5 ph level in urine

5 ph level in urine

The Jets will officially miss the playoffs once again.

Algorhythm Holdings, Inc. Announces Closing of $9.5 Million Public OfferingWASHINGTON: Several members of Donald Trump’s incoming administration have received threats including bomb alerts, the FBI said Wednesday, with one nominee reporting a pipe-bomb scare sent with a pro-Palestinian message. “The FBI is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners,” the agency said in a statement. Swatting refers to the practice in which police are summoned urgently to someone’s house under false pretenses. Such hoax calls are common in the United States and have seen numerous senior political figures targeted in recent years. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for Trump’s transition team, earlier said that several appointees and nominees “were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them.” Elize Stefanik, a Trump loyalist congresswoman tapped to be UN ambassador, said her residence in New York was targeted in a bomb threat. She said in a statement that she, her husband, and small son were driving home from Washington for the Thanksgiving holiday when they learned of the threat. Lee Zeldin, Trump’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, said his home was targeted with a pipe bomb threat sent with a “pro-Palestinian themed message.” The former congressman from New York said he and his family were not home at the time. Fox News Digital quoted unidentified sources saying that John Ratcliffe, Trump’s nominee to head the CIA, and Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary pick, were also targeted. Ahead of his return to the House in January, Trump has already swiftly assembled a cabinet of loyalists, including several criticized for a severe lack of experience. The Republican, who appears set to avoid trial on criminal prosecutions related to attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss, was wounded in the ear in July in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally. The shooter was killed in counter-fire. In September, authorities arrested another man accused of planning to shoot at Trump while he played golf at his course in West Palm Beach, Florida.

West Virginia knocks off No. 3 Gonzaga 86-78 in overtime in the Battle 4 AtlantisOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The biggest question facing the Baltimore Ravens right now has little to do with Lamar Jackson or even a defense that started the season poorly. It's about a kicking conundrum that has turned into a crisis. Can the Ravens make it to the Super Bowl with Justin Tucker? One of the more surprising subplots of this NFL season has been Tucker's decline from one of the greatest of all time to a week-in, week-out liability. Sunday's loss to Philadelphia might have been the nadir — he missed two field goals and an extra point in a game the Ravens ultimately lost 24-19 . “Points were at a premium in the game. They have been in a few of these games. Sometimes we haven't made the most of our opportunity to score points,” coach John Harbaugh said Monday. "We're racking our brains, talking to Justin, looking at what we're doing. I'm very confident that it's going to get fixed. I believe it will. It has to. “And he's the guy to get it fixed.” Harbaugh has given every indication that he's standing by Tucker, who is in his 13th season and is under contract through 2027. When he's at his best, he's the type of kicker that gives his team a clear advantage in close games, but this season he has missed eight field goals. Sunday showed that against a good defensive team, the Ravens (8-5) can't simply assume their excellent offense will pile up points. There almost certainly will be close games in the weeks to come. Tucker's ability to come through will be tested again, and it's hard for Baltimore to feel too confident at the moment. “When he was hitting, three or four years ago, hitting bombs, we were going 57, 58, 56 pretty regularly," Harbaugh said. “That's tightened up a little bit.” The Ravens continue to do a good job stopping the run. Although Saquon Barkley did eventually surpass the 100-yard mark late in the game, Baltimore held the Eagles to 140 yards on the ground, well below their usual output. Even beyond Tucker's problems, Sunday wasn't a great showing by Baltimore's special teams. Tylan Wallace was shaky returning punts, and the Ravens had to start four drives inside their own 20 and two inside their own 10. “They had great bounces, and they downed right down in there,” Wallace said. "I’m pretty sure we’ll come back and talk about those and see what we can do to avoid those.” The Ravens' defense continued to show signs of improvement, holding Philadelphia to 252 total yards. “I think we’ve just locked in on some things, and we’re playing our deep coverages better, bottom line,” Harbaugh said. "You watch the coverage, you watch the guys’ spacing, positioning, eyes, the communication, the checks that get made, and you just keep chasing doing the right things. It’s not (that we) changed the defense. We’re just playing it a lot better.” Harbaugh was vague on receiver Diontae Johnson's situation. He was active Sunday but didn't play, and he has only one catch in four games since the Ravens acquired him in a trade from Carolina. “I’m going to have to wait just to clarify it,” Harbaugh said. "There’s some moving parts there that we’re going to have to figure out and explore and just see where we’re at. I know that’s not the answer you want, but that’s the best I can do in fairness to everybody right now.” The Ravens were missing pass-rushing ace Kyle Van Noy (hamstring/neck) on Sunday, and WR Rashod Bateman was dealing with knee soreness. Through his first 12 seasons, Tucker made field goals at a 90% clip. That's dropped to 70% this season. He had a 95% success rate from under 50 yards, and that's dipped to 83%. The Ravens have this week off before a Dec. 15 road game against the New York Giants. Then comes a home matchup with Pittsburgh that may determine whether Baltimore has any shot to win the AFC North. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

I’d Happily Load Up on These 2 Canadian Stocks if They FallTrudeau’s immigration plan hinges on 'highly unlikely' departure of 2.4 million peopleTigers still have ‘mutual interest’ in game-changing free agent infielder

Three more Minnesota Golden Gophers football standouts have accepted invites to participate in postseason all-star games. Offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery became the first Gopher to accept a showcase invite earlier this week, pledging to play in the Senior Bowl. Related: Gophers lineman Aireontae Ersery accepts invite to Senior Bowl Follow us on Facebook On Thursday, quarterback Max Brosmer and defensive lineman Danny Striggow accepted invites to the Hula Bowl. Brosmer has thrown for 2,251 yards and 14 touchdowns while completing 67.1% of his passes this season, while Striggow has racked up 41 tackles and 2.5 sacks (fourth on the team in both), plus a forced fumble. Friday, left guard Tyler Cooper agreed to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl. According to Pro Football Focus, Cooper has allowed only seven pressures this season, the fewest among all Minnesota starting offensive linemen. In fact, only four guards in the Big Ten who've played at least 300 snaps this season have allowed fewer pressures than Cooper, and only 29 in the country who've played as many snaps as Cooper have allowed fewer pressures. The Hula Bowl is set to take place on Jan. 11, 2025, while the Shrine Bowl is scheduled for Jan. 30. The Senior Bowl will be held on Feb. 1. We'll see if more Gophers join those or other showcases in the coming weeks. Related: After disappointing loss to Rutgers, Gophers shift focus to No. 4 Penn State © Nick Wosika-USA TODAY SportsThings to watch this week in the Southeastern Conference. No. 7 Alabama (No. 7 CFP) at Oklahoma, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC) It's the first regular-season meeting since 2003 between traditional college football heavyweights who have combined for 25 national titles and usually face off in January bowl games with championship implications. Another fun fact: They've only played once each on the other's home field in six lifetime matchups, with the Sooners winning that showdown 20-13 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Alabama won the most recent postseason meeting, 45-34, at the Orange Bowl in the 2018 College Football Playoff semifinal before falling to Clemson in the championship. Another berth in the 12-team