The United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness this year, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country, federal officials said Friday. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said federally required tallies taken across the country in January found more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless — a number that misses some people and does not include those staying with friends or family because they don't have a place of their own. That increase comes on top of a 12% increase in 2023, which HUD blamed on soaring rents and the end of COVID-19 pandemic assistance. The 2023 increase also was driven by people experiencing homelessness for the first time. The numbers overall represent 23 of every 10,000 people in the U.S., with Black people being overrepresented among the homeless population. "No American should face homelessness, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring every family has access to the affordable, safe, and quality housing they deserve," HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman said in a statement, adding that the focus should remain on "evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness." Among the most concerning trends was a nearly 40% rise in family homelessness — one of the areas that was most affected by the arrival of migrants in big cities. Family homelessness more than doubled in 13 communities impacted by migrants including Denver, Chicago and New York City, according to HUD, while it rose less than 8% in the remaining 373 communities. Almost 150,000 children experienced homelessness on a single night in 2024, reflecting a 33% jump from last year. Disasters also played a part in the rise in the count, especially last year's catastrophic Maui wildfire, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. More than 5,200 people were in emergency shelters in Hawaii on the night of the count. "Increased homelessness is the tragic, yet predictable, consequence of underinvesting in the resources and protections that help people find and maintain safe, affordable housing," Renee Willis, incoming interim CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said in a statement. "As advocates, researchers, and people with lived experience have warned, the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to increase as more people struggle to afford sky-high housing costs." Robert Marbut Jr., the former executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness from 2019 to 2021, called the nearly 33% increase in homelessness over the past four years "disgraceful" and said the federal government needs to abandon efforts to prioritize permanent housing. "We need to focus on treatment of substance use and mental illness, and bring back program requirements, like job training," Marbut said in an email. The numbers also come as increasing numbers of communities are taking a hard line against homelessness. Angered by often dangerous and dirty tent camps, communities — especially in Western states — have enforced bans on camping. That follows a 6-3 ruling this summer by the Supreme Court that found outdoor sleeping bans don’t violate the Eighth Amendment. Homeless advocates argued that punishing people who need a place to sleep would criminalize homelessness. There was some positive news in the count, as homelessness among veterans continued to trend downward. Homelessness among veterans dropped 8% to 32,882 in 2024. It was an even larger decrease for unsheltered veterans, declining 11% to 13,851 in 2024. "The reduction in veteran homelessness offers us a clear roadmap for addressing homelessness on a larger scale," Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, said in a statement. "With bipartisan support, adequate funding, and smart policy solutions, we can replicate this success and reduce homelessness nationwide. Federal investments are critical in tackling the country's housing affordability crisis and ensuring that every American has access to safe, stable housing." Several large cities had success bringing down their homeless numbers. Dallas, which worked to overhaul its homeless system, saw a 16% drop in its numbers between 2022 to 2024. Los Angeles, which increased housing for the homeless, saw a drop of 5% in unsheltered homelessness since 2023. California, the most populous state in the U.S., continued to have the nation's largest homeless population, followed by New York, Washington, Florida and Massachusetts. The sharp increase in the homeless population over the past two years contrasts with success the U.S. had for more than a decade. Going back to the first 2007 survey, the U.S. made steady progress for about a decade in reducing the homeless population as the government focused particularly on increasing investments to get veterans into housing. The number of homeless people dropped from about 637,000 in 2010 to about 554,000 in 2017. The numbers ticked up to about 580,000 in the 2020 count and held relatively steady over the next two years as Congress responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with emergency rental assistance, stimulus payments, aid to states and local governments and a temporary eviction moratorium.EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The game had suddenly gone sideways for the Minnesota Vikings, their 11-point lead on the Chicago Bears having evaporated in the closing seconds. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The game had suddenly gone sideways for the Minnesota Vikings, their 11-point lead on the Chicago Bears having evaporated in the closing seconds. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The game had suddenly gone sideways for the Minnesota Vikings, their 11-point lead on the Chicago Bears having evaporated in the closing seconds. They straightened it out in overtime, no sweat, because Sam Darnold simply hasn’t been fazed. Save for his occasional rash of turnovers, in games the Vikings still managed to win, Darnold proved again on Sunday in defeating the Bears that he’s directing a passing attack with the potential to be one of the NFL ‘s most potent. “I think he’s a mentally tough guy. I think he’s a physically tough guy. I think he’s confident in the guys around him, and I think he’s confident in our system,” coach Kevin O’Connell said after the 30-27 victory. “I think when he just continues to play quarterback at a high level, I think we’re a tough team.” After the defense forced the Bears to punt on the opening possession of overtime, Darnold led the Vikings on a 68-yard drive to set up the game-ending field goal while overcoming a 7-yard sack on the first play and two subsequent setbacks with a false start and a holding penalty. On third-and-10 from the 21, he hit Jordan Addison near the sideline for 13 yards. On first-and-15 from the 29, Darnold threaded a throw to Justin Jefferson for 20 yards after he’d muscled his way through Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson on a post route for the clutch catch after he’d been all but silenced all afternoon by a defense determined to constantly bracket him with double coverage. On second-and-11 from the 48, Darnold connected with a wide-open T.J. Hockenson underneath for 12 yards. Then two plays later off a second-and-8 play-action fake, he found Hockenson again on a deep corner route for 29 yards to put Parker Romo in prime position for the walk-off winner. “Just execute. It’s as simple as that. Just one play at a time,” said Darnold, who went 22 for 34 for 330 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. “I think I tell the guys that every single time in the huddle, but that’s my mindset every single time I’m out there on the field, especially in that situation.” Even when Jefferson continues to draw an extraordinary amount of coverage, the Vikings with Addison, Hockenson, Aaron Jones and the rest of their crew running O’Connell’s system have proven they have an offense that can go win a game when it’s required. That wouldn’t be possible without Darnold, whose career rebirth has helped spark the Vikings (9-2) become one of the league’s biggest surprises in what’s now its most difficult division. “He’s cool, calm, collected,” Hockenson said. “That’s what you want as the leader of the huddle.” What’s working The Vikings’ defense ranks ninth in the league on third downs, allowing a conversion rate of 34.5% after limiting the Bears to a 6-for-17 performance. The Vikings are tied for