Akron 97, Alabama St. 78Democratic President Rebuilds Economy, Just In Time To Hand It Off To Trump — AgainDear Eric: I am one of many lonely adults struggling to make close friends. It’s never come easy for me, and it’s compounded by the fact that I’m an introvert who works from home part time with three small children, living far away from family. My husband is a great friend and support, but I’d love to have more female friends. Several years ago, when we moved to our current area, I started inviting people to barbecues, large parties, out to dinner and on vacations. I work hard to listen when people talk and remember what they share, texting them on birthdays or big days that they mention. I offer to watch children and plan play dates. While I feel friendly with a large circle of people, I’m rarely on anyone else’s invite lists and don’t get any texts on my birthdays. Am I expecting too much from friendships as an adult? Should I be happy and not lonely with what I have? I know I’m lucky to now know so many of my neighbors, but when I stop interacting with them, they forget about me. I’m exhausted with the one-sided effort. — Tired of Trying Dear Trying: I’m going to tell you something that will probably annoy you. I apologize in advance. You may be too good at socializing, to the point where the people around you assume your calendar is always full and/or don’t think you’re someone who needs the kind of friendly check-ins we all do. This is counterintuitive, of course, but people are strange. Being the consummate social butterfly in what you describe as a very social area has many benefits — you should be proud of what you’ve done — but it might be impeding deeper connections. Try to narrow your scope. Are there a few people with whom you’d like to develop a closer relationship? If so, focus on cultivating a series of meaningful interactions with them. Don’t be afraid to tell them your plan, i.e., “I’d love to be better friends. Can we get together?” I’ve found that one of the benefits of making friends as an adult is you can say what you really mean. You’re obviously quite gifted at the art of community-making, no small feat. But if you’re running the party, you don’t always get the benefit of the party. Being more strategic and focused won’t narrow your social group but could elevate some of those casual acquaintances to the level of friends. Dear Eric: I just read the letter from “Former Friend,” whose son’s classmate stays in touch long after their son had fallen out of contact. I offer some thoughts on behalf of someone who is still in touch with many of my son’s former classmates. One, they might genuinely enjoy you as a person. As they become adults, it’s a wonderful opportunity to form independent friendships. Two, some young people might see you as a parental figure that they don’t have. You might be seen as a resource for advice. Three, sometimes you’ve been the safe space in their life. Decades ago, I was a young person whose mother was deceased and whose father was abusive. I would have given anything just to have a safe adult to talk to. Dear Still Friends: I think you make a great point about the potential for the letter writer to play a needed role in a younger person’s life. If the letter writer isn’t finding value in the friendship, it’s worth figuring out what could make it meaningful. Get local news delivered to your inbox!As we approach the end of 2024, the full Cold Moon will shine in the middle of December, bringing a lively social energy just in time for the holiday season. Celebrity astrologer Kyle Thomas, who is known for his cosmic guidance among celebrities, businesses and online influencers, spoke to "Good Morning America" about the best ways to take advantage of this engaging full moon. But first, let's break down the meaning of the Cold Moon and what to know about this particular celestial event. The Cold Moon will arrive on Dec. 15, according to Thomas. The Cold Moon gets its name because December is the month when the weather typically turns cold, according to NASA. The Old Farmer's Almanac states that some Native Americans also called the Cold Moon the Long Night Moon. The second name likely originates from the fact that the full moon in December occurs near the winter solstice, which has the longest night of the year, according to NASA. "The full moon takes a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite to the low sun, so the moon will be above the horizon longer than at other times of the year," NASA states. The zodiac sign of each full moon is determined by its position in the night sky relative to the astrological signs. This year, the Cold Moon occurs as a full moon in Gemini, an air sign associated with communication, technology, and short-distance travel, according to Thomas. It encourages mental connections, particularly with those in our