
Motoring Don't miss out on the headlines from Motoring. Followed categories will be added to My News. The Australian electric vehicle market has seen an influx of affordable models from newer Chinese automakers priced significantly lower than those from established brands. New research reveals that while they may be cheaper, they could cost owners more to insure and repair. Data from Compare the Market shows comprehensive insurance for EVs is on average 43 per cent more expensive than petrol-powered vehicles. Tesla Model 3 will set owners back thousands in insurance in comparison to the Audi A3 sedan. Picture: Camber Collective MORE : Next-gen electric ute confirmed Compare the Market economic director David Koch said the top five best-selling EVs in Australia were more expensive to insure than traditional alternatives. “Across the top five best-selling EVs and 12 car insurance providers, motorists could be spending between $98 to $1,788 more to comprehensively insure an EV every year – which may diminish some of the benefits of reduced running costs,” he said. The study compared the top five selling EVs with cars from Toyota, Audi, Mazda and Hyundai, using quotes from 12 insurers for a 34-year-old Brisbane man with a clean driving record. Research revealed the Tesla Model Y RWD costs $3,434.98 annually to insure, nearly 97 per cent more than the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 2WD at $1,744.95. Sedan-wise, the Tesla Model 3 RWD will set you back an average $3,888.55 in comparison to the Audi A3 which costs an average of $2,101.04. MORE : Aussie EV push backfires While you may pay higher premiums for some Chinese EVs, quotes from NRMA reveal Chinese-made XPeng G6 and Zeekr X are priced $54,800 and $56,900 and are on par with petrol-powered SUVs, with an annual insurance costs of $2,017 and $2,043. Koch believes the discrepancy is due to the specialised technology used in EVs. “EVs are generally more expensive to insure because the battery pack creates more complexity for repairers, many EV-specific parts need to be imported from overseas, and there are fewer qualified smash repairers for electric cars,” he said. MORE : MG’s Cyberster electric sports car The report also found that hybrids are more expensive to insure than petrol-powered vehicles with comprehensive car insurance at average 5 per cent pricier. To encourage EV adoption, Koch has called on insurers to offer “green discounts”. “Just like banks and lenders have started offering green car loans, it would be great to see insurers adopt some green discounts for electric car premiums. “For now, the best way to ensure you’re getting a good deal is to compare. No matter if it’s your car insurance or electricity plan, there are options out there. Don’t park yourself into higher prices,” he said. Despite higher insurance costs, Koch said the research shows that EVs may be an affordable option long-term. For instance, EV owners in Brisbane could save up to $1,536 annually on running costs compared to petrol car owners, while Sydney drivers could save around $897. “There’s a misconception that EVs are more expensive to run,” he said. “While this may be true in some aspects, such as comprehensive car insurance costs, significant savings in fuel and loan repayments do more than offset these expenses.” Originally published as Chinese EVs more affordable but owners may face costly surprises More related stories Motoring News $93k EV ute back after dud first reveal EV utes are in hot demand in Australia but questions whether this brand can successfully relaunch itself after a dud launch is on everyone’s minds. Read more Motoring News Chilling car warning you need to hear Cars used to represent ultimate freedom. But a new study proves that today, the opposite is true – and that instead, you can be “controlled”. Read more
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Gap Inc. Logo (PRNewsfoto/Gap Inc.) Net sales increased 2% versus last year with comparable sales up 1% Operating margin of 9.3% improved 270 basis points versus last year Market share gains across all brands in the quarter Raises outlook for fiscal 2024 net sales, gross margin and operating income growth SAN FRANCISCO , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Gap Inc. (NYSE: GAP), the largest specialty apparel company in the U.S. and a house of iconic brands including Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, today reported financial results for its third quarter ended November 2, 2024. "I'm proud that Gap Inc. delivered another successful quarter, growing net sales for the 4 th consecutive quarter and gaining market share across all brands while meaningfully expanding operating margin," said President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard Dickson . "Consistent execution of our strategic priorities, including the rigor and repetition we're applying to our brand reinvigoration playbook, is making us a stronger company and demonstrates our continued progress in unlocking Gap Inc.'s full potential." Dickson continued: "Holiday is off to a strong start and we remain focused on executing with excellence in the fourth quarter. Our performance year-to-date gives us the confidence to raise our full year outlook for sales, gross margin and operating income growth." Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 – Financial Results Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Highlights Additional information regarding free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, is provided at the end of this press release along with a reconciliation of this measure from the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for the applicable period. Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 – Global Brand Results Comparable Sales Old Navy: Gap: Banana Republic: Athleta: Fiscal 2024 Outlook As a result of its strong third quarter results, the company is raising its full year outlook for net sales, gross margin and operating income growth compared to prior expectations. Please note that the company's projected full year fiscal 2024 operating income growth below is provided in comparison to its full year fiscal 2023 adjusted operating income, which excludes $93 million in restructuring costs and a $47 million gain on sale of a building. Full Year Fiscal 2024 Webcast and Conference Call Information Whitney Notaro , Head of Investor Relations at Gap Inc., will host a conference call to review the company's third quarter fiscal 2024 results beginning at approximately 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time today. Ms. Notaro will be joined by President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard Dickson and Chief Financial Officer, Katrina O'Connell . A live webcast of the conference call and accompanying materials will be available online at investors.gapinc.com . A replay of the webcast will be available at the same location. Non-GAAP Disclosure This press release and related conference call include financial measures that have not been calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and are therefore referred to as non-GAAP financial measures. The non-GAAP measures described below are intended to provide investors with additional useful information about the company's financial performance, to enhance the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects, and to allow for greater transparency with respect to important metrics used by management for financial and operating decision-making. The company presents these non-GAAP financial measures to assist investors in seeing its financial performance from management's view and because it believes they provide an additional tool for investors to use in computing the company's core financial performance over multiple periods with other companies in its industry. Additional information regarding the intended use of non-GAAP measures included in this press release and related conference call is provided in the tables to this press release. The non-GAAP measures included in this press release and related conference call are adjusted operating expense/adjusted SG&A, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and free cash flow. These non-GAAP measures exclude the impact of certain items that are set forth in the tables to this press release. In addition, the company's outlook includes projected full year fiscal 2024 operating income growth compared to its full year fiscal 2023 adjusted operating income. The non-GAAP measures used by the company should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP and may not be the same as similarly titled measures used by other companies due to possible differences in method and in items or events being adjusted. The company urges investors to review the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures included in the tables to this press release below, and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate its business. The non-GAAP financial measures used by the company have limitations in their usefulness to investors because they have no standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. Forward-Looking Statements This press release and related conference call and accompanying materials contain forward-looking statements within the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than those that are purely historical are forward-looking statements. Words such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "project," and similar expressions also identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the following: becoming a high performing company; unlocking Gap Inc.'s potential; our four strategic priorities, including maintaining and delivering financial and operational rigor, the reinvigoration of our brands, strengthening our operating platform, and energizing our culture; driving relevance and revenue by executing on our brand