Catch senior receiver Talyn Taylor in action on the football field for Geneva, and there’s a temptation to call the Georgia recruit a natural. He makes it look easy. It’s apparent the 6-foot-1 Taylor has plenty of inherited or God-given ability, smoothly reaching out to make a one-handed catch without breaking stride, winning a 50-50 battle for the ball or leaving a would-be tackler grasping for nothing but air with an elusive move after a catch. Add to that, Taylor has a strong work ethic that has helped him develop and refine those skills. “When he came in to take part in our summer program and what not, we all said, ‘This kid could end up being the best who has ever walked these halls,’” said Geneva coach Boone Thorgesen , who succeed Rob Wicinski in 2021, shortly before Taylor started his freshman year. “You could just tell he had that ‘it’ factor. “Obviously, he went above and beyond what we told him he could be. He made it come true.” That he has. Taylor, the 2024 Beacon-News/Courier-News Football Player of the Year, capped his high school career at Hancock Stadium in Normal by catching eight passes for 116 yards and a touchdown for the Vikings in a 48-28 loss to East St. Louis in the Class 6A state championship game. Sixty two of those yards came after the catch. Overall, Taylor finished the season with 84 receptions for 1,617 yards and 24 TDs, adding two more scores on kick returns. Geneva’s Talyn Taylor (1) turns up the field after a catch against East St. Louis in the Class 6A state championship game at Hancock Stadium in Normal on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / The Beacon-News) Four days later, the Class 8A all-state selection by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association and the DuKane Conference’s offensive player of the year signed with powerhouse Georgia, winner of two of the last three NCAA championships. Talyn will graduate early from high school and start the spring semester at Georgia to take part in spring practice. His mother, Venus , is the head softball coach at North Central College. It’s been this way for Taylor from the very beginning. “I was pretty much always a wide receiver because of my speed,” he said. “I can throw the ball but never played quarterback. I really like running with the ball. Reverses and jet sweeps are fun. “It’s definitely an exciting position, involved in all aspects of the offense.” Geneva’s Talyn Taylor (1) catches a TD pass against Amundsen during a Class 6A first-round playoff game in Geneva on Saturday, Nov 2, 2024. (Sean King / The Beacon-News) While he’s aware of the criticism of 7-on-7 offseason leagues and events, Taylor is a believer. It may not be a be-all, end-all but he thinks it helped him. “I definitely thought it could be a big contribution to my success,” Taylor said of his travel team that draws players from the Chicago area. “You’re going up against other kids who want to compete. “We went to national events in states like Florida and Texas, definitely states they say are football states, and you faced really stacked teams with four and five-star recruits.” Lifting with teammates, a fitness class at school and summer workouts on their own helped his connection this season with senior quarterback Tony Chahino and previously Nate Stempowski . As a sophomore, Taylor totaled 801 yards receiving but that dropped to 512 yards last season when he was sidelined for over a month with a knee injury. He ended up with 2,930 career yards. Geneva’s Talyn Taylor (1) secures a pass as Cary-Groves Preston Walsh (3) and Oliver Antonelli (33) defend of a Class 6A state semifinal game in Geneva on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News) “What separates him from even other high-level kids is he can play anywhere on the field,” Thorgesen said. “Even big colleges recruiting him said that. We see it on a daily basis. He can play inside as a slot receiver or as an outside receiver. “He has a big enough frame, good wingspan, and his route running is superb. His athleticism and ball skills are elite as well. He’s the total package, and it showed on film and when he went to showcase events. It makes him one of the best receivers in the nation.” It made him the focus of opposing defenses, but that opened up windows for fellow receivers in senior Finnegan Weppner and sophomore Bennett Konkey , who had 1,037 yards and 548 yards, respectively. “The great thing about Talyn is not only that any time he touches the ball it can go for a score,” Thorgesen said. “But just what it opens up for everyone else when defenses try to take him away.”