playoff is at stake for the visiting Crimson Tide (8-2, 4-2 SEC, No. 7 CFP), which trails No. 3 Texas and No. 15 Texas A&M by a game in the standings and is among four two-loss teams trying to stay within reach and possibly get to next month's championship in Atlanta. Alabama has won three in a row overall including last week's 52-7 rout of Mercer, rolling up 508 yards on offense. Heisman Trophy candidate Jalen Milroe passed for 186 of his 229 yards from scrimmage and two of his three touchdowns. Milroe's 32 total TDs lead the SEC and he's second with 17 rushing scores. Rather than contending as hoped, SEC newcomer Oklahoma (5-5, 1-5) is instead playing spoiler after four losses in five games, against ranked league foes Texas, No. 19 South Carolina and No. 9 Ole Miss. The Sooners scored two late fourth-quarter touchdown to lead Missouri 23-16 two weeks ago before the host Tigers scored two TDs in the final 1:07 seconds for a 30-23 victory. Alabama is a 14-point favorite according to BetMGM. No. 9 Ole Miss (8-4, 4-2, No. 9 CFP) at Florida (5-5, 3-4), Saturday, Noon ET (ABC) The Rebels have won three in a row since falling at LSU and four of five overall. They're coming off a bye after beating then-No. 3 Georgia 28-10 on Nov. 9 and look to stay within reach of first place and remain in the CFP discussion. Florida upended No. 21 LSU 27-16 on Saturday to earn a signature win for embattled coach Billy Napier and reach the cusp of bowl eligibility after finishing 5-7 last fall. Also worth a look: Vanderbilt (6-4, 3-3) at LSU (6-4, 3-3). Both are bowl eligible, but the Commodores can clinch their first .500 SEC finish since going 4-4 in 2013 and help coach Clark Lea match his win total for the past two seasons combined. The Tigers look to regroup from the Florida loss. No. 15 Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed. Reed is 4-1 as a starter for an Aggies team that visits Auburn hoping to stay in the playoff hunt before the regular season finale against in-state rival Texas. Reed has passed for 1,129 yards and nine touchdowns against two interceptions. He has run for 375 yards and six scores. The Tigers have had some struggles against dual-threat quarterbacks like Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia and Arkansas' Taylen Green. Vanderbilt will play in LSU's Tiger Stadium for the first time since 2009, having played in Nashville three times since. The Commodores' last win over LSU came in 1990 and they haven't won in Baton Rouge since 1951. ... First-year Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer is 34-2 in the month of November, including a 10-0 mark since 2022. ... Kentucky's 107th-ranked offense (340.5 yards per game) faces Texas's No. 1-ranked defense, which is giving up just 249 yards a game. ... Texas A&M has held opponents to 100 or fewer rushing yards in five of the last seven games, including holding LSU to 24 yards on 23 attempts. ... Auburn QB Payton Thorne has only three touchdown passes in his last four SEC games. ... Mississippi State's Isaac Smith leads the SEC and is tied for seventh nationally with 101 total tackles. ... Kentucky is 3-0 in nonconference games after shellacking in-state foe Murray State 48-3, which followed four SEC home losses. AP Sports Writer John Zenor contributed to this report.

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NEW YORK — The last of the crystal triangles that make up this year's Times Square New Year's Eve ball were installed Friday morning. It's the first time in 10 years that all 2,688 were replaced at once. Rapper Pitbull and inventor Joy Mangano were among those on hand to help the organizers of the celebration put the final pieces in place atop One Times Square, the skyscraper from which the 11,875-pound geodesic sphere drops to mark the new year. A New Year's Eve ball was first dropped in Times Square in 1907. Built by a young immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr, the 700-pound, 5-foot diameter ball was made of iron and wood and featured 100 25-watt lightbulbs. Six newer versions of the ball were featured in the century-plus since that first celebration. The only years no ball drop occurred were 1942 and 1943, when the city instituted a nightly "dimout" during World War II to protect itself from attacks. Crowds instead celebrated the new year with a moment of silence followed by chimes rung from the base of One Times Square. As the new year approaches, many people begin thinking about their resolutions—typically focusing on physical health, saving money, or spending more time with family. One area that often gets overlooked is mental health. The pressure to "get fit" or "eat better" is well-known, but taking care of mental well-being is just as important as improving physical health, especially since mental health impacts every aspect of life. At first glance, mental health goals can seem intangible and subjective, but there are scientifically-proven ways to set achievable, measurable, and personalized mental wellness goals that will help anyone thrive in 2025. Vivian Chung Easton, a mental health therapist at Blueprint , a company focused on building AI-powered tools to help therapists, shares recommendations for setting mental health resolutions. Prioritize Self-Compassion and Resilience Building One of the most important mental wellness goals for 2025 is to prioritize self-compassion and resilience. In a culture that often celebrates hustle and perfection, it's easy to push yourself too hard, setting unrealistic expectations that only add to stress and anxiety. But research shows that self-compassion and resilience are critical factors in coping with stress and maintaining long-term mental well-being. A 2021 study by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer highlights that self-compassion—treating yourself with kindness when things don't go as planned—can reduce emotional distress and improve resilience. Instead of criticism for not meeting a goal or making a mistake, practice affirmations or positive self-talk. A simple goal, like being kinder to yourself during setbacks, can help reduce stress and boost mental wellness. A goal can look something like this: Create 10 positive affirmations (like "It's ok, I'm doing the best I can") to use for positive self-talk when you make a mistake. Practice mindfulness for 10 minutes a day, five days a week. Practicing mindfulness doesn't have to just mean meditating, being present in the moment can look different for everyone. The goal of mindfulness is to do one thing and only that thing—not multi-tasking. Whether reading, stretching, or washing the dishes, do what makes sense for your life. Use three coping strategies during stressful situations each week, like grounding exercises, breaking things down into smaller tasks, or rethinking a challenge positively. This can improve your ability to handle different situations with resilience and self-compassion. Making room for self-compassion this year can be a transformative step toward building resilience and enhancing overall mental health. Incorporate Social Connections Into Your Mental Health Goals Social connection is one of the most important factors in mental wellness, yet it's often overlooked in favor of individual self-improvement goals. Physical isolation can lead to loneliness, but social isolation is also strongly linked to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, according to a study by Juliannee Holt-Lundstad. Meaningful relationships and community support can improve how satisfied you feel in your life on a day-to-day basis. This year, make it a goal to strengthen and nurture social connections, whether that means reconnecting with old friends, regularly scheduling family time, or joining social groups and clubs—like a book club, gym, or church group. For example, a social wellness goal can look like: Reconnect with a friend or family member once a month. Join a support group to build a community of people who understand individual challenges. Attend social events (virtual events count too) to foster a sense of belonging. Building mental wellness isn't just about managing thoughts and feelings; it's also about fostering a strong support network. Social connections are integral to building emotional resilience. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques as a Foundation Just as physical fitness is associated with physical health, mindfulness is often associated with mental fitness. However, practicing mindfulness is just as important as going for a run or lifting weights when it comes to mental wellness. Mindfulness-based practices—such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises—have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve focus, and boost emotional well-being according to research by Stefan Hofman in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Incorporating mindfulness into a routine doesn't have to be time-consuming or difficult. Start small by committing to 5–10 minutes of mindfulness practice a few times a week . Focus on breath, practice guided meditation, or even engage in mindful walking or eating. A simple goal might be: Meditate for five minutes daily . Practice mindful eating by turning off electronic devices, like your phone, TV, and computer when eating. These exercises are called a practice for a reason: doing them consistently and often can strengthen your ability over time. These practices not only reduce stress in the moment but also help to build resilience over time, making it easier to handle future challenges. Set Realistic and Achievable SMART Goals Whatever New Year's resolution you might have, a large obstacle is setting goals that are too ambitious or unrealistic. Whether it's aiming to exercise every day or cutting out all sugar, overambitious goals can lead to burnout and disappointment when progress isn't immediate. This is especially true for mental health goals, which often require patience and consistency. Using these suggestions for mental health goals, focus on how to personalize them to make them realistic and achievable for your life. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that people are more likely to succeed in their resolutions when they set realistic and incremental goals. Instead of vague, broad goals like "be happier" or "stress less," focus on small, concrete actions that can lead to big changes over time. One effective approach is to use SMART goals—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example: Instead of resolving to "be happier," aim to journal for 10 minutes every morning, identifying one thing that brought you joy that day . Instead of "reduce stress," try committing to eating one meal without your electronic devices . Rather than "improve mental health," set a goal to find activities that lead to better mental health for you—like hiking or meeting a friend for coffee—and do it once a month. These specific, measurable actions make it easier to track progress and feel a sense of accomplishment along the way. Plus, they're more realistic and achievable, which increases your chances of success. Monitor Progress and Adjust Mental Health Goals Throughout the Year It happens every year—gyms always seem to empty out before spring starts. One of the challenges of New Year's resolutions is that many people abandon their goals as early as January. However, mental health goals require ongoing attention and flexibility. Unlike weight loss or fitness goals, mental wellness is a journey, not an endpoint. Regularly tracking progress is essential. By setting aside time to evaluate personal progress, it's easier to adjust your goals and make necessary changes to keep things on track. Research shows that regular goal check-ins increase the likelihood of long-term success. Consider setting quarterly check-ins with yourself to assess your mental health goals: Have you been practicing mindfulness regularly? Are you feeling more self-compassionate during setbacks? Are you meeting your social connection goals? If you're not meeting your targets, adjust them to make them more realistic. Mental health progress doesn't always follow a straight line, so it's important to be flexible and forgiving with yourself. Your Resolutions are Personal and Evolving The new year is inherently a time of change, and that can be a helpful mindset in seeing new potential for growth and taking action. As you set your resolutions for 2025, don't forget to prioritize mental wellness. By focusing on achievable, realistic goals—you're setting yourself up for a healthier, more fulfilling year. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and nurturing it can help to reach other goals more effectively. Even if, in a month or two, you feel like you're falling behind—mental health goals can and should be flexible and adaptable. You can always adjust your approach if things aren't serving you, and check in with yourself regularly to stay on track. Goals are personal, and you're always in control. Here's to a year of growth, balance, and emotional well-being in 2025. This stor y was produced by Blueprint and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock Photo Credit: Alberto Menendez Cervero / Shutterstock As anyone who’s ever started a business knows, getting one off the ground is not for the faint of heart. Entrepreneurs face numerous challenges in the early years, from solidifying business plans to navigating the complexities of hiring employees and acquiring licenses and insurance. These hurdles often determine the fate of a startup, making the journey from an idea to a successful enterprise both difficult and uncertain. Each year, millions of Americans file new business applications , but only a fraction of these ventures transition to hiring employees. Among those that do, surviving the critical first few years can still be an uphill battle. However, survival rates differ significantly by location, influenced by a variety of factors such as economic conditions, state policies, and industry-specific demand. The good news is that businesses that weather the initial hurdles see a much greater likelihood of long-term success. This analysis explores the states where new businesses are most likely to survive their earliest years based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The findings reveal important insights into how location and time impact the chances of business success. Alberto Menendez Cervero Washington & California lead the country in new business survival rates Source: Simply Business analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data | Image Credit: Simply Business New business success varies widely across the United States, with some states providing a more favorable environment for startups to thrive. Based on survival rates for the first three years of operation, Washington and California stand out as the nation’s leading states. Washington claims the top spot, with businesses in the state enjoying an 86.4% chance of surviving their first year, 89.3% in their second year, and an impressive 91.8% in their third year. These figures highlight Washington's robust support for young businesses, likely fueled by its thriving tech ecosystem and a generally favorable economic climate. California ranks second, with survival rates of 86.0% in the first year, 89.8% in the second, and 91.4% in the third. Despite challenges such as high costs of living and regulatory complexities, California’s strong economy, innovation hubs, and access to venture capital contribute to its high ranking. Outside of the West Coast, West Virginia —whose economy is deeply rooted in energy production, natural resources, and manufacturing—ranks third, boasting the highest third-year survival rates at 91.9%. North Carolina —a major banking center and home of the Research Triangle—follows closely with similar numbers. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Minnesota businesses face the toughest challenges in their early years, with only 72.3% surviving their first year and 80.2% their second. These regional differences highlight the importance of local economic conditions in shaping a startup's odds of success. For entrepreneurs planning their next move, this analysis offers insight into where businesses are thriving and where challenges are more pronounced. Factors like industry presence, regulatory environments, and access to resources can create opportunities—or hurdles—that significantly affect survival rates in the critical early years. Choosing the right location isn’t just about personal preference; it can mean the difference between failure and success. This analysis was conducted by Simply Business —an online insurance marketplace for small businesses—using 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For complete results, see the original post: States Where New Businesses Are Most Likely to Succeed . Photo Credit: Alberto Menendez Cervero / Shutterstock The data in this report comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Business Employment Dynamics . To determine the states where new businesses are most likely to succeed, researchers at Simply Business developed a business survival index. This index is based on a weighted average of the most recent survival rates for private-sector establishments during their first, second, and third years of operation, as of March 2024. The survival rates were calculated using sequential benchmarks. The first-year survival rate is the percentage of businesses still active one year after opening. The second-year rate is the percentage of those first-year survivors that remained operational for another year. Similarly, the third-year rate is the percentage of second-year survivors that continued into the following year. The data focuses exclusively on private-sector businesses with at least one employee. For complete results, see States Where New Businesses Are Most Likely to Succeed on Simply Business. Alberto Menendez CerveroCanucks prospects: Willander scores twice to lead Sweden over Switzerland at World Juniors

IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Lyon, Boland revive Pakistan's 1961 feat vs Team India A gritty partnership of over 50 runs for the final wicket between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland left India exasperated as Australia extended their lead to over 300 runs on day four of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In a day packed with enthralling Test cricket, India bowlers had removed Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins during the final session, raising hopes of starting their chase before stumps. However, Lyon and Boland stood firm, frustrating the Indian bowlers with a resilient stand at the iconic MCG. Their partnership not only defied India but also turned the tide of the match. This marked just the second instance in Test history where a 10th-wicket pair batted for over 50 balls in both innings. The first instance occurred in 1961, when Pakistan’s Afaq Hussain and Haseeb Ahsan faced England in Lahore, lasting 9.2 overs in the first innings and 18.1 overs in the second. Lyon and Boland batted for 8.3 overs in the first innings and a pivotal 17.4 overs in the second. Drama unfolded late in the day when Lyon was caught in the slip cordon by Jasprit Bumrah during the last over. However, replays confirmed it was a no-ball, keeping the partnership intact. Earlier, India seemed on the verge of wrapping up the innings when Ravindra Jadeja bowled a superb delivery, pitching on off stump and turning away to edge Pat Cummins’s bat, dismissing him for a determined 41 off 90 balls. But with the bowlers tiring and the ball softening, Lyon and Boland capitalized on the opportunity to mount a defiant stand. India’s desperation showed as Siraj dropped a caught-and-bowled chance off Lyon and later lost their final review on an unsuccessful lbw appeal. Boland’s cut off Siraj brought up Australia’s 300, while Lyon showcased an array of strokes, including sweeps, lofted shots, and edges that kept the scoreboard ticking. In the day’s final moments, KL Rahul’s tumbling leg-assisted catch off Lyon was overturned due to Bumrah overstepping. Lyon then edged the last ball for a boundary, bringing up the 50-run partnership and closing out a remarkable day of Test cricket on a high for Australia. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Rohit Sharma draws flak over angered reactions to Yashasvi India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal had a terrible day on the field on Sunday as he dropped three crucial catches of the Australian batters, prompting angered reactions from his skipper Rohit Sharma. After having dropped Usman Khawaja on 2 at leg-gully in the morning session, Jaiswal dropped Marnus Labuschagn on 46 at third slip in the second session off Akash Deep. At the stroke of Tea, the 21-year-old then dropped a catch of Pat Cummins off Ravindra Jadeja at silly-point. Of all the three chances, the second dropped catch in particular, saw emotions getting better of Rohit with the skipper seen shouting and throwing his arms around angrily. The animated Rohit reactions to the dropped chances didn't go down well with the commentators with the likes of Mike Hussey suggesting that such things aren't expected from skipper. “I've got to be honest, I don't like that reaction from the Indian skipper. I appreciate he's emotional, and he desperately wants wickets, but you're the one who has to send the message of calm and support. No one means to drop a catch. “He's gonna feel bad enough as it is for putting a catch down, especially someone like Marnus Labuschagne; it happens quickly, it's in, it's out. You don't need to see that as a young player,” Hussey said on Fox Cricket. Australia's women's skipper Alyssa Healy also said that the team needs to be gentle with Jaiswal as he will be key in India's fourth innings chase. “Particularly when you need him to walk out and open the batting alongside you, to make some runs and try and win a Test match for your country," she said. Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann also wasn't impressed with Rohit and Virat Kohli's reaction to dropped catches. He however liked Rishabh Pant's gesture which saw him putting arm around Jaiswal, lifting his spirits. "Rishabh Pant did well. He actually gave him a pat on the back and said 'just hang in there, we all drop them'. What he doesn't need is the captain Rohit Sharma and (Virat) Kohli throwing their arms about. The poor kid," Lehmann said on ABC Radio. Former Victoria wicketkeeper Darren Berry also called out for support to Jaiswal from senior after the dropped catches. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Melbourne Weather Report With the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) heading into its decisive Day 5, cricket enthusiasts are keenly watching the weather, hoping it doesn’t interfere with this gripping clash. India need a miraculous turnaround to chase a challenging target as Australia, leading by 333 runs at stumps on Day 4, aim to seal the game. According to the forecast by AccuWeather, Melbourne is expected to offer favourable playing conditions on Monday, with only minimal chances of rain disruption throughout the day. MELBOURNE DAY 5 WEATHER: MORNING CONDITIONS The day will begin with partly sunny skies. Temperatures are predicted to hover around 25°C under direct sun. While a wind from the south-southwest at 9 km/h will keep conditions pleasant, occasional gusts reaching up to 24 km/h could slightly assist bowlers. With a 3% probability of rainfall, the morning session is expected to proceed uninterrupted. Cloud cover will be significant at 86%, offering mild respite to the players. IND VS AUS WEATHER FORECAST: AFTERNOON CONDITIONS As the day progresses, the temperature is expected to rise to 27°C. Breezy conditions will prevail, with wind speeds escalating to 22 km/h and gusts peaking at 37 km/h from the south. Despite total cloud cover at 100%, rain remains unlikely, with just a 4% chance of precipitation. Humidity levels ranging between 47% and 57% will not significantly impact the game, while visibility remains excellent at 10 km. Overall, Day 5 is set to provide uninterrupted play, giving both teams a fair chance to fight for a result. With Australia aiming to build on their lead and India looking to stage a remarkable chase, fans can expect an intense day of Test cricket under largely cooperative weather conditions at the MCG. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Gavaskar clarifies context of 'stupid' remark Legendary Sunil Gavaskar on Saturday angrily expressed his disapproval of Rishabh Pant's shot selection during a critical moment on the third day of the Boxing Day Test. A fuming Gavaskar had slammed Pant for his ramp shot that got him out, labelling it as 'stupid'. For Gavaskar the Pant shot was driven by ego rather than strategic thinking. "When I see somebody as talented as Rishabh Pant play that shot, I had no problem with the first shot he played and missed. The reason I got upset was that ego took over for the next ball," Gavaskar told ABC Sport. Gavaskar elaborated on why he found Pant's shot selection particularly frustrating, suggesting Pant was trying to assert dominance rather than playing to the situation. "I've just been hit in the midriff for attempting a similar shot. I'm going to show the bowler who's the boss. Test cricket is not easy. When he got out, they had two fielders in the deep, and this is a big ground. It's not easy to hit sixes. You've got the fielders in catching positions over there—deep square leg and deep fine leg. But he got caught at third man with the edge." Gavaskar acknowledged Pant's talent and past performances but questioned the need for such a risky shot at that stage of the game. "I've seen him play some fabulous innings. But here in Australia, I get the impression that he thinks that's the only way he's going to score runs. Here he's stepping down the pitch, lofting the ball, and getting a boundary. That's not the way he has scored runs in the past. He has played those shots which have been outrageously good," Gavaskar said. Gavaskar highlighted Pant's ability to score runs through conventional cricketing shots, suggesting he should rely on his established strengths rather than attempting high-risk strokes. "I've seen him play the cover drive along the ground very well, the square pull shot he plays so well, the flick off the pads—everything he's got. So, to take a little bit of a risk at that stage was a bit much," said Gavaskar. