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NEW 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.Friends, colleagues remember former state Rep. Mary MurphyArticle content Toyota has announced updates for its 2025-model-year Corolla Cross , including introducing a not-quite-exclusive, well-known colour: Soul Red Crystal. Available on select trims—LE, XLE, Hybrid SE, and Hybrid XSE—the colour is exclusive among Toyotas to the Corolla Cross lineup. Hybrid trims also offer a two-tone design option, pairing the vibrant red with a Jet Black roof. The subcompact SUV starts at $27,720 in Canada. By the way, if the name “Soul Red Crystal” sounds familiar – or if you recognize the hue by eye – that’s because the striking colour has long been associated with Mazda vehicles. Known for its deep, vibrant finish and rich metallic undertones, Soul Red has been a hallmark, hero colour for Mazda’s flagships, symbolizing passion and craftsmanship. Lucky for Toyota, then, that the Corolla Cross and Mazda’s CX-50 are built on the same assembly lines, and the companies share a happy relationship. The 2025 Corolla Cross offers a handful of powertrain options: first and foremost is a 2.0-litre gasoline four-cylinder, while secondarily a same-sized engine gets paired with Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system. The gasoline-only powertrain delivers 169 horsepower, with front-wheel-drive models achieving a combined fuel efficiency of 7.3 L/100 km; all-wheel-drive variants of this four-cylinder are rated at 7.8 L/100 km. Hybrid models provide 196 system horsepower, and work with all-wheel-drive to deliver a posted efficiency of 5.6L/100km. Buyers can choose from eight trims, ranging from the base L models; to the feature-rich Hybrid XSE AWD. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a suite of driver assistance technologies, and the Toyota Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard across all trims. Higher trims introduce dual-zone automatic climate control, Softex upholstery, upgraded LED lighting, and premium audio systems. The 2025 Corolla Cross continues on in terms of style and practicality. Exterior features include a distinctive black grille, flared fender arches, LED headlamps and taillamps, and grade-specific 17- or 18-inch wheels. Hybrid trims now feature Toyota’s Beyond Zero badge, as a nod to the company’s electrified powertrains. Inside, the compact SUV offers seating for five adults and a versatile cargo area with 60/40 split-folding rear seats. All models have nine airbags and a backup camera, in addition to the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite. The Toyota Multimedia system offers an intuitive interface and connectivity through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid are now available at Toyota dealerships across Canada. Sign up for our newsletter Blind-Spot Monitor and follow our social channels on Instagram , Facebook and X to stay up to date on the latest automotive news, reviews, car culture, and vehicle shopping advice.TORONTO, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xtract One Technologies Inc. (TSX: XTRA) (OTCQX: XTRAF) (FRA: 0PL) (“Xtract One” or the “Company”) a leading technology-driven threat detection and security solution that prioritizes the patron access experience by leveraging AI, today announced fiscal first quarter results for the three months ended October 31, 2024. All information is in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. “As expected, first quarter revenue, while up year-over-year, was a little lighter in new bookings than recent periods reflecting order timing, as we focused on bringing Xtract One Gateway to market and actively engaged in business development initiatives to build our pipeline for the remainder of fiscal 2025,” stated Peter Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Xtract One. “We continue to win customers outside of our core sports and live entertainment markets, welcoming new clients in the Education, Healthcare, and Manufacturing sectors, which made up 67% of the total contract value of new bookings this quarter. Demand remains strong as evidenced by our growing sales pipeline, and we’ve been pleased with the initial response of our newly announced Xtract One Gateway, particularly in high-traffic facilities like schools, convention centers, and commercial properties where we offer a highly differentiated solution. We expect to see revenue accelerate as the year progresses and continue to make progress on our path to profitability.” Consolidated revenue was $3.6 million for the three months ended October 31, 2024 as compared to $3.1 million for the same period last year, reflecting new business contract wins and a greater number of installations. Gross profit was $2.3 million, or a margin of 64%, in the fiscal 2025 first quarter versus $2.1 million, or 67% of sales, in the prior-year period. Comprehensive loss was $2.7 million for the three month period ended October 31, 2024 as compared to $2.7 million for the same period in fiscal 2024. This reflects higher revenue and gross profit, largely offset by an increase in operating expenses. This press release should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three month periods ended October 31, 2024 and 2023, which can be found on the Company’s website and under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at . Xtract One will host a conference call to discuss its results tomorrow, December 6, 2024 at 10:00 