immediate circles -- friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and siblings. "We will be motivated to express our minds and may be in the process of launching a significant writing, speaking, advertising, digital or social media project," Thomas added. "The pace of life will also quicken rapidly." Rituals and manifestations to try during the Cold Moon Many ancient cultures, from Chinese traditions to Hebrew holidays, celebrate celestial cycles and revere the power of the moon. For instance, Thomas noted that Gemini, an air sign, makes this an ideal time to integrate communication -- whether written or spoken -- into your rituals. "This is a great moment to communicate our desires to the world -- as well as to others," he explained. "Writing down explicit statements, manifestation goals, and plans can be particularly useful. Also, as an Air sign, using smoke, sage, or incense can be excellent tools during meditation or ritual." Potential meditations, mantras or journal prompts: Speak up and speak out, Aries! "You have an important message that you'd like to broadcast to the world. This full moon could help you to launch an important writing, speaking, advertising or social media endeavor to great success. People will be listening!" Thomas said. Wealth is top of mind, Taurus. "Prosperity could soon be on its way," Thomas explained. "The full moon should bring to [ a ] culmination an important financial matter for you - perhaps in the form of a raise, new job offer or large check." Claim your spotlight, Gemini. According to Thomas, "the most important full moon of the year has arrived for you, as you reach an important turning point. Something of vital personal significance will reach [ its ] culmination at this time, perhaps giving you closure that will improve your life going forward." Relax and recharge, Cancer. "This full moon will encourage you to reset your emotional, mental and physical batteries-you've earned it! Lie low and give yourself some much-needed TLC. If you are in need of finding a specialist, therapist or healer, this lunation could also aid you in doing so." Thomas added. Get out and mingle, Leo. "You're always popular, but with this full moon highlighting your friendships, you'll be on the top of everyone's holiday list!" Thomas explained. "You'll likely attend at least one dazzling event where you're the star of the show. Circulate amongst those who you love and make time to show how much you appreciate them." Embrace your success, Virgo. According to Thomas, "A major professional victory could now be within reach. A promotion, new job offer, milestone or opportunity for public praise may present itself near this time. Previous hard work will surely be celebrated." Keep an open mind for a new adventure, Libra. "You could now be ready to soar in a breathtaking new direction-or make plans to do so in 2024!" Thomas said. "This full moon will energize you to slightly shift the narrative of your life and examine what else you'd like to learn. Some Libras will make a decision or hear news regarding an academic, travelling, immigration or media endeavor." It's time to explore your intimacy department, Scorpio. "The full moon will be helping you to get in touch with your most sensitive parts-emotionally and physically," Thomas explained. "If single, you could attract someone who knows how to complete you in every way. If taken, you'll be assessing if your authentic needs are being fulfilled by your partner." Take a closer look at your partnership, Sagittarius. "This full moon will help you to grow closer with someone in business, collaboration or love," Thomas added. "Single Sagittarians may have luck finding a perfect match, so be sure to put yourself out there. Love won't find you if you're not making an effort! Those already committed could decide it's time to make long-term plans, move in, get engaged or even be wed." Get ready to make progress, Capricorn. According to Thomas, "the full moon will make you busier than ever." "You may now be focused upon an important project for your employer that must have final approval," he said. "You could be putting everything you have into completing the task, but be sure to do so, as it could end up making you shine brighter than ever in your boss's eyes." Open your heart to love, Aquarius. "Get excited for a vibrant, romantic period to appear," Thomas added. "Single Aquarians must not let this energy go to waste, as you could find someone who is a soulmate or who lights your heart on fire." Toast to the holidays and reflect on the year, Pisces. "This full moon will bring to [ a ] culmination a domestic, family or real estate matter for you," Thomas said. "Some Pisceans could be hosting a lovely gathering at their home with their kindred. Others may be contemplating a big renovation, redecoration or move now or in the coming year."