No. 24 Louisville women use 16-0 4th-quarter run to beat Colorado 79-71Brock Purdy and Nick Bosa are not available for the San Francisco 49ers when they enter Green Bay with designs on finding their finishing kick on Sunday afternoon. Purdy is out with a right shoulder injury and won't leave the sideline at Lambeau Field, head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday, when he also declared Bosa out and confirmed journeyman Brandon Allen would make his 10th career start at quarterback. "Outside of here people haven't seen a lot of Brandon. But it's his second year (with the 49ers)," Shanahan said. "Obviously guys want Brock up, but guys are excited to see Brandon play." Shanahan said the 49ers are "a little surprised" Purdy experienced tightness and discomfort in his shoulder after an MRI exam on Monday that showed no long-term cause for concern. "The way it responded this week, it's really up in the air for next week," Shanahan said of Purdy's long-term prognosis. Allen's last NFL start on the road was with the Bengals at the Ravens in 2020. Allen completed 6 of 21 passes for 48 yards with two interceptions. He finished with a passer rating of 0.0 in a 38--3 loss. "It's definitely an opportunity for me to go out and play well and put our guys in a good position to win the game," Allen said Friday. "And obviously we want Brock back and healthy and all that, but for time being, it is an opportunity for me." Purdy took the practice field Thursday with the intent to participate. His shoulder tightened significantly, and the 49ers ushered him off the field to meet with trainers. Purdy beat the Packers in the NFC divisional playoffs at San Francisco in January, but Allen is familiar to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. LaFleur was an assistant coach with the Rams during Allen's two-year run in Los Angeles. Allen broke into the NFL in 2016 with the Jaguars and is 2-7 in nine career starts. He went 1-2 with the Broncos in 2019 and 1-5 in six starts over two years with the Bengals in 2020 and ‘21. A victory against the visiting 49ers on Sunday would bolster the Packers' playoff chances, send a conference rival below .500 and avenge a bitter playoff defeat. Those seemingly rank in no particular order for the Packers (8-3), although they don't shy from living at least partially in the past ahead of a Week 12 showdown. San Francisco eliminated Green Bay 24-21 in the NFC divisional playoffs last season, scoring 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. "That's what you've got to sit with all offseason, is going back, watching the game, trying to see what you could have done better," Packers quarterback Jordan Love said. "What you could have done differently in that game. ... Just knowing that's the team that knocked us out, we're definitely hungry for this game." Ditto for San Francisco. The 49ers fell to 5-5 after last week's 20-17 home loss to Seattle, done in by Geno Smith's 13-yard touchdown run with 12 seconds to play. Still only a game behind NFC West-leading Arizona, the reigning conference champion 49ers are just 1-3 in division play and can ill afford to lose more ground. A visit to AFC East leader Buffalo awaits after the trip to Green Bay. While they're dealing with plenty of not-so-good news on the injury front, the 49ers do anticipate the return of other contributors. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, who missed the past two games following the death of his 1-year-old daughter, practiced Wednesday. Tight end George Kittle also is eager to play after a nagging hamstring injury sidelined him against the Seahawks. "Very excited," Kittle said. "Can't pass up playing the Packers, so no, I will be out there for sure." Allen was a three-year starter at Arkansas but has been a journeyman backup since entering the NFL in 2016 as the 201st overall pick of the Jaguars. Shanahan and LaFleur have been fierce competitors since twice working together, first as low-level assistants with the Texans in 2008, then on the so-called "dream team" staff in Washington that also included Sean McVay, Mike McDaniel and Raheem Morris; and two seasons with the Falcons (2015, 2016) where LaFleur was quarterbacks coach and Shanahan called the plays. Shanahan scored the most recent win over LaFleur in January. Green Bay has won seven of the past eight regular-season meetings between the franchises. But the familiarity and shared-brain approach to offense that has the coaches completed each other's play calls has led to some tight games. The past three at Lambeau Field were all decided by three points. Green Bay, which hosts a home game on Thanksgiving next Thursday, is starting a run of three games in 12 days. They'll play back-to-back Thursday games. Their Week 14 game is at Detroit. That might make it good news for LaFleur that surprising contributors have emerged of late. Packers wideout Christian Watson had a career-best 150 receiving yards on only four catches during last week's 20-19 road win against the Chicago Bears. His diving 60-yard reception in the fourth quarter put the Packers in position for Love's go-ahead, 1-yard scoring run with 2:59 to play. Watson entered the game with eight catches for 83 yards over his previous three contests, but LaFleur assured Watson remains a "big part" of the attack. "He's a guy who's got every measurable known to man in terms of the size, the speed, and it's not like those were easy plays he was making," LaFleur said. "He was making tough, contested catches." San Francisco will aim to generate more pressure against Love than the Bears, who sacked him just once. The 49ers collected four sacks against the Seahawks, with Bosa and Leonard Floyd contributing 1.5 apiece. Recent regular-season history between the Packers and 49ers at Lambeau Field has favored Green Bay. The Packers have won seven of their past eight home games against the 49ers and are 22-11 versus San Francisco at home all-time. Green Bay leads the series 34-28-1. --Field Level Media
