles and everything in between. From pricing and packaging, to billing, payments and revenue accounting, Zuora’s flexible, modular software platform is designed to help companies evolve monetization strategies with customer demand. More than 1,000 customers around the world, including BMC Software, Box, Caterpillar, General Motors, The New York Times, Schneider Electric and Zoom use Zuora’s leading combination of technology and expertise to turn recurring relationships and recurring revenue into recurring growth. Zuora is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices in the Americas, EMEA and APAC. To learn more, please visit zuora.com . © 2024 Zuora, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Zuora, Subscribed, Subscription Economy, Powering the Subscription Economy, Subscription Economy Index, Zephr, and Subscription Experience Platform are trademarks or registered trademarks of Zuora, Inc. Third party trademarks mentioned above are owned by their respective companies. Nothing in this press release should be construed to the contrary, or as an approval, endorsement or sponsorship by any third parties of Zuora, Inc. or any aspect of this press release. SOURCE: ZUORA, INC. ZUORA, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue: Subscription $ 105,253 $ 98,048 $ 308,263 $ 283,232 Professional services 11,676 11,801 33,831 37,760 Total revenue 116,929 109,849 342,094 320,992 Cost of revenue: Subscription 1 23,954 20,378 67,207 62,304 Professional services 1 14,383 14,650 43,483 47,851 Total cost of revenue 38,337 35,028 110,690 110,155 Gross profit 78,592 74,821 231,404 210,837 Operating expenses: Research and development 1 26,833 27,504 76,853 79,428 Sales and marketing 1 36,597 40,245 108,579 124,488 General and administrative 1 26,880 15,893 71,351 54,160 Total operating expenses 90,310 83,642 256,783 258,076 Loss from operations (11,718 ) (8,821 ) (25,379 ) (47,239 ) Change in fair value of debt derivative and warrant liabilities (20,174 ) 6,997 (29,115 ) 2,241 Interest expense (7,045 ) (5,610 ) (20,781 ) (14,604 ) Interest and other income (expense), net 6,505 2,272 19,988 13,639 Loss before income taxes (32,432 ) (5,162 ) (55,287 ) (45,963 ) Income tax (benefit) provision (226 ) 340 (2,152 ) 1,396 Net loss (32,206 ) (5,502 ) (53,135 ) (47,359 ) Comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation adjustment 462 (696 ) 386 (1,383 ) Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities 248 (18 ) 63 494 Comprehensive loss $ (31,496 ) $ (6,216 ) $ (52,686 ) $ (48,248 ) Net loss per share, basic and diluted $ (0.21 ) $ (0.04 ) $ (0.36 ) $ (0.34 ) Weighted-average shares outstanding used in calculating net loss per share, basic and diluted 152,263 141,488 149,457 138,789 (1) Stock-based compensation expense was recorded in the following cost and expense categories: Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Cost of subscription revenue $ 2,331 $ 2,350 $ 6,291 $ 6,889 Cost of professional services revenue 2,598 2,747 7,359 8,997 Research and development 7,697 7,165 21,680 20,661 Sales and marketing 7,613 8,191 20,609 24,857 General and administrative 4,694 5,648 13,163 16,569 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 24,933 $ 26,101 $ 69,102 $ 77,973 ZUORA, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) (unaudited) October 31, 2024 January 31, 2024 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 277,615 $ 256,065 Short-term investments 280,909 258,120 Accounts receivable, net 82,414 124,602 Deferred commissions, current portion 15,995 15,870 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 25,183 23,261 Total current assets 682,116 677,918 Property and equipment, net 27,403 25,961 Operating lease right-of-use assets 20,591 22,462 Purchased intangibles, net 23,146 10,082 Deferred commissions, net of current portion 24,941 27,250 Goodwill 73,903 56,657 Other assets 4,972 3,506 Total assets $ 857,072 $ 823,836 Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 761 $ 3,161 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 45,167 32,157 Accrued employee liabilities 29,860 37,722 Deferred revenue, current portion 177,436 199,615 Operating lease liabilities, current portion 7,030 6,760 Total current liabilities 260,254 279,415 Long-term debt 368,348 359,525 Deferred revenue, net of current portion 860 2,802 Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 32,573 37,100 Deferred tax liabilities 4,066 3,725 Other long-term liabilities 6,781 7,582 Total liabilities 672,882 690,149 Stockholders’ equity: Class A common stock 15 14 Class B common stock 1 1 Additional paid-in capital 1,067,329 964,141 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (410 ) (859 ) Accumulated deficit (882,745 ) (829,610 ) Total stockholders’ equity 184,190 133,687 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 857,072 $ 823,836 ZUORA, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) (unaudited) Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $ (53,135 ) $ (47,359 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 14,715 13,684 Stock-based compensation 69,102 77,973 Provision for credit losses 2,117 457 Amortization of deferred commissions 13,946 14,415 Reduction in carrying amount of right-of-use assets 3,470 4,876 Change in fair value of debt derivative and warrant liabilities 29,115 (2,241 ) Other (2,418 ) 2,630 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 40,149 12,476 Prepaid expenses and other assets (2,657 ) 878 Deferred commissions (12,107 ) (12,013 ) Accounts payable (2,529 ) (634 ) Accrued expenses and other liabilities 6,843 (82,904 ) Accrued employee liabilities (7,986 ) 509 Deferred revenue (24,439 ) (7,461 ) Operating lease liabilities (7,476 ) (10,962 ) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 66,710 (35,676 ) Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (9,252 ) (6,913 ) Purchases of short-term investments (240,093 ) (66,665 ) Maturities of short-term investments 222,279 175,128 Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired (24,786 ) (4,524 ) Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (51,852 ) 97,026 Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options 3,372 1,000 Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan 4,481 4,765 Payment for taxes related to net share settlement of stock options (1,547 ) — Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes, net of issuance costs — 145,861 Net cash provided by financing activities 6,306 151,626 Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents 386 (1,383 ) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 21,550 211,593 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 256,065 203,239 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 277,615 $ 414,832 ZUORA, INC. RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED GAAP MEASURES TO NON-GAAP MEASURES (in thousands, except percentages) (unaudited) Subscription Gross Margin Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Reconciliation of cost of subscription revenue: GAAP cost of subscription revenue $ 23,954 $ 20,378 $ 67,207 $ 62,304 Less: Stock-based compensation (2,331 ) (2,350 ) (6,291 ) (6,889 ) Amortization of acquired intangibles (1,164 ) (607 ) (2,706 ) (2,083 ) Workforce reductions (228 ) — (796 ) (38 ) Acquisition-related expenses (12 ) — (103 ) — Asset impairment — (439 ) — (439 ) Shareholder matters — — (20 ) — Non-GAAP cost of subscription revenue $ 20,219 $ 16,982 $ 57,291 $ 52,855 GAAP subscription gross margin 77 % 79 % 78 % 78 % Non-GAAP subscription gross margin 81 % 83 % 81 % 81 % Professional Services Gross Margin Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Reconciliation of cost of professional services revenue: GAAP cost of professional services revenue $ 14,383 $ 14,650 $ 43,483 $ 47,851 Less: Stock-based compensation (2,598 ) (2,747 ) (7,359 ) (8,997 ) Acquisition-related expenses (22 ) — (22 ) — Shareholder matters — — (28 ) — Workforce reductions — — (5 ) (46 ) Non-GAAP cost of professional services revenue $ 11,763 $ 11,903 $ 36,069 $ 38,808 GAAP professional services gross margin (23 )% (24 )% (29 )% (27 )% Non-GAAP professional services gross margin (1 )% (1 )% (7 )% (3 )% ZUORA, INC. RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED GAAP MEASURES TO NON-GAAP MEASURES (CONTINUED) (in thousands, except percentages) (unaudited) Total Gross Margin Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Reconciliation of gross profit: GAAP gross profit $ 78,592 $ 74,821 $ 231,404 $ 210,837 Add: Stock-based compensation 4,929 5,097 