am EST. Peter Evans, Xtract One CEO and Director, and Karen Hersh, CFO and Corporate Secretary, will provide an overview of the interim financial results along with management’s outlook for the business, followed by a question-and-answer period. The webcast and presentation will be accessible on the company’s website. The and the telephone number for the conference call is 844-481-3016 (412-317-1881 for international callers). is a leading technology-driven threat detection and security solution leveraging AI to provide seamless and secure patron access control experiences. The Company makes unobtrusive threat detection systems that enable facility building operators to prioritize and deliver “Walk-right-In” experiences while providing unprecedented safety. Xtract One’s innovative portfolio of AI-powered Gateway solutions excels at allowing facilities to discreetly screen and identify weapons and other threats at points of entry and exit without disrupting the flow of traffic. With solutions built to serve the unique market needs for schools, hospitals, arenas, stadiums, manufacturing, distribution, and other customers, Xtract One is recognized as a market leader delivering the highest security in combination with the best individual experience. For more information, visit or connect on , , and . , Kristen Aikey, JMG Public Relations, 212-206-1645, Chris Witty, Darrow Associates, 646-438-9385, The Company utilizes specific supplementary financial measures in this earnings release to allow for a better evaluation of the operating performance of the Company’s business and facilitates meaningful comparison of results in the current period with those in prior periods and future periods. Supplementary financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to measures presented by other companies. Supplementary financial measures presented in this earnings release include ‘Agreements pending installation’ and ‘Total contract value of new bookings.’ Agreements pending installation reflects total value of signed contracts awarded to the Company that has not been installed at the customer site. ‘Total contract value of new bookings’ is comprised of all new contracts signed and awarded to the Company, regardless of the performance obligations outstanding as of the end of the reporting period. Total contract value is the aggregate value of sales commitments from customers as at the end of the reporting period without consideration of the Company’s completion of the associated performance obligations outlined in each contract. : This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “believes”, and similar expressions or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include but are not limited to the risks detailed from time to time in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by applicable law. No securities exchange or commission has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The following table is extracted from the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and presented in Canadian dollars to demonstrate the Statements of Loss and Comprehensive loss for the three months ended October 31, 2024 and 2023: The following table is extracted from the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and presented in Canadian dollars to demonstrate the Company’s financial position as at October 31, 2024 and July 31, 2024: The following table is extracted from the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and presented in Canadian dollars to demonstrate the Company’s cash flows for the three month periods ended October 31, 2024 and 2023:
Trump Wants U.S. Control of the Panama Canal. Here’s Three Things to Know.hen early in his administration around three months ago President made a pledge to crack down on corruption, the decision to name secretary-general of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Hasto Kristiyanto suspect in a graft case was most likely not at the top of his priority list. As a new president who was still working to consolidate his power, Prabowo certainly did not want to alienate the PDI-P, currently the biggest political party in the House of Representatives. If anything, the arrest of Hasto could complicate his efforts to build a good and stable relationship with the party’s chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri, a plan that has not yet been realized despite several attempts. Incurring the wrath of Megawati only three months after the President took office is a risk not worth taking. From the anti-graft fight perspective, the decision to name Hasto a graft suspect in a bribery case, which revolves around an illicit cash transfer of a little over Rp 1 billion (US$66,000) should also be low in the priority list of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), considering that the anti-graft body still has to go after some bigger fish in other major corruption cases. So how do we make sense of the KPK’s move against Hasto on Christmas Eve? Whether you're looking to broaden your horizons or stay informed on the latest developments, "Viewpoint" is the perfect source for anyone seeking to engage with the issues that matter most. By registering, you agree with 's Please check your email for your newsletter subscription. The fact that Hasto was named suspect in a corruption case only days after the PDI-P banished former president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, his son Vice President and his son-in-law Bobby Nasution from