reinvigoration playbook; expectations for Old Navy for the holiday season; accelerating Old Navy's presence in the Active category; Old Navy's holiday activations and product; reigniting Gap brand's leadership in trend-right products and creative expression through big ideas and culturally relevant messaging; reestablishing Banana Republic to thrive in the premium lifestyle space; evolving Banana Republic's assortment and fit; continuing to fix the fundamentals at Banana Republic; Banana Republic's holiday product; Athleta's trajectory; Athleta's holiday product; enhancing Athleta's in-store and online experiences; driving high-performance across our teams; executing with excellence; Gap Inc.'s positioning going into the holiday season; expectations for our full year performance; expected year-end inventory levels; expected full year fiscal 2024 net sales; the expected impact of the loss of the 53rd week on full year fiscal 2024 net sales; expected fourth quarter fiscal 2024 net sales; the expected impacts of the loss of the 53rd week and the weekly calendar shift on fourth quarter fiscal 2024 net sales; expected full year fiscal 2024 gross margin; the expected impacts of commodity costs and better inventory management on full year fiscal 2024 gross margin; expected full year fiscal 2024 ROD; expected fourth quarter fiscal 2024 gross margin; the expected impact of the loss of the 53rd week on fourth quarter fiscal 2024 gross margin; expected full year fiscal 2024 SG&A/operating expense; continuing cost discipline and unlocking more efficiencies in the business; expected full year fiscal 2024 operating income; expected full year fiscal 2024 effective tax rate; expected full year fiscal 2024 capital expenditures; generating sustainable, profitable growth and delivering long-term shareholder value; and our dividend policy. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, the following risks, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or reputation: the overall global economic and geopolitical environment, including the ongoing Russia - Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts and recent elections in the United States , and impacts on consumer spending patterns; social and political unrest in our sourcing countries, including Bangladesh , and disruptions to global trade and shipping capacity, including in the Red Sea; the risk that we or our franchisees may be unsuccessful in gauging apparel trends and changing consumer preferences or responding with sufficient lead time; the highly competitive nature of our business in the United States and internationally; the risk that we may be unable to manage our inventory effectively and the resulting impact on our gross margins and sales; the risk that our investments in customer, digital, and omni-channel shopping initiatives may not deliver the results we anticipate; the risk that we fail to maintain, enhance, and protect our brand image and reputation; the risk of loss or theft of assets, including inventory shortage; the risk that we fail to manage key executive succession and retention or continue to attract qualified personnel; reductions in income and cash flow from our credit card arrangement related to our private label and co-branded credit cards; the risk that changes in our business strategy or restructuring our operations may not generate the intended benefits or projected cost savings; the risk that trade matters could increase the cost or reduce the supply of apparel available to us; the risks to our business, including our costs and global supply chain, associated with global sourcing and manufacturing; the risks to our reputation or operations associated with importing merchandise from foreign countries, including failure of our vendors to adhere to our Code of Vendor Conduct; the risk that we or our franchisees may be unsuccessful in identifying, negotiating, and securing new store locations and renewing, modifying, or terminating leases for existing store locations effectively; engaging in or seeking to engage in strategic transactions that are subject to various risks and uncertainties; the risk that our efforts to expand internationally may not be successful; the risk that our franchisees and licensees could impair the value of our brands; the risk of data or other security breaches or vulnerabilities that may result in increased costs, violations of law, significant legal and financial exposure, and a loss of confidence in our security measures; the risk that failures of, or updates or changes to, our IT systems may disrupt our operations; the risk that our comparable sales and margins may experience fluctuations, that we may fail to meet financial market expectations, or that the seasonality of our business may experience fluctuations; the risk of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; the risk that our level of indebtedness may impact our ability to operate and expand our business; the risk that we and our