LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Voters dejected by the presidential election results need to find a way to give back and remain involved, Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton said Saturday as they celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Clinton presidential library. The former president urged audience members in a packed theater to remain engaged and find ways to communicate with those they disagree with despite a divisive political time. The two spoke about a month after former President Donald Trump's win over Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election. “We’re just passing through, and we all need to just calm down and do something that builds people up instead of tears them down,” Bill Clinton said. Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state who was defeated by Trump in the 2016 election, said she understands the next couple of years are going to be challenging for voters who don't agree with the decisions being made. "In addition to staying involved and staying aware, it’s important to find something that makes you feel good about the day because if you’re in a constant state of agitation about our political situation, it is really going to shorten your life," she said. The Clintons spoke during a panel discussion with journalist Laura Ling, who the former president helped free in 2009 when she was detained in North Korea with another journalist. The event was held as part of a weekend of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the Clinton Presidential Library's opening in Little Rock. The library is preparing to undergo an update of its exhibits and an expansion that will include Hillary Clinton's personal archives. Hillary Clinton said part of the goal is to modernize the facility and expand it to make it a more open, inviting place for people for convene and make connections. When asked about advice he would give for people disappointed by the election results, Bill Clinton said people need to continue working toward bringing people together and improving others' lives. “If that's the way you keep score, then you ought to be trying to run up the score,” he said. “Not lamenting the fact that somebody else is winning a different game because they keep score a different way." “And in addition, figure out what we can do to win again,” Hillary Clinton added, eliciting cheers. The program featured a panel discussion with cast members of the hit NBC show “The West Wing” and former Clinton White House staffers. The weekend amounted to a reunion of former Clinton White House staffers, supporters and close friends, including former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and adviser James Carville. McAuliffe said he and Carville ate Friday at Doe's Eat Place, a downtown restaurant that was popular with Clinton aides and reporters during Clinton's 1992 White House run. He said he viewed the library and its planned expansion as important for the future. “This is not only about the past, but it's more importantly about the future," McAuliffe said. “We just went through a very tough election, and people are all saying we've got to get back to the Clinton model.”
Tech News Today Live Updates: In an era dominated by rapid technological evolution, staying informed with the latest technology news is essential. This segment offers a comprehensive look at the newest advancements and breakthroughs shaping our world. From cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence and quantum computing to updates on consumer electronics and cybersecurity, our coverage spans a broad spectrum of tech-related topics. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a professional in the field, or simply curious about how technological changes affect your daily life, our updates are designed to keep you informed and ahead in the ever-changing world of technology. Tech News Today Live: ‘Focusing on integrating AI into all products to enhance customer experience’ says BenQ India MD Rajeev Singh
After Trump’s win, Black women are rethinking their role as America’s reliable political organizers
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ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Abacus Life, Inc. ("Abacus" or the "Company") ABL , a pioneering alternative asset manager specializing in leveraging longevity and actuarial technology to offer uncorrelated investment opportunities, today announced the commencement of an underwritten public offering of 12,500,000 shares of its common stock, including 10,000,000 shares of common stock to be sold by the Company and 2,500,000 to be sold by certain stockholders of the Company (the "Selling Stockholders"). The Company and the Selling Stockholders also expect to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,500,000 shares of common stock from the Company and up to an additional 375,000 shares of common stock from the Selling Stockholders. Abacus intends to use net proceeds of the primary portion of the offering for its operations, including