13,650 15,886 Amortization of acquired intangibles 1,164 607 2,706 2,083 Workforce reductions 228 — 801 84 Acquisition-related expenses 34 — 125 — Asset impairment — 439 — 439 Shareholder matters — — 48 — Non-GAAP gross profit $ 84,947 $ 80,964 $ 248,734 $ 229,329 GAAP gross margin 67 % 68 % 68 % 66 % Non-GAAP gross margin 73 % 74 % 73 % 71 % Operating (Loss) Income and Operating Margin Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Reconciliation of (loss) income from operations: GAAP loss from operations $ (11,718 ) $ (8,821 ) $ (25,379 ) $ (47,239 ) Add: Stock-based compensation 24,933 26,101 69,102 77,973 Acquisition-related expenses 10,299 19 17,100 211 Amortization of acquired intangibles 1,164 607 2,706 2,083 Workforce reductions 241 — 1,518 265 Shareholder matters 181 (3,508 ) 4,240 (3,265 ) Asset impairment — 1,592 — 1,592 Non-GAAP income from operations $ 25,100 $ 15,990 $ 69,287 $ 31,620 GAAP operating margin (10 )% (8 )% (7 )% (15 )% Non-GAAP operating margin 21 % 15 % 20 % 10 % ZUORA, INC. RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED GAAP MEASURES TO NON-GAAP MEASURES (CONTINUED) (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) Net (Loss) Income and Net (Loss) Income Per Share Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Reconciliation of net (loss) income: GAAP net loss $ (32,206 ) $ (5,502 ) $ (53,135 ) $ (47,359 ) Add: Stock-based compensation 24,933 26,101 69,102 77,973 Change in fair value of debt derivative and warrant liabilities 20,174 (6,997 ) 29,115 (2,241 ) Acquisition-related expenses 10,299 19 17,100 211 Amortization of acquired intangibles 1,164 607 2,706 2,083 Workforce reductions 241 — 1,518 265 Shareholder matters 181 (3,508 ) 4,240 (3,265 ) Asset impairment — 1,592 — 1,592 Non-GAAP net income $ 24,786 $ 12,312 $ 70,646 $ 29,259 GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted 1 $ (0.21 ) $ (0.04 ) $ (0.36 ) $ (0.34 ) Non-GAAP net income per share, basic and diluted 1 $ 0.16 $ 0.09 $ 0.47 $ 0.21 (1) For the three months ended October 31, 2024 and 2023, GAAP and Non-GAAP net (loss) income per share are calculated based upon 152.3 million and 141.5 million basic and diluted weighted-average shares of common stock, respectively. For the nine months ended October 31, 2024 and 2023, GAAP and Non-GAAP net (loss) income per share are calculated based upon 149.5 million and 138.8 million basic and diluted weighted-average shares of common stock, respectively. Adjusted Free Cash Flow Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Reconciliation of adjusted free cash flow: Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (GAAP) $ 22,408 $ (55,657 ) $ 66,710 $ (35,676 ) Add: Acquisition-related expenses 5,587 28 7,300 135 Shareholder matters 824 71,377 4,379 72,130 Less: Purchases of property and equipment (3,330 ) (3,075 ) (9,252 ) (6,913 ) Adjusted free cash flow (non-GAAP) $ 25,489 $ 12,673 $ 69,137 $ 29,676 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (GAAP) $ 18,999 $ 2,005 $ (51,852 ) $ 97,026 Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (GAAP) $ (1,295 ) $ 145,899 $ 6,306 $ 151,626 View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209614914/en/ CONTACT: Investor Relations Contact: Luana Wolk investorrelations@zuora.com 650-419-1377Media Relations Contact: Margaret Juhnke press@zuora.com 619-609-3919 KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SOFTWARE PAYMENTS ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TECHNOLOGY ELECTRONIC COMMERCE FINTECH OTHER TECHNOLOGY SOURCE: Zuora, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/09/2024 04:10 PM/DISC: 12/09/2024 04:08 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209614914/enMOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) — Steven Clay scored 16 points as Morehead State beat Kentucky Christian 86-63 on Sunday. Clay shot 5 of 8 from the field, including 3 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 3 for 5 from the line for the Eagles (4-6). Jalen Breazeale scored 10 points, shooting 4 of 5 from the field and 1 for 3 from the line. Jerone Morton had nine points and went 3 of 6 from the field. Jayden Loydd finished with 15 points for the Knights. Kaleb Ramer added 12 points and four assists for Kentucky Christian. Josh Stacy also had 10 points. Up next for Morehead State is a Thursday matchup with UT Martin at home, and Kentucky Christian visits Wofford on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Shiffrin confirms she'll miss Beaver Creek World Cup races

The 2024 Troon Access GL Championship is bringing high-stakes par-3 tournament golf to Arizona. Courtesy of Grass Clippings The Troon Access GL Championship presented by GolfNow will kick off on Thursday, Dec. 5, with 44 two-person teams competing at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills in Tempe, Ariz., in a 36-hole scramble over two evenings. The rounds will be played under the lights, with thousands of fans on hand in the gallery. And even if you aren’t among the in-person spectators, you’ll still have a chance to catch the high-stakes, par-3 tournament action, which will be available to stream on Peacock during the final round. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the tournament, including full streaming info. Troon Access GL Championship preview The Troon Access GL Championship is part of The Grass League, the world’s first high-stakes par-3 golf league. The Grass League was created by the founders of Grass Clippings, a company founded in 2018 by a group of Phoenix-based entrepreneurs, and stages competitive tournaments with both amateur and professional players in team-based formats. This week’s tournament will be contested at Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills, a city of Tempe-owned course that Grass Clippings now operates via a 50-year partnership. Over the past 18 months, Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills has undergone a major facelift, with a $15 million investment providing lighting for night play, a lighted practice range with Toptracer technology, a new irrigation system and new tee boxes. The facility also has an activity lawn and video display, hilltop bar, patio bar, a renovated clubhouse and an entertainment venue. In April, Rolling Hills has a successful hosting debut for The Grass League, and this week’s showing is expected to be even more grand. Franchises from cities like San Diego, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Dallas (which are owned by investors that include the likes of U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, Los Angeles Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts and Good Good Golf) will field teams that include the following notable players: Hollywood Hitters – Mardy Fish , Mark Mulder Phoenix United – George Gankas, Nick Mason Minnesota Muskies (Team 1) – Drew Kittleson , Drew Stoltz Minnesota Muskies (Team 2) – Andrew Medley, Ken Tanigawa Los Angeles Roses – Sarah Schmelzel, Carson Kemp Scottsdale Strikes (Team 1) – Jonathan Kaye, Kenny Coakley Scottsdale Strikes (Team 2) – Tommy Moore, Andrew Magee Dallas Horsemen – Brad Dalke, Clay Seeber Thurday’s opening round will be a shotgun, while Friday’s final round will feature progressive tee times and will be streamed live by NBC’s Peacock starting at 8 p.m. ET. The broadcast crew will be comprised of Ned Michaels, Todd Dobson, Parker McLachlin and Nick Rivers. Tournament basics What: 2024 Troon Access GL Championship Where: Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills, Tempe, Ariz. When: Thursday-Friday, Dec. 5-6 How to watch 2024 Troon Access GL Championship online, streaming You can watch the 2024 Troon Access GL Championship on Peacock , starting at 8 p.m. ET on Friday. 2024 Troon Access GL Championship Tee Times: Round 1 (ET) Shotgun: 7 p.m. 2024 Hero World Challenge tee times: Round 2 (ET) 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Progressive tee times based on Round 1 standings) You can follow the 2024 Troon Access GL Championship action here . Latest In News Golf.com Editor As a four-year member of Columbia’s inaugural class of female varsity golfers, Jessica can out-birdie everyone on the masthead. She can out-hustle them in the office, too, where she’s primarily responsible for producing both print and online features, and overseeing major special projects, such as GOLF’s inaugural Style Is­sue, which debuted in February 2018. Her origi­nal interview series, “A Round With,” debuted in November of 2015, and appeared in both in the magazine and in video form on GOLF.com.