first on fourth downs with an allowance of 36.4% after the Bears went 2 for 3. Both conversions came in the fourth quarter during touchdown drives. The Vikings also rank fourth in the NFL in opponent points per drive (1.52). What needs help The Vikings had seven possessions that crossed the 20-yard line in Chicago, but only three of them yielded touchdowns. Their lone turnover was the type of game-altering giveaways they’ve struggled to eliminate this month, a fumble by Aaron Jones at the 1-yard line that ruined a promising first drive. The Vikings are tied for 20th in the league in red zone touchdown rate (53.9%) and are 17th in goal-to-go touchdowns (72%). Stock up Addison had eight catches for 162 yards, both career highs, and a touchdown on nine throws from Darnold. The second-year wide receiver has had a quieter season than his rookie year, but he stepped up in a significant way on an afternoon when Jefferson was as smothered by the opposing secondary as ever. Stock down TE Johnny Mundt had the onside kick glance off his shin as he charged toward the coverage, and the first kicking team recovery in the NFL this season helped the Bears extend the game. Mundt also had the false start on the overtime drive. His lone catch was a 7-yard gain when he was stopped short of the goal line, one play before the lost fumble. Mundt played 33 of 71 snaps and Hockenson took 48 snaps with Oliver out. Injuries The Vikings lost LT Cam Robinson (foot) and LB Ivan Pace (hamstring) to injuries in the first quarter against the Bears, and O’Connell said on Monday those players were still in “evaluation mode.” Oliver (ankle) will have an opportunity to return after being sidelined last week. Key number Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 101.7 — Darnold’s passer rating, which ranks ninth in the NFL. Darnold has posted a 100-plus passer rating in nine of 11 games this season. He had only 12 such performances in 56 career starts before joining the Vikings. Up next The Vikings have four of their next five games at home, starting with Arizona (6-5) this week, Atlanta (6-5) on Dec. 8 and a rematch with Chicago (4-7) in a Monday night game on Dec. 16. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Advertisement Advertisement
NoneAustralia's proposal to ban under-16s from social media platforms is "rushed", social media companies claimed Tuesday, expressing "serious concerns" about potential unintended consequences. The landmark legislation would force social media firms to prevent young teens from accessing their platforms or face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million).
Share Tweet Share Share Email In just six years since its founding in 2018, Yesim , a global telecom company, has reached over 1 million active users, backed by more than 25,000 app store reviews and an impressive average rating of 4.6. Yesim’s core innovation lies in leveraging eSIM technology to redefine global internet access, making connectivity seamless and hassle-free. This virtual or embedded SIM card enables users to easily activate and manage multiple mobile plans on a single device. eSIM eliminates the need for physical installation while delivering the same reliable performance as a traditional SIM card. Yesim’s eSIM supports over 800 networks globally, seamlessly switching to another if the connection is lost. How Yesim Was Founded Yesim was established in 2018 by Dmitri Verbovski and Max Pankratov. Dmitri recalls, “As an entrepreneur, I was searching for solutions to real user problems, such as unpredictable roaming fees and the inconvenience of physical SIM cards, and a scalable business model.” The startup’s founding team combined entrepreneurial drive with deep technical expertise. Dmitri, with his background in telecommunications and software development, recognized the potential of eSIM technology. While there was a strong demand for such a service, the market offered limited solutions at the time. The founders faced a tough challenge: securing investment and differentiating themselves in a crowded startup market. At first, they invested their personal savings and later succeeded in securing support from a small group of angel investors who contributed to the development. Dmitri and Max focused on demonstrating the scalability of eSIM technology and Yesim’s unique, user-oriented approach to convince investors of the startup’s potential. Their strategy was successful: the working prototype and initial partnerships with mobile operators helped gain trust, while highlighting the global shift towards eSIM adoption further attracted investors. “Developing the first version of the Yesim app and its internal infrastructure took around 12-18 months. The biggest challenges were ensuring smooth compatibility with different mobile networks and designing an intuitive user interface,” says Dmitri. Integrating Yesim’s system with mobile operators’ APIs posed significant challenges due to differing regional standards and processes. The company conducted extensive testing and gathered user feedback to ensure the solution was both easy to use and dependable. After analyzing market needs, Yesim prioritized key travel destinations such as Europe, North America, and parts of the Asia-Pacific region, where strong telecom infrastructure and year-round international travel presented significant opportunities.” From Startup to a Major Market Player Dmitri explains that a crucial element in the company’s growth was the ability to convince mobile operators of the value and profitability of the service. “Our negotiations with mobile operators focused on showcasing how our eSIM platform could help them expand their customer base by attracting tech-savvy users and travelers. We built trust through clear communication and by highlighting the mutual benefits,” says the entrepreneur. At times, potential partners were skeptical about adopting eSIM or reluctant to invest the time needed to adapt their systems to the company’s platform. In these instances, Yesim would revise their presentations to emphasize the revenue potential from the expanding eSIM user base and offer extensive technical support to reduce the partner’s workload. Dmitri recalls that persistence and a thorough demonstration of the benefits frequently transformed initial rejections into successful partnerships. Feedback revealed a preference for simple, ready-to-use options—a shift that drove higher adoption rates and enhanced user satisfaction. As a result, the plans were simplified, focusing on pre-designed options that met the most common needs. Dmitri highlights, “It was an important lesson: always listen to user feedback and strive to offer a simple and user-friendly product design.” As the user base expanded, a new challenge arose: scaling the infrastructure to maintain service quality. Entering new regions and ensuring reliable connectivity required substantial investments in both technology and partnerships. Another issue the company encountered during its growth was differentiating itself in a competitive market. “We solved this by enhancing customer service, introducing features such as flexible plans and user-friendly interfaces. For instance, we launched pay-as-you-go plans, which became very popular with travelers,” Dmitri explains. What Makes Yesim a Game-Changing Solution The company’s focus is on simplifying life for users who need to stay connected. With eSIM technology, users can forget about roaming charges, dealing with SIM cards, and searching for Wi-Fi. Yesim stands out from competitors by functioning as a neo-mobile provider rather than just selling SIM cards, delivering a comprehensive range of services and solutions: Customers are provided with international plans (not just those for specific countries) to simplify eSIM setup and avoid connectivity issues. eSIM is available in 200 countries, and users are charged only for the data they use. For travelers, standard eSIM cards are offered. When they move to a new country, Yesim users don’t need to download or install a new eSIM; the new plans are automatically applied to their existing one. Users have the option to select unlimited plans for 1, 7, 15, or 30 days, or choose the specific amount of data they require. These options provide travelers with predictable costs and the flexibility to match their specific needs. Users can purchase eSIM cards in advance and activate them anytime within 365 days, ideal for pre-planned trips. Users can pick data-only plans or include options