the purchase of life settlement policies, to support its overall business strategy, for working capital purposes, and for general corporate purposes, which may include funding previously announced and future acquisitions and repayment and refinancing of its indebtedness. Abacus will receive no proceeds from the secondary portion of the offering. The offering is subject to general market conditions, and there can be no assurances as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the size or terms of the offering. Piper Sandler & Co., TD Securities (USA) LLC, KKR Capital Markets LLC, B. Riley Securities, Inc. and SG Americas Securities, LLC are acting as joint book-running managers and representatives of the underwriters of the proposed offering. The registration statements on Form S-3 (including the accompanying prospectuses for each registration statement) relating to the proposed offering have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and became effective on November 14, 2024. Copies of the prospectus supplements relating to the offering, when filed, may be obtained on the SEC's website located at https://www.sec.gov . When available, copies of the prospectus supplements related to the offering may also be obtained from: Piper Sandler & Co. by mail at 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10020 or by email at prospectus@psc.com; TD Securities (USA) LLC by mail at 1 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017, by telephone at (855) 495-9846 or by email at TD.ECM_Prospectus@tdsecurities.com; KKR Capital Markets LLC by mail at 30 Hudson Yards, 75th Floor, New York, NY 10001, Attention: Prospectus Delivery; B. Riley Securities, Inc. by mail at 1300 17th Street North, Suite 1300, Arlington, VA 22209, by telephone at (703) 312-9580 or by email at prospectuses@brileyfin.com; or SG Americas Securities, LLC by mail at 245 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10167 or by email at us-ny-prospectus@sgcib.com . The final terms of the offering will be disclosed in the final prospectus supplements to be filed with the SEC. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the shares of the Company's common stock or any other securities, nor shall there be any sale of such shares of common stock or any other securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. Any offers, solicitations or offers to buys, or any sales of securities will be made in accordance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. About Abacus Abacus is a pioneering global alternative asset manager and market maker specializing in uncorrelated financial products. The Company leverages its longevity data and actuarial technology to purchase life insurance policies from consumers seeking liquidity. This creates a high-return asset class uncorrelated to market fluctuations for institutional investors. With nearly $3 billion in assets under management, including pending acquisitions, Abacus is the only publicly traded global alternative asset manager focused on lifespan-based financial products. Forward Looking Statements All statements in this press release (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this press release) other than historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements, many of which are outside the control of Abacus. Forward-looking information includes but is not limited to statements regarding the proposed offering, including the expected closing of the proposed offering; Abacus's financial and operational outlook; Abacus's operational and financial strategies, including planned growth initiatives and the benefits thereof, Abacus's ability to successfully effect those strategies, and the expected results therefrom. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "goals," "prospects," "will," "would," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions (including the negative versions of such words or expressions). While Abacus believes that the assumptions concerning future events are reasonable, it cautions that there are inherent difficulties in predicting certain important factors that could impact the future performance or results of its business. The factors that could cause results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the fact that Abacus's loss reserves are bases on estimates and may be inadequate to cover its actual losses; the failure to properly price Abacus's insurance policies; the geographic concentration of Abacus's business; the cyclical nature of Abacus's industry; the impact of regulation on Abacus's business; the effects of competition on Abacus's business; the failure of Abacus's relationships with independent agencies; the failure to meet Abacus's investment objectives; the inability to raise capital on favorable terms or at all; the effects of acts of terrorism; and the effectiveness of Abacus's control environment, including the identification of control deficiencies. These forward-looking statements are also affected by the risk factors, forward-looking statements and challenges and uncertainties set forth in documents filed by Abacus with the SEC from time to time, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and subsequent periodic reports. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Abacus cautions you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Abacus assumes no obligation and, except as required by law, does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Abacus does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. Contacts: Robert Phillips – SVP Investor Relations rob@abacuslife.com (321) 290-1198 David Jackson – IR/Capital Markets Associate djackson@abacuslife.com (321) 299-0716 Abacus Life Public Relations press@abacuslife.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) — Sebastian Thomas' 19 points helped Rhode Island defeat Providence 69-63 on Saturday. Thomas shot 7 for 14 (3 for 5 from 3-point range) and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line for the Rams (9-0). Jaden House scored 18 points and added five rebounds. David Green shot 4 for 11 (1 for 3 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line to finish with 12 points, while adding eight rebounds and three blocks. The Friars (6-4) were led in scoring by Bryce Hopkins, who finished with 16 points, eight rebounds and three steals. Bensley Joseph added 16 points and two steals for Providence. Jayden Pierre also had 12 points and three steals. House scored 14 points in the first half and Rhode Island went into halftime trailing 35-28. Thomas scored 17 points down the stretch in the second half to help lead Rhode Island to a six-point victory. NEXT UP Both teams next play Tuesday. Rhode Island visits Brown and Providence squares off against DePaul on the road. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
PHOENIX — With the stroke of a pen at 10:12 a.m. on Monday, Arizona now has a right to abortion in the state constitution. But the formal canvass of the vote on Proposition 139 by Gov. Katie Hobbs does not make the controversy or even the legal fights go away. Nor does it mean that women right now have the right to terminate a pregnancy after 15 weeks. In fact, this may be just the first step in what could be a months-long court battle. Attorney General Kris Mayes said she believes that the new constitutional amendment automatically overrides that 15-week state law. She said that should be obvious given that the initiative spelled out all abortions are legal without restrictions until fetal viability, generally considered between 22 and 24 weeks. And it also allows abortions beyond that point if a treating health care professional determines it is "necessary to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant individual.'' Still, Mayes acknowledged that some doctors may not be willing to perform the procedure just yet, what with the risks of criminal and civil violations under the old law, but would rather wait for a court to issue a ruling. That's the case with Planned Parenthood Arizona where an official said it will not begin providing post 15-week abortions just yet but are "quickly staffing up and updating internal care protocols to position themselves to be able to provide care after 15 weeks as quickly as possible once legal clarity is established.'' And even Dr. Paul Isaacson, a Phoenix obstetrician and gynecologist who has been a major booster of the initiative, said he has no intention of terminating such pregnancies — at least not until a court actually rules that the 15-week law is no longer enforceable. Such a lawsuit is expected, perhaps as early as next week, from either the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona or the Center for Reproductive Rights, both of which have been at the center of the state's abortion battles. All that, however, is just the beginning. There are a host of other laws on the books, ranging from waiting periods and clinic licensing to whether it's legal for a woman to terminate a pregnancy because of a fetal genetic defect. And then there's the yet-to-be-answered question of whether that fundamental right of abortion extends to minors. There's also the fact that Proposition 139 does not clearly preclude any regulation at all. It allows the enactment and enforcement of abortion laws that are "justified by a compelling state interest that is achieved by the least restrictive means.'' Supreme Court Chief Justice Ann Scott Timmer speaks Monday about the process of certifying Arizona election results during the formal canvass. She is joined (from left) by Attorney General Kris Mayes, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and Gov. Katie Hobbs. The signing of voter-approved Proposition 139 could be the first step in months of court litigation over adding the right to an abortion to Arizona's state constitution. Mayes said hashing all that out could take time. "We're looking at a fair amount of litigation over the next two years,'' she told Capitol Media Services. For example, one is in the category of "informed consent." It creates a 24-hour waiting period