the party, is a strong indication that the former first family still has a score to settle. For obvious reasons. In the lead-up to this year’s presidential election Hasto led a staunchly anti-Jokowi faction within the PDI-P, a group of politicians who have been very critical of the former president’s actions, which they deem anti-democratic, and which range from wanting to serve another term in office, to nominating his oldest son as vice presidential candidate. In May 2023, Hasto chaired a session hastily arranged to reprimand Gibran, after the then mayor of Surakarta, Central Java, held a meeting with Prabowo, at that time the defense minister, long before the party nominated its own presidential candidate. In more ways than one, the decision to name Hasto a suspect is similar to the arrest of former trade minister Tom Lembong, who has been implicated in a graft case surrounding the importation of sugar. With the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) failing to give details as to how Tom’s decision to import sugar in 2015 caused any state losses, many are convinced that he is simply being punished for being too critical of some of Jokowi’s economic policies. It does not make much difference now that Hasto’s corruption case is being handled by the KPK instead of the AGO, a law enforcement agency serving under the executive branch of the government. Since 2019, following the amendment of the KPK Law, the antigraft agency has also been placed under the stewardship of the President and its reputation has been on the downward spiral ever since (the agency’s last chairman Firli Bahuri is now a graft suspect, by the way). There is nothing to indicate that the current batch of KPK commissioners, whose nomination and inauguration was one of Jokowi’s final acts in office, would act differently and their last move to name Hasto a suspect in a minor bribery case serves only to confirm the public skepticism. In the first decade after its formation in the early 2000s, the KPK was a much-feared agency whose anti-graft investigations could send a shiver down the spine of government officials and politicians. Today, the anti-graft body is simply a tool for political witch hunts.
S.Korea's acting president faces impeachment votePegasystems stock soars to 52-week high of $91.58
LONDON : Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka is set to be sidelined for more than two months after an operation on a hamstring injury, manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday. "He had a procedure, everything went well but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks," the Spaniard told reporters after Arsenal beat Ipswich 1-0 to go second in the Premier League table. Pressed on a more precise timeline, Arteta added: "I think it will be more than two months. It will depend on how the scar tissue starts to heal, the first week or so of mobility ... let's see, it's very difficult to say." Saka has scored five goals and had 10 assists in the league this season as one of Arsenal's creators-in-chief. The 23-year-old was forced off in their match against Crystal Palace earlier this month and left the stadium on crutches. In October and November, the England international missed three Nations League games as well as Arsenal's league defeat at Bournemouth and their Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk due to an injury to the same leg.
( MENAFN - IANS) Seoul, Dec 27 (IANS) South Korea's business sentiment index fell to the lowest level in more than four years amid Political uncertainties following President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law declaration and concerns for growth momentum, a central bank poll showed on Friday. The Composite Business Sentiment Index, or CBSI, in all industries for December came to 87, down 4.5 points from the figure tallied for the previous month, according to the survey by the Bank of Korea. It marked the lowest level since September 2020, when the index came to 83, reports Yonhap news agency. December's reading also logged the largest decline since January 2023, when the figure dropped 5.6 points from a month earlier. The outlook for next month sank 7.3 points to 82.4, also the lowest level since August 2020. The index measures corporate prospects for business conditions. A reading below 100 means pessimists outnumber optimists. The CBSI among manufacturers fell 3.7 points from a month earlier to 86.9 in December, the lowest level since February 2023. Manufacturers pointed to unfavourable business conditions and tight financial conditions as major reasons for their negative view. The index for non-manufacturers also lost 5.0 point to 87.1, the data showed. The economic sentiment index, which reflects sentiment among both consumers and businesses, dropped 9.6 points to 83.1 for December, the data showed. The worsening sentiment came after the opposition-led National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon earlier this month following Yoon's shocking imposition of martial law on December 3. The Constitutional Court has up to 180 days to determine whether to remove Yoon from office or restore his powers. South Korea is also experiencing sagging domestic demand and weak exports growth, and the economic growth for next year is forecast to come below the 2 percent level. MENAFN26122024000231011071ID1109033944 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Alberta premier calls-out federal rebates, GST holidayConsidering the momentum acquired