As the paperwork arrived in Troy during the early football signing period, coaches on staff announced the newcomers throughout the day via social media videos. “To be honest, it’s a celebration of a lot of work,” Troy head coach Gerad Parker of having some fun with it. “I think any time you can have one of those days – even if it’s for about three hours to enjoy them – it’s really good, because there is a lot work. And you feel really good about the people you are bringing into the program and have chose us.” Troy signed 15 players on Wednesday – 13 from the high school ranks and two from junior colleges. The Trojans signed three offensive linemen, three safeties, two defensive linemen, two running backs, two wide receivers, two bandit linebackers and one quarterback. “Of the 15 signees, nine of those 15 are Alabama high school players,” Parker said, noting his philosophy of recruiting strongly in the region. “The thing that I’m also most proud of is all 15 of these players were seen in live evaluations through spring recruiting, through camp or through going to watch games this fall. “It also tells you something about our signees in all of them were not a bit afraid of competing for a spot of showing who they were in a live evaluation, and that’s what we believe Troy represents. We want guys who want to compete and do it in front of coaches and other players. I think that’s what this class represents.” The quarterback in the class is a record-setter in Jack James of Paducah (Ky.) Tilghman High School. James, whose team will be playing for the Kentucky 4A state championship Friday, enters the game with 13,642 career passing yards, a state record 180 passing touchdowns, a state record 1,543 passing attempts and 942 completions. Former Troy star quarterback Corey Robinson (2009-2013) is an assistant coach for Tilghman and also a native of Paducah. “There’s been a lot of great quarterbacks to come out of that state, and for him to be there statistically tells you something about who he is as a passer,” Parker said. “He is so accurate. He has great anticipatory skills to throw in windows. We just really have a strong feeling about who he is and how he’ll progress to be a great player here.” One JUCO signee is bandit linebacker Donnie Smith, a 6-4, 225-pounder from East Central (Miss.) Community College who is ranked the No. 1 junior college linebacker in the country by On3 and the No. 17 JUCO player overall. He finished his sophomore season with 95 tackles – 21 for loss – with 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and five pass break-ups. “He is one that came to our camp before the season started,” Parker said. “We evaluated and worked with and showed him who we were as coaches and he committed to us and stayed committed to us while having several offers throughout the year. “You go and watch his film and you see an explosive player, a great pass rusher and a very productive tackler.” The other JUCO product is wide receiver Dariyonne Bryant of Highland (Ohio) Community College who was ranked the top JUCO receiver by On3. He caught 43 passes for 871 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore. “Dariyonne is one we’ve been on and tracking,” Parker said. “He’s one of the more productive receivers in the junior college ranks. We feel really good about his ball skills and explosiveness he showed. “He has had a ton of production. It’s something that can add to that (wide receivers) room as we give it an uplift from what we’ve lost in graduation and how we want to move forward.” It was announced earlier this week the groundbreaking for the indoor practice facility will begin next month, which was another big sales pitch to attract recruits. “Anytime you are able to show in your program such a large commitment from administration and from your university to continue to feed the program with the wonderful facilities that we already have and make another improvement like that just shows a commitment to a championship program and what we’re going to do in our future,” Parker said. “So anytime you can push that, it just helps in your sales pitch, I would say. I think for us, too, for our current players, they’re very excited, too.” Parker and his staff still have some holes to fill in the coming weeks, which likely will include looking at the transfer portal. “There’s still plenty of work to be done with some open spots that we have done very much on purpose,” Parker said. “We will do that more so in an upperclassmen transfer and junior college market as we move to close out the class. “You’re going to see upward to four to six players as we close it out. That’s going to be over the next two weeks until Christmas break. Then after that, it’s whatever else you have to supplement. Hopefully, we’ll have nothing left to supplement.” SIGNING CLASS BIOS JT Alvis, S, 6-1, 200, Helena, Ala. / Helena HS High School: Helped lead Helena High School to back-to-back runner-up finishes in the region and berth in the Alabama 6A Playoffs ... Recorded 59 tackles, four interceptions, a fumble recovery and 10 pass break ups his junior and senior season ... Consensus three-star recruit by On3, 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals ... Ranked as the No. 43 player in Alabama by 247 Sports and No. 92 safety nationally by ESPN ... Also plays basketball and baseball for the Huskies Jatorian Blackmon, OL, 6-5, 330, LaGrange, Ga. / Troup County HS High School: Three-star prospect by On3 and ESPN ... Rated as the No. 63 interior lineman in the country by ESPN and top 140 player in Georgia ... Named the MaxPreps Offensive Player of the Game in the Tigers’ victory over Spalding ... Anchored an offensive line that earned Georgia High School Football Daily’s Offensive Line of the Week honors in September of 2023 after Troup County had three 100-yard rushers in a 56-7 victory over Whitewater ... Georgia AAAA All-State Honorable Mention as a junior Jon Bocchino, S, 6-0, 190, Niceville, Fla. / Niceville HS High School: Led Niceville High School to Florida 5A Semifinals (play Friday following Signing Day) ... Enters semifinals with 68 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and an interception ... Also rushed for 207 yards and 14 touchdowns on 44 carries ... Eagles currently sitting 12-1 on the season ... Recorded 69 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, four sacks and six pass break ups as a junior; Eagles finished 9-3 and advanced to second round of the playoffs ... Rated as a three-star by both On3 and 247 Sports ... Also competes in track & field for Niceville – 100m, 200m, 400m, long jump, triple jump and javelin Gavin Bowlin, OL, 6-6, 315, Leeds, Ala. / Leeds HS High School: Helped lead Leeds to an 11-3 record and berth in the Alabama 5A semifinals as a senior ... Key blocker for rushing attack that averaged 268.5 yards per game and rushed for 56 touchdowns; blocked for a 1,811-yard rusher and an 894-yard rusher ... Rated as a three-star by On3, 247 Sports and Rivals ... Top 50 player in the state by On3 and 247 and top 100 offensive tackles nationally by both ... As a junior, Leeds finished 9-3 overall and advanced to the third round of the playoffs ... Invited to the All-American Showcase prior to senior season ... Earned Offensive Line MVP honors at You Are Athlete Birmingham Football Camp in summer of 2024 ... Also plays basketball for the Green Wave Paul Bowling, OL, 6-4, 300, Marietta, Ga. / McEachern HS High School: Three-star prospect by On3 and 247 Sports ... Rated as a top 120 player in Georgia and top 170 interior offensive lineman by 247 Sports ... Helped lead McEachern to the Georgia AAAAAA State Playoffs as a junior and senior ... Won a district title as a junior with the Indians Dariyonne Bryant, WR, 6-2, 175, Portsmouth, Ohio / Highland CC / Portsmouth HS Highland CC: Rated as the top JUCO receiver and No. 9 JUCO player overall by On3 ... Caught 43 passes for 871 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore; 20.3 yards per catch and 79.2 yards per game ... As a freshman, caught 19 passes for 284 yards and five touchdowns ... Began his career at the University of Charleston, where he redshirted in 2022 Makel Green, BAN, 6-2, 255, Phenix City, Ala. / Central HS High School: Helped lead Central High School to a 10-2 record and berth in the Alabama 7A State Championship Game as a senior (game played on Signing Day) ... Consensus three-star (On3, 247, ESPN, Rivals) ... Rated as the No. 31 player in the state by On3 and the No. 79 Edge rusher in the country by ESPN ... Injured in week two of his senior season and returned for the championship game Jah’Marren Jackson, WR, 6-5, 195, McKenzie, Ala. / McKenzie HS High School: Rated as a three-star and No. 42 player in the state (No. 209 WR nationally) per On3 ... As a senior, caught 41 passes for 789 yards and 10 touchdowns ... Finished senior season with four 100-yard games, including a 4-catch, 3-touchdown, 126-yard performance against Kinston ... Led the Tigers to a region title trip to the second round of the Alabama 1A Playoffs ... Caught 50 passes for 782 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior in 2023 and rushed for 161 yards and two touchdowns ... Three-sport athlete at McKenzie, averaged 15 points and 14 rebounds as a junior in basketball and state finals qualifier in the long jump (finished seventh) Jack James, QB, 6-0, 215, Paducah, Ky. / Paducah Tilghman HS High School: Led Paducah Tilghman to the Kentucky 4A State Championship Game (game is Friday following Signing Day) ... Named the