between when a women seeks the procedure and when it can be performed. During that time, the doctor is supposed to provide information about the nature of the procedure, immediate and long-term medical risks, the probable gestational age of the fetus and alternatives to the procedure "that a reasonable person would consider material to the decision of whether or not to undergo the abortion.'' Women also need to be informed that medical assistance may be available for prenatal, childbirth and neonatal care. And they are to be told that the father is financially liable for support, even if he has offered to pay for the procedure. A separate statute requires performance of an ultrasound and record sounds of any heartbeat — and then offer the woman a chance to see or hear them. Mayes said she does not believe any of those fit within the "compelling state interest'' exception. "That's a very, very narrow exception,'' she said. "That could be for things like ensuring licensure of medical professionals so that women who are seeking an abortion can get an abortion from a licensed care provider.'' On that front, at least, Mayes is in agreement with Cathi Herrod, president of the anti-abortion Center for Arizona Policy. "We don't let just anyone perform different types of medically invasive surgery,'' Herrod said. But she sees the exception as broader than the attorney general. "Public health and safety should require that any medical facility be licensed, including abortion clinics,'' she said. Herrod pointed out that law was put in place following the 1998 death of Lou Ann Herron after a botched abortion. Ditto, Herrod said, of requirements for doctors at abortion clinics to have admitting privileges at a local hospital. That's just the beginning of what is going to have to be sorted out by the courts. Consider that current law says a minor cannot get an abortion without either parental consent or permission of a judge. Yet Proposition 139 extends that "fundamental right to abortion'' to all, regardless of age. Herrod said she believes the requirement for parental or court consent are defensible, even with the new constitutional measure, saying such measures "serve the public interest in providing for women's health and safety.'' Mayes, however, said she has no clear answer, saying that "probably will be litigated.'' There are other, more complex laws. One makes it illegal for a doctor to perform an abortion, knowing that the reason it is being sought is the race or sex of the fetus. That law was contested in court. But the lawsuit was thrown out when challengers could not show a judge that there actually was any person at the time who was denied an abortion because of the statute. So, it remains on the books. That, in turn, became the template for a 2021 law that outlaws performing an abortion if the doctor knows the patient wants the procedure because the fetus has a genetic abnormality. In fact, that law is still being litigated by doctors, including Isaacson, who contend the law overly vague. They say it it puts them at risk of facing not just criminal charges but civil fines and possible loss of their license to practice medicine if they simply counsel patients who come to them seeking care and possibly an abortion. What's also vague, the doctors say, is putting doctors in a position of figuring out whether a genetic defect is only one reason a woman might want an abortion — which would be legal under the law — or the sole reason, which the law makes a criminal offense. Herrod also contends that nothing in Proposition 139 overturns existing laws that forbid individuals from obtaining abortion pills by mail. That became an issue in the wake of the 2022 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and its constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy. With some states returning to outright bans or restrictions, the federal Food and Drug Administration enacted rules allowing the interstate transfer of abortion pills. Arizona responded with its own state ban, one that Mayes considers null and void with the enactment of Prop 139. But the attorney general pointed out that even if the Arizona law is struck down, there's another risk on the horizon. There have been calls by some for Congress to enforce the Comstock Act, an 1873 law that makes it a crime to mail not just indecent materials across state lines but also anything "intended for producing an abortion.'' That, said the attorney general, would make it impossible for doctors to perform medication abortions as the drug is not manufactured here. Mayes said she will fight any such move, saying it interferes with states' rights. The bottom line for any challenges to existing laws could come down to what a court decides fits within that "compelling state interest'' exception to the fundamental right of abortion. Prop 139 itself seeks to provide some guidance, with a two-part test. First, it has to be enacted "for the limited purpose of improving or maintaining the health of an individual seeking abortion care.'' And all that has to