ATLANTA (AP) — Ahmad Robinson scored 21 points as Mercer beat Georgia State 71-68 on Saturday. Robinson had nine rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals for the Bears (7-6). Tyler Johnson went 7 of 15 from the field (3 for 10 from 3-point range) to add 19 points. Cam Bryant shot 4 for 7, including 3 for 6 from beyond the arc to finish with 11 points. The Bears outscored the Panthers 10-4 over the final 4 1/2 minutes. The Panthers (4-9) were led in scoring by Cesare Edwards, who finished with 20 points and two steals. Georgia State also got 14 points from Malachi Brown. Zarigue Nutter also put up 14 points and four assists. The Panthers prolonged their losing streak to six straight. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans ' most consistent scoring threat in an ugly season now is on the injury report, and that's why they brought back a player for a bit of insurance. Kicker Nick Folk worked through some soreness, making a pair of field goals for Tennessee's only points last week in the Titans' loss to the Jaguars , his longest a 46-yarder. Both Folk and Brayden Narveson were on the field Wednesday during the portion of practice open to reporters, though the Titans listed Folk among six who did not practice. Coach Brian Callahan said it was just some “general soreness" for Folk. But as good as Folk has been this season, he turned 40 last month. So the Titans (3-10) signed Narveson to the practice squad Tuesday after he spent training camp with them in case they need an option Sunday when they host Cincinnati (5-8). “You’re always mindful of it with kickers and that kind of leg soreness," Callahan said. "So he finished the game but was sore. ... He doesn’t do anything on Wednesdays anyway. He’ll try to kick (Thursday), and we’ll see where he’s at. So I don’t really know how to feel about it either way. I just know he’ll kick tomorrow, and then we’ll have a better feel for his status after that.” Folk has an NFL record streak of 85 consecutive field goals made on attempts from less than 40 yards, which included a 39-yarder that put the Titans up 6-0 last week. He ranks 14th in NFL history with 403 field goals and trails Arizona kicker Matt Prater by just four. Prater, who has 407 field goals, currently is on injured reserve. The kicker signed a new deal this offseason after New England traded him to Tennessee in 2023 with Folk going on to lead both the NFL and set a franchise record, making 96.7% of his field goals (29 of 30). Folk has been nearly perfect this season, making all 22 extra point attempts and is 21 of 22 on field goals, including matching his career-long with a 56-yarder earlier this season. Narveson had an impressive preseason for Tennessee, letting Folk focus on preparing for the regular season. The rookie from N.C. State was 6 of 7 on field-goal attempts, including a 59-yarder. He also made a 46-yard attempt as time expired in a 16-15 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. His lone miss was a 58-yarder at the end of the Titans' preseason finale that was nearly returned for a touchdown. He made his first try only to have it nullified because a timeout had been called. Green Bay claimed Narveson when Tennessee waived him at the final roster cutdown. The Packers waived Narveson in October after the kicker missed a league-high five field-goal attempts. “If for some reason he can’t go Sunday, Brayden will be ready to roll in and he’ll kick and do all that,” Callahan said of Narveson. "So obviously it’s nice to have some familiarity with him, and he’s here in case we need him.” Among the Titans who practiced fully Wednesday was quarterback Will Levis . He said after the loss to the Jaguars that he played the second half after getting a shot after aggravating his right, throwing shoulder. He sprained the AC joint in that shoulder early in a win over Miami on Sept. 30 and later missed three games with the injury. “Feel good,” Levis said after a 75-minute practice. “Just going to see how the week goes and see how the body responds, but I definitely feel better than the last time I nicked it up.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Three fires converged in 2020, destroying over 1,500 structures in the Santiam Canyon, which included massive destruction to the city of Detroit, shown here. (Oregon State University) After more than five years of waiting in some cases, wildfire survivors across the West will be relieved of paying federal income taxes on their recovery settlements and lawyers fees. The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 passed the Senate on Wednesday night, about six months after it was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives nearly unanimously. It had been stalled for months, tucked into opposing tax packages from Senate Republicans and Democrats. The bill, which is likely to be signed by President Joe Biden, would exempt people who have survived a wildfire between 2016 and 2026 from paying federal income taxes on disaster recovery settlements and fees paid to lawyers that were received or paid between 2020 and 2026. Victims elsewhere are also likely to benefit. The bill applies to the survivors of the East Palestine train derailment that occurred in Ohio in 2023, though they’ve largely been exempted from federal income tax on payments from Norfolk Southern due to intervention from the Internal Revenue Service. The disaster act would also provide relief for natural disaster survivors since 2020 in the form of a casualty loss deduction. That means that those who only received partial payments from insurers on home damage and other residential property damage could deduct those uncovered losses on their federal income taxes without itemization. Passage of the bill, introduced last year by a Florida Republican Rep. W. Gregory Steube, follows a public plea last month by a political action committee. American Disaster Survivors