NEW YORK , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of PACS Group Inc. (NYSE: PACS) of (i) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") in connection with the Company's April 11, 2024 initial public offering ("IPO"); (ii) securities between April 11, 2024 and November 5, 2024 , both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"); and/or (iii) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus issued in connection with the Company's September 2024 secondary public offering ("SPO"), of the important January 13, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
BIG 12 THIS WEEK
There’s a sea of change sweeping through the B2B landscape. Traditional models of enterprise buying and selling are being displaced by digital marketplaces that aim to streamline workflows, reduce costs and deliver consumer-grade experiences to business buyers. After all, as of Tuesday (Dec. 10), you can now buy a car on Amazon. B2B procurement professionals are increasingly discovering that B2B marketplaces are among the fastest-growing B2B digital sales channels, offering specialized commercial products across even more traditional industries such as automotive, health care, agriculture, metals, chemicals, heavy manufacturing and aerospace. The acceleration isn’t just about moving sales online, it’s about fundamentally reimagining how businesses interact with their entire ecosystem of partners and customers. The traditional B2B buying journey typically involves multiple disconnected systems: procurement platforms, supplier portals, logistics tracking tools and payment processing solutions. This fragmentation creates friction at every step, from product discovery to order fulfillment. Modern B2B marketplaces help eliminate these pain points by serving as a unified hub that mitigates the need to switch between systems while simultaneously streamlining manual and complicated workflows with digital advances that include artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics. And at the center of every B2B marketplace sits a streamlined and optimized B2B payment experience. Read more: B2B Marketplaces Unlock New Opportunities for Commercial Procurement Here’s What B2B Firms Can Now Buy Online PYMNTS has been tracking the rise of digital B2B marketplaces across various industries , even including the U.S. government . Within the agribusiness sector, AgVend , a B2B marketplace for agricultural products, claims to have captured more than 25% of North America’s agriculture input retail market. In September, AgVend joined forces with Bayer ’s seed and agribusiness division to further develop FieldView, Bayer’s digital farming platform. Over the summer, AgVend launched an AI copilot, Goose, for its platform. Per a release , an agronomist can ask Goose , “Who are my largest urea buyers from the past three years that haven’t booked this fall?” Or a merchandiser can prompt it to “Draft a text message for grain prospects updating them on the recent market changes.” Digital B2B marketplaces are also taking flight in the aerospace sector. Last month, United Cargo , the cargo arm of United Airlines , joined the cargo.one digital B2B marketplace for booking and marketing air freight capacity. Boeing Global Services , a division of Boeing that includes a B2B eCommerce marketplace for parts and repairs, generates billions in revenue. There’s even a B2B marketplace, Xometry , for on-demand manufacturing services like 3D printing, CNC machining and injection molding, which also provides instant quoting and AI-powered supplier matching. Read more: Cross-Border eCommerce Is Reshaping B2B Procurement Breaking Down Longstanding B2B Procurement Silos The story behind the rise of B2B marketplaces as a preferred sales channel is tied both to payments innovations and the ability for B2B customers to now manage their entire procurement lifecycle in one place. “The fewer salespeople you need to talk to, the more efficient the system becomes for everyone,” Shep Hickey, CEO at metal digital marketplace Bryzos , told PYMNTS. In fact, Hickey’s ideal is an invoice-to-match procurement process that is “gone in 60 seconds.” Echoing that sentiment, Dave Haase , president at ChemDirect , told PYMNTS in a conversation posted last November: “Many folks don’t want to buy from 30 or 40 different vendors. They want to be able to consolidate that with a few vendors, as few as possible ... To differentiate ourselves, we have to make it truly seamless to buy, and to have a pricing structure that is completely transparent.” Today’s B2B buyers, shaped by their experiences with consumer platforms like Amazon, demand similar levels of convenience and functionality in their professional purchases. Leading B2B marketplaces are rising to meet these expectations. Ultimately, the real power of B2B