subsidiaries may be unable to meet our obligations under our indebtedness agreements; the risk that changes in our credit profile or deterioration in market conditions may limit our access to the capital markets; natural disasters, public health crises (such as pandemics and epidemics), political crises (such as the ongoing Russia - Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts), negative global climate patterns, or other catastrophic events; evolving regulations and expectations with respect to ESG matters, including climate reporting; the adverse effects of climate change on our operations and those of our franchisees, vendors, and other business partners; our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations and changes in the regulatory or administrative landscape; the risk that we will not be successful in defending various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes, and claims; the risk that our estimates and assumptions used when preparing our financial information are inaccurate or may change; the risk that changes in the geographic mix and level of income or losses, the expected or actual outcome of audits, changes in deferred tax valuation allowances, and new legislation could impact our effective tax rate, or that we may be required to pay amounts in excess of established tax liabilities; the risk that changes in our business structure, our performance or our industry could result in reductions in our pre-tax income or utilization of existing tax carryforwards in future periods, and require additional deferred tax valuation allowances; the risk that the adoption of new accounting pronouncements will impact future results; and the risk that additional information may arise during our close process or as a result of subsequent events that would require us to make adjustments to our financial information. Additional information regarding factors that could cause results to differ can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2024 , as well as our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are based on information as of November 21, 2024 . We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized. About Gap Inc. Gap Inc., a house of iconic brands, is the largest specialty apparel company in America. Its Old Navy , Gap , Banana Republic , and Athleta brands offer clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products for men, women and children. Since 1969, Gap Inc. has created products and experiences that shape culture, while doing right by employees, communities and the planet. Gap Inc. products are available worldwide through company-operated stores, franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. Fiscal year 2023 net sales were $14.9 billion . For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com . Investor Relations Contact: Nina Bari Investor_relations@gap.com Media Relations Contact: Megan Foote Press@gap.comNone
Strictly’s Dianne Buswell breaks down in tears as she hits back at the judges over partner Chris McCauslandNone
What Trump brings to the Middle EastLOS ANGELES -- Londynn Jones scored 15 points, making all five of her 3-pointers, and fifth-ranked UCLA stunned No. 1 South Carolina 77-62 on Sunday, ending the Gamecocks’ overall 43-game winning streak and their run of 33 consecutive road victories. The Gamecocks (5-1) lost for the first time since April 2023, when Caitlin Clark and Iowa beat them in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals. Te-Hina Paopao scored 18 points and Tessa Johnson scored 14 for the Gamecocks, whose road winning streak was third-longest in Division I history. It was the first time UCLA took down a No. 1 team in school history, having been 0-20 in such games. The program's previous best wins were over a couple of No. 2s — Oregon in 2019 and Stanford in 2008. Elina Aarnisalo added 13 points as one of five Bruins in double figures. UCLA (5-0) dominated from start to finish, with the Bruins' suffocating defense preventing the Gamecocks from making any sustained scoring runs. South Carolina: The Gamecocks trailed by double-digits at halftime for the first time since Dec. 21, 2021, against Stanford, according to ESPN. Chloe Kitts, who averages a team-leading 14 points, finished the game with 2 points on 1 of 7 shooting. UCLA: The Bruins led 43-22 at halftime. Eight different players scored and contributed to 11-0 and 7-0 runs in the first and second quarters as they shot 52% from the field. The first quarter set the tone for a game in which the Gamecocks never led. They missed their first nine shots and were 4 of 18 from the floor in the quarter. UCLA ran off 11 straight points to take a 20-10 lead into the second quarter. The Bruins dominated the boards, 41-34, and held the Gamecocks well under their scoring average of 80.2 points. South Carolina travels to Florida to meet Iowa State in the Fort Myers Tipoff on Thanksgiving. UCLA travels to the Rainbow Wahine Showdown in Hawaii to play UT Martin on Friday. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 all season. Sign up here. AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