sponsored billboards asking for help in Idaho and Oregon to grab the attention of the two leaders of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee where the bill sat. Oregon’s senior U.S. senator, Democrat Ron Wyden, chairs the committee, and Idaho’s U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo is its ranking Republican member. The disaster PAC was founded by survivors of fires that burned towns in California during 2017 and 2018 and which are still only partially rebuilt. The bill would sunset in 2026, according to Wyden spokesperson Hank Stern, because federal tax codes are coming up for negotiation in 2025 and there is not a lot of political will to do long-term tax policy in the lame duck session before a new Congress and administration comes to power in January. Wyden said in a speech following the bill’s passage that it was necessary and long overdue. “Their homes and their businesses are burned, their possessions and livelihoods gone, and finally, the federal government is showing some common sense,” he said. He and California House and Senate Democrats and Republicans who championed the bill said despite working in a bipartisan way to get it passed in the Republican-controlled House, Senate Republicans stalled progress. “We’re going to be able to say to Westerners who’ve been hit by these big fires that they’re going to be able to go to bed tonight in the Western United States with a little relief that the federal government has finally come to its senses and made sure that they’re not going to have this additional tax burden,” Wyden said in his speech. Spokespersons for the American Disaster Relief PAC said it would impact survivors of wildfire in many states. “This has given a much needed glimmer of hope to millions of Americans across California, Oregon, Hawaii, Washington and Idaho who have been devastated by tragedy.” The federal bill is similar to a state bill that unanimously passed the Oregon Legislature in the spring of 2024 that ended state income taxation on settlements and lawyer fees for wildfire victims. That bill, Senate Bill 1520 , was championed by survivors of the 2020 Labor Day Fires, including Sam Drevo, who survived the Santiam Canyon fire that burned down much of the city of Gates in the heart of the Santiam State Forest. “On behalf of fire survivors everywhere, I am deeply grateful that this passed. I’m not super thrilled about the sunset, but it’s a huge step forward for fire survivors,” Drevo said. He and his mom are still sorting out how much she was taxed on the settlement she received to help her rebuild her home in Gates that was completely wiped out by the fires. “I know it’s going to be helpful, and to other people it’s going to be helpful. In general, it’s a huge thing to have this type of tax relief, especially in a situation where you lose everything,” he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Browns restructure QB Deshaun Watson’s contract to create cap space, flexibility, AP source says
Report: Leadership needed to address quantum threat mitigationNothing has changed; we’ll return to court on Tuesday for collation and declarationXtract One Announces First Quarter Fiscal 2025 Results
Beyond Bank Australia leverages Cognizant's expertise to modernize IT infrastructure and enhance operational resilience. SYDNEY and TEANECK, N.J. , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) has announced a collaboration with Beyond Bank Australia , one of Australia's largest customer-owned banks, to help revolutionize the digital banking experience. The collaboration aims to enhance operational resilience, streamline processes and improve customer experience through the implementation of innovative technology solutions. Cognizant's engagement is expected to uplift Beyond Bank's End User Compute (EUC) teams, automate patching processes, enable self-service and extend the value of existing licenses. These initiatives aim to create an even more resilient and secure environment for Beyond Bank's operations. Additionally, this collaboration seeks to modernize the bank's IT infrastructure, establish a Security Operations Centre (SOC) and strengthen vendor assurance frameworks to help align with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) standards. Beyond Bank's digital transformation focuses on several key workstreams, including cloud and API architecture modernization and an enterprise-wide Windows 11 migration. These integrations will be designed to be flexible, scalable and secure technology ecosystems that enable the introduction of new products with enhanced speed to market, further preparing Beyond Bank for future growth. Cognizant will also help develop a comprehensive data and information management strategy for Beyond Bank. Leveraging AI, this strategy aims to optimize structured data from core banking systems and organize unstructured data from knowledge management sources for organization-wide insights, enabling more tailored services for its customers. Leveraging Cognizant's deep banking expertise, Beyond Bank will introduce new products and services designed to better serve a younger demographic, while simultaneously enhancing the overall service experience for all customers. "Our partnership with Cognizant is pivotal in advancing our digital transformation," said Stevie-Ann Dovico , Chief Information Officer, Beyond Bank Australia. "Their expertise allows us to modernize our IT infrastructure and enhance security, aligning with our values as a customer-owned bank. Cognizant's comprehensive approach makes them the ideal partner to help us better serve our customers." "Beyond Bank is a lighthouse client for us in the customer-owned banking sector," said Rob Marchiori , Australia Country Manager at Cognizant. "By enhancing their digital capabilities, we will help them provide better services to their customers and support paving the way for a resilient banking model that addresses current and future market demands." The customer-owned banking sector is navigating increased regulatory burdens, economic pressures, and the need for digital transformation. With increased cost-to-income ratios and net interest margins, banks need to modernize operations and enhance customer engagement through innovative technology. The collaboration between Beyond Bank and Cognizant highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in supporting innovation and maintaining service standards in the evolving financial sector. About Cognizant Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. We help our clients modernize technology, reimagine processes, and transform experiences to stay ahead in our fast-changing world. Together, we're improving everyday life. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant. About Beyond Bank Australia Beyond Bank is one of Australia's largest customer-owned banks with branches and offices in New South Wales , South Australia , Western Australia , ACT and Victoria . We partner with more than 6000 community organisations around the nation to create and return value for our customers and communities. Beyond Bank is a B Corp, a business that is certified as meeting high standards of social and environmental impact, ensuring their practices benefit people, communities and our planet. To learn more, visit beyondbank.com.au For more information, contact: globalcommunications@cognizant.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beyond-bank-and-cognizant-join-forces-to-lead-the-future-of-customer-owned-banking-302328856.html SOURCE Cognizant Technology Solutions
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Billtrust , a B2B order-to-cash and digital payments market leader, has been named a Leader in two IDC MarketScape reports – IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Accounts Receivable Automation Applications for the Enterprise 2024 Vendor Assessment (doc #US51740924, December 2024 ) and IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Accounts Receivable Automation Applications for Small and Midmarket 2024 Vendor Assessment (doc #US52692224, December 2024 ). Billtrust was one of 14 providers evaluated for the enterprise report and one of 11 providers in the small and midmarket report. The IDC MarketScapes evaluate a broad set of SaaS and cloud-enabled accounts receivable automation software vendors based on innovation, functionality, range of services, customer satisfaction, cloud capabilities and architecture. "Billtrust is a Leader in the Accounts Receivable Automation Applications for Enterprise and Small and Midmarket," said Kevin Permenter , Research Director, Financial Applications at IDC. "Billtrust attempts to differentiate itself with a scalable, unified solution that simplifies AR processes and improvement to the payment experience their clients provide their customers, all while empowering their AR teams to turn financial data into insights that contribute to their business strategy. They offer an extensive suite of payment management capabilities designed to streamline and automate the accounts receivable process." Billtrust was recognized for the following strengths: The news of Billtrust's recognition as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape comes as B2B businesses are leveraging technology like generative AI to boost efficiency and optimize operations as they grapple with the challenges of cash flow management, according to a recent IDC InfoBrief study (IDC InfoBrief, sponsored by Billtrust, "AI Pushing the Boundaries of What's Possible for OTC," IDC #US52446224, August 2024 ). Billtrust recently announced new generative AI functionality within its accounts receivable software platform to empower finance professionals to better understand their business, make strategic decisions, maximize cash flow and engage customers more effectively. "We are honored to be recognized as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape, which we believe reflects our dedication to innovation, digital transformation, and delivering exceptional customer outcomes," said Sunil Rajasekar , CEO of Billtrust. "In 2024, we achieved remarkable milestones, including the launch of our generative AI tool, Billtrust Finance Co-Pilot, which provides unmatched, in-depth analysis of customer data. We are proud to support finance teams in working more efficiently, accelerating payments, and enhancing the buyer experience." About IDC MarketScape IDC MarketScape vendor assessment model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of technology and service suppliers in a given market. The research utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each supplier's position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of technology suppliers can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective suppliers. About Billtrust Finance leaders turn to Billtrust to get paid faster while controlling costs, accelerating cash flow and maximizing customer satisfaction. As a B2B order-to-cash software and digital payments market leader, we help the world's leading brands move finance forward with AI-powered solutions to transition from expensive paper invoicing and check acceptance to efficient electronic billing and payments. With more than $1 trillion invoice dollars processed, Billtrust delivers business value through deep industry expertise and a culture relentlessly focused on delivering meaningful customer outcomes. Media Contact Paul Accardo PR@billtrust.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/billtrust-named-a-leader-in-idc-marketscape-for-worldwide-accounts-receivable-automation-software-for-enterprise-and-small-and-midmarket-2024-302324426.html SOURCE BilltrustDon Tacos Partners with Kuusoft to Launch Digital Menu Boards at its First Location
Montgomery's 21 lead Southern Miss past Alabama State 81-64