Kentucky Football Coaches Association Player of the Year ... The Blue Tornados enter the title bout with a perfect 14-0 record ... Threw five touchdown passes in the 2024 Kentucky 4A semifinals; the third set a new career record for touchdown passes in KHSAA history ... Enters championship game with 13,642 yards, 180 passing touchdowns (state record), 1,543 attempts (state record) and 942 completions; needs one yard and five completions to set those state records ... for 4,019 yards and 56 touchdowns in addition to rushing for six scores as a junior ... Completed 68 percent of his passes, leading Paducah Tilgham to the state semifinals ... As a sophomore, led Tigers to a state runner-up finish ... Shared QB duties in a COVID-shortened seven-game season in 2020, throwing for 807 yards and 10 TDs ... Former Troy quarterback Corey Robinson (2009-13) was his offensive coordinator ... Kentucky Prep Gridiron Big School Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 ... Won the Kentucky 215-pound state wrestling championship in the spring of 2024 and finished third in 2023 behind two wrestlers who went on to compete collegiately ... Consensus three-star (On3, 247, ESPN, Rivals) ... Rated as the No. 15 player in Kentucky and the No. 84 quarterback nationally by the On3 Industry Ranking ... ESPN’s No. 65 QB nationally and No. 6 player in Kentucky per Rivals LaDarius Jemes, DE, 6-4, 225, Huntsville, Ala. / Huntsville HS High School: Finished senior season with 40 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and five sacks at Huntsville High School ... As a junior, recorded 66 tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, 16 hurries, four pass break ups and three fumble recoveries ... Three-star prospect by On3 and 247 Sports ... Rated as a top 30 player in Alabama and top 100 edge rusher in the country by On3 ... Also plays basketball for Huntsville RJ Shamberger, DT, 6-4, 290, Monroeville, Ala. / Excel HS High School: Helped lead the Panthers to the Alabama 3A Playoffs ... Consensus three-star recruit by On3, 247 Sports and Rivals ... Ranked as the No. 44 player in Alabama by the On3 Industry Ranking and top 140 defensive lineman in the country ... Also plays basketball Dakarai Shanks, RB, 5-10, 205, Hoover, Ala. / Spain Park HS High School: Helped lead Spain Park to first undefeated regular season in school history in 2024 ... As a senior, rushed for 1,248 yards and 11 touchdowns ... Topped the 100-yard mark five times over the 12-game season ... Rushed for 186 yards and a touchdown against McGill-Toolen in opening round of 2024 6A Playoffs; Jaguars’ first playoff victory since 2015 ... Caught seven passes for 133 yards and two scores ... Three-star per On3 and 247 ... Rated as the No. 58 player in the state and top 135 running back nationally per On3 Donnie Smith, BAN, 6-4, 225, Greenville, Miss. / East Central CC / St. Joseph HS East Central CC: Ranted as the No. 1 junior college linebacker in the country by On3 and the No. 17 JUCO player overall ... Finished his sophomore season with 95 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and five pass break ups ... As a freshman, added 25 tackles, four sacks, seven tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a pass break up ... Named to the All-MACCC First Team following his sophomore season ... Helped lead the Warriors to an 8-3 record and berth in the MACCC Championship Game High School: Recorded 46 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as a senior at St. Joseph High School ... Helped lead the Fighting Irish to a MAIS 4A State Championship, an 11-1 record and district title as a senior ... Finished his career with 120 total tackles, 12 sacks and 19 tackles for loss ... Also rushed for 366 yards and six touchdowns in his career ... St. Joseph’s finished 9-2 and reached the state semifinals his junior year ... Played basketball for the Fighting Irish Antonious Steele, S, 6-1, 190, Centreville, Ala. / Bibb County HS High School: Selected to play in the AHSAA All-Star Game ... Recorded 32 receptions for 666 yards and 10 touchdowns, while rushing for a score ... Defensively, recorded 110 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and five interceptions ... Named first team all-region and all-area ... Rated as a three-star by On3 and 247 Sports ... As a junior, helped lead Choctaws to a region title and 10-2 season ... Ranked as a top 120 safety nationally by On3 and 247 Sports and a top 40 player in Alabama by both ... Also played basketball and baseball for Bibb County AC Walters, 5-10, 200, RB, Montgomery, Ala. / Alabama Christian Academy High School: High School: Rushed for 601 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior at Alabama Christian Academy ... Added 1,023 receiving yards and 11 touchdown receptions, while completing 14-of-23 passes for 209 yards and three touchdowns ... Dangerous in the return game, totaling 333 kickoff return yards ... Rated as the No. 48 player in the state of Alabama by On3 and a top 90 running back in the country ... Consensus three-star recruit (On3, 247, ESPN) Troy Media Relations provided the bios. Jon Johnson is sports editor of the Dothan Eagle and can be reached at jjohnson@dothaneagle.com or 334.712.7965. Support his work and that of other Eagle journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at dothaneagle.com . Follow Jon Johnson on Twitter @eaglesportsed Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!For 83 years, Dec. 7 has been remembered as a day of infamy. After this weekend, that day will have a new legacy — a day of freedom, as one of the in modern history disappeared. The liberation of Syria from , after for 50 years, is an unqualified good. How did it happen so quickly and so unexpectedly? And what comes next? I reached out to , who has over the , to help make sense of the extraordinary events of the past two weeks. According to Gopal, three external factors loomed large. Under Assad, Syria’s biggest regional benefactor was Iran, but since the Oct. 7 attacks, it has withstood Israeli military strikes and watched its Palestinian ally, Hamas, also weakened by Israel. Iran’s proxy, Hezbollah, had also been an important provider of military resources and fighting men for Assad — but the Islamic group has been severely diminished after weeks of Israeli attacks in Lebanon. Finally, and perhaps most decisively, with Russia bogged down in Ukraine, Assad could no longer rely on Moscow’s direct military engagement in fighting the rebels, particularly Russia’s close air support that had become crucial for Syria’s army. However, perhaps the most critical factor was internal: the slow-motion decay of the Assad regime. Massive corruption, economic stagnation and the utter dysfunction of the government hollowed out the country and tested the loyalty of the military rank and file. When the rebels finally mobilized from their area of control and captured Aleppo, the country’s second largest city, on Nov. 29, the low morale of Syria’s army, combined with the lack of Russian air support, doomed Assad’s regime. Rather than fight for the country’s leader, government forces abandoned their posts — and, in some cases, also their uniforms and equipment. Ironically, all this was happening at the same time there’d been a steady and slow move toward regional normalization. Just weeks ago, Assad attended a meeting of the Arab League in Saudi Arabia, a year after his Arab opponents had given back Syria’s seat in the organization. Now he’s in Moscow, likely forever. What comes next? Since the outbreak of civil war in 2011 — and even after Assad largely put down the rebel uprising — Syria has devolved into sectarian conflict. Even before Assad’s fall, a host of rebel factions controlled much of the state’s territory, including the Syrian National Army, which is basically a Turkish proxy; the Syrian Democratic Forces, an American proxy consisting of Kurdish and Arab elements that controls around 30% of Syria’s territory; and now Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group responsible for the final nail in the coffin of the Assad regime. How these groups interact and cooperate (or don’t) will be crucial to Syria’s future. Much has been made of the fact that HTS grew out of Al Qaeda’s Syria offshoot and that the United States has designated its leader, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, a terrorist. But Jolani has gone out of his way to disown Al Qaeda, purge HTS of more extremist elements and publicly moderate his views. Gopal, the New Yorker's reporter, believes the ideological shift is “genuine,” and Jolani appears to be “very pragmatically minded.” Indeed, Jolani seems to be saying all the right things in the run-up to Assad’s fall and after the president’s flight to Moscow. He’s beseeched his supporters to avoid reprisals against Assad loyalists and has consistently of unity, dignity, and justice. He’s even extended an to Syria’s Christian, Kurdish and Alawite minorities. The latter is most notable because, through the Assads, it was the Alawites that ruled Syria with an iron fist for the past five decades. Gopal, who has watched HTS’s growth over the past several years, is less surprised by the group’s political and diplomatic success than its military capacity, which seemed to catch much of the world off guard as well. “They’ve thought about the politics of this in ways that are impressive,” he said. Indeed, after HTS’s takeover of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, in late November, the group immediately