for calls and SMS messages. The company collaborates with over 800 operators worldwide. If one operator’s network fails in a specific location, users are automatically switched to another, ensuring continuous connectivity. Customers can access a VPN service, which works in regions where services that are publicly available in other countries are blocked. The company’s B2B solution allows businesses to manage eSIMs and virtual numbers for their employees. For example, a multinational company can equip traveling employees with seamless connectivity while monitoring usage and recharging balances remotely. Customer support is available around the clock, with an average response time of just six minutes. Moreover, the company guarantees refunds for customers who are not satisfied, according to Dmitri Verbovski. What to Expect from eSIM in the Future? Yesim believes eSIM technology will soon become the global standard in telecommunications, driven by its flexibility and reliability across devices. In the next ten years, we can expect eSIM cards to support even more Internet of Things devices, allow effortless switching between operators, and enhance connectivity in remote areas. Yesim aims to lead the market, with Dmitri emphasizing, “Our goal is to set the gold standard for connectivity, ensuring every user can access reliable internet anywhere, anytime.” He notes that Yesim is focused on continuously improving user experience, expanding its global coverage, and exploring partnerships in the Internet of Things and emerging enterprise markets. Related Items: eSIM , Roaming , technology Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Smart Guest Room Solutions: Enhancing Hospitality with Technology Is 6G Closer Than We Think? ERP Software for Small Business: Streamlining Operations for Growth Comments49ers veteran hints his career might be coming to an end after disappointing injury updateNEW YORK (AP) — With the end of 2024 around the corner, you might be reflecting on financial goals for 2025. Whether you're saving to move out of your parents' house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate for Credit Karma. “Entering a new year doesn’t erase all our financial challenges from the prior year," Alev said. “But it can really help to bring a fresh-start mentality to how you’re managing your finances.” If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they're attainable for your lifestyle. Here are some tips from experts: Think about how you currently deal with finances — what's good, what's bad, and what can improve. “Let this be the year you change your relationship with money,” said Ashley Lapato, personal finance educator for YNAB, a budgeting app. If you feel like money is a chore, that there's shame surrounding the topic of money, or like you were born being “bad at money,” it's time to change that mentality, Lapato said. To adjust your approach, Lapato recommends viewing money goals as an opportunity to imagine your desired lifestyle in the future. She recommends asking questions like, “What do my 30s look like? What do my 40s look like?” and using money as a means to get there. Liz Young Thomas, head of SoFi Investment Strategy, added that it’s key you forgive yourself for past mistakes in order to move into the new year with motivation. When setting your financial resolutions for 2025, it's important to establish the “why” of each, said Matt Watson, CEO of Origin, a financial tracking app. “If you can attach the financial goal to a bigger life goal, it’s much more motivating and more likely you’ll continue on that path,” Watson said. Whether you're saving to buy a house, pay off credit card debt or take a summer vacation, being clear about the goal can keep you motivated. Watson also recommends using a tool to help you keep track of your finances, such as an app, spreadsheet, or website. “After three years of inflation, your pay increases are likely still playing catch up to your monthly expenses, leaving you wondering where all the money is going," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. "Make that monthly budget for 2025 and resolve to track your spending against it throughout the year." McBride said that you may need to make adjustments during the year as certain expenses increase, which would require cutting back in other areas. “Calibrate your spending with your income, and any month you spend less than budgeted, transfer the difference into your savings account, ideally a high-yield savings account,” he said. “Interest rates aren’t likely to come down very fast, so you’re still going to have to put in the hard work of paying down debt, especially high-cost credit card debt, and do so with urgency,” McBride said. Start by taking stock of how much debt you have now relative to the beginning of the year. Hopefully you’ve made steady progress on paying it down, but, if you’ve gone in the other direction, McBride encourages making a game plan. That includes looking into 0% balance transfer offers. “You have more power over credit card interest rates than you think you do," said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Wielding that power is one of the best moves you can make in 2025.” A 0% balance transfer credit card is “a good weapon” in the fight against high card APRs, or annual percentage rates, he said. A low-interest personal loan is an option as well. You may simply be able to pick up the phone and ask for a lower interest rate. LendingTree found that a majority of people who did that in 2024 were successful, and the average reduction was more than 6 points. When planning for your financial resolutions, it’s important to consider how you’re going to make your goals sustainable for your lifestyle, said Credit Karma's Alev. “It really is a marathon, not a sprint,” Alev said. Alev recommends setting realistic, practical goals to make it easier to stick with them. For example, instead of planning to save thousands of dollars by the end of the year, start by saving $20 a paycheck. Even when your plans are achievable, there are times you'll get derailed. Maybe it’s an unexpected medical bill or an extraordinary life event. When these situations happen, Alev recommends trying not to feel defeated and working to get back on track without feeling guilty. “You can't manage what you can't see, so set a New Year’s resolution to check your credit score monthly in 2025," said Rikard Bandebo, chief economist at VantageScore. “Be sure to pay more than the minimum on your credit accounts, as that's one of the best ways to boost your credit score.” Bandebo also advises student loan borrowers to make all payments on time, as servicers will begin to report late payments starting in January, and missed payments will affect borrowers' credit scores. Automated changes, like increasing workplace 401(k) plan contributions, setting up direct deposits from paychecks into dedicated savings accounts, and arranging for monthly transfers into an IRA and/or 529 college savings accounts all add up quickly, McBride said. Your financial goals can encompass more than just managing your money better — they can also be about keeping your money safe from scams . A golden rule to protect yourself from scams is to “slow down,” said Johan Gerber, vice president of security solutions at Mastercard. “You have to slow down and talk to other people if you’re not sure (whether or not) it’s scam,” said Gerber, who recommends building an accountability system with family to keep yourself and your loved ones secure. Scammers use urgency to make people fall for their tricks, so taking your time to make any financial decision can keep you from losing money. Your financial goals don’t always have to be rooted in a dollar amount — they can also be about well-being. Finances are deeply connected with our mental health, and, to take care of our money, we also need to take care of ourselves. “I think that now more than any other year, your financial wellness should be a resolution," said Alejandra Rojas, personal finance expert and founder of The Money Mindset Hub, a mentoring platform for women entrepreneurs. "Your mental health with money should be a resolution.” To focus on your financial wellness, you can set one or two goals focusing on your relationship with money. For example, you could find ways to address and resolve financial trauma, or you could set a goal to talk more openly with loved ones about money, Rojas said. —— The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.