NDAA sails through House as both parties see split in supportAs I listen to my friends sprinkle “Pookie” into conversation like a modern-day sonnet, I can’t help but wonder: Is this what poetry has become in the 21st century? Sonnets, once prose dipped in honey, now seem to have dissolved into emojis and cutesy nicknames. Has poetry lost its shine, its luster, in our era of abbreviations and TikTok trends? Of course, I am not hoping my friends write me poems proclaiming my beauty and intellect each morning (although I wouldn’t mind it). Still, in contrast to a century ago, or even thirty years ago, our language and poetry have been reduced to abbreviations and line breaks. Has poetry lost its shine and luster, turned into jargon being spoon-fed to the masses? With the welcoming of niche groups all over social media platforms, including groups for the more literary-minded amongst us (search for “BookTok,” for example), anything and everything is out there. However, despite that, it seems people have only further diluted the meaning of poetry and art for cheap and quick views. This brings me back to the question: is poetry alive, especially within young people? Or does our Rilke lie within TikTok slideshows? With little to no encouragement in public schools toward careers in the arts, many are left to find their interest in poetry piqued within the confines of TikTok. To explore this question further, I turned to young creatives who are redefining what poetry means today. First up, Roswitha Bwanga, who was the second-place winner of the Allyship Poetry Contest. They have been completing their studies in visual and creative arts at Sheridan College. They explore many fields of artistry, dabbling in poetry. In order to maintain clarity and flow, the following interview has been lightly edited. How did your interest in poetry emerge? I started writing poetry when I was 15, at first just to appreciate things I saw in nature. A beautiful sunrise, or a pleasant sunny day, I just wanted to write about things I would see. Then I went through a brief phase of thinking poetry was cringe-worthy, and I stopped writing altogether. But soon my life went through a lot of changes: I went to university, I learned more about the world and I realized how stressed I felt most of the time. While it was a rough time to go through, that’s how I rediscovered poetry. Writing poems became a way to get rid of all the negativity that was always holding me down, and I’ve continued to write ever since. Was there any specific poem that shaped your own life, inspiring you to write? If so, what in particular stood out? I’ve only recently started to read other poems. Before then, I never really read any classical, or contemporary poetry. Essentially, there has not been a specific poem that inspired me to write, rather it was the need to process emotions that became the motivation for me to write. As a writer, how have you adapted methods of the classics and applied them to modern pieces? I’ve never paid much attention to classical poetry methods when I originally started writing, but now I’m interested in learning about rhyming schemes and different meters. I think free verse style poetry is the most appealing to contemporary poets because there is no ideal to follow. While studying how other people approach poetry is interesting, I think poets, especially young poets just starting to write, should just write how they feel. Writing without restrictions will help you get your words out. Do you think most teenagers are capable of connecting to poetry today? This is a huge question because I think there is a multitude of factors that differ for each individual, which influences whether a person connects with poetry or not, but on the surface, I think most teenagers today think of poetry as outdated, boring, or cringey. While part of the problem lies in the way many teens might associate poetry with Shakespeare, an unpleasant English course, or school in general, I believe an inability to discuss and deal with feelings is another big reason for the disconnect between youths and poetry. It’s unfortunate because, in my opinion, many teens could benefit from writing poetry, so I really wish there was a way to get more of them engaged with writing. Even something small, like including more diverse and contemporary perspectives about poetry in school might help change their perception. —————————————————————————————————————————— After speaking with Bwanga, it seems that the key issue might not be whether teens have an innate interest in poetry, but whether they are provided with the resources to explore it. While factors like literacy rates and a focus on STEM subjects in schools play a role, the way poetry is approached within the English curriculum in Ontario’s schools also significantly influences students’ engagement with it. The only way we can expect our generation to produce poetry is to push avenues toward pursuing poetry and reading modern poetry. The curriculum pushes Shakesphere under the guise we can always learn from the past, which isn’t wrong, but rarely are students ever given opportunities to be pushed towards poetry that reflects their own lives today, leaving disinterested minds in and out of the classroom. This also becomes a discussion, then, on the value of art, and the value of learning art; while it is easy to find articles online that support teaching arts and crafts in early childhood, with benefits ranging from development of fine motor skills to overall growth and wellbeing, you need to dig a bit deeper see the benefits for older students. But find it you can: a study from earlier this year, for example, reported better problem-solving and cognitive flexibility in arts-educated students. Creativity, in other words. If we understand and buy into the argument for teaching the arts to young people, we should also be concerned with offering material