be "consistent with accepted clinical standards of practice and evidence-based medicine.'' Gail Deady, a senior staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, said that is a very narrow exemption. "These regulations must respect a patient's right to make their own decisions about their health and can only be enacted if they make the procedure safer for the person seeking an abortion, using the least restrictive approach possible,'' she said. "Importantly, this rule does not allow the state to impose restrictions aimed at advancing other interests, like political or ideological goals, that have nothing to do with protecting the health of the patient,'' Deady said. Howard Fischer is a veteran journalist who has been reporting since 1970 and covering state politics and the Legislature since 1982. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, Bluesky , and Threads at @azcapmedia or email azcapmedia@gmail.com . Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. 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NASA Awards Operations, Services, Maintenance, and Infrastructure Contract
The Nike LeBron 22 "South Beach" PE has been officially unveiled. LeBron James debuted the pair during a recent game, adding excitement to the exclusive release. Strictly a player’s exclusive, this bold design pays homage to LeBron’s Miami Heat legacy. The vibrant color scheme draws direct inspiration from Miami’s iconic South Beach vibes. The sneakers feature a striking pink and teal upper that immediately grabs attention. Additionally, glossy pink overlays enhance the design, while the teal base adds balance. The yellow accents on the outsole and branding provide a bright contrast. Furthermore, the mix of colors reflects Miami’s energetic and tropical aesthetic. The design also incorporates premium materials , ensuring both style and durability. LeBron’s latest player-exclusive pair continues to push boundaries. The "South Beach" theme connects fans to the era when LeBron dominated in Miami. That period, marked by championships and cultural influence, remains a defining chapter in his career. This exclusive pair blends nostalgia and modern innovation seamlessly. It reinforces LeBron’s long-standing partnership with Nike . The "South Beach" PE is a tribute to one of the most iconic chapters of LeBron’s journey. Although unavailable to the public, its unveiling creates a buzz among fans and collectors alike. Read More: Nike Air Max Plus Shines In New “Iridescent” Release The shoes boass a vibrant design inspired by Miami’s energy. Its glossy pink overlays sit atop a teal base, creating a bold contrast. Premium materials ensure durability and performance, while yellow accents on the outsole and branding add extra flair. The shoe's streamlined silhouette highlights Nike’s cutting-edge technology, designed for LeBron’s dynamic gameplay. This exclusive PE perfectly blends style and function, celebrating LeBron’s iconic South Beach legacy with modern flair. Unfortunately for sneaker fans, this Nike LeBron 22 “South Beach” will not be available for purchase. This is strictly a "Player's Edition" and there are no plans for the public to wear this pair on the court. Read More: USC Receives Player’s Exclusive Nike Kobe 6 CleatsMullins (3), Tierney-Martin, Boyle (2), Cordero Carty (2), Naughton (2) Stavile, Fusco Da Re The Italian visitors were first on the scoreboard with a try from Bautista Stavile Bravin try before Connacht seized control. Chay Mullins went over twice on his Connacht debut and Dylan Tierney-Martin added a third try to help the Irish side to a 17-5 lead at the break. Tries from Paul Boyle, Mullins and Santiago Cordero stretched Connacht's advantage in the second half. Alessandro Fusco touched down for Zebre's second try before Boyle completed his double late in the game. Connacht had the wind at their backs in the first half but Zebre were rewarded for their early pressure as Stavile Bravin went over at the corner on six minutes. The conditions were tough for kickers - Giovanni Montemauri missed the conversion and a penalty. Mullins also touched down in the corner for his opener and added a converted try six minutes later. Tierney-Martin went over from a lineout maul before Zebre's Rusiate Nasove was yellow-carded before the interval. Boyle, who was notching up his 100th Connacht appearance, sealed the bonus point by going over from a scrum. Mullins brought up his hat-trick and Cordero also touched down before Fusco took Zebre into double figures. Boyle completed the try-scoring on a night when Jack Carty and Sean Naughton each kicked two conversions for the hosts. Jennings; Mullins, Hawkshaw, Forde, Cordero; Carty, Blade; Duggan, Tierney-Martin, Aungier; Murray, Dowling; Murphy, Hurley-Langton, Boyle. De Buitlear, Lasisi, Barrett, O'Connor, McCormack, Devine, Naughton, Ralston. Montemauri; Bozzoni, Drago, Lucchin, Gesi; Da Re, Dominguez; Buonfiglio, Bigi (capt), Hasa; Canali, Krumov; Milano, Stavile Bravin, Ferrari. Ribaldi, Rizzoli, Nocera, Nasove, Andreani, Fusco, Bianchi, Gregory.