Mobile homes are a viable form of low-income housing. So, why isn’t it being factored in to solve the housing crisis? Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.
What should you set your heat to in the winter? Avoid thermostat wars with these tipsState MPs to raise pending Split issues, Polavaram in Parliament
OTTAWA—The Liberal government’s latest gun-control plans have elicited a mixed reaction from advocacy groups as Canada’s political leaders marked the 35th anniversary of the Montreal massacre that left 14 women dead. Justin Trudeau’s Liberals on Thursday that would see 324 additional makes and models of “assault-style” weapons, and their variants, added to its list of prohibited firearms. In 2020, the Liberals announced a ban on more than 1,500 makes and models of firearms, a number that has now surpassed 2,000 due to the identification of new variants. An amnesty period will be in place until Oct. 30, 2025 to protect businesses and owners who have acquired prohibited firearms lawfully. Among other measures, Ottawa also said that the pilot program of the first stage of the government’s delayed buyback program is underway, and that it will open up to all businesses, though not yet individuals, in the coming days. The Trudeau government announced the 2020 ban less than two weeks after the deadliest mass shooting in Canadian history, in which 22 people in rural Nova Scotia lost their lives over the course of the rampage. But it was Montreal’s massacre on Dec. 6, 1989 — when an antifeminist gunman killed 14 women and injured 13 others — that forever altered the gun-control debate in Canada. On Friday, the leaders of all of the country’s major federal parties marked the 35th anniversary of the shooting and Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Trudeau said those gunned down in Montreal were “talented students, beloved daughters and sisters, and Canada’s future.” But he also used his statement to tout his government’s gun-control initiatives — including this week’s measures. The prime minister also said each victim lost their lives “simply because they were women,” a phrase Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also used in a statement of his own. “As we remember the victims of this tragedy and honour the resilient survivors, Conservatives vow to always defend our country’s promise against the forces that threaten it,” Poilievre’s statement read. The NDP’s Jagmeet Singh — whose party has yet to weigh in publicly on the Liberals’ latest steps — also put a political spin on his remarks, calling the tragedy “a heinous act” while listing his party’s efforts to address intimate partner and gender-based violence. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, meanwhile, wrote in French that politicians have a duty to ensure violence such as that seen decades ago is never again repeated. On Thursday, the federal Conservatives were among the harshest critics of the Liberals’ measures, with public safety critic Raquel Dancho accusing Trudeau of ushering in a “crime wave” in Canada and unfairly targeting “lawful and vetted hunters, sport shooters, and Indigenous Peoples who safely and legally use firearms as they have done for generations.” The National Firearms Association said the expanded list is “nothing more than a last-ditch attempt to stoke fear and rally ideological support after months of languishing in the polls.” The National Association of Women and the Law, on the other hand, applauded the move. The organization, whose director of legal affairs, Suzanne Zaccour, joined the Liberals during the government’s announcement, on Friday called on all federal party leaders “to work together to ensure the permanent and full implementation of these measures to preserve the safety of women and children today and for generations to come.”Globex Options Magusi Copper-Zinc-Silver-Gold ProjectB. Metzler seel. Sohn & Co. Holding AG acquired a new position in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo – SABESP ( NYSE:SBS – Free Report ) during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 70,555 shares of the utilities provider’s stock, valued at approximately $1,167,000. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. boosted its stake in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo – SABESP by 34.8% in the 3rd quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 1,506,844 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $24,923,000 after purchasing an additional 389,063 shares in the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo – SABESP by 129.9% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 332,201 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $5,591,000 after purchasing an additional 187,706 shares in the last quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC boosted its stake in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo – SABESP by 483.2% in the 2nd quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC now owns 226,173 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $3,042,000 after purchasing an additional 187,390 shares in the last quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo – SABESP in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $1,815,000. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its stake in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo – SABESP by 8.1% in the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 1,453,995 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $19,556,000 after purchasing an additional 108,500 shares in the last quarter. 10.62% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo – SABESP Stock Up 1.4 % Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo – SABESP stock opened at $16.90 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a quick ratio of 1.35 and a current ratio of 1.14. Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo – SABESP has a 52-week low of $13.10 and a 52-week high of $18.36. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $16.40 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $15.82. The firm has a market cap of $11.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.65 and a beta of 1.16. Analyst Ratings Changes Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo – SABESP About Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo – SABESP ( Free Report ) Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo SABESP provides basic and environmental sanitation services in the São Paulo State, Brazil. The company supplies treated water and sewage services to residential, commercial, and industrial private customers, as well as public. As of December 31, 2022, it provided water services through 10.1 million water connections; and sewage services through 8.6 million sewage connections in 375 municipalities of the São Paulo State. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo - SABESP Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo - SABESP and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Luke Humphries bid for back-to-back World Championship titles on track after win