by renowned tokens like Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB), Rexas Finance (RXS), a new entrant, is positioning itself to clock impressive growth. As the price and ecosystems of meme coins like DOGE and SHIB continue to capture the attention of investors, the community of RXS is gradually establishing itself as a disruptor by focusing on the tokenomics of physical assets. This article gives an analysis of the price forecasts of DOGE and SHIB while at the same time focussing on why Rexas Finance is set to record 15200% Gains in 4 Months. Rexas Finance: Transforming Real-World Asset Tokenization Rexas Finance (RXS) is a blockchain network that is built on turning physical assets, such as real estate or intellectual property into tokens for both private and institutional investors. This method of investment broadens opportunities and enhances tokenization and the liquidity of markets that would normally be classified as illiquid. With inventive tools such as Rexas Treasury, Rexas Token Builder, or Rexas GenAI—the AI that creates NFTs—the undertaking is changing the narrative of linking real assets with blockchain technology. At Stage 10, RXS Tokens are pegged at $0.15, and 97.34% of the targeted funds totaling $33.12 million have already been raised. Of the 380 million RXS allocated for presales, 369.9 million tokens have already been sold, indicating a strong demand from investors. In the next stage, the token price will rise to $0.175, whereas the expected listing price of $0.20 may have marked the starting point for a new and significant upward trend with exchange rates. For Rexas Finance, credibility remains to be the foundation. The project smart contracts have been duly audited by CertiK, ensuring security and reliability. Also, RXS is already available in places such as Coinmarketcap and CoinGecko, further cementing its space in the cryptocurrency industry. To enhance community involvement, the group has organized a $1 million giveaway program, where lucky 20 investors win 50,000 RXS tokens by participating in the activities and inviting friends to the presale. According to analysts, RXS can climb to $10 or more by 2025 due to its promising, innovative nature and resources targeted for further development. The initiative aims to address real-world challenges using blockchain technology, and its core components include Rexas Estate (real estate tokenization) and QuickMint Bot (token creation relatively quickly). Rexas Finance’s ability to connect tangible assets with the blockchain makes it suitable for capturing the asset tokenization space and being among the best-performing cryptocurrencies in the next bull cycle. Dogecoin: Riding the Meme Coin Wave Dogecoin (DOGE), the original meme coin, has once again proved superior in terms of the community-centered evolution of cryptocurrency. No matter the recent bearish market tendencies underlying, DOGE has gained a slight positive shift in performance measures over small thresholds of time. As Dogecoin is currently being traded at $0.3158013591, the 1 hr and the 4 hr trading charts slightly increased by 2.28% and 2.05%, respectively. However, it still traded 22.33% and 19.28% lower in the past 7 days and 30 days, respectively, indicating a market correction. Dogecoin’s active community, innovative partnerships, and payment acceptance significantly contribute to its growth in the next Bull Season. With a $46.51 billion market cap, I can surely agree that the coin is here to stay. It is also suggested that the value could reach between $0.75 and $1.20 by 2025, which will be caused by overall crypto adoption surrounding tokens and the increased use of tokens for micro-transactions in gaming. Shiba Inu (SHIB): Strengthening Its Ecosystem Though Shiba Inu (SHIB) is known as the Dogecoin Killer, Shiba Inu (SHIB) has proven over time that it is still competitive by improving its ecosystem. SHIB presently trades at $0.0000222123; its respective one-hour and four-hour changes were +2.2% and +5.11%, and its 24-hour trading volume was +2.3%. At least it does not trade as low as it did in the past but is still 21.63 and 10.54 percent lower than seven and thirty days, respectively. Shiba Inu’s concentration on broadening its utilities, especially its Layer-2 scaling solution Shibarium, positions it as a serious rival in the crypto ecosystem. In the future, the Shiba Inu economy will benefit and maybe even experience a time increase in value as its use increases. As they go into 2025, Shiba Inu anticipates the value to be somewhere near the $0.0001 - $0.00015 mark. This growth is expected from adopting Shibarium, deepening DeFi, and the increasing number of community investors. Conclusion: Rexas Finance Leads the Pack The cryptocurrency market is full of growth opportunities as it expands and matures as the world starts preparing for new economic paradigm shifts by 2025. The communities surrounding Dogecoin and Shiba Inu have helped both assets grow and still have a great amount of potential to mature as ecosystems. However, Rexas Finance stands out as a transformative project with the potential to redefine blockchain’s role in real-world asset integration. For more information about Rexas Finance (RXS) visit the links below: Website: https://rexas.com Win $1 Million Giveaway: https://bit.ly/Rexas1M Whitepaper: https://rexas.com/rexas-whitepaper.pdf Twitter/X: https://x.com/rexasfinance Telegram: https://t.me/rexasfinance Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.