Chivas Regal Unites Fans for Arsenal, Chelsea Watch Party ExperienceLeft-hander Max Fried agrees to $218 million, 8-year contract with Yankees, AP source says DALLAS (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that Max Fried and the New York Yankees have agreed to a $218 million, eight-year contract, the largest deal for a left-handed pitcher in baseball history. New York made the move two days after outfielder Juan Soto left for a pending $765 million, 15-year contract with the rival Mets. Fried, who turns 31 in January, gets the fourth-highest contract among pitchers behind the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Yankees’ Gerrit Cole and Washington’s Stephen Strasburg. Fried broke the mark for lefties set by David Price at $217 million. Mbappe, Vinicius and Bellingham all on target in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Atalanta Real Madrid’s big stars turned on the style to revive the Spanish giant’s faltering Champions League title defense. Galacticos Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham all scored in a 3-2 win at Italian league leader Atalanta. It was only Madrid’s third win in the competition’s revamped league phase and leaves the 15-time champion in the unseeded playoff positions in 18th place. In contrast Liverpool leads the way after maintaining its perfect record in Europe this season after a 1-0 win against Girona. Mohamed Salah scored his 50th Champions League goal to seal it for Liverpool. Analysis: After Juan Soto's megadeal, could MLB see a $1 billion contract? Probably not soon For the second straight Major League Baseball offseason, a norm-shattering contract has been the talk of the winter, with Juan Soto agreeing with the New York Mets on a $765 million, 15-year deal that’s the richest in baseball history. It comes almost exactly one year after the Los Angeles Dodgers forked out a princely sum of $700 million on a 10-year, heavily deferred deal for two-way Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani. The way it’s going, a contract approaching $1 billion doesn’t seem out of the question. But several factors are working against it — at least in the near future. Joe Burrow's home broken into during Monday Night Football in latest pro-athlete home invasion ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (AP) — Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s home was broken into during Monday Night Football in the latest home invasion of a pro athlete in the U.S. Authorities said Tuesday no one was injured in the break-in, but the home was ransacked. Deputies weren’t immediately able to determine what items were stolen. Both the NFL and NBA issued alerts to players following prior break-ins, urging them to take precautions. The homes of Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were broken into in October. In the NBA, Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr. had their homes broken into. Scottie Scheffler in a landslide to win PGA Tour player of the year for third straight time Scottie Scheffler is the PGA Tour player of the year in a vote that had about as much drama as some of his victories. Scheffler earned 91% of the vote in winning the Jack Nicklaus Award for the third straight season. He joins Tiger Woods as the only players to win three straight times. Woods won it five times in a row, and three straight times on another occasion. Scheffler won seven times on the PGA Tour against only the strongest fields. He also won the FedEx Cup. He also won the Masters green jacket and an Olympic gold medal. MLB investigated to ensure no early Sasaki deal in place, pitcher likely to pick team mid-January DALLAS (AP) — Major League Baseball investigated to ensure no team had an advance deal in place for Roki Sasaki, and the agent for the Japanese pitcher says picking a club will be “like the draft in reverse.” On the first day of Sasaki’s 45-day window to sign with an MLB team, agent Joel Wolfe says the 23-year-old right-hander likely will sign shortly after the 2025 international signing pool window opens on Jan. 15 and wouldn’t wait until the Jan. 23 deadline. Sasaki helped Japan win the 2023 World Baseball Classic and has a fastball clocked at 102.5 mph. Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg says cancer has returned, spread CHICAGO (AP) — Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg says the prostate cancer he thought had been eliminated by radiation has returned and spread. The Chicago Cubs great made the announcement on Instagram on Tuesday. Sandberg announced in January that he had metastatic prostate cancer and in August said he was cancer-free after chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Sandberg was the National League MVP in 1984 and a 10-time All-Star during 15 seasons for the Cubs from 1982 to 1997, with 282 home runs and 344 stolen bases. After his playing career, he served as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies from 2013 to 2015, going 119-159. Nolan Arenado open to switch from third base to first and leaving Cardinals for a team he approves DALLAS (AP) — Nolan Arenado is open to a trade from the St. Louis Cardinals, at age 33 wanting to be on a World Series contender. Agent Joel Wolfe says “it’s like his biological clock is ticking and if the team’s not winning it’s driving him crazy every day.” An eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove third baseman, Arenado is open to a switch to first base. He hit .272 with 16 homers and 71 RBIs this year, his poorest season in a decade. St. Louis acquired Arenado from Colorado ahead of the 2021 season. Athletes in $2.8 billion college lawsuit tell judge they want to create a players' association The athletes whose lawsuit against the NCAA is primed to pave the way for schools to pay them directly also want a players’ association to represent them in the complex contract negotiations that have overtaken the industry. Grant House, Sedona Prince and Nya Harrison wrote to the judge overseeing what’s known as the House Settlement, saying that although they are generally happy with the terms of the proposed settlement “there still remains a critical need for structural changes to protect athletes and prevent the failures of the past.” Analysis: The Cavs, Magic and Rockets are off to surprise starts. Maybe that shouldn't be surprising For the first time in 36 seasons, the Cleveland Cavaliers are atop the NBA at the 25-game mark. They’re 21-4, even after having come back to earth a bit following a 15-0 start. The Cavs are just one of the surprise stories that have emerged as the season nears the one-third-done mark. Orlando is off to its best start in 16 years at 17-9 and having done most of that without All-Star forward Paolo Banchero. And Houston is 16-8, behind only the Cavs, Boston, Oklahoma City and Memphis so far in the race for the league’s best record.Sam Darnold leads game-winning drive in OT and Vikings beat Bears 30-27 after blowing late lead
No. 18 Mississippi 89, Alabama St. 24SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — A late rally wasn’t enough as the Skidmore College Thoroughbreds (5-3-0) men’s hockey team fell to the Lake Forest College Foresters (3-5-1), 5-4, Saturday afternoon at the Saratoga City Rink, in the opening game of the Skidmore Thanksgiving Invitational.The Foresters struck first in the first frame. Foresters junior forward Colin Bella [...]
UCF is looking for a new head coach after Gus Malzahn resigned on Saturday to become the offensive coordinator at Florida State. The school on Saturday afternoon indicating the news of Malzahn's departure. Malzahn went 28-24 as the head coach in Orlando from 2021-24, including a 10-15 mark as a member of the Big 12 over the last two seasons. UCF is a job with a ton of potential. The program is located in a talent-rich state (Florida) and has a fanbase that's eager to win with quality resources. Additionally, the move to a power conference (Big 12) in 2023 only adds to the potential for this job. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.
Giant Off-The-Road OTR Tyre Market Overview with Key Drivers, Challenges and OpportunitiesShare Tweet Share Share Email As the cryptocurrency market gears up for its next bull cycle, emerging projects like Lightchain AI ($LCAI) are taking center stage. With its innovative blend of blockchain and artificial intelligence, Lightchain AI is already gaining traction among investors seeking groundbreaking solutions with real-world applications. If you’re interested in getting ahead of the curve, don’t miss the Lightchain AI Presale , a unique opportunity to invest early in this promising altcoin. But what does the future hold for Lightchain AI, and how might its value grow in the next bull cycle? In this article, we explore price predictions for Lightchain AI, analyzing the key factors that could influence its growth, its competitive advantage in the crypto market, and what investors should expect moving forward. Understanding Lightchain AI ($LCAI) Lightchain AI represents a revolutionary approach to blockchain by merging artificial intelligence with decentralized technology. The project introduces innovative features such as Proof of Intelligence (PoI) and the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM), which address key challenges like scalability, efficiency, and transparency. Key Features That Define Lightchain AI Proof of Intelligence (PoI): A unique consensus mechanism that rewards nodes for performing AI computations, creating real-world utility while maintaining network security. Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM): A platform for executing AI-driven tasks, making Lightchain AI indispensable for industries like healthcare, finance, and supply chain management. Scalability and Sustainability: By utilizing dynamic resource allocation and parallel processing, Lightchain AI ensures efficient operations while minimizing environmental impact. Decentralized Governance: A community-driven approach ensures transparency and inclusivity in decision-making processes. These features set Lightchain AI apart from traditional blockchain projects, positioning it as a frontrunner for the next wave of crypto innovation. Factors Influencing Lightchain AI’s Price in the Bull Cycle The potential price trajectory of $LCAI will depend on several factors that determine its adoption, utility, and market sentiment. Below are the key drivers likely to shape its performance: 1. Market Adoption AI Integration: With artificial intelligence becoming a cornerstone of technological advancement, Lightchain AI’s focus on AI-driven solutions aligns perfectly with industry trends. Real-World Use Cases: The platform’s ability to address challenges in sectors like healthcare, DeFi, and logistics could drive adoption and push demand for $LCAI tokens. 2. Tokenomics Scarcity and Demand: Lightchain AI’s tokenomics include a finite supply, ensuring scarcity. Coupled with growing utility, this could create upward pressure on its price. Presale Momentum: Early adopters participating in the presale could significantly influence market dynamics, especially as the token transitions to broader exchanges. 3. Competitive Positioning Versus Established Cryptos: Lightchain AI’s innovative features give it an edge over traditional players like Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) in specific niches, potentially attracting institutional interest. Niche Dominance: Unlike meme coins or general-purpose blockchains, Lightchain AI focuses on specialized applications, which could ensure steady growth. 4. Macro Market Trends Bull Cycle Patterns: Historically, altcoins with strong fundamentals and unique value propositions outperform during bull markets. Investor Sentiment: With increasing interest in AI and sustainable blockchain solutions, Lightchain AI is well-positioned to attract capital during the next market rally. Price Predictions for Lightchain AI ($LCAI) While predicting exact price points in the volatile crypto market is challenging, analyzing historical trends, tokenomics, and market potential provides a range of plausible outcomes for $LCAI. 1. Short-Term Outlook (6–12 Months) Presale Impact: As the Lightchain AI presale garners attention, the token could gain early momentum, potentially trading between $0.0015 and $0.005 shortly after launch. Exchange Listings: Listing on prominent exchanges could further boost visibility and liquidity, pushing the price toward $0.01 . 2. Medium-Term Outlook (1–2 Years) Adoption Growth: As Lightchain AI’s use cases expand and partnerships materialize, the token could see substantial appreciation, reaching $0.05 to $0.10 . Bull Cycle Catalysts: In a bullish market scenario, $LCAI could capitalize on positive sentiment, potentially hitting $0.15 to $0.25 . 3. Long-Term Potential (3–5 Years) Market Leadership: If Lightchain AI continues to innovate and dominate its niche, the token could achieve a valuation between $0.50 and $1.00 , rivaling some of the top-performing altcoins in the market. Institutional Adoption: Collaboration with enterprises and governments could further propel $LCAI’s price to new highs. Comparing Lightchain AI to Competitors 1. Ethereum (ETH): Strengths: As the first smart contract platform, Ethereum has a massive developer community and ecosystem. Challenges: High gas fees and scalability issues give Lightchain AI an advantage with its more efficient infrastructure. 2. Solana (SOL): Strengths: Solana is known for its speed and low transaction costs. Challenges: Centralization concerns and outages have affected its reliability, where Lightchain AI’s decentralized governance offers a more robust solution. 3. Meme Coins (e.g., Dogecoin, Shiba Inu): Strengths: Meme coins thrive on community engagement and viral trends. Challenges: Limited utility makes them less appealing compared to Lightchain AI’s real-world applications. Potential Risks and Challenges While Lightchain AI shows immense promise, investors should consider potential risks: Market Volatility: The crypto market is inherently unpredictable, and even strong projects can face price corrections. Adoption Hurdles: Widespread adoption requires overcoming technical and regulatory barriers. Competition: Emerging competitors could challenge Lightchain AI’s market share, particularly if they offer similar innovations. Why Lightchain AI Stands Out Despite these challenges, Lightchain AI’s unique value proposition makes it a standout project: Pioneering Technology: Innovations like PoI and AIVM place Lightchain AI at the forefront of blockchain development. Sustainability: Energy-efficient mechanisms align with global environmental goals. Real-World Impact: By solving practical problems, Lightchain AI ensures long-term relevance and demand. Lightchain AI the Altcoin to Watch? As the crypto market braces for its next bull cycle, Lightchain AI ($LCAI) emerges as a strong contender for altcoin dominance. With its innovative technology, real-world applications, and robust tokenomics, $LCAI offers a compelling case for investors seeking long-term growth. While short-term price movements will depend on broader market conditions, Lightchain AI’s unique approach to blockchain and AI integration positions it for significant gains in the medium to long term. 