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Returning to the office a few days a week is worth the commute, experts sayNEW YORK, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Color Star Technology Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: ADD) (“Color Star” or the “Company”), an entertainment technology company with a global network that focuses on the application of technology and artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry, announced today that it received a formal notification from the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) that the Company has regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), which requires the Company’s ordinary shares to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share. The Nasdaq staff made this determination of compliance after the closing bid price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Shares has been at $1.00 per share or greater for the last 10 consecutive business days from November 15, 2024 to November 29, 2024. Accordingly, the Company has regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) and this bid price deficiency matter is now closed. About Color Star Technology Co., Ltd. Color Star Technology Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: ADD) is an entertainment and education company that provides online entertainment performances and online music education services. Its business operations are conducted through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Color Metaverse Pte. Ltd. and CACM Group NY, Inc. The Company’s online education is provided through its Color World music and entertainment education platform. More information about the Company can be found at www.colorstarinternational.com and www.colorstar.investorroom.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as "may," "will," "intend," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "estimate" or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company's goals and strategies; the Company's future business development, including the development of the metaverse project; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; the growth of the educational and training services market internationally where ADD conducts its business; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; the ability of Color Star to meet NASDAQ listing standards in connection with the consummation of the transaction contemplated therein; and other risks and uncertainties described herein, as well as those risks and uncertainties discussed from time to time in other reports and other public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Color Star. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward–looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof unless required by applicable laws, regulations or rules. Contact Color Star Investor Relations Office Number No. 1003, 9th Floor, 7 World Trade Center, Suite 4621 New York NY 10007 Office: (212) 410-5186 Email ir@colorstarinternational.comNot Purdy: 49ers hit Green Bay with backup QB, no Bosa
Israeli troops stormed one of the last hospitals operating in northern Gaza on Friday, igniting fires and forcing many staff and patients outside to strip in winter weather, the territory’s health ministry said. Kamal Adwan Hospital has been hit multiple times over the past three months by Israeli troops waging an offensive against Hamas fighters in surrounding neighborhoods, according to staff. The ministry said a strike on the hospital a day earlier killed five medical staff. Israel's military said it was conducting operations against Hamas infrastructure and militants in the area of the hospital, without details. It repeated claims that Hamas fighters operate inside Kamal Adwan but provided no evidence. Hospital officials have denied that. The Health Ministry said troops forced medical personnel and patients to assemble in the yard and remove their clothes. Some were led to an unknown location, while some patients were sent to the nearby Indonesian Hospital, which was knocked out of operation after an Israel raid this week. Israeli troops during raids frequently carry out mass detentions, stripping men to their underwear for questioning in what the military says is a security measure as they search for Hamas fighters. The Associated Press doesn’t have access to Kamal Adwan, but armed plainclothes members of the Hamas-led police forces — tasked with keeping security and officially separate from the group’s armed wing — have been seen in other hospitals. The Health Ministry said Israeli troops also set fires in several parts of Kamal Adwan, including the lab and surgery department. It said 25 patients and 60 health workers remained in the hospital out of 75 patients and 180 staff who had been there. The account could not be independently confirmed, and attempts to reach hospital staff were unsuccessful. “Fire is ablaze everywhere in the hospital,” an unidentified member of the staff said in an audio message posted on the social media accounts of hospital director Hossam Abu Safiya. The staffer said some evacuated patients had been unhooked from oxygen. “There are currently patients who could die at any moment,” she said. Since October, Israel’s offensive has virtually sealed off the northern Gaza areas of Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya and leveled large parts of them. Tens of thousands of Palestinians were forced out but thousands