moved to establish security, protect civilians and provide basic services to the city’s residents. According to Middle East analyst Aaron Zelin, they controlled before the events of the last few weeks. These governing efforts and outreach to civilians contrasts with the Islamic State, which seemed more interested in ideological purity than institution building. Perhaps the most striking thing about HTS, under Jolani’s leadership, is the group’s outreach to the international community. “They are very serious about wanting rapprochement with the West and refashioning themselves as a national movement, not a transnational jihadist movement,” Gopal said. He noted that, usually, the prime audience for a rebel group is their domestic constituencies, but “HTS is different," he said, adding, “They are attuned to the international community — and see it as a very important audience.” HTS has been in direct contact with Iran’s government and agreed to to protect the country’s embassy and Shiite religious shrines. In addition, HTS has , even going so far as to leave the country’s naval bases in Syria untouched. Jolani seems to recognize that he cannot afford to alienate the various external groups who have been meddling in Syria’s affairs during its bloody civil war — even those who have caused so much needless death and destruction. Whether Jolani and HTS stay on a moderate course remains to be seen. The potential for further sectarian conflict or score-settling is high. Moreover, there is always the possibility that Jolani is talking a good game but will change his stripes once HTS achieves power. Even in an ideal world, consolidating their rule, forming a stable, representative government, and ensuring harmony among Syria’s grab bag of militias and external actors are herculean tasks. Jolani has played things well so far, but the real work begins now. The U.S. and the rest of the international community should offer its support to HTS and the new government taking root in Damascus while also holding the group’s feet to the fire when it comes to distancing from jihadists and upholding human rights. But patience is also required: Under Assad’s rule — and particularly since the 2011 civil war began — Syria has experienced untold suffering. Large swathes of the country lie in ruins, and millions of refugees have fled their homes. The economy is in tatters, and the Syrian people are impoverished and hungry. The trauma of those imprisoned and tortured by Assad’s henchmen — or have seen firsthand the destruction wrought by his soldiers — is profound. But after decades of darkness, the Syrian people are finally experiencing the first rays of freedom. The scenes on the streets of Damascus — and the elation of political prisoners freed from Assad’s hellish prisons — are wonderfully joyous. It is a moment for celebration and a reminder that the desire for freedom and recognition is unquenchable. Syria’s neighbors, along with the international community, must do everything they can to help the country stay on the right path.Shiffrin confirms she'll miss Beaver Creek World Cup races

Article content President-elect Donald Trump routinely upends U.S. politics with a tweet. Now he’s done it to Canada, with his threat to . Politically, who wins from this? Maybe Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trump has handed Trudeau his comeback chance. The PM might elude electoral disaster if he can spike these tariffs before Trump is sworn in Jan. 20. Trudeau has been awful on so many fronts that he doesn’t deserve another shot. Not many minds will change in Alberta, Saskatchewan or much of B.C. But a tariff win would earn him credit in key parts of the country. Already he’s working furiously to look like a leader. He got Trump on the phone quickly, a surprise in itself since the president-elect is said to despise him (although Trump never said he would have Trudeau arrested at the border — that was an AI audio hoax). Trudeau met virtually with all the premiers Wednesday. They constantly ask for these sessions without getting them. This time it happened at light speed. Provincial criticism of Trudeau is so far muted and tentative. Premiers know a united approach will be critical. Donald Trump uniting Canada? It seems surprising, until you recall that much the same feeling gripped the country when Trump attacked the free trade deal in 2016. On Tuesday, the whole national narrative changed in real time during the House of Commons session. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre kept blasting Trudeau for destroying Canada’s economy and turning the nation over to criminals and addicts. It was pretty much the regular Conservative line that has been enormously successful for Poilievre. Trudeau responded that Poilievre was echoing his own old slogans, while the Liberals are actually working on the crisis. You could see some disquiet on the Conservative benches, and a bit of uncertainty in Poilievre. The Conservative line on the state of the country is very familiar by now. Suddenly, there’s a new political reality that will transfix the country for at least two months, and possibly deep into the federal election year. Several Liberal ministers explained what’s already being done. They gave the rare impression of doing serious work on an issue of deep concern, a big change from their usual obsession with social engineering. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc was especially effective as he detailed cross-border collaboration on drugs and crime that goes on every day. A lot of holes were punched in Trump’s bizarre assumption our border is as big a problem as Mexico’s. The real fear now is that Canada will be flooded with migrants facing the massive expulsion order Trump promises. The dollar is already tumbling. Investment will fade or head for the U.S. Even union leaders such as Unifor president Lana Payne are terrified by that prospect. She almost sounded like a corporate CEO. Lost investment threatens hundreds of thousands of union jobs. Ontario Premier Doug Ford reacted like a neglected cousin. “It’s like a family member stabbing you right in the heart,” he said. Quebec’s Francois Legault consoled himself with the thought that the Americans will only tax imports they can replace domestically. He figures aluminum would be exempt. In Alberta, Premier Danielle Smith . She may be right. It’s hard to imagine Trump raising gasoline prices when he promises cheaper energy. Despite American rhetoric about energy self-sufficiency, there’s no way the U.S. can get by without Alberta oil and gas. Smith is one premier who won’t be caught getting cosy with Trudeau. On Tuesday, she , one of which would make it illegal for federal officials to set foot on Alberta project sites. Smith also has close contacts with many Republican state governors and federal lawmakers. She’ll try to secure exemptions and deny Trudeau the applause. For Smith and her UCP, the thought of Trudeau getting sole credit — and maybe winning another election — is the new nightmare.Sen. Schumer pushes for increased surveillance to hunt drones in NY, NJChristmas came early for thousands of people on Sunday as The Ottawa Mission served up its annual holiday meal. "I know what it's like not to be able to have Christmas dinner and the idea that we here at the Ottawa Mission can make that happen for so many people, it makes it so special," said chef Ric Allen-Watson. It's a meal many look forward to each year as the need continues to grow, with more than 17,000 meals being served this year. "It's amazing that there's so much giving here, and I am really grateful to be here," said client Steve Kildare. It's a huge feat accomplished by dozens of volunteers and includes more than 800 turkeys, 3,000 pounds of potatoes, 2,000 pounds of vegetables and 150 gallons of gravy. "The cooking started when we got here at 4 a.m. but we cook the turkeys, debone them and cook them ahead of time, pack them and freeze them and pull them out and slice them," Allen-Watson said. The event brings a sense of community and gratitude this time of year. Last year, the Mission served more than 17,400 meals, a record at the time. "It's all about being together and the joy of Christmas and just supporting the Mission and the Mission supporting us," said Gerald Thornton. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. 