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Bumrah denied a fifer despite KL Rahul's lucky catch An exhilarating fourth day's play of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne on Sunday was topped off with a dramatic last over that saw India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah being denied a fifer despite an unusual and lucky catch taken by teammate KL Rahul. With the last wicket stand of Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland frustrating India with an unbeaten stand of 55, Bumrah came in to bowl the last over of the day. He even got Lyon to edge one to Rahul in the slips but unluckily overstepped to hand the Australia no.10 a lifeline. The incident took place on the fourth ball of the last over of the day when Bumrah got one to straighten from length as Lyon, rooted to his crease, tried to defend it but edged it to third slip. Rahul, who was stationed at third slip, initially fumbled and lost the ball but then used his legs to clutch on to it as India began to celebrate the end of the Australian innings. However, in a late twist, the Indian team was then told by the umpire that Bumrah had over-stepped and the no ball meant that Lyon got a lucky lifeline. Seeing the hand being raised by the umpire for a no-ball, Bumrah and the team were seemingly disappointed. Adding salt to injury, Lyon then collected a couple of runs off the fifth ball and the final ball then flew past the third slip for a boundary after a Lyon poke as Australia ended the day at 228 for 9, taking their overall lead to 333 at stumps. At the close of play, Lyon was at 41 not out and no.11 Scott Boland had scored 10 as India failed to take the final wicket. In the second innings, Bumrah has four wickets wickets to his name while Mohammed Siraj picked up three after Australia took a healthy 105-run first innings lead. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: 'Bounce has got inconsistent' Marnus Labuschagne, Australia's top scorer, believes India faces a challenging chase due to the pitch's inconsistent bounce. Deliveries bowled from a back-of-a-length are arriving at stump height, creating difficulties for batsmen. Australia finished day four at 228 for 9 in their second innings, leading India by 333 runs. Contributions from the lower order, including Pat Cummins (41), Nathan Lyon (41 batting), and Scott Boland (10 batting), significantly boosted Australia's lead. Labuschagne's 70 was the highest individual score for the Australian team. Labuschagne discussed the pitch conditions anticipated for day five. “I think from the first innings, there was some movement, obviously. It was hard work in that first probably, especially the first 40 to 50 overs. But as the game's gone on, the bounce has got less and more inconsistent. So we're just getting more balls hitting the stumps. More balls are skidding through.” He observed that while the lateral movement remains consistent, the inconsistent bounce poses a significant challenge. “The seam movement's probably been the same. But just the amount of bounce is significantly lower. So that makes for pretty tricky batting there. Because more balls are hitting the stumps from a shorter length.” Labuschagne remained tight-lipped about Australia's declaration plans for the fifth morning. “Glad you think that I know if we're going to declare or not,” he chuckled. He confirmed that day four unfolded as per Australia's expectations. “We obviously had the perfect outcome for us. And they probably... we looked like having a bowl tonight and putting them under pressure. But, you know, the way the wicket played and the way India bowled and came out and put us under pressure in that first 40 to 50 overs, you know, declaration wasn't an option for us.” Labuschagne acknowledged the resilience displayed by the lower order. “The lower order deserves a lot of credit for how they managed that last part. I mean, I felt like we were probably ahead of the game just the whole way.” IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Starc assures he's '100% fit' Australia maintained their grip on the fourth Test against India with a resilient batting display on the fourth day, despite several dramatic moments and strategic questions about their decisions. Resuming their second innings at 135 for six after tea, the visitors pushed their lead to a commanding 333 runs, closing at 228 for nine in 82 overs. The standout performer of the day was captain Pat Cummins, whose gritty 41 off 90 balls proved crucial in frustrating the Indian bowlers. Australia's tail-enders followed his lead, with the last-wicket pair of Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland adding an unbeaten 55 runs. Marnus Labuschagne, who top-scored with a valiant 70 off 139 balls, earlier held the innings together before falling shortly after tea. However, Australia’s decision to bat deep into the final session, rather than declare with a sizeable lead, raised eyebrows. Pacer Mitchell Starc, when asked about the team’s strategy, deflected the question with a wry response: "You'll have to ask Pat Cummins... you will have to ask the brains trust." Starc, who was dismissed in dramatic fashion, became the victim of a sharp run-out orchestrated by Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. Attempting a second run, Starc was left stranded as Cummins hesitated. Pant’s direct hit brought an end to Starc’s brief innings of 5 runs off 13 deliveries. Despite speculation about a potential back issue, Starc dismissed concerns regarding his fitness. Speaking after the day's play, he assured, "I am 100%... My pace is still up in the low 140s, so I’m not concerned. If I need to bowl 20 overs tomorrow, I will." Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah entered the record books during the day, taking 4/56 to complete 200 Test wickets in an illustrious career so far. Bumrah’s fiery spell, coupled with Mohammed Siraj's 3/66, gave India some hope, but the task ahead remains monumental. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: 'Some people doubted me' - Nitish Reddy Nitish Reddy's brilliant century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has silenced critics who doubted his ability to excel in Test cricket. The 21-year-old, with 293 runs in six innings at an average of over 58, has shown he belongs at the highest level. His knock of 114 runs was pivotal to India's first-innings total of 369, showcasing his resilience and skill on one of the grandest stages in cricket. After the fourth day's play, Reddy spoke candidly about the skepticism surrounding his selection. "Some people doubted me, saying a youngster from the IPL can't perform in such a big series," he said. "I just want to prove them wrong. I want people to know I'm here to give 100% for the Indian team." Reddy emphasised that his success has been years in the making. Dismissing the idea that his achievements came overnight, he explained, "For you guys, it might seem like one or two months, but for me, it's about the last two to three years. I've worked hard on my batting and bowling during that time." Ahead of the 2024 IPL, Reddy took extra measures to elevate his game, including hiring side-arm throwdown experts to practice against deliveries at speeds of up to 145 km/h. "After my first IPL season, I realized the areas I needed to improve in my batting. During the off-season, I worked extensively, and those efforts are paying off now," he said. Reddy also spoke emotionally about his father, Mutyalu, who made significant sacrifices for his cricketing career. "My father resigned from his central government job to support me. He was the first person who believed in me and has always been there—taking me to practice, to the gym. I'm so grateful to have a father like him," he said, dedicating his century to his father. A longtime admirer of Virat Kohli, Reddy cherished the standing ovation he received from the former Indian captain. "When Kohli scored a century in Perth, I was at the non-striker's end. Now, I scored a century, and he appreciated me. He told me I got the team back in the game. That's the best moment for me," Reddy said, beaming. Team India faces a challenging final day, with the opposition still holding one wicket. Reddy remains optimistic, promising a strong comeback. "First, we need to take their last wicket. Then, we'll rectify our mistakes from the first innings," he said confidently. Nitish Reddy's performance has not only proven his critics wrong but also signaled the arrival of a promising new star in Indian cricket. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: 'Jasprit Bumrah is like a genie' The fourth day of the Boxing Day Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy witnessed a captivating battle between bat and ball at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj delivered standout performances as India fought to contain a resilient Australian side, which extended its lead to 333 runs by stumps. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, speaking on Star Sports, heaped praise on the Indian seamers. Manjrekar even compared Bumrah's genius to legendary bowlers like Malcolm Marshall and Curtly Ambrose. "There's just no weakness this man has. It's almost like he is this genie that Indian cricket have brought as a gift and you make a wish and you get it. And it's always Bumrah providing it, be it T20 cricket World Cup or 50 over World Cup, or it's a match like this, crucial game on a page where a lot of the bowlers struggle to get anything out of it. He was getting lateral movement," Manjrekar said. "He's cleaned up Alex Carey, as if, he's a number 10, 11 batter. He just had two balls in that spell left. You knew he wasn't going to bowl more than two balls, and he nailed Alex Carey there as well. And when you look at the average, I mean, this is unbelievable. We talk about Curtly Ambrose. I had the privilege of playing against Malcolm Marshall. Now those are great names, and an average of under 20 after 200 wickets is just mind-boggling stuff from Jasprit Bumrah." Manjrekar also lauded Mohammed Siraj for rising to the occasion. "The fact of the matter is Mohammed Siraj realised that he had to put in his best show. So what he did basically was just ran in with a lot more energy, just put in a lot more effort. And sometimes that's all you need. And it was evident when we saw the speed gun, he was four or five kilometers quicker," he noted. "There were a couple of balls over that were touching 140. In the first innings, it was maybe 134, 135. So sometimes it's just about bending your back and forget about all the other issues. And that's what he did. And he was desperate for success. And sometimes when you push against the wall, and we've seen that with Mohammed Siraj, he comes up with the goods." Jasprit Bumrah's 4/56—including his 200th Test wicket—was the highlight of the day. He dismantled Australia's middle order with clinical precision, removing Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey in quick succession. Mohammed Siraj, with figures of 3/66, also played a crucial role in triggering a dramatic Australian collapse after lunch. His dismissal of Steve Smith for 13 set the tone for a spell that saw Australia plummet to 91/6. Despite these setbacks, Australia showed grit, with contributions from Pat Cummins (41) and an unbeaten 55-run partnership between Nathan Lyon (41 not out) and Scott Boland (10 not out). IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Mohammed Siraj's perfect support act! When a fast bowler's own countrymen — whether captain, teammates or former cricketers in the same cricketing ecosystem — challenge their ego, it can be a deliberate or incidental act that spurs them to perform better. Fast bowlers often have a fierce competitive streak. Challenges from their countrymen can push them to raise their game and prove their superiority. Facing criticism or challenges at home helps bowlers build the mental toughness required for the intense scrutiny and high-pressure situations of international cricket. On Friday, legendary Sunil Gavaskar, delivering a harshly critical assessment, had called for the removal of Mohammed Siraj from the Indian squad. With 13 wickets in seven innings and a lack of aggression with the new ball, Siraj, a key component in the 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series victory, had fallen short in the current series, adding to Jasprit Bumrah's workload. According to Gavaskar, the right-arm quick should be informed that he is being dropped rather than rested. "I think Siraj, perhaps, needs a little bit of a break. In the sense, I am not saying a break, he needs to be told that he is left out of the team for non-performance. There has to be a situation where you can't beat around the bush. "You need to be brutally upfront and say 'look, your performance has not been up to scratch, and therefore you are being dropped.' When you start talking about 'rest,' players get wrong ideas. They feel they don't need to up their game," Gavaskar had told Star Sports on Friday after the second day's play. With an average of 4.07 runs per over, Siraj led the unwelcome list of frontline pacers who have given the most runs in the series. In the ongoing Boxing Day Test, Siraj was completely out of sorts after conceding 122 runs in 23 overs without taking any wickets in Australia first innings. Probably that was the reason that India captain Rohit Sharma called up Akash Deep to share the new ball with Bumrah in the Aussie second innings on Day 4. Being denied the new ball and a keeper standing upto the stumps are the two biggest factors that can rub off a pacer's ego. These situations strike at the core of a pacer's pride and role in the team, potentially fueling their competitive fire or exposing weaknesses. Both situations put a pacer in a vulnerable position, testing their mental resilience and ability to bounce back. They challenge the bowler to prove their worth and reclaim their authority, which can either inspire growth or create friction, depending on how they are handled. These challenges, though difficult, often separate great fast bowlers from the rest, highlighting their ability to rise above setbacks and continue delivering under pressure. When a captain targets their own fast bowler's ego, it can be a tactical move designed to motivate them, ignite their competitive fire, or bring out their best performance. Fast bowlers often thrive on adrenaline and emotion. A captain's calculated criticism or challenge can act as a spark to drive the bowler to prove a point and perform with extra intensity. A social media video also showed skipper Rohit asking Siraj to step up. "Don't sit back and hide behind Bumrah, I need you to stand up and get the job done as well." This is where Siraj responded brilliantly on Day 4 when Bumrah needed support from the other end. Akash Deep bowled well in tandem with Bumrah but was unlucky to get a wicket. Siraj replaced Bumrah in the attack after 10 overs and bowled with usual aggression but with improved line and length, creating more chances and troubling Aussie opener Usman Khawaja in particular. And Siraj’s changed approach brought him a reward when he castled Khawaja with a full delivery that moved just enough to beat the inside edge and hit the top of off-stump. In the eight over of the second session, a pumped up Siraj got the prized wicket of first innings centurion Steve Smith by inducing a false shot from the former Aussie captain and having him caught behind by Rishabh Pant. This was the fourth instance that Siraj had dismissed Smith in 15 innings and that opened the gates for India as Bumrah then went on a rampage as he picked up the wickets of Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey in quick succession. Marnus Labuschagne batted brilliantly to weather the Bumrah storm whose deliveries missed the Aussie bat’s edge umpteen times. Going by stats, Bumrah bowled 60 balls to Labuschagne in the second innings and missed the outside edge 11 times. The Aussie edged 3 times scoring 24 runs off those 60 deliveries. But it was Siraj who got Labuschagne on the first delivery of a new spell by trapping the Aussie plumb in front with a back of a length delivery that jagged back sharply from outside off. Labuschagne was caught in the crease as he looked to block but missed to get struck on the back leg and as the third umpire went with the on-field umpire’s decision to give it out, a pumped up Siraj let the emotions flow. With a bruised ego, Siraj stepped up and bowled a superb spell either side of lunch where he accounted for Khawaja and Smith and later came up with the crucial scalp of Labuschagne. Cricket is as much a mental game as it is physical. By challenging a fast bowler, a captain can test their mental toughness and ability to handle pressure, which is critical in high-stakes scenarios and when done correctly, it can be a powerful tool to bring the best out of a fast bowler. With the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy still up for grabs, Siraj proved his captain right on Day 4 at the MCG. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Bumrah's brilliance, last-wicket stand for Australia keep MCG Test finely poised Jasprit Bumrah's fiery spell and a record-breaking milestone gave India hope on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test, but Australia's lower-order resistance ensured they remained in control. Despite Bumrah's 4-56 and Mohammed Siraj's resurgence, Australia reached 228/9 at stumps, leading by 333 runs, setting up a thrilling final day. Bumrah sliced through Australia's middle order, claiming his 200th Test wicket and becoming the bowler with the best average in Test history for those with 200 or more wickets. However, his efforts were countered by Marnus Labuschagne's gritty 70 and Pat Cummins' vital 41, along with a frustrating last-wicket stand of 55 between Nathan Lyon (41 not out) and Scott Boland (10 not out). Yashasvi Jaiswal had a challenging day, dropping three crucial catches, including Labuschagne on 46 and Cummins before his dismissal. These misses proved costly as Australia extended their lead on a pitch showing variable bounce. With all four results still possible, here's how Day 4 unfolded: Bumrah's record-breaking show: A historic milestone Jasprit Bumrah was once again the standout bowler for India, claiming his 200th Test wicket and solidifying his place in history. With the dismissal of Travis Head, Bumrah reached the remarkable milestone in just his 44th Test, making him the fastest Indian pacer to achieve this feat. Bumrah also set a new record for the best average among bowlers with 200 or more Test wickets, surpassing the legendary Joel Garner. He finished the day with 4-56, taking his tally for the series to 29 wickets and becoming India's most successful pacer in a Test series on Australian soil. Siraj back among wickets as India fight back After a wicketless first innings, Mohammed Siraj returned to form, taking key wickets in Australia's second innings. Siraj was the first change bowler, coming in after Akash Deep and Bumrah. Siraj quickly removed Usman Khawaja for 21, and then bowled brilliantly to dismiss Steve Smith. With the assistance of Virat Kohli, who advised Siraj to bowl wide of the crease, the pacer outfoxed Smith with a wide half-volley that the Aussie batter edged to Rishabh Pant. Siraj finished the day with impressive figures of 3-66, including the vital wicket of Marnus Labuschagne (70). Jaiswal's drop catches add pressure on India's chances Yashasvi Jaiswal endured a tough day in the field, dropping three critical catches. The first came early in the day when he dropped Usman Khawaja at leg gully. His next miscue was a relatively easy chance off Labuschagne's bat at gully when he was on 46. Jaiswal's third drop came just before tea when he let go of Cummins. The frustration was palpable in the Indian camp, with captain Rohit Sharma visibly upset. The missed chances allowed Australia to build a bigger lead, making India's task tougher. Labuschagne and Cummins stand gives Australia vital respite After India's early breakthroughs, Labuschagne and captain Cummins combined for a vital partnership of 57 runs. This stand brought some stability to Australia's innings, allowing them to recover from 91-6 to 148-7. Labuschagne, who top-scored with 70, and Cummins, with 41, frustrated India's bowlers and pushed the Australian lead past 250 runs, a vital cushion for the home team heading into the final session. Last-wicket stand frustrates India as Australia extend lead to 333 Despite India's best efforts to wrap up Australia's innings, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland had other plans. Their unbroken 55-run partnership frustrated the Indian bowlers, with Lyon making 41 off 54 balls. This stand took Australia's lead to a formidable 333 runs, leaving India with a daunting task ahead on Day 5. With the last-wicket pair showing resilience, India's hopes of a quick end to Australia's innings faded, and the game remained delicately poised heading into the final day. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Hello and welcome! Hello and welcome to the Live coverage of Day 5 of the fourth Test match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. A resilient 51-run partnership for the final wicket between Nathan Lyon (41*) and Scott Boland (10*) left India frustrated as Australia stretched its lead to 333 runs, finishing at 228/9 in 82 overs at stumps on day four of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. India appeared poised to begin their chase before stumps after removing Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins in the final session. However, Lyon and Boland defied India’s attack for 110 balls, much to the dismay of the 43,867 fans present. Their gritty stand ensured Australia maintained control heading into the final day. The big question now is whether Australia will continue batting on day five or declare overnight, challenging India to achieve the highest-ever successful chase at the MCG. The session began with Mohammed Siraj striking with his first delivery, trapping Labuschagne lbw with a sharp ball that jagged off the pitch. Labuschagne reviewed the decision, but ball-tracking showed the ball clipping the bails on umpire’s call, ending his knock of 70. Soon after, Starc was run-out attempting a risky second run, with Rishabh Pant swiftly removing a glove to complete the dismissal at the non-striker's end. Australia seemed on the brink of being bowled out when Ravindra Jadeja produced a beauty, pitching on off-stump and turning away to find Pat Cummins’s edge, dismissing him for a hard-fought 41 off 90 balls. But as the Indian bowlers began to tire and the ball softened, Lyon and Boland capitalized, showcasing remarkable resistance. India's desperation showed when Siraj dropped a caught-and-bowled chance off Lyon, who later survived an lbw appeal, burning India’s final review. Boland cut Siraj for a boundary to bring up Australia’s 300, while Lyon mixed sweeps, lofted shots, and edges to keep the scoreboard ticking. Drama unfolded in the final over when KL Rahul claimed a tumbling catch off Lyon from Jasprit Bumrah’s delivery. However, replays revealed a no-ball, adding to India’s woes. Lyon then edged the last ball for a boundary, taking the partnership to 50 runs and capping an enthralling day of Test cricket. Match Statistics Sam Konstas Usman Khawaja Marnus Labuschagne Yashasvi Jaiswal Rohit Sharma (C) KL Rahul Top Stories Right NowNU-Q faculty’s new book examines how remittances reflect sense of belonging

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Antitrust enforcers with the Federal Trade Commission have opened a wide-ranging investigation into Microsoft’s business practices, starting a big legal project that an incoming Trump administration must take up or abandon. The FTC is investigating Microsoft’s cloud computing business and related product lines such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, according to a person who was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. It’s the latest action of more than three years of aggressive antitrust enforcement shepherded by FTC Chair Lina Khan, who was elevated to lead the agency by President Joe Biden after he came into office pledging tougher scrutiny of monopolistic behavior by Big Tech companies. Khan’s FTC already lost one antitrust fight with Microsoft last year when a federal judge declined to block its $69 billion takeover of video game company Activision Blizzard. This case would go deeper into the core of Microsoft’s business in a way the company hasn’t experienced in the U.S. since its antitrust showdown with the Justice Department in the 1990s. Bloomberg News first reported about the investigation last week. The case will only move forward if President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the FTC decides to continue the investigation and take it to court. Some analysts are expecting a lighter approach to the tech industry under Trump, though incoming Vice President JD Vance has praised Khan’s work.Asian Stocks Eye Gains as Wall Street Awaits Data: Markets WrapKirk LaPointe: Alberta's 'get things done' edge