are believed to remain in the area, where Kamal Adwan and two other hospitals are located. Troops raided Kamal Adwan in October, and on Tuesday troops stormed and evacuated the Indonesian Hospital. The area has been cut off from food and other aid for months , raising fears of famine. The U.N. says Israeli troops allowed just four humanitarian deliveries to the area from Dec. 1 to Dec. 23. The Israeli rights group Physicians for Human Rights-Israel this week petitioned Israel’s High Court of Justice seeking a halt to military attacks on Kamal Adwan. It warned that forcibly evacuating the hospital would “abandon thousands of residents in northern Gaza.” Before the latest deaths Thursday, the group documented five other staffers killed by Israeli fire since October. Israel launched its campaign in Gaza vowing to destroy Hamas after the group’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel in which militants killed around 1,200 people and abducted some 250 others. Around 100 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, around a third believed to be dead. Israel’s nearly 15-month-old campaign of bombardment and offensives has devastated the territory’s health sector. A year ago, it carried out raids on hospitals in northern Gaza, including Kamal Adwan, Indonesian and al-Awda Hospital, saying they served as bases for Hamas, though it presented little evidence. Israel’s campaign has killed more than 45,400 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, and wounded more than 108,000 others, according to the Health Ministry. Its count does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. More than 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians have been driven from their homes, most of them now sheltering in sprawling, squalid tent camps in south and central Gaza. Children and adults, many barefoot, huddled Friday on the cold sand in tents whose plastic and cloth sheets whipped in the wind. Overnight temperatures can dip into the 40s Fahrenheit (below 10 Celsius), and sea spray from the Mediterranean can dampen tents just steps away. "I swear to God, their mother and I cover ourselves with one blanket and we cover (their five children) with three blankets that we got from neighbors. Sea waters drowned everything that was ours,” said Muhammad al-Sous, displaced from Beit Lahiya in the north. The children collect plastic bottles to make fires, and pile under the blankets when their only set of clothes is washed and dried in the wind. At least three babies in Gaza have died from exposure to cold in recent days, doctors there have said.Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah from Namibia’s ruling political party, SWAPO, won the country’s presidential election on December 3 to become the first female president and the first in Southern Africa. “The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said after she was declared president-elect. Read also: Nandi-Ndaitwah wins election to become Namibias first female president Born in 1952, the ninth child to a clergyman, Petrus Nandi at Onamutai in northern Namibia. Nandi-Ndaitwah had always been keen on politics having witnessed SWAPO political activities while growing up “Growing up, political activities were also not very far from me,” she told the Swapo Today newsletter last year. “I could see Swapo activities being organised by the likes of Kaxumba Kandola. They would come near our house to hold meetings because there were big trees for shade,” she said. She attended a course at the Lenin Higher Komsomol School in the Soviet Union from 1975 until 1976. She graduated in management from the Glasgow College of Technology, in the United Kingdom, and in 1988 a further post-graduate diploma, in international relations, from Keele University, also in the UK. In 1989 Nandi-Ndaitwah obtained a master’s degree in diplomatic studies, also from Keele University. Nandi-Ndaitwah went into exile in 1974 and joined SWAPO members in Zambia. She worked at the SWAPO headquarters in Lusaka from 1974 to 1975, and served in numerous senior roles. She became the SWAPO deputy representative in Zambia from 1976 until 1978 and the chief representative in Zambia from 1978 to 1980. From 1980 until 1986, she was the SWAPO chief representative in East Africa, based at Dar es Salaam. She was a member of the SWAPO central committee from 1976 to 1986 and the Namibian National Women’s Organisation (NANAWO) president from 1991 to 1994. She was a member of the Namibian National Assembly from 1990. And has held several ministerial position including foreign affairs and women and children affairs. Under President Hage Geingob, Nandi-Ndaitwah was appointed as Deputy- prime Minster of Namibia in March 2015, while serving in parallel as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. she was the party’s secretary for information and mobilisation and as such, is one of SWAPO’s main spokespeople. In March 2023, President Geingob named Nandi-Ndaitwah as SWAPO’s presidential candidate in the 2024 Namibian general election. Following Geingob’s death in February 2024, Nandi-Ndaitwah was appointed vice president. She is the first woman serving in that role She was elected president in the general election held in November, making her the first woman to hold the position. On December 3 2024, she was officially declared the President-elect of the Republic of Namibia Nandi-Ndaitwah received 683,560 votes (58.7%), making her the first woman to win a Namibian Presidential election. She will be inaugurated on 21 March 2025 and will become the first female President in Namibian history. Nandi-Ndaitwah is married to Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, former Chief of the Namibian Defence Force.