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These LEGO Kits Are On Sale And Ready To Gift Black Friday May Be Over, But You Can Still Take Advantage Of These Amazing Sales On Amazon Canada Ottawa Top Stories Ottawa firefighters battle separate east end fires overnight Here's how you can watch CTV News at Six on Sundays during the NFL season Crews to attempt refloating stuck St. Lawrence River cargo ship Monday Ottawa councillor denies questions to OC Transpo head were a 'personal attack' Ottawa's Mission serves thousands at annual holiday meal Son of Ottawa firefighter battling cancer meets his hero Sidney Crosby Families with sick kids enjoy private shopping spree at Ottawa Toys 'R' Us What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: Dec. 13-15 CTVNews.ca Top Stories LIVE @ 1 p.m. PST / 4 p.m. EST | Family, friends and fans to gather at memorial for former B.C. premier John Horgan Thousands are expected to gather at an arena today in Colwood, B.C., to celebrate the life of former British Columbia premier John Horgan. Candid photos of Syria's Assad expose a world beyond the carefully crafted and repressive rule Bizarre and personal photos of ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad have surfaced from his abandoned residences, sparking ridicule among Syrians who only until recently were persecuted for criticizing his leadership. Kennedy’s lawyer has asked the U.S. FDA to revoke its approval of the polio vaccine U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has praised the polio vaccine as the 'greatest thing,' but a lawyer affiliated with Trump’s pick to lead the country’s top health agency has petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to revoke approval of the vaccine used in the United States This Montreal man died of an aneurysm after waiting in the ER for six hours A 39-year-old Montreal man died of an aneurysm after spending six hours in an emergency room before giving up and going home. Thieves get a taste for cheese and butter amid surging prices British Columbia business owner Joe Chaput will spend $5,500 a month on security guards during the holiday season and plans on upgrading his store's video camera system for around $5,000 more. ‘Kraven the Hunter’ flops while ‘Moana 2’ tops the box office again The Spider-Man spinoff “Kraven the Hunter” got off to a disastrous start in North American theatres this weekend. Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills Jamie Foxx required stitches after getting hit in the face with a glass while celebrating his birthday at a restaurant in Beverly Hills, California. Driver, passenger flee scene of fiery Burnaby crash Two people fled the scene of a fiery crash in Metro Vancouver early Sunday morning, according to authorities. U.S. agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. Atlantic Christmas carnage: Brave New Brunswickers undertake outdoor endurance test before Christmas A group of New Brunswickers are running in the cold and jumping in a lake as part of a Christmas tradition 24-year-old N.S. man dies in single-vehicle collision in Summerfield, N.B. A Nova Scotian man has died following a single-vehicle collision in New Brunswick, says the RCMP. N.B. RCMP conduct latest search for missing man near Sussex Officers with the New Brunswick RCMP’s Specialized Policing Services spent the day Saturday searching the Whites Mountain area near Sussex, N.B., as part of an ongoing disappearance investigation. Toronto Child remains at hospital following two-vehicle collision in Brampton A child remains hospitalized following a two-vehicle collision in Brampton on Saturday afternoon, police say. Police investigating homicide at Hamilton bar Police are investigating a homicide that happened at a Hamilton bar. Group of Seven murals were considered destroyed after church fire. Here's how they are being brought back to life Pieces of art and some murals from the St. Anne's Anglican Church have been retrieved and are now undergoing a restoration process by Toronto Art Restoration Inc. (TARI), based in the GTA. Montreal This Montreal man died of an aneurysm after waiting in the ER for six hours A 39-year-old Montreal man died of an aneurysm after spending six hours in an emergency room before giving up and going home. 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One dead after single vehicle rollover in northern Ontario A 65-year-old man from northern Ontario has died after a single-vehicle rollover Thursday evening near Temiskaming Shores. Windsor Pedestrian dead following motor vehicle collision in Windsor A pedestrian has died after a collision with a vehicle on Saturday. 'Smoldering myeloma': Breakthrough research could buy time for those at risk of dangerous cancer Multiple myeloma is an incurable cancer. An estimated 4,000 Canadians are diagnosed each year, according to the Canadian Cancer Society, with an average survival of eight years after diagnosis. CKPS offers winter driving tips The Chatham-Kent Police Service is offering some winter driving tips amid recent snow. London Robberies lead to three arrests: St. Thomas The St. Thomas Police Service has arrested a man in connection to a robbery that took place on Talbot Street. 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Economists see November inflation staying at 2% or slightly rising Inflation likely hovered at or a little above the Bank of Canada's two per cent target rate in November, economists expect, after Taylor Swift's Eras Tour swept through Toronto and offered a temporary economic boost. Barrie Young female bobcat on the road to recovery after surviving car accident A young bobcat is on the road to recovery after a devastating car accident left her with severe injuries. Elderly man faces life-threatening injuries after collision involving his utility scooter One elderly man was left with life-threatening injuries after allegedly being struck while riding his utility scooter in the Town of Georgina. Ongoing criminal investigation heightens police presence in Barrie's west end Residents in Barrie took it to social media after spotting a heavy police presence in different parts of the city’s west end. 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'Santa Claus is like a snowflake': Alberta actors embrace diversity of Saint Nick 'Santa Claus is like a snowflake': Alberta actors embrace diversity of Saint Nick Regina Southeast Saskatchewan hit with freezing rain warning Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued freezing rain warnings Sunday which span most of Saskatchewan’s southeast corner. Have you seen this man? Kindersley RCMP searching for missing 89-year-old Kindersley RCMP are asking the public to be on the lookout for an 89-year-old man who has gone missing. Christmas traditions and hobbies become pieces of art for 2 Regina men It has been months in the making for two Regina men, each creating and constructing their own Nativity scene and Christmas village. Saskatoon Have you seen this man? Kindersley RCMP searching for missing 89-year-old Kindersley RCMP are asking the public to be on the lookout for an 89-year-old man who has gone missing. SIRT investigating after Sask. man dies in-custody The Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) is investigating after a 49-year-old man from White Bear First Nation died in a Carlyle Detachment cell. Trains on display at Saskatoon Lawson Heights mall As shoppers check off the final items on their Christmas shopping lists at Lawson Heights mall, dozens stop to view any train enthusiast's dream. Vancouver LIVE @ 1 p.m. PST / 4 p.m. EST | Family, friends and fans to gather at memorial for former B.C. premier John Horgan Thousands are expected to gather at an arena today in Colwood, B.C., to celebrate the life of former British Columbia premier John Horgan. 2 unaccounted for after home 'displaced' by B.C. mudslide The residents of one home impacted by a landslide near Lions Bay, B.C., on Saturday are unaccounted for, according to authorities. Woman killed by falling tree during B.C. windstorm First responders were called to the scene of a “tragic incident” in Surrey, B.C., during a windstorm that swept through the South Coast Saturday. Vancouver Island LIVE @ 1 p.m. PST / 4 p.m. EST | Family, friends and fans to gather at memorial for former B.C. premier John Horgan Thousands are expected to gather at an arena today in Colwood, B.C., to celebrate the life of former British Columbia premier John Horgan. 2 unaccounted for after home 'displaced' by B.C. mudslide The residents of one home impacted by a landslide near Lions Bay, B.C., on Saturday are unaccounted for, according to authorities. Power outages, downed trees and cancelled ferries due to B.C. windstorm More than 280,000 British Columbians lost power Saturday as high winds lashed the South Coast. While most had it restored by early evening, some were expected to be without electricity overnight. Kelowna Car stolen, fleeing suspect found hiding in basement in Kelowna, B.C. Mounties have arrested a suspect who allegedly stole a car in Kelowna, B.C., before fleeing on foot and hiding from police in the basement of a home. B.C. driver who blamed boozing on low blood sugar after fatal crash found guilty A diabetic man who claimed he had been drinking alcohol to combat dwindling blood sugar the night he was involved in a fatal crash near Sicamous, B.C., has been found guilty of impaired driving causing death. Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas. Stay Connected