that speaks to young people, material that they can connect with and may spur on their own artistic journeys. However, those who seem to be interested aren’t exactly uplifted in their environments to pursue poetry. Shakespeare does give lessons in how the magic of language changes over time, but when was the last time a teenager found inspiration for their Instagram caption in iambic pentameter? I discussed the twisted discourse with Patricia Zhang, a young creative who resides in Toronto — considered by many as the epicentre of arts and culture in the surround sound of placid Ontario. Her work consists of photography, capturing her own stylistic shots as well as portraits for smaller magazines. Although it isn’t necessarily poetry, Zhang can speak for being a young creative who pursued the arts on her own. What type of art do you do? Have you tried poetry? I do photography and writing — I have tried poetry but am not great at it, I prefer prose. Has your school encouraged you to explore other artistic pursuits, perhaps in the form of extracurriculars or via a range of courses on offer? Since I don’t go to an art school I can’t really speak on this — but I think the school I go to does have a lot of opportunities for art and I’ve participated in our school-wide art show in photography and won first. We also have a really amazing photography and art department overall. Is there a desire in teenagers to dabble in art and poetry? Is it a lack of interest or support? There is a desire in teens to dabble in art and poetry. I think that a lot of the time, it seems really scary or impossible to get published — and that deters a lot of young artists. I think there is a lot of interest for these young voices in art, but for support, I would definitely say for things such as writing and art it would be great if young artists could have a way to access a larger network of people who can help them get published since it looks super daunting at first sight. The art culture in Toronto specifically is really beautiful, though, and so, so, so welcoming to emerging artists. —————————————————————————————————————————- Zhang seems to be in the lucky majority, residing in Toronto where art runs around like the debris of construction. But she does offer more evidence that teens are willing and able to write poetry, they just lack access to the tools needed. Networks that offer connections and provide examples of what a successful working artist (in whatever medium) looks like in today’s world might encourage more young creatives to enter into that space. Representation is, as ever, another essential piece — seeing successful, working artists of colour can only expand minds and possibilities. It is up to you to decide whether or not poetry is still alive. The exploration of poetry’s relevance today is far from settled, but I can’t dictate what poetry means to you. Though I may trash it, people are fleeing to TikTok and other social media apps to access their dose of poetry. Does this type of poetry, that great tweet, a J. Cole song, or a surprisingly inspiring real-estate slogan, make the medium less valuable — or simply more accessible? Language, after all, is an ever-morphing tool that will carry new turns of phrase to new generations. And social media, like it or not, is where young people congregate today, so if socials manage to engage teenagers in poetry and other art forms that they may not otherwise see, this surely is a positive. It’s up to us to decide whether we see poetry as something to be left in the past or as a powerful catalyst for creativity and progress — a medium that not only evolves with each generation but also propels us forward, shaping how we express, connect, and grow as individuals and as a society. Maybe poetry is now tucked inside the emojis we send, the lyrics we hum, and the TikTok slideshows we scroll past. Like sunlight through curtains, it sneaks in, whether we notice it or not.
CGI expands operations in multiple U.S. metro markets with DaughertyIsrael's first political show trial against anti-Netanyahu protesters won't be the lastAmbitions, bills and grudges: Reasons DeSantis for defense secretary may never happen
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) — Cobie Montgomery had 21 points in Southern Miss' 81-64 win over Alabama State on Thursday. Montgomery shot 6 for 10 (6 for 9 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Golden Eagles (4-4). Denijay Harris scored 20 points and added 20 rebounds. Neftali Alvarez shot 4 of 6 from the field and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points, while adding six rebounds. The Hornets (3-6) were led in scoring by CJ Hines, who finished with 18 points. Amarr Knox and Shawn Fulcher each had 11 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
ALMOST 4,000 drivers were hit with parking tickets after experimental AI cameras wrongly determined they had been blocking bus lanes. Officials say the cameras were not properly programmed for the routes they were covering, leading to the embarrassing mix-up. The artificial intelligence cameras were launched earlier this year on certain buses in New York City . Plans are afoot to have these cameras on more than 1,020 buses by the end of the year. A further 1,000 are expected to have the cameras installed next year. The scheme is costing the city a staggering $83 million, with Hayden AI taking the contract. READ MORE ON A.I. Hayden AI will be paid an additional $58m to install their technology on the additional 1,000 buses, bringing the scheme's total price to about $141 million. But the cameras have so far mistakenly ticketed around 3,800 cars, reports NBC New York . Of those, nearly 900 were legally parked. Many of the drivers even received photos supposedly showing their infractions which ended up proving they had done nothing wrong. Most read in Motors The MTA, which manages buses in the Big Apple, says