The Los Angeles Galaxy will aim to complete one of the most remarkable transformations in Major League Soccer history on Saturday when they host the New York Red Bulls chasing a record-extending sixth MLS Cup crown. A year ago, the California franchise had hit rock bottom, plummeting to their worst ever regular season record to finish one place off the bottom of the Western Conference. The team that had once been a home to the likes of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were engulfed in crisis, with fans boycotting fixtures after nearly a decade of failure on the field. Moreover, the Galaxy's status as one of MLS's glamour clubs had been diminished by the arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, as well as the emergence of city rivals Los Angeles FC, winners of the MLS Cup in 2022. The febrile atmosphere at the Galaxy prompted team ownership to shake up their front office, with Will Kuntz appointed general manager to replace long-time predecessor Chris Klein, who was fired in May 2023. The turnaround since those changes has been dramatic. After winning just eight fixtures in the 2023 season, the Galaxy under head coach Greg Vanney won a record-equalling 19 games this season to finish joint top of the table, second only to leaders LAFC on goal difference. The Galaxy kept up their winning ways in the postseason, swatting aside Colorado 9-1 on aggregate to wrap up their first round series, before thrashing Minnesota United 6-2 and then squeezing past Seattle 1-0 last weekend. Those results have left the club on the threshold of a first MLS Cup title since 2014 and a record sixth championship overall. Victory in Saturday's showpiece in Carson would be especially sweet for Vanney, who appeared in three MLS Cup finals with the Galaxy as a player in 1996, 1999 and 2001 -- and lost all three. Reflecting on his team's journey to this year's final, Vanney said this week his team had thrived under the pressure of being expected to challenge for silverware. "The expectation is to be in games like this, to win trophies and win championships," Vanney said. "This group has come out and attacked it from day one and hasn't been afraid of it or in awe of it -- and that's one of the beauties of this group. "I'm excited for this group and this opportunity and now the objective is to win it and put the stamp on it, rewriting a new group of players and new legacy for this organisation." Vanney's task has become more complicated by an injury to star midfielder Riqui Puig, who suffered torn knee ligaments in last week's Western Conference final win over Seattle and will miss Saturday's game. "He's the ultimate competitor," Vanney said. "He wants to win, compete, and take responsibility on the field. He drives the team in so many ways. "We're going to have to adapt, and we're going to have to adapt in a collective way." The Galaxy meanwhile will be wary of a New York Red Bulls line-up that have ripped up the form book en route to the final. After finishing seventh in the Eastern Conference -- 27 points behind leaders Inter Miami -- the Red Bulls stunned reigning champions Columbus in the first round of the playoffs before wins on the road over rivals New York City FC and Orlando to book their place in their first MLS Cup since 2008. New York's Scotland international midfielder Lewis Morgan says the team is unfazed by Saturday's assignment in Los Angeles. "For me, it doesn't really matter where it is: it's playoff football," Morgan said this week. "It's not the regular season. These games are more cagey. You go 1-0 up, we defend a little bit deeper and we're relying on guys at the back. There have been massive performances." rcw/bbSouth Korean authorities seek warrant to detain impeached President Yoon in martial law probeIt would be fair to say that as voters in last month’s presidential election were giving Republicans control of all three branches of the federal government, they were tacitly rejecting the left-leaning cultural values that California politicians constantly espouse. Republican Donald Trump’s campaign effectively weaponized Vice President Kamala Harris’ California roots in sweeping the battleground states, most notably in an ad featuring a video clip of her advocating sex-change surgery for transexual prison inmates. “Kamala is for they/them. Trump is for you,” the spot concludes. Post-election analysts, including the New York Times, have cited it as the single most effective ad of the campaign. Furthermore, the results also imply that the Harris campaign’s focus on abortion rights, another favorite theme of Gov. Gavin Newsom and other California political figures, didn’t help her. Voters in states that opted for Trump, including neighboring Nevada and Arizona, were primarily driven by economic issues, specifically inflation in living costs during the administration of Harris and President Joe Biden. Whether the administration was actually responsible for inflation is debatable, but also beside the point. When voters are dissatisfied with the status quo, for whatever reason, they often take it out on the party in power at the moment. Harris easily defeated Trump in California, as expected, to claim its 54 electoral votes, but the state was not immune to the issues that brought her downfall elsewhere, particularly the cost of living. California’s families must cope with arguably the highest prices for the necessities of life of any state — such things as housing, gasoline and electric power. Even commodities which should be less expensive in California, such as food, are costly because producing, packaging and selling them reflect the high expenses of suppliers. The cost of living is the major factor in California’s having