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The game had suddenly gone sideways for the Minnesota Vikings , their 11-point lead on the Chicago Bears having evaporated in the closing seconds. They straightened it out in overtime, no sweat, because Sam Darnold simply hasn't been fazed. Save for his occasional rash of turnovers, in games the Vikings still managed to win, Darnold proved again on Sunday in defeating the Bears that he's directing a passing attack with the potential to be one of the NFL 's most potent. “I think he’s a mentally tough guy. I think he’s a physically tough guy. I think he’s confident in the guys around him, and I think he’s confident in our system,” coach Kevin O'Connell said after the 30-27 victory. “I think when he just continues to play quarterback at a high level, I think we’re a tough team.” After the defense forced the Bears to punt on the opening possession of overtime, Darnold led the Vikings on a 68-yard drive to set up the game-ending field goal while overcoming a 7-yard sack on the first play and two subsequent setbacks with a false start and a holding penalty. On third-and-10 from the 21, he hit Jordan Addison near the sideline for 13 yards. On first-and-15 from the 29, Darnold threaded a throw to Justin Jefferson for 20 yards after he'd muscled his way through Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson on a post route for the clutch catch after he'd been all but silenced all afternoon by a defense determined to constantly bracket him with double coverage. On second-and-11 from the 48, Darnold connected with a wide-open T.J. Hockenson underneath for 12 yards. Then two plays later off a second-and-8 play-action fake, he found Hockenson again on a deep corner route for 29 yards to put Parker Romo in prime position for the walk-off winner. “Just execute. It’s as simple as that. Just one play at a time," said Darnold, who went 22 for 34 for 330 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. “I think I tell the guys that every single time in the huddle, but that’s my mindset every single time I’m out there on the field, especially in that situation.” Even when Jefferson continues to draw an extraordinary amount of coverage , the Vikings with Addison, Hockenson, Aaron Jones and the rest of their crew running O'Connell's system have proven they have an offense that can go win a game when it's required. That wouldn't be possible without Darnold, whose career rebirth has helped spark the Vikings (9-2) become one of the league's biggest surprises in what's now its most difficult division. “He’s cool, calm, collected,” Hockenson said. "That’s what you want as the leader of the huddle.” What's working The Vikings' defense ranks ninth in the league on third downs, allowing a conversion rate of 34.5% after limiting the Bears to a 6-for-17 performance. The Vikings are tied for first on fourth downs with an allowance of 36.4% after the Bears went 2 for 3. Both conversions came in the fourth quarter during touchdown drives. The Vikings also rank fourth in the NFL in opponent points per drive (1.52). What needs help The Vikings had seven possessions that crossed the 20-yard line in Chicago, but only three of them yielded touchdowns. Their lone turnover was the type of game-altering giveaways they've struggled to eliminate this month, a fumble by Aaron Jones at the 1-yard line that ruined a promising first drive. The Vikings are tied for 20th in the league in red zone touchdown rate (53.9%) and are 17th in goal-to-go touchdowns (72%). Stock up Addison had eight catches for 162 yards, both career highs, and a touchdown on nine throws from Darnold. The second-year wide receiver has had a quieter season than his rookie year, but he stepped up in a significant way on an afternoon when Jefferson was as smothered by the opposing secondary as ever. Stock down TE Johnny Mundt had the onside kick glance off his shin as he charged toward the coverage, and the first kicking team recovery in the NFL this season helped the Bears extend the game. Mundt also had the false start on the overtime drive. His lone catch was a 7-yard gain when he was stopped short of the goal line, one play before the lost fumble. Mundt played 33 of 71 snaps and Hockenson took 48 snaps with Oliver out. Injuries The Vikings lost LT Cam Robinson (foot) and LB Ivan Pace (hamstring) to injuries in the first quarter against the Bears, and O'Connell said on Monday those players were still in "evaluation mode." Oliver (ankle) will have an opportunity to return after being sidelined last week. Key number 101.7 — Darnold's passer rating, which ranks ninth in the NFL. Darnold has posted a 100-plus passer rating in nine of 11 games this season. He had only 12 such performances in 56 career starts before joining the Vikings. Up next The Vikings have four of their next five games at home, starting with Arizona (6-5) this week, Atlanta (6-5) on Dec. 8 and a rematch with Chicago (4-7) in a Monday night game on Dec. 16. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLNone
A new piece of technology for North Island College (NIC) seaweed researchers will help their work to support a burgeoning industry. NIC’s Centre for Applied Research, Technology and Innovation (CARTI) has received its new seaweed bioreactor. It provides a stable environment for producing kelp cultures and gives users more time to collect and nurture samples. Typically, opportunities to collect “sori,” or spore patches for kelp are limited to certain times of the year. Usually, it is about a two- or three-month window. “It’s very seasonal,” said Logan Zeinert, CARTI senior research technician. “That kind of limits your ability to try to grow kelp in a different season.” The bioreactors are easy to maintain, providing consistency and control over factors like pH levels, light or carbon dioxide, and they provide an environment with an extremely minimal risk for contamination. The modular design allows users to scale their operations. The investment was funded by the BC Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF) as well as the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), with BCKDF and CFI each contributing $200,000. CARTI obtained one of the large, 16-compartment units. The equipment provides the CARTI team with more control and certainty when it comes to having a reliable seed supply. Bioreactors are designed to support chemical or biological reactions. “For seaweed, in particular, you need a stable supply of seeds,” said Robert Roulston, founder and CEO of Industrial Plankton (IP), which produces the bioreactor. Based in Victoria, the company saw an opportunity and a need for aquaculture technology in the face of a changing environment. It started research and development in 2010, and it now supports clients in 35 countries, including over half of the North American-based shellfish hatcheries. “Over the past decade, I’ve seen the Western world’s interest in seaweed go from niche research projects to multiple companies scaling for commercial production,” Roulston said. “In my opinion, it’s the aquaculture sector with the most growth potential and also the biggest potential to impact climate change.” In 2022, the company adapted its technology to start producing bioreactors for newer players in an industry that produces both economic and environmental benefits. “We’ve already shipped seaweed bioreactors to five countries and are receiving inquiries from seaweed producers around the world. This industry is just about to hit its stride,” said Roulston. Seaweed is a growing part of this emerging “blue” economy, with the World Bank estimating seaweed aquaculture could directly and indirectly employ 150 million within 40 years. Already, IP expects to produce even bigger bioreactors for the seaweed industry. While most of the units go to commercial clients, they can be a valuable tool for researchers like CARTI. Zeinert expects the bioreactor could be used for future CARTI projects, such as focusing on popular kelp species in the province to come up with best practices for the industry. Another project could be to set up a biobank of historic kelp populations. “It provides us an opportunity to innovate and provide access to that equipment,” he said, which will mean benefits for the classroom. “It’s been a great training opportunity for us and our students.” Among its seaweed projects, CARTI has established a Seaweed Innovation Hub to investigate questions about seaweed seed production, optimize nursery parameters and innovate new methods of seed production for the seaweed sector in B.C.UMass soccer: Denver all that stands in the way of Minutemen’s Final Four berthROUYN-NORANDA, Quebec, Dec. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GLOBEX MINING ENTERPRISES INC. (GMX – Toronto Stock Exchange, G1MN – Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Berlin, Munich, Tradegate, Lang & Schwarz, LS Exchange, TTMzero, Düsseldorf and Quotrix Düsseldorf Stock Exch anges and GLBXF – OTCQX International in the US) is pleased to inform shareholders that we have signed an option agreement with Electro Metals and Mining Inc. (Electro) as Regards Globex's 100% owned Magusi-Fabie Mines property, consisting of 154 claims and 1 mining lease located in Hebecourt, Duparquet, Duprat and Montbray Townships, Quebec, 55 km northwest of Rouyn-Noranda. Under the terms of the agreement, Electro will pay Globex $3,500,000 cash over 4 years, including $100,000 by January 31, 2025 at the latest, 4,000,000 Electro common shares no later than January 31, 2025 and an additional 2,000,000 shares at the 4 th anniversary and undertake $8,350,000 in expenditures on the property including a minimum of $650,000 in the first year. Upon commercial production, Globex will receive an additional $1,000,000 adjusted for inflation. Upon Electro earning 100% interest in the property, Globex will retain a 3% Gross Metal Royalty (GMR) which may be reduced to a 2% GMR by the payment of $2,000,000. In addition, Globex will retain payments of $200,000 per year advance royalty (half in cash and half in shares) payable starting at the sixth anniversary. Cumulative cash advance royalty payments will de deductible from the first production royalty payment due. This agreement replaces the previously announced contract announced on December 15, 2021. This agreement replaces the contract previously announced on December 15, 2021. The Magusi portion of the property includes the Magusi River Copper-Zinc-Silver and Gold deposit, reported according to NI 43-101 standards by Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. in 2012 as having a Total Indicated Resource of 2,429,000 tonnes grading 3.53% Zn, 1.54% Cu, 37.2 g/t Ag and 0.99 g/t Au and, an additional Total Inferred Resource of 693,000 tonnes grading 0.50% Zn, 2.54% Cu, 21.1 g/t Ag and 0.27 g/t Au both at a $60.00/t cut-off. Metal prices used in the study were U.S. $3.50/lb Cu, US $0.95/lb Zn, US $21.00/oz. Ag and US$ 1,300/oz. Au and an exchange rate of $1.00 to $1.00. Current metal prices are significantly higher and the exchange rate has shifted in favour of the project economics. (The NI 43-101 report is dated March 21, 2012 and is titled, NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Estimate for the Magusi Project, Abitibi Region, Canada for Mag Copper Ltd., Prepared by Bernard Salmon, Ing., Holger Kratzelmann, P.Eng. – Roscoe Postle Associates Inc.). The Magusi deposit could potentially be enlarged by additional drilling and there are several exploration target areas throughout the large property which stretches well over 11 kilometers along the horizons hosting the Magusi River and Fabie Bay polymetallic deposits. In other Globex news: Lincoln Gold Mining Inc. have reported that they are undertaking a small financing to complete the acquisition of the Bell Mountain Gold Project in Nevada from Eros Resources Corp. and will also use funds "on exploration and development of the Bell Mountain". Lincoln also stated, "While we are working to complete the final steps with the TSXV to close the Bell Mountain acquisition, we remain focused on driving the Bell Mountain project to production". Globex retains a sliding scale Gross Metal Royalty (GMR) on the project which at current metal prices is 3% GMR. Globex has granted an extension wherein Tomagold Corporation (LOT-TSXV) is now required to pay Globex $15,000 and have completed $150,000 in expenditures on the Gwillim property west of Chibougamau by June 30, 2025. Globex has terminated the New Brunswick Bald Hill Antimony Property option agreement with Superior Mining International Corp. (SUI-TSXV) announced on September 10 th , 2024, due to failure to meet the first option conditions in a timely manner. The Bald Hill antimony and nearby Devil's Pike antimony/gold properties are both now available for option. A National Instrument 43-101 technical report in 2010 by Conestoga-Rovers and Associates of Fredericton, N.B., for Rockport Mining Corp., written by Heather MacDonald, MSc, P Geo., reported, "Based upon 16 widely spaced drill holes totaling 3,554 metres and 609 assays, an antimony zone of 450 metres in length was outlined, including intersections of up to 11.7 per cent antimony over 4.51 metres core length ." In 2021, Globex undertook a small drill program, which returned the following results: Hole BH21-25 -- 1.34 per cent antimony over 3.6 metres starting at 310.5 metres; Hole BH21-27 -- 2.67 per cent antimony over 2.7 metres starting at 112.2 metres and 1.73 per cent antimony over 3.3 metres starting at 124.7 metres; Hole BH21-28 -- 4.71 per cent antimony over 10.2 metres starting at 109.5 metres. This press release was written by Jack Stoch, P. Geo., President and CEO of Globex in his capacity as a Qualified Person (Q.P.) under NI 43-101. We Seek Safe Harbour. Foreign Private Issuer 12g3 – 2(b) CUSIP Number 379900 50 9 LEI 529900XYUKGG3LF9PY95 For further information, contact: Jack Stoch, P.Geo., Acc.Dir. President & CEO Globex Mining Enterprises Inc. 86, 14 th Street Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec Canada J9X 2J1 Tel.: 819.797.5242 Fax: 819.797.1470 info@globexmining.com www.globexmining.com Forward-Looking Statements: Except for historical information, this news release may contain certain "forward-looking statements". These statements may involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity and performance to be materially different from the expectations and projections of Globex Mining Enterprises Inc. ("Globex"). No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits Globex will derive therefrom. A more detailed discussion of the risks is available in the "Annual Information Form" filed by Globex on SEDARplus.ca . 56,065,836 shares issued and outstanding © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