marketplaces could lie in their network effects. Each new participant — whether buyer, seller or service provider — increases the platform’s value for all other users. This creates a virtuous cycle that can help in accelerating adoption. As B2B marketplaces mature, they’re pushing into new territory by embedding financial services directly to the transaction flow, such as payment processing, credit lines and insurance products. On the buyer-side, AI-powered tools can help optimize inventory levels and anticipate maintenance needs. Despite their rapid growth, B2B marketplaces still face challenges. Data standardization, integration with legacy systems and change management within organizations remain ongoing hurdles. As Sovos Chief Technology Officer Eric Lefebvre told PYMNTS, “[The] next horizon over the next five years is truly in B2B and driving those changes ... this is the calm before the storm ... The next five to six years [are] going to be a massive change agenda for large manufacturers distributors that are operating in multiple countries ... The payment methods, the compliance environment, ERP, the level of sophistication around automation — and that’s where payments modernization will have an impact.”When Tony Clark first visited Chicago 11 years ago, he said he saw homeless people experience “a different kind of horror.” Winters here, the Australian said, are on another level. “I had never seen horizontal ice,” he says. Clark was in Chicago then, in 2013, to accept an award for the “backpack bed” he co-designed with his wife for the unhoused. The idea, which he said came to him in church, was to give people “warmth, comfort and dignity.” He helped distribute about 150 of his backpacks that convert into tents to homeless people across the city then. Now, Clark has returned to Chicago with the goal of handing out many more of the backpack beds. The goal is 1,632, to be exact. That’s the number of people estimated to be living on the streets according to the city’s last Point in Time survey. Clark says he thinks that count is probably low. But he says it’s a starting point. On a wet Friday morning, Clark demonstrated the backpack tent in Union Park, crawling into one himself. He was flanked by representatives from four homeless advocacy groups that will distribute the tents once they raise funds for the $200,000 price tag. That roughly covers the tent price of $124 for every person living on the street according to the latest survey, Clark says. He is asking people to donate at GoodnightChicago.org . When the money is raised, the beds can be shipped to Chicago in late December or early January, he said. The beds can be distributed by the participating homeless organizations, which currently include Inner Voice, Street Samaritans, Our Moms Mission, Franciscan Outreach. Clark, a former IT entrepreneur who speaks with the enthusiasm of a television pitchman, explained the benefits of such a small tent. The 6-pound tent rolls out from its backpack into something that resembles a sleeping bag. But, unlike a sleeping bag, the tent is hardened for tough weather, including snow, rain and even fire. The bags are made of a fire-retardant material that resists burning, he says. When the tent is rolled up into its backpack, the bag still has unused space for belongings. Each tent includes a clear window and two vents, and sports a small Australian flag. This collapsible tent is designed to avoid the pitfalls of other more permanent camping tents that draw the ire of the community, avoiding what Clark said is an “us versus them” dynamic. Dr. Diane Washington, a retired behavioral health psychiatrist at Cook County Health, has been advocating for emergency room doctors to distribute the backpack bed to homeless people they discharge. The tents are especially needed for surviving the winter months. “The No. 1 problem is frostbite,” she said. She’s seen homeless people suffer amputations during the winter from frostbite. Shelter, including a tent like this backpack, would address that issue. Two years ago she and a philanthropic partner distributed 40 of the backpack beds. Jackie Edens, CEO of Inner Voice, says the tents are needed at a time when the city lacks the funding to meaningfully address homelessness. Last spring, voters shot down Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Bring Chicago Home ballot measure, which would have increased the property transfer tax for $1 million-plus to boost funding for homeless services. “There needs to be political will” to address the problem, said Edens, who was commissioner of former Mayor Richard M. Daley’s Office of Workforce Development. Clark speaks of a “philanthropic return on investment” that the tents provide, beyond the sticker price. He points to one estimate that each $124 tent produces $3,319 in “community impact,” when you consider the prevented emergency room visits and potential for employment. Washington said, based on her health care experience, the savings from each prevented ER visits is more likely over $20,000. “The cost of the bed outweighs any of that,” she says. Clark’s nonprofit has expanded since he last visited Chicago over a decade ago. He now sells around 7,000 beds to over 1,000 homeless organization in Australia alone. He says he is connected with 65 groups in the U.S. and hopes to expand to more. “Dignity is the first step to getting people off the streets,” Clark says.Southern California defense contractors optimistic Trump administration could create jobs locally