Emma McKeachnie is all smiles as she helps package Christmas cookies with her sister Ava, inside the kitchen at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in London, Ont. The nine-year-old, originally from Sault Ste. Marie, has been staying at RMH since July with her grandmother Chrissy Dol, as she undergoes cancer treatment for T-cell acute lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL), a type of blood cancer. She is now in her third phase of her treatment, which is expected to take nine months. "Being by the hospital and staying by the Ronald McDonald House has really lifted us in a way that we didn't have to worry about food, we didn't have to worry about lodging, we didn't even have to worry about getting into our car looking for parking," explained Dol. The Director of Programs and Mission Impact, Janine Langley, says this is home away from home during the holidays for many of the families. "The reality for all of our families is that they may not be able to go home for the holidays. So, our volunteers and our staff work really hard to make sure that the holidays are a memorable time," said Langley. RMHC runs special holiday programing including baking, decorating and a Holiday Land "shop," where families can pick out gifts for each other and on Christmas eve, the gifts are delivered to all the children and their loved ones staying at the house. "Creating these programing opportunities and sort of holiday traditions within the house is a really nice way to sort of reframe the holiday experience, for our families who aren't able to be at home experiencing their own traditions with their family and friends," explained Langley. The exterior of the Ronald McDonald House Charities on Baseline Road in London, Ont. Nov. 27, 2024. (Reta Ismail/CTV News London) Emma and Ava spend their days taking part in activities around the house, and said they especially enjoy being in the kitchen. "Everyone here is so kind and nice, and they take care of you very well," explained Emma, who will press the button Wednesday night to light up the house, during the annual 'Illuminate the House' event. "Until you get to this house, you have no idea, it's a Godsent," said Dol. Emma is now in remission and says she will be posting a special saying on the fireplace that was donated by her grandmother to RMHC once they are discharged. "It's going to say, cancer might have started this, but I am going to finish it!," said Emma. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. 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Mounties investigating after victim struck, killed at Kamloops, B.C., gas station Mounties are investigating after a person was struck and killed early Wednesday morning in the parking lot of a gas station in Kamloops, B.C. Stay ConnectedTrump has flip-flopped on abortion policy. His appointees may offer clues to what happens next

Cities at a Crossroads: Leaders Reimagine Urban FuturesBraze Reports Fiscal Third Quarter 2025 Results

The has rewarded investors with solid gains entering the final month of 2024. As of this writing, the year-to-date gain is 22.32% (26,635.73). All the primary sectors, except communications services, are in positive territory. If the upward trend holds, could beat the 21.74% overall return in 2021. Brian Belski, the chief investment strategist of BMO Capital Markets, sees a stock-picking environment. He maintains a positive outlook, and his year-end 2025 target is 28,500. ( ) and ( ) are among this year’s winning investments. The pair belong to the industrial sector but operate in different industries. Moreover, both trade below $30 and could still skyrocket. Aecon has endured a challenging environment, including cost overruns, in a challenging environment. The $1.8 billion construction and infrastructure development company cater to private and public-sector customers. Two core segments, Construction and Concessions, contribute to revenues. Despite a $73.5 million loss in the first three quarters of 2024, the stock is up 121.35% year to date. At $28 per share, current investors partake in the decent 2.71% dividend. Jean-Louis Servranckx, president and chief executive officer of Aecon, said, “We continue to be focused on embracing opportunities linked to the energy transition and in select U.S. and international markets.” The silver lining is the $6 billion backlog supported by solid demand in recurring revenue programs. According to Servranckx, Aecon is well-positioned to achieve revenue growth commencing in 2025 and over the next few years. The company has a 40% interest in the Flatiron-Aecon Joint Venture, whose contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is worth US$657 million. Aecon’s nuclear power segment is growing. In late October 2024, management announced a definitive purchase agreement to acquire United Engineers & Constructors for US$33 million. Acquiring the nuclear and conventional power contractor will enhance Aecon’s nuclear capability. Management’s primary goal is to build a resilient company. Given the balanced and diversified work portfolio across sectors, markets, geographies, project types, sizes, and delivery models, the goal is achievable. Aecon expects improved profitability and margin predictability in the coming years. MDA Space is a high flyer in 2024. At $27.69 per share, the year-to-date gain is 140.4%. Had you invested $7,000 a year ago, your money would be $16,869.45 today. The rapidly growing space economy makes the aerospace and defence industry a good investment option. This $3.2 billion company provides advanced space technologies. Its customers include emerging space companies, prime contractors, and government agencies globally. Technological innovation is the primary focus, and MDA aims to contribute to landmark achievements in space through its mission-tested solutions. In the third quarter of 2024, revenue and adjusted net income increased 38% and 59.9% year over year to $282.4 million and $34.7 million, while total backlog rose 49% to $4.6 billion. Its chief executive officer, Mike Greenley, said that as a trusted mission space partner, MDA will leverage its capabilities and expertise to execute targeted growth strategies across end markets and business areas. Aecon and MDA Space are strong buys for long-term or growth investors. Their backlogs provide good revenue visibility for 2025 and beyond. The stock prices should soar alongside revenue growth.Energy commission accuses Enugu of methanol project disruption

NoneCandy, ice and lottery tickets have long been impulse items sold at checkouts in American grocery stores. Now bullets are joining the list of merchandise peddled to consumers as they exit at a growing number of stores around the country. Dallas-based start-up American Rounds rolled its first automated retail ammo machine into a Fresh Value grocery store in Pell City, Alabama, late in 2023, selling various brands of rifle, shotgun and handgun ammo. The company advertises its machines as a safer and more convenient way to buy ammo than at a large retail store or online. But public health experts have questioned whether the company’s suicide prevention efforts are sufficient, and elected officials in areas where machines were set up have worried that the easy availability of ammunition could lead to impulsive purchases by people who seek to do harm. “If you’re in the ammunition space ... you have a social responsibility to make things as safe as possible while maintaining the integrity of the Second Amendment,” American Rounds CEO Grant Magers told The Washington Post. “We wanted to accomplish both.” The ammunition kiosks operate in nearly a dozen grocery stores across Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama and Colorado. Fresh Value, Lowe’s Market and Super C Mart all host the kiosks at some store locations. Representatives for all three companies declined to comment when reached by The Post. In a 2023 promotional video for the rollout of American Rounds kiosks, Fresh Value Chief Operating Officer Terry Stanley said the company was “excited to offer ... what we think is the first ammo kiosk.” “There is no doubt that foot traffic will increase based on the feedback that we’ve gotten,” Stanley said. “We’re super excited not only to have it here, but in other locations in Fresh Value as well.” Since its kiosks made headlines in July, Magers said, American Rounds has signed over 200 contracts and received requests for machines in nearly every state. But the machines have still been placed in only a handful of new locations. Magers cited ongoing contract negotiations and production limits as causes for delay and said the company’s goal is to ship around 100 units in 2025. “We knew we had something special, but we didn’t know that it was going to explode like that,” Magers said. The machines use a touch screen to display their goods — there is no transparent glass panel to view the ammo inside, as with other types of vending machines. “These are double-walled steel, 2,000-pound machines that are always indoors under security cameras,” Magers said. “(Ammo is) not sitting on a shelf, you know, like your bread aisle in the grocery store.” Introducing American Rounds U.S.A. Stop by your local kiosk today or, check us out online at: https://t.co/0mQ93ryyqX pic.twitter.com/x6c8kDjdNX Company policy dictates that customers be at least 21 years old to purchase ammo at an American Rounds machine, regardless of state laws. The machine uses the same identity verification technology as the Transportation Security Administration at airport checkpoints, Magers said. There is no federal requirement that sellers verify a buyer’s ID before an ammo sale, but federal law does limit the types of rounds people under 21 can purchase. “We’re the only company in America that say can say 100 percent, every (ammo) purchase, that there’s an ID verified,” Magers said. Research indicates a correlation between firearm availability and suicide, which experts say is often an impulsive act, especially in rural areas similar to those where American Rounds machines operate, though the kiosks sell only ammunition and not firearms themselves. American Rounds says it’s aware of that phenomenon and has partnered with a pro-Second Amendment mental health nonprofit, Walk the Talk America, to reach kiosk customers in crisis. The company displays ads for mental health screenings on its machines, which also show customers the national suicide hotline phone number, 988, before every use. “We’re offering material for people to get help that need help,” Magers said. But public health experts questioned the effectiveness of the safeguards. Paul Nestadt, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, compared the