The APC Youth Group in Potiskum, under the umbrella of Buni’s Choice Our Choice, has thrown its weight behind Governor Mai Mala Buni, urging unity among Yobe residents. This show of support is aimed at enabling the Governor to continue providing democracy dividends to the area and eventually hand over power to his chosen candidate in 2027. Speaking at a solidarity meeting held at the Potiskum Local Government Area Secretariat, Comrade Hamza Maidede, the convener and coordinator of the program, praised Governor Buni’s achievements. Despite Yobe being one of the lowest recipients of federal allocations, the Governor has made significant strides in rebuilding the state 1. Maidede highlighted the Governor’s success in tackling insecurity, including Boko Haram insurgency, kidnapping, and armed robbery. He also commended the administration’s efforts in road construction, healthcare, education, and agriculture. The youth leader advised citizens agitating for the 2027 governorship candidate to remain calm and not distract the government from delivering services to the state. He assured that the Yobe South Senatorial district youths would continue to support Governor Buni for the overall benefit of the state. In their separate remarks, Alhaji Usman Arjali, the Zonal Vice Chairman APCAlhaji Bala Musa Lawan, Chairman APC Potiskum LIGA and Alhaji Sani Dumbulwa unanimously appealed to the people of the area to shun disunity and all acts capable of distracting the government’s attention from delivering democracy dividends to the electorates. They suggested that the People should always follow the footsteps of the Governor to sustain unity among the citizens.Fort Lauderdale, FL, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algorhythm Holdings, Inc. (“Algorhythm” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: RIME), an AI-driven technology and consumer electronics holding company, announced today the closing of its previously announced public offering with gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $9.5 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other estimated expenses payable by the Company. The offering comprised of 55,882,352 shares of the Company’s common stock (or pre-funded warrants in lieu of shares of common stock). Each share of common stock or pre-funded warrant was sold with one Series A Warrant to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.17 per share (the “Series A Warrants”) and one Series B Warrant to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.34 per share (the “Series B Warrants” and, together with the Series A Warrants, the “Warrants”). The Warrants will become exercisable upon the approval of the Company’s stockholders of the issuance of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, and certain other provisions of the Warrants. The Series A Warrants will expire on the five-year anniversary of its initial exercise date and the Series B Warrants will expire on the two and one-half-year anniversary of its initial exercise date. The purchase price of each share of common stock and accompanying Warrants was $0.17, and the purchase price of each pre-funded warrant and accompanying Warrants was such price minus $0.01. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and other general corporate purposes, and for repayment of certain outstanding senior secured notes of the Company. Univest Securities, LLC is acting as sole placement agent for the offering. The securities described above are being offered by the Company pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333283178) (the “Registration Statement”) previously filed and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus which is a part of the Registration Statement. A final prospectus relating to the offering has been filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . Electronic copies of the final prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained, when available, by contacting Univest Securities, LLC at info@univest.us , or by calling +1 (212) 343-8888. About Algorhythm Holdings Algorhythm Holdings, Inc. is a holding company with two primary investments. First, the Company owns SemiCab Holdings, an emerging leader in the AI-enabled global logistics industry. Second, the Company owns The Singing Machine Company, the worldwide leader in the consumer karaoke industry. SemiCab is a cloud-based Collaborative Transportation Platform built to achieve the scalability required to predict and optimize millions of loads and hundreds of thousands of trucks. To orchestrate collaboration across manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and their carriers, SemiCab uses real-time data from API-based load tendering and pre-built integrations with TMS and ELD partners. To build fully loaded round trips, SemiCab uses AI/ML predictions and advanced predictive optimization models. On the SemiCab platform, shippers pay less and carriers make more while not having to change a thing. Since 2020, SemiCab has enabled major retailers, brands and transportation providers to address these common supply-chain problems globally. SemiCab's Orchestrated Collaboration TM AI model has proven to increase transportation capacity, improve asset utilization, reduce empty miles, lower logistics costs, and provide visibility into the entire transportation network. Models show the technology has the capability of saving shippers tens of billions of dollars annually through optimization. Further, SemiCab’s technology also has the potential to play a key role in the improved sustainability model globally. Based on its proven ability to improve truck utilization rates from 65% to over 90%, this results in a dramatic reduction in the carbon footprint of the industry. The optimization of existing truck utilization can add approximately 30% more trucking capacity without adding more trucks, drivers or driven miles which addresses common problems plaguing the industry like severe driver shortage and road congestion. Trucking optimization could also eliminate approximately 25% of CO2 emissions attributable to road freight. For additional information regarding SemiCab: http://www.semicab.com The Singing Machine Company, Inc. is the worldwide leader in consumer karaoke products. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and founded over forty years ago, the Company designs and distributes the industry's widest assortment of at-home and in-car karaoke entertainment products. Their portfolio is marketed under both proprietary brands and popular licenses, including Carpool Karaoke and Sesame Street. Singing Machine products incorporate the latest technology and provide access to over 100,000 songs for streaming through its mobile app and select WiFi-capable products and is also developing the world’s first globally available, fully integrated in-car karaoke system. The Company also has a new philanthropic initiative, CARE-eoke by Singing Machine , to focus on the social impact of karaoke for children and adults of all ages who would benefit from singing. Their products are sold in over 25,000 locations worldwide, including Amazon, Costco, Sam’s Club, Target, and Walmart. To learn more, go to www.singingmachine.com . Investor Relations Contact: investors@algoholdings.com www.algoholdings.com Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which statements are subject to considerable risks and uncertainties. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are "forward-looking statements" and should be evaluated as such. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “seeks,” “should,” “suggest”, “will,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements relating to the timing, size and expected gross proceeds of the Offering, the completion of the Offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the Offering and sale of securities, the Company’s ability to complete the Offering, and the intended use of proceeds from the Offering. The Company has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and projections about future events. Forward-looking statements are subject to and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements predicted, assumed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks, uncertainties and assumptions related to market conditions and the satisfaction of closing conditions related to the Offering, risks disclosed in the section titled “Risk Factors” included in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 initially filed with the SEC on November 12, 2024, and risks disclosed under item 1A. “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recently filed Form 10-KT filed with the SEC and the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. This press release speaks as of the date indicated above. The Company undertakes no obligation and expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