the nation’s highest rate of functional poverty, 15.4%, as calculated by the Census Bureau. Using a similar methodology, the Public Policy Institute of California calculates that in 2023, 31.1% of Californians are living either in or near poverty. In the aftermath of the election, the Democrats who dominate all branches of state government have suddenly discovered that the cost of living is a burning issue that should be addressed. As the Legislature reconvened this week for its biennial session, its leaders said doing something about living costs will be a high priority. “Our constituents don’t feel the state of California is working for them,” Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas told colleagues as the session began. “That’s their lived experience in this moment. Our task this session is urgent and clear. We must chart a new path forward, and it begins by focusing on affordability. Related Articles Opinion Columnists | The draconian penalties that Hunter Biden escaped affect people whose fathers can’t save them Opinion Columnists | How California ranks as the most active political state Opinion Columnists | Donald Trump must replace Pete Hegseth with Ron DeSantis Opinion Columnists | Larry Elder: Biden breaks his promise and pardons his son Opinion Columnists | California’s unaccountable homeless industrial complex “California will always be America’s destination for dreams and opportunities,” he added. “But we need to consider every bill through the lens of Californians who are anxious about affordability. Specifically, we must focus on building more housing and lowering energy costs.” However there’s not a lot that Newsom and legislators can do to materially affect the cost of living. If anything, prices for one vital commodity, gasoline, will likely see a big jump because Newsom’s Air Resources Board has just ordered changes in fuel to lower greenhouse emissions. Republicans have been urging Newsom to set aside the decision, but he has defended it as a necessary element of California’s campaign to reduce hydrocarbon use. Moreover, electric power costs are increasing sharply as utilities bury power transmission lines to reduce their role in wildfires. California’s politicos are talking a good game about inflation, but whether they can and will deliver remains very uncertain. Dan Walters is a CalMatters columnist.
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Global stocks mostly cheer Nvidia results as bitcoin gainsSLYV: 'Small Value' ETF Lagging Several Of Its PeersNASA Accelerates Space Exploration, Earth Science for All in 2024The 2024 United States (US) presidential election has ushered in a new administration poised to influence both domestic and international economic landscapes. It culminated in a historic victory for Donald Trump, marking his return to the White House for a non-consecutive second term—a feat last achieved by Grover Cleveland in 1892. Trump's campaign was characterised by a firm commitment to stringent trade policies, particularly targeting China, with promises to impose substantial tariffs on Chinese imports. This approach reflects a continuation and intensification of the trade tensions that have defined US-China economic relations in recent years. Regardless of whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris emerged victorious, the prevailing bipartisan consensus on adopting a stringent stance toward Chinese trade practices is anticipated to have far-reaching implications. This policy direction is expected to affect not only the economies of the US and China but also exert significant influence on global markets. Historically, US administrations have expressed concerns over China's trade policies, citing issues such as intellectual property theft, state subsidies, and trade imbalances. The Trump administration notably escalated these concerns into a full-scale trade war, implementing tariffs on a wide array of Chinese goods. This approach aimed to rectify perceived inequities but resulted in reciprocal tariffs from China, leading to increased costs for consumers and disruptions in global supply chains. The Biden administration, while differing in rhetoric, maintained a firm position on China, emphasising the need for fair trade practices and national security considerations. The US-China trade relationship has been fraught with complexities, significantly impacting global economic dynamics. In 2023, the US imported approximately $450 billion worth of goods from China, while exporting around $150 billion to the Chinese market. This substantial trade deficit has been a focal point of US economic policy, with successive administrations seeking to address perceived imbalances. Trump's proposed tariffs reportedly as high as 60% on Chinese goods are intended to reduce this deficit and bolster domestic manufacturing. However, such measures carry the risk of escalating trade tensions, potentially leading to retaliatory actions from China and further disruptions in global supply chains. The imposition of high tariffs on Chinese products is anticipated to have multifaceted repercussions. For American firms, increased import costs could lead to higher production expenses, which may be passed on to consumers in the form of elevated prices. Industries heavily reliant on Chinese components, such as electronics and automotive manufacturing, are particularly vulnerable. Conversely, Chinese exporters may experience reduced demand from the US market, compelling them to seek alternative markets or adjust their pricing strategies to remain competitive. The interconnectedness of global supply chains means that these disruptions are unlikely to be confined to the US and China alone. The global economy