leaves B.C. behind in investment race From permits to profits, neighbouring province's model proves hard to beat Kirk LaPointe Nov 27, 2024 12:00 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Alberta's proactive investment strategy, led by Invest Alberta, is attracting businesses with swift regulatory changes, lower costs, and a "get things done" approach, positioning the province as a more attractive destination than British Columbia. Photo via benedek/E+/Getty Images Listen to this article 00:05:18 Dow wanted to expand its Path2Zero zero-emission project from outside Fort Saskatchewan with a significant investment, but didn’t think the province’s depreciation rates were suitable. No problem: the rates were changed by the province – in seven days. The international pulp and paper behemoth, Mondi, wanted to promptly get environmental permits to move into the province. No problem: the permits came from the province in a speedy 90 days. The problem was: the province was Alberta, not British Columbia. And a bigger problem looms: Alberta is more aggressively big-game-hunting for investment now in Vancouver. It has opened an office here of the prodigious Crown corporation, Invest Alberta, and hired what it calls an “investment attraction advisor” – Brock Lalla, a former economist with PwC’s Canadian economic and policy practice. Based on its history of less than a half-decade, it would not be surprising to see some serious migration and expansion of B.C. businesses into our neighbouring province. In four years, Invest Alberta has attracted $24.9 billion in investment from around the world, counting for 33,481 jobs. Its CEO is himself a Vancouver expat appointed in 2021, Rick Christiaanse, and in keeping with the red-tape-averse culture, he reports directly to Premier Danielle Smith and not into the province’s bureaucracy. It is old news now that Alberta can put to shame most anything British Columbia might try to make for a better business and worker climate. Corporate taxes and housing prices are lower, salaries are higher, regulations are changed faster, construction permits are swifter. Little wonder an Angus Reid Institute poll earlier this year indicated more one-third of British Columbians – and half of all young people – were seriously considering leaving because of housing unaffordability. But housing costs are simply a symptom of a wider ailment, some of it tangible and some of it attitudinal. “Alberta’s claim to fame is that it can get things done,” Christiaanse told me. “We were in the wilderness for 10 years. We got desperate enough here that we had to figure out how to do this.” What it does is court investment, offering a concierge-like tailored suite of services to smooth the entry into the market – navigational assistance to streamline setup, marketing intelligence, networking leads, after-care services – in using its 17 offices worldwide to scout and secure significant investment. What it doesn’t do, though, might surprise you: It won’t write any cheques when business comes calling. It refuses to engage in the race to the bottom that many American cities and states will. “Our cheque-writing capacity is zero,” he says. “If you’re looking for a subsidy, that’s not our province.” Christiaanse, whose career includes stints as chief operating officer of the Skidmore Group and senior director of sales and marketing for Telus International, has been campaigning of late to demonstrate Alberta is not simply an oil and gas province. The province leads Canada in renewable energy growth. Amazon is building its first Canadian wind farm in southern Alberta; it already owns a solar project in the province, one of the largest in North America. Edmonton alone has four $1-billion-plus hydrogen energy plants under construction. Japanese firms Sumitomo and Itochu have extensive climate-change mitigation projects there. It is Alberta’s access to abundant energy, though, that often clinches the deal. “B.C. can’t build any more dams,” he notes. Mainly, he says though, business is saying: “I want stability.” The BC NDP government has its hands full at the moment, with a large and expanding deficit, declining per capita GDP, expensive health-care challenges, a CleanBC plan that will be costly across the province’s economy and relatively little business savvy at the helm. Even former NDP premier Glen Clark chided the Eby government to focus more on wealth creation than wealth redistribution. Christiaanse defines the challenge little differently than Clark: “We see the role as building prosperity.” What the world is saying when it takes its investment elsewhere are three things, he notes: “Bring me food security. Bring me energy security. And lately, bring me cybersecurity.” He plays down any B.C.-Alberta rivalry. “We need to be aligned,” he says. But he also notes that Alberta “had to hit rock bottom” before it initiated the changes it now offers investors as a calling card, without specifically suggesting that’s where B.C. now finds itself. “Vancouver is an incredible place to live,” he says. “But if you’re looking to take your business to a new level . . .” Kirk LaPointe is a Glacier Media columnist with an extensive background in journalism. See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up Related Kirk LaPointe: John Horgan made his mark mixing fiscal competence with social prescription Nov 13, 2024 11:30 AM Opinion: Trump 2.0 will be a test of Canada's resolve Nov 6, 2024 11:00 AM Opinion: Time to tackle the scourge of online anonymity and political intimidation Nov 4, 2024 11:30 AM Opinion: Rebuilding trust in journalism starts with busting misconceptions Oct 30, 2024 4:30 PM

No. 5 Alabama has a reputation as 3-point gunners, but it's defense and rebounding that have become a focus as the Tide welcome South Dakota State to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to end the 2024 calendar year. Alabama (10-2) is frequently thought of as an offensive 3-point shooting free-for-all program, but Nate Oats' 2024-25 squad has thrived largely on the basis of inside play. The Tide are shooting 62.2 percent on their two-point attempts and grab 45 rebounds per game, each figure placing the team among the national leaders in those categories. Alabama does still shoot an average of 31 3-point shots per game, again one of the nation's highest totals. But so far, Alabama's 31.2 percent connection rate is very ordinary. But connecting inside and owning the glass has held benefits for Alabama. Meanwhile, defense has concerned Oats, particularly coming off a 97-90 win over North Dakota on Dec. 18. Oats issued warnings about players losing spots in the rotation if defensive execution didn't improve. Alabama passed the first post-North Dakota test in an 81-54 win over Kent State on Sunday. "We did make a big point of emphasis on defense, especially after that debacle up in North Dakota," said Oats after the Kent State victory. "It was a much better defensive effort, so it will be a lot better Christmas break for us." Alabama won the rebounding battle over Kent State 60-40, although Oats contended that the Tide "gave up too many second-chance points." Alabama made 72 percent of its two-point attempts even as just 9 of 35 3-point attempts connected. Alabama has battled personnel uncertainty early in the season. An Achilles injury ended the season of guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. just as transfer Chris Youngblood was preparing to return from an ankle injury. The Tide have 11 players averaging double-digit minutes and eight averaging 7.4 points per game or better, led by super senior guard Mark Sears with 17.8 ppg. Super senior forward Grant Nelson remains a key player, leading the Tide with 8.7 rebounds per game while adding 12.8 ppg. Meanwhile, South Dakota State (9-5) will pin its upset hopes largely on Aussie transfer Oscar Cluff. A 6-foot-11 senior who transferred in from Washington State, Cluff has averaged 16.6 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Cluff is connecting on 71.4 percent of his shot attempts. He's also shooting 79.2 percent at the foul line and has stabilized a young Jackrabbits team with four freshmen among the top seven scorers. "Oscar's just built the right way," said coach Eric Henderson. "We have probably played through the post more than any other team in the country the last five years and we just felt like we needed a big man that had some experience and boy does he ever." Cluff had a streak of five straight double-doubles, but that ended in recent losses to Nevada and Colorado. The Jackrabbits won 87-72 over Chadron State in their last game on Dec. 19. --Field Level Media