CHICAGO — Josh Giddey had 17 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and the Chicago Bulls beat the struggling Charlotte Hornets 109-95 on Friday night. Ayo Dosunmu scored 19 points as Chicago bounced back from two straight losses. Coby White added 18 points. Giddey and Dosunmu each hit three 3-pointers for the Bulls, who led almost the entire way, sending the Hornets to their 13th loss in 16 games. Brandon Miller led Charlotte with 21 points, and Mark Williams had 15. Miles Bridges added 14 points and nine rebounds after missing 10 games because of a bruised right knee. Former Bull Taj Gibson got a standing ovation when he checked into the game with about a minute remaining. Takeaway Hornets: Though they're getting healthier after being hit hard by injuries, the Hornets can't get star guard LaMelo Ball back soon enough. The NBA's third-leading scorer missed his seventh straight game because of a strained left calf. Bulls: The Bulls were aggressive, took control early and withstood several minor pushes on the way to a rather easy win. Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu, left, guards Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, in Chicago. Credit: AP/Erin Hooley Key moment Bulls guard Lonzo Ball had the crowd roaring late in the first half when he hustled to track down a loose ball near midcourt and connected with Zach LaVine for a thunderous alley-oop dunk. After Miller hit a 13-footer for Charlotte, Dosunmu drove for a layup. Bridges got called for a technical after missing on a drive. LaVine hit the free throw to make it 59-42 with 18 seconds left but got called for a travel, leading to a floater for Miller at the halftime buzzer that cut the lead to 15. Key stat The Bulls blocked a season-high 11 shots, with Jalen Smith matching a career best by rejecting five. He also had 11 points and 11 rebounds. Up next The Hornets host Philadelphia on Monday, while the Bulls visit Toronto that night.
The local vehicle assembly and manufacturing industries have called upon the Government to maintain a fair and competitive tax structure between locally-assembled and Completely Built Unit (CBU) imports when the temporary suspension on CBUs is lifted. The full text of the media release: “The local assembly industry, under the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the Ministry of Industries, comprises over 17 assemblies producing cars, SUVs, motorcycles, electric three-wheelers, light and heavy trucks. “These assemblies are supported by local component manufacturers who produce a range of parts such as batteries, tyres, bumpers, exhaust systems, seats, plastic parts, composite parts, liners, wire harnesses, rubber components, and metal components. “During the temporary suspension of vehicle imports, many component manufacturers recruited over 5,000 technically qualified employees, including students and on-the-job trainees, contributing to the country’s human capital development. “This industry has also indirectly created over 10,000 jobs over the past five years, setting up a complete ecosystem that risks being threatened if unregulated imports are allowed. They risk losing all the advancements made over this period. “Although the SOP is a Government policy to promote local industry, the President of the Local Assemblers’ Association said the new decision to open up Completely Built Unit (CBU) imports will discourage local assemblies of international brands operating in Sri Lanka. “These brands include Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata, Lanka Ashok Leyland, DFSK, JMC, Chery, Proton, Wuling, and BAIC for four-wheelers, and TVS, Bajaj, and Hero for two-wheelers, effectively covering the below-250cc motorcycle market with several more to come. “This portfolio of international brands, set up within a short period, is a significant achievement for any country. “Another crucial aspect is the component manufacturing sector, which has grown from nothing to one capable of developing components, scaling down manufacturing processes, and meeting international standards. This growth has enabled major brands to set up operations in Sri Lanka, promoting the country’s technical ability on the world stage. “This industry expects vehicle and two-wheeler exports within the next five years, and notably, component exports to increase from USD 800 million to USD 2 billion, creating 45,000 jobs in the industry, following the example of countries such as Morocco, Thailand, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey, which have leveraged strategic advantages such as location, government incentives, and strong supply chains, to develop successful local assembly industries. This has led to economic benefits, including job creation, GDP growth, and increased exports. “A thriving local assembly industry not only contributes to GDP and job creation but also enhances the country’s industrial image, attract further foreign investments, and fosters technological and economic growth. “The assembly and local manufacturing industries call upon the Government to maintain a fair and competitive tax structure between locally-assembled and CBU imports when the temporary suspension on CBUs is removed,” the release added.