machine’s warnings to signs on bridges saying, “Don’t jump. Seek help.” “We’ve studied those. They’re not effective,” Nestadt said. “If someone is impulsively going to attempt suicide, that sign doesn’t seem to stop them.” If someone is impulsively going to attempt suicide, that sign doesn't seem to stop them. Nestadt said a common myth about suicide is that it often involves a plan, while in reality the majority of attempts are impulsive. “By making (ammo) more accessible, there’s less time for that impulse to pass, for the heat to die down,” Nestadt said. Magers responded to Nestadt’s analogy by highlighting the safety steps the company has already taken: raising age limits and requiring IDs. He compared his company’s approach to safety to that of a car manufacturer. “People still have car accidents and have tragedy, but they take steps to make it safer,” Magers said. “They don’t just say, ‘Okay, we’re not going to use cars anymore.'” Success is not given... it's earned!!! Franchises are growing all over this great country of ours. Drop us a line today and find out how you can get your very own American Rounds franchise and become an American success story. For more information go to https://t.co/0mQ93rz6gv pic.twitter.com/poKsQbMbuD Nestadt said regardless of whether there are more safeguards, more ammunition availability always raises the risk. “When you put candy near the register ... more candy is sold,” Nestadt said. “We know that more ammunition and guns in the community increases suicide rates. We’ve been studying this for decades.” Ammo sales have been good and are steadily rising as buyers grow familiar with the machines, according to Magers, though American Rounds did remove one machine in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in July due to poor sales. The machine-generated just four total sales in seven months, according to a Fresh Value statement provided to WBRC 6 News. “That location, just for whatever reason, just didn’t generate any (sales),” Magers said. The same machine dispensed controversy when Kip Tyner, Tuscaloosa City Council president, raised constituent concerns at a council meeting on the issue. Tyner told WBRC 6 News he is not against guns but thought the machines were a joke at first and “didn’t like it at all.” “We know we’ve got a problem with guns — and people that have guns, I should say,” Tyner said. “So why make it more convenient to buy ammunition?” Magers said the machine’s removal took place before to the council meeting and had no connection. If you’re thinking about suicide or are worried about a friend or loved one, please contact 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline by calling or texting 9-8-8 toll free. The service is available 24/7. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .Several major universities have warned their international students who went to their home countries for winter break to return to the U.S. before President-elect Donald Trump regains office in January. At least 10 universities, including the University of Southern California (USC), Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), have urged their international students to be back stateside before January 20, Axios reported. In an email obtained by the outlet sent to pupils on student visas, USC officials said that being back in the U.S. when the semester begins on January 13 “is especially important given that a new presidential administration will take office on January 20, 2025, and — as is common — may issue one or more Executive Orders impacting travel to the U.S. and visa processing.” “While there’s no certainty such orders will be issued, the safest way to avoid any challenges is to be physically present in the U.S. before the Spring semester,” USC officials added. Harvard and Cornell universities also sent warning emails to international students, the New York Times reported. An email from Arizona State University’s International Students and Scholars Center, obtained by ABC15’s Rachel Louise Just, revealed a similar message: “We are making this advisory out of an abundance of caution to hopefully prevent any possible travel disruption,” the email reads. Spencer Lindquist of the Daily Wire revealed that Claremont McKenna College, a small liberal arts school in California, even offered to get students without “legal status” free consultations with immigration lawyers ahead of Inauguration Day: During a campaign rally earlier this year, Trump said he would “immediately deport” foreign students who participate in “jihadism, or anti-Americanism or antisemitism” after anti-Israel protests took over multiple U.S. campuses:

From home bakes to lattes – six budget ways to show appreciation for your children’s school teachersSAN FRANCISCO , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- VetsinTech , the leading national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting veterans through tech-based initiatives in education, employment, and entrepreneurship, has reached a significant milestone: training over 2,000 military veterans and spouses in cybersecurity through support provided by Craig Newmark Philanthropies. This support strengthens America's digital security workforce while creating meaningful career opportunities in tech for veterans. Craig Newmark , the Founder of craigslist and co-founder of VetsinTech is a vocal proponent of cybersecurity through his philanthropic efforts, has highlighted the importance of bolstering our national defenses with a skilled cybersecurity workforce. "Supporting VetsinTech's mission aligns with my commitment to Cyber Civil Defense," Newmark stated. "Veterans possess the discipline, integrity, and resilience that our cyber defenses need, and I'm honored to help them gain access to rewarding careers in this essential field." The Craig Newmark Cybersecurity Institute for Veterans Founded in 2021 as part of the VetsinTech Academy, the Craig Newmark Cybersecurity Institute for Veterans has since been central to VetsinTech's specialized training. In 2023 alone, VetsinTech trained 14 cohorts, delivering instructor-led courses that prepared 509 veterans and military spouses for roles across the cybersecurity landscape. Program graduates gain certifications in fields like Security+, AWS Cloud Practitioner, and Palo Alto Networks technologies, providing them with industry-standard knowledge and employable skills. Katherine Webster , Founder and CEO of VetsinTech, emphasized the program's impact. "Passing the 2,000 trained mark is a testament to our commitment to empowering veterans with skills that meet urgent cybersecurity needs. Craig Newmark Philanthropies has funded ViT cybersecurity training since 2018 and we are thrilled to be addressing critical workforce shortages while helping veterans build meaningful careers in tech." Veterans Uniquely Qualified for Cybersecurity VetsinTech believes veterans bring unmatched value to cybersecurity roles. Their military training fosters discipline, problem-solving under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to mission security—traits essential for managing the high-stakes demands of cybersecurity work. Veterans entering this field contribute to a fortified digital landscape and a workforce strengthened by their diverse perspectives and adaptability. This announcement comes on the heels of the 10-year anniversary of VetsinTech's Gala , where leaders from technology, government, and the veteran community gathered to celebrate a decade of achievements. Marking both Veteran's Day and the organization's legacy, the gala underscored VetsinTech's growth and its ongoing role in championing veterans in tech. VetsinTech continues to make strides in creating tech-driven opportunities for veterans and military spouses. The organization's unique approach offers veterans and their families training on leading software platforms, career guidance, and mentorship from industry experts. About VetsinTech Based in San Francisco , with more than 90,000 vets strong and 20 chapters across the country, VetsInTech is the leading national non-profit devoted 100% to springboarding veterans into tech careers. VetsinTech harnesses the national technology ecosystem to benefit veterans returning from active military duty who want to apply their exceptional training, skills, and experience to a new technology career. Comprising technology industry leaders and former service members, VetsinTech is the only non-profit supporting our veterans and military spouses through tech-based programs in education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities. For more information, interested parties can visit www.vetsintech.co . About Craig Newmark Philanthropies Craig Newmark is a Web pioneer best known for creating craigslist, which he stepped away from running day-to-day two decades ago. Craig's full-time philanthropic work focuses on supporting organizations protecting America's security and democracy. He has given more than $300 million in support of veterans and military families, trustworthy journalism and civic engagement campaigns, cyber security education programs, hunger relief, and pigeon rescue. Craig was influenced by his Sunday School teachers who escaped the Holocaust, set his moral compass, and taught him to treat people like you want to be treated – and how to know when enough is enough. He's not as funny as he thinks he is. Press Contact : Carmen Hughes Ignite X 650.453.8553 [email protected] SOURCE VetsinTech

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