is poised to feel the ripple effects of heightened US-China trade tensions. Countries integrated into the supply chains of either nation may face indirect consequences, including decreased demand for intermediate goods and potential shifts in trade flows. For instance, nations supplying raw materials or components to Chinese manufacturers could see a decline in orders, affecting their export revenues. Emerging economies that rely on global trade for growth may be especially vulnerable, as disruptions in major economies like the US and China can weaken demand for exports and investment. Additionally, the uncertainty engendered by trade disputes may dampen global investment, as firms adopt a cautious stance in response to potential market volatility. Prolonged uncertainty could also lead to a slowdown in innovation and productivity, as companies divert resources to address short-term challenges rather than pursuing long-term growth strategies. In the context of the Indian economy, the ramifications of the US-China trade policies are particularly pertinent. India, as a significant player in the global market, could encounter both challenges and opportunities arising from these developments. On one hand, Indian exporters might benefit from the diversion of US import demand away from China, potentially increasing their market share in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and information technology services. For instance, the US import value of textiles from India grew by approximately 20% in 2023, driven partly by efforts to diversify supply chains away from China. On the other hand, disruptions in global supply chains could adversely affect Indian industries reliant on Chinese imports for raw materials and components, leading to increased production costs and potential supply shortages. Furthermore, sectors such as electronics manufacturing, which are heavily reliant on Chinese imports for components, may find it challenging to adjust quickly to these shifts, impacting domestic production and export capacities. The broader implications for India extend beyond trade dynamics. The global economic slowdown that may result from intensifying US-China trade tensions could influence India's export performance and foreign investment inflows. India has consistently sought to position itself as a favorable investment destination, promoting initiatives such as "Make in India" to attract global firms. However, heightened uncertainty and a slowdown in global trade could temper investor enthusiasm. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cautioned that escalating trade protectionism could impede global economic growth. Projections suggest that widespread tariff increases may reduce global output by up to 1.3% by 2026. Such a contraction would have far-reaching implications, potentially exacerbating economic disparities and undermining efforts toward sustainable development. For developing economies like India, which are striving to enhance growth and reduce poverty, the adverse effects of a global economic slowdown could be particularly pronounced. The IMF’s warning highlights the interconnected nature of modern economies, where policy decisions by major powers like the US and China have cascading effects across the globe. In conclusion, the steadfast US policy of adopting a tough stance against Chinese trade practices, irrespective of the presidential administration, is poised to have significant economic implications. While the intention is to address trade imbalances and protect domestic industries, the potential for unintended consequences is substantial. Both US and Chinese firms may face challenges, and the ripple effects are likely to influence the global economy. As such, it is imperative for policymakers to carefully consider the broader economic impacts of trade policies and strive for solutions that promote fair trade while minimising global economic disruption. This article is authored by Gunwant Singh, scholar, international relations and security studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
CLEVELAND — There are moments when Nikola Jokic does things on the court that seem to defy reason — almost magical. On Thursday, he passed a player who had the same remarkable skill. Denver's superstar center moved past Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and into third place on the career list for triple-doubles by recording the 139th of his career in a 126-114 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The three-time MVP finished w ith 27 points, 20 rebounds and 11 assists. But he missed some easy shots and the Nuggets couldn't defend the Cavs, who made a season-high 22 3-pointers and improved to 20-3. Jokic trails only teammate Russell Westbrook (200) and Oscar Robertson (181) on the career list for triple-doubles. “It's something that you’re probably going to look at after you finish your career,” said Jokic, who has nine triple-doubles this season. "Right now, you don’t even think about it. But it’s a great thing. It’s really nice.” Jokic went by Johnson in the fourth quarter, picking up his 10th assist on a pass to Michael Porter Jr., who dropped a 3-pointer from the wing with 3:37 left. Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic dunks in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, in Cleveland. Credit: AP/Sue Ogrocki When the game ended, the personable 7-footer hugged all of the Cavs who were on the floor and a few of Cleveland's coaches. Once he reached the locker room, Jokic was presented with a game ball for passing Johnson. Nuggets guard Jamal Murray has run out of words to describe his celebrated teammate. “You see it with his work ethic,” said Murray, who had 19 points, “His touches continue to amaze me. He does everything on the court with a great attitude and has a will to win. What else?” It was a rough night for the Nuggets, who had numerous defensive lapses. Coach Michael Malone was pleased to learn about Jokic's mark, but he quickly turned his focus back on a team looking for its identity. Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, right, in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, in Cleveland. Credit: AP/Sue Ogrocki “We just got our butts kicked,” Malone said. "Obviously, I love Nikola and I feel very fortunate to coach a player with his talent and he’ll go down as one of the best to ever do it. I’m happy to hear that, I really am. But I’m so much more concerned about our team right now and where we’re at. “It’s not so much that we lost tonight. I knew coming in here would be a tall order. I just don’t like how we lost and there is a big difference.”Global stocks mostly cheer Nvidia results as bitcoin gains
NBA to host preseason games in China five years after league was effectively blocked from the country
Raiders find winning formula again in topping SaintsNEW YORK (AP) — The huge rally for U.S. stocks lost momentum on Thursday as Wall Street counted down to a big jobs report that’s coming on Friday. The crypto market had more action, and bitcoin briefly burst to a record above $103,000 before pulling back. The S&P 500 slipped 0.2% from the all-time high it had set the day before, its 56th of the year so far, to shave a bit off what’s set to be one of its best years of the millennium . The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 248 points, or 0.6%, while the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.2% from its own record set the day before. Bitcoin powered above $100,000 for the first time the night before, after President-elect Donald Trump chose Paul Atkins, who's seen as a crypto advocate, as his nominee to head the Securities and Exchange Commission. The cryptocurrency has climbed dramatically from less than $70,000 on Election Day, but it fell back as Thursday progressed toward $99,000, according to CoinDesk. Sharp swings for bitcoin are nothing new, and they took stocks of companies enmeshed in the crypto world on a similar ride. After rising as much as 9% in early trading, MicroStrategy, a company that’s been raising cash just to buy bitcoin, swung to a loss of 4.8%. Crypto exchange Coinbase Global fell 3.1% after likewise erasing a big early gain. Elsewhere on Wall Street, stocks of airlines helped lead the way following the latest bumps up to financial forecasts from carriers. American Airlines Group soared 16.8% after saying it’s making more in revenue during the last three months of 2024 than it expected, and it will likely make a bigger profit than it had earlier forecast. The airline also chose Citi to be its exclusive partner for credit cards that give miles in its loyalty program. That should help its cash coming in from co-branded credit card and other partners grow by about 10% annually. Southwest Airlines climbed 2% after saying it’s seeing stronger demand from leisure travelers than it expected. It also raised its forecast for revenue for the holiday traveling season. On the losing end of Wall Street was Synposys, which tumbled 12.4%. The supplier for the semiconductor industry reported better profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected, but it also warned of “continued macro uncertainties” and gave a forecast for revenue in the current quarter that fell short of some analysts’ estimates. American Eagle Outfitters fell even more, 14.3%, after the retailer said it’s preparing for “potential choppiness” outside of peak selling periods. It was reminiscent of a warning from Foot Locker earlier in the week and raised more concerns about how resilient U.S. shoppers can remain. Solid spending by U.S. consumers has been one of the main reasons the U.S. economy has avoided a recession that earlier seemed inevitable after the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates to crush inflation. But shoppers are now contending with still-high prices and a slowing job market . This week’s highlight for Wall Street will be Friday’s jobs report from the U.S. government, which will show how many people employers hired and fired last month. A report on Thursday said the number of U.S. workers applying for unemployment benefits rose last week but remains at historically healthy levels. Expectations are high that the Fed will cut its main interest rate again when it meets in two weeks. The Fed began easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high in September, hoping to offer more support for the job market. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury edged down to 4.17% from 4.18% late Wednesday. The S&P 500 fell 11.38 points to 6,075.11. The Dow sank 248.33 to 44,765.71, and the Nasdaq composite lost 34.86 to 19,700.26. In stock markets abroad, indexes were mostly calm in Europe after far-right and left-wing lawmakers in France joined together to vote on a no-confidence motion that will force Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet to resign. The CAC 40 index in Paris added 0.4%. In South Korea, the Kospi fell 0.9% to compound its 1.4% decline from the day before. President Yoon Suk Yeol was facing possible impeachment after he suddenly declared martial law on Tuesday night. He revoked the martial law declaration six hours later. Crude oil prices slipped after eight members of the OPEC+ alliance of oil exporting countries decided to put off increasing oil production. AP Business Writers Yuri Kageyama and Matt Ott contributed.
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