Drones for commercial and recreational use have grown rapidly in popularity, despite restrictions on who can operate them and where they can be flown. No-fly zones are enforced around airports, military installations, nuclear plants, certain landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, and sports stadiums during games. Not everybody follows the rules. Sightings at airports have shut down flights in a few instances. Reported sightings of what appear to be drones flying over New Jersey at night in recent weeks have created anxiety among some residents, in part because it is not clear who is operating them or why. Some state and local officials have called for stricter rules to govern drones. After receiving reports of drone activity last month near Morris County, New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary bans on drone flights over a golf course in Bedminster , New Jersey, that is owned by President-elect Donald Trump, and over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base . The FAA says the bans are in response to requests from “federal security partners.” The FAA is responsible for the regulations governing their use , and Congress has written some requirements into law. With a 2018 law, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, Congress gave certain agencies in the Homeland Security and Justice departments authority to counter threats from unmanned aircraft to protect the safety of certain facilities. New drones must be outfitted with equipment allowing law enforcement to identify the operator, and Congress gave the agencies the power to detect and take down unmanned aircraft that they consider dangerous. The law spells out where the counter-drone measures can be used, including “national special security events” such as presidential inaugurations and other large gatherings of people. To get a “remote pilot certificate,” you must be at least 16 years old, be proficient in English, pass an aeronautics exam, and not suffer from a ”mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system.” Yes, but the FAA imposes restrictions on nighttime operations. Most drones are not allowed to fly at night unless they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 miles (4.8 kilometers). Over the past decade, pilots have reported hundreds of close calls between drones and airplanes including airline jets. In some cases, airplane pilots have had to take evasive action to avoid collisions. Drones buzzing over a runway caused flights to be stopped at London’s Gatwick Airport during the Christmas travel rush in 2018 and again in May 2023 . Police dismissed the idea of shooting down the drones, fearing that stray bullets could kill someone. Advances in drone technology have made it harder for law enforcement to find rogue drone operators — bigger drones in particular have more range and power. Some state and local officials in New Jersey are calling for stronger restrictions because of the recent sightings, and that has the drone industry worried. Scott Shtofman, director of government affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, said putting more limits on drones could have a “chilling effect” on “a growing economic engine for the United States.” “We would definitely oppose anything that is blindly pushing for new regulation of what are right now legal drone operations,” he said. AirSight, a company that sells software against “drone threats,” says more than 20 states have enacted laws against privacy invasion by drones, including Peeping Toms. Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College in New Jersey, and founder of its drone program, says it's up to users to reduce public concern about the machines. He said operators must explain why they are flying when confronted by people worried about privacy or safety. “It's a brand new technology that's not really understood real well, so it will raise fear and anxiety in a lot of people,” Austin said. “We want to be good professional aviators and alleviate that.” Associated Press reporter Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C., contributed.