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Beth Dooley | (TNS) The Minnesota Star Tribune The holidays loom large. Parties, gift-shopping, school programs, recitals, family gatherings — there’s really no time to cook. But there is! Here are three quick and easy recipes you can hustle to the table in 30 minutes or less. Relax, take a deep breath and know that dinner is served. Serves 4. Making grilled cheese for more than one can be tricky. Here, the sheet pan does the work; the sandwiches are ready all at once. Try our suggested fillings or just enjoy them plain in all their gooey deliciousness. From Beth Dooley. Directions Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Spread the butter to the edge of 4 slices of bread. Place the slices butter-side down on the sheet pan. Top with the sliced cheese and add a layer of the filling, then top with the remaining slices of bread. Put the pan in the oven and cook until the butter is thoroughly melted and bottom slices are turning golden and the cheese is melting, about 8 to 10 to minutes. Flip the sandwiches. Continue cooking until the top layer of bread begins to turn golden and the cheese is melted. Turn the oven to broil and toast the top layer, watching closely, this goes quickly, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Flip the bread and toast the other side, about 15 to 20 seconds or so. Remove, cut and serve. Quick Skillet Chicken with Lemon, Tahini and Warm Spices will come together quickly and can be served on a bed of greens or pasta. (Ashley Moyna Schwickert/For the Minnesota Star Tribune) Serves 4 to 6. A simple marinade of pantry staples — lemon, tahini, olive oil and a little honey — keeps the chicken moist and becomes the sauce for finishing the dish. Serve on a bed of dark greens or cooked rice. From Beth Dooley. Directions In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon, tahini, honey and olive oil. Measure out 1⁄2 of the mixture into a separate bowl. This is to sauce the chicken after it’s cooked. If it seems too thick, whisk in a little water. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and pound with the flat edge of a knife to even out the width a bit. Put the chicken into the bowl of marinade and turn to coat. Film a heavy skillet with more oil and set over high heat. When the oil begins to ripple, add the chicken, reduce the heat to medium and cook, flipping after about 5 to 7 minutes, and continuing, until cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes. (The chicken should reach 165 on an instant-read thermometer when done.) Remove the chicken from the skillet, set on a cutting board to rest for about 10 minutes. Slice the meat in long strokes against the grain. Serve on a bed of greens or rice, garnished with a drizzle of sauce, chopped herbs and a few thinly sliced lemons. Pass additional sauce on the side. One-Pot Pasta with Sausage, Tomato and Spinach is a quick but hearty meal for busy, chilly nights. (Ashley Moyna Schwickert/For the Minnesota Star Tribune) Serves 4 to 6. You only need one pot for this simple pasta. The sausage adds the seasoning, the onions turn sweetly golden, cherry tomatoes burst into a luscious sauce. A squeeze of lemon at the end livens things up. From Beth Dooley. Directions Film a large heavy pot or Dutch oven with the oil and set over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it turns limp and golden, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the sausage, breaking apart with a spatula until it crumbles, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and the stock, scraping up the bottom of the pan to release browned bits that stick to the bottom. Bring to a boil. Add the pasta, stirring well and continue boiling for about 4 to 5 minutes. Turn the heat down to a brisk simmer, stirring to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the sauce becomes too thick and the pasta begins to stick, stir in water, about 1⁄4 cup at a time. Simmer until the sauce is mostly absorbed and the pasta is tender, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the spinach, then stir in the cheese. Add lemon juice to taste. Serve garnished with the chopped parsley. Beth Dooley is the author of “The Perennial Kitchen.” Find her at bethdooleyskitchen.com. ©2024 The Minnesota Star Tribune. Visit at startribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.