Senior members of Canada's cabinet held talks Friday with US President-elect Donald Trump's nominees to lead the departments of commerce and the interior, as Ottawa works to hold off the threat of punishing tariffs. Canada's newly-appointed Finance Minister Dominic Leblanc and Foreign Minister Melanie Joly met with Howard Lutnick, Trump's commerce secretary nominee, who will also lead the country's tariff and trade agenda. Interior secretary nominee Doug Burgum was also at the meeting held at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Leblanc's spokesman Jean-Sebastien Comeau, who confirmed the participants, described the talks as "positive and productive." Trump has vowed to impose crippling 25-percent tariffs on all Canadian imports when he takes office next month. He has said they will remain in place until Canada addresses the flow of undocumented migrants and the drug fentanyl into the United States. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised retaliatory measures should Trump follow through on his pledge, raising fears of a trade war. Leblanc and Joly "outlined the measures in Canada's Border Plan and reiterated the shared commitment to strengthen border security as well as combat the harm caused by fentanyl to save Canadian and American lives," Comeau said in a statement. Canada's Border Plan -- estimated to cost CAN$1 billion ($694 million) -- was crafted as part of Ottawa's response to Trump's concerns. Lutnick and Burgum "agreed to relay information to President Trump," the statement said. Trudeau is facing his worst political crisis since sweeping into office in 2015. Leblanc was named finance minister earlier this month after the surprise resignation of Chrystia Freeland. In a scathing resignation letter, Freeland accused Trudeau of prioritizing handouts to voters instead of preparing Canada's finances for a possible trade war. More than 75 percent of Canadian exports go to the United States and nearly two million Canadian jobs depend on trade. bs/ahaNone2-decade demand of MDU met, Ambedkar’s statue finally unveiled
Met Office says it is 'committed to learning the lessons' of Storm Bert after criticism but defends forecastsS&P/TSX composite, U.S. markets trade lower Friday morning after holiday breakSpotify Wrapped is about more than what songs you listen to – it’s about what makes you you
When poverty and pet ownership intersect, what's the most humane thing to do?My contact with Manmohan Singh goes back to the end of the 1960s when both of us were in New York. He was in the United Nations and I was teaching at New York University. Later on, we started working together in the mid-1980s when he was governor of the Reserve Bank of India and I was a deputy governor. If you look at his entire career, three important qualities stand out. One is vision, the other is courage and the third is humility. Ideas are needed to move the system forward, but you must have vision. Adequate vision must be supplemented by courage, which we saw in the early 1990s. The most important aspect of Dr Singh's actions is the exhibition of both ideas and implementation. The reforms introduced in the early 1990s, and the subsequent actions that he took in the period when he was PM, all indicate this combination of ideas and implementation. We worked together and there was an exchange of ideas. Even when we differed, we did so politely. He tried to take everybody along with him, and he gave the freedom to discuss freely. Finally, a conclusion was reached in which everybody agreed. There were occasions when we differed. But that did not come in the way of executing the ideas. There was also the quality of humility in him, which was extraordinary. For a person who held such important positions, he never rode roughshod over anybody. For example, in bringing to an end the system of issuing ad-hoc treasury bills, when I mentioned to him how this system acted a way that it resulted in the automatic monetisation of the fiscal deficit, he heard me out and then agreed, even though I did not expect he would agree to it that quickly. But he did, because when he saw the logic, he tried to follow it and implement whatever suggestion was made. Bringing the issue of these bills to an end could result in the cost of govt borrowing going up. But he was willing to bear it because the underlying principle was correct. Again, when we moved from the system of dual exchange rate to a system in which the market fully determined the exchange rate, there were many arguments against the move. There were suggestions that we move slowly. But when I discussed it with him, we decided that it was better to move in one step. He once again saw the benefit that comes from a particular action and immediately agreed to implement it. What he cared for is the benefit to the nation, benefit to society. If that demanded a particular action, he would take that action immediately. On The 1991 Devaluation: Originally, a decision was taken to devalue the rupee in two stages. I was in charge of announcing the exchange rate and made the first move. Before the second move could be made, there were some concerns whether we should devalue the rupee to such an extent. We had discussed the problem thoroughly and a conclusion had been reached and was also communicated to the President. But then the Prime Minister (PV Narasimha Rao) had some concerns on going ahead with the second step. Dr Singh said he would get in touch with me but then he went on saying that he was not able to reach me. By the time he reached me, I'd already "jumped the step". If he had backed down at that time, it would have reflected badly on India. Our ability to borrow in the market would have been hindered as it would have been seen as our unwillingness to take appropriate action. When the decision to devalue the rupee was taken, Dr Singh wrote a cheque and asked for it to be credited to the PM's Relief Fund. The amount represented difference in rupee value of his assets abroad following the devaluation. That showed how he was not willing to benefit by any decision personally. That shows the man's character, that his integrity was beyond question. He certainly managed the system both as the FM and the PM very well. History will remember him as one of the ablest PMs. Between 2005-06 and 2007-08, India had a growth rate in excess of 9%, which is outstanding. He will be remembered for ushering in efficiency in the system. That is what compelled him to move towards a competitive system. That is an important lesson for a country like India because if we really want to be able to compete in the world, let us say through exports, then efficiency becomes critically important. Without an efficient economic system, we cannot do it. As told to Surojit Gupta Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword .
Vikings withstand Bears' furious rally, win on field goal in OT