Where to watch Rams vs. 49ers on Amazon Prime Video tonight for freeNiger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has presented N1.5trillion 2025 budget to the House of Assembly. The budget tagged, “Budget of Hope for Sustainability and Food Security” was presented by the Governor at the flow of the State Assembly complex in Minna, on Thursday, 12th December 2024. The 2025 budget is higher than the 2024 appropriation, with 48.3%. Highlights of the budget indicated that over N196 billion was projected as the 2025 recurrent expenditure while above N1.3 trillion representing 87% of the total size of the budget was for capital expenditure. Accordingly, the 2025 budget was based on the Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU), Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), and Budget Statement (BPS) 2025 – 2027 as passed by the State Assembly. The governor noted that the budget revenue would be derived from Statutory Allocation, Value Added Tax, Other FAAC Receipts, IGR, other IGR, and Capital receipts. He also stressed that based on the sectorial breakdown of the 2025 budget, the Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Renewal sector, got the highest allocation to the tune of over N437 billion, while Law and Justice got the lowest estimate which stood at over N3.5 billion. Presenting the 2025 budget, the governor explained that the 2025 estimate aimed at solidifying agriculture as a cornerstone of the state’s economy would also strengthen the foundation laid by his administration for rapid socio-economic development of the State. He said the emphasis on sustainability reflects a collective commitment to the Green Initiative and agricultural drive of his administration, pointing out that the budget preparation followed a participatory, people-centered approach. “The emphasis on sustainability indicates our collective commitment to the Niger State Green Initiative and our drive for agriculture that promotes long-term environmental health and food systems that are resilient and capable of creating sustainable prosperity,” he said. “This will focus on the key economic sectors: security of lives and properties, Agriculture and Food Security, Health, Education, Water and Sanitation, Infrastructure Development, Social Security, and Environmental Sustainability.” He said the quest for a New Niger calls for support, cooperation, and understanding of all and sundry. The governor noted that the approved 2024 budget recorded tremendous success with 68.88% budget performance. Bago expressed confidence that the 2025 budget would receive all the needed support so that the desired objective would be achieved. “Together, we can build a New Niger of our desire with equal opportunities for all to strive. Once more, I wish to reiterate that I am indebted to you all and appreciate the steadfast support accorded to all our initiatives. Also, I want to thank all Nigerlites for their unwavering support and understanding,” he said. In his keynote address, the Speaker, the Niger State House of Assembly, AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji, lauded the governor for judicial and strategic stewardship of the State resources which he said has resulted in a substantial and transformative impact on the lives of the citizens. Daji observed that the harmonious working relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of government has led to efficient decision-making, alignment on developmental priorities, and a shared commitment to the welfare of the people, adding that the Assembly is resolute in its readiness to forge a dynamic partnership in pursuit of a prosperous and enduring legacy.Drones for commercial and recreational use have grown rapidly in popularity, despite restrictions on who can operate them and where they can be flown. No-fly zones are enforced around airports, military installations, nuclear plants, certain landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, and sports stadiums during games. Not everybody follows the rules. Sightings at airports have shut down flights in a few instances. Reported sightings of what appear to be drones flying over New Jersey at night in recent weeks have created anxiety among some residents, in part because it is not clear who is operating them or why. Some state and local officials have called for stricter rules to govern drones. After receiving reports of drone activity last month near Morris County, New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary bans on drone flights over a golf course in Bedminster , New Jersey, that is owned by President-elect Donald Trump, and over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base . The FAA says the bans are in response to requests from “federal security partners.” The FAA is responsible for the regulations governing their use , and Congress has written some requirements into law. With a 2018 law, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, Congress gave certain agencies in the Homeland Security and Justice departments authority to counter threats from unmanned aircraft to protect the safety of certain facilities. New drones must be outfitted with equipment allowing law enforcement to identify the operator, and Congress gave the agencies the power to detect and take down unmanned aircraft that they consider dangerous. The law spells out where the counter-drone measures can be used, including “national special security events” such as presidential inaugurations and other large gatherings of people. To get a “remote pilot certificate,” you must be at least 16 years old, be proficient in English, pass an aeronautics exam, and not suffer from a ”mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system.” Yes, but the FAA imposes restrictions on nighttime