PIAA football: Southern Lehigh, Northwestern Lehigh playoff games moved to Saturday due to snow
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — This isn’t a week when coach Todd Bowles feels he needs to find the right words to ensure his Tampa Bay Buccaneers are motivated to face the last-place Carolina Panthers. The Bucs (8-7) have won eight of the last nine meetings between the NFC South rivals, including the past three with Baker Mayfield at quarterback. It hasn’t exactly been smoothly sailing against the Panthers (4-11), though, for the three-time defending division champions. And, with at least a share of first place on the line Sunday, Bowles and his players say they are focused solely on rebounding from last week’s disappointing loss to the Dallas Cowboys. “We know it’s going to be a tough ballgame. It went overtime last time. They’re coached very well; they play very hard,” Bowles said, referencing Tampa Bay’s 26-23 win at Carolina on Dec. 1. “We know what’s at stake for us. It doesn’t need to be talked about. Everybody understands that,” Bowles added. “We’ve got to clean up our own mistakes, and we’ve got to play an error-free football game.” The Bucs are tied with Atlanta for the best record in the NFC South, however the Falcons (8-7) hold the tiebreaker after sweeping the season series between the teams. To claim a fourth straight division title, Tampa Bay needs to win remaining home games against the Panthers and New Orleans Saints while Atlanta loses at least once in the last two weeks of the regular season. If the Falcons hold on to win the South, the Bucs can earn a wild-card playoff berth if they win out and the Washington Commanders lose twice. Mayfield, who has resurrected his career since being released by Carolina two years ago, summed up the attitude in a resilient locker room. The Bucs have won four of five games following a four-game losing streak threatened their playoff hopes. “I keep saying it, this team has the mental makeup of a great team. We just have to continue to fight and find ways to win,” the quarterback said. “If we don’t take of business, we won’t be in the playoffs.” Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard cost his team the game four weeks ago against Tampa Bay when he fumbled on the second possession of overtime just after Carolina had reached field goal range. Mayfield responded by leading the Bucs back down the field for the winning field goal. The loss was devastating for Hubbard at the time, but he promised himself when the opportunity arose again he’d make the most of it. He did that this past Sunday, when he carried twice for 49 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown run in which he broke two tackles, in overtime to lift the Panthers to a 36-30 win over Arizona, knocking the Cardinals out of the playoff hunt. “I’d let it go, but it’s definitely been in the back of my head a little bit,” Hubbard said. “Like I said, when the next opportunity came, I told myself I’m going to get it back for them. To be able to have them trust me in that opportunity again, and to have it in that way is a blessing from God.” Bryce Young has shown solid progress in his decision making, particularly when the pocket begins to break down. Last week, the second-year QB ran for a career-best 68 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown. Young was benched after two games this season, but since returning to the lineup has played better, restoring some faith that perhaps the No. 1 overall pick in 2023 can be the team’s quarterback of the future. “Just time in the system and time as a team for us to come together,” Young said of why he has improved. “For me, being able to get reps, and get time with everyone. It’s just all of us being able to feed off of each other, and it’s been able to allow us to turn in the right direction.” The Panthers have been abysmal against the run, allowing nearly 200 yards per game on the ground over the last seven games. In the last meeting with Tampa Bay, Bucky Irving ran for a career-high 152 yards and a touchdown, so Carolina’s defense has a good idea of what's coming Sunday. Mayfield has beaten Carolina three times since joining the Bucs in 2023. All of the meetings have been close, though, with the Panthers losing twice by three points and Tampa Bay settling for three field goals in a 9-0 regular season-ending victory that clinched its third straight NFC South championship last January. “We know them well. They know us well,” Mayfield said. AP Sports Writer Steve Reed in Charlotte, North Carolina, contributed to this report. NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
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.S.Korea's acting president faces impeachment vote
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