operations. Most drones are not allowed to fly at night unless they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 miles (4.8 kilometers). Over the past decade, pilots have reported hundreds of close calls between drones and airplanes including airline jets. In some cases, airplane pilots have had to take evasive action to avoid collisions. Drones buzzing over a runway caused flights to be stopped at London’s Gatwick Airport during the Christmas travel rush in 2018 and again in May 2023 . Police dismissed the idea of shooting down the drones, fearing that stray bullets could kill someone. Advances in drone technology have made it harder for law enforcement to find rogue drone operators — bigger drones in particular have more range and power. Some state and local officials in New Jersey are calling for stronger restrictions because of the recent sightings, and that has the drone industry worried. Scott Shtofman, director of government affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, said putting more limits on drones could have a “chilling effect” on “a growing economic engine for the United States.” “We would definitely oppose anything that is blindly pushing for new regulation of what are right now legal drone operations,” he said. AirSight, a company that sells software against “drone threats,” says more than 20 states have enacted laws against privacy invasion by drones, including Peeping Toms. Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College in New Jersey, and founder of its drone program, says it's up to users to reduce public concern about the machines. He said operators must explain why they are flying when confronted by people worried about privacy or safety. “It's a brand new technology that's not really understood real well, so it will raise fear and anxiety in a lot of people,” Austin said. “We want to be good professional aviators and alleviate that.” Associated Press reporter Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C., contributed.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company ( NYSE: HPE ) Barclays 22nd Annual Global Technology Conference December 12, 2024 3:45 PM ET Company Participants Antonio Neri - President & CEO Conference Call Participants Unidentified Company Representative Good afternoon, everybody. And it’s terrific to be here with you all to 22nd Barclays Global Technology Conference. This afternoon, we have a very special guest in the CEO and President of HPE, Antonio Neri. Antonio, welcome, thank you for doing this with us. We greatly appreciate it. Antonio Neri Well, thank you, Paul, for having me and good afternoon, everyone. Unidentified Company Representative And again, I know you're very well known to a lot of people in the room, but I might just quickly go through sort of your resume, just sort of because some of it will be relevant to the questions that we'll get into. So you were born in Argentina, you began your military education at 15 as an apprentice -- engineering apprentice in the Argentine Navy. From there, you studied engineering at the National Technology University where I also believe you studied art as well. And very early in your career, you left Argentina and moved to Italy to join a small IT company. You then moved on to join HP or HP as it was at the time, in 1995 in Amsterdam. You work through a number of very, very senior roles ultimately culminating in February of 2018. You are announced as the CEO of HP replacing Meg Whitman, and then you also join the Board of Directors. You have been credited with spearheading some of the key technologies, Apollo HPC portfolio, the Superdome X. And today, beyond being the CEO and President of HPE, you're also on the Board of Directors of Elevance Health and on the Advisory Board of Maserati, which sounds like a very cool responsibility.
The San Antonio Spurs would be sleeper contenders if they added one more star to their core; is it impossible to suggest that San Antonio might call the Los Angeles Lakes about LeBron James? James rumors are flying everywhere these days, and while he’s publicly denied any interest in leaving LA, we all know that’s just politically correct protocol from LeBron. LeBron on the Spurs would be way more exciting than what’s happening in Los Angeles, and LeBron has to know this. A core of Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Chris Paul, and James would be a wondrous mix of young, generational talent and veteran all-timers. There’s no reason why that core couldn’t contend, either, even in the crowded Western Conference. Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar outlined a possible Spurs-LeBron deal on Thursday. It would be Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and a trio of first-rounders for the King. “For the Spurs, this trade is a statement of intent to contend sooner than expected,” Bitar said. “However, while this deal gives San Antonio a path to compete, the Lakers might be reluctant to give up LeBron for assets that, while valuable, lack the immediate impact needed for another championship run.” “Devin Vassell is a dynamic two-way wing who could fit seamlessly into the Lakers' rotation (16.6 PPG, 2.8 APG), while Keldon Johnson brings scoring and leadership (12.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG), though he still has room to develop. The multiple first-round picks—especially the 2027 ones—offer the Lakers a path toward a potential rebuild but might not be enough for Rob Pelinka to accept.” Indeed, the Lakers are sure to receive other offers for LeBron, some of which might trump a Spurs’ package. Still, San Antonio should have an offer ready and stay in contact with LA in case other deals fall through. More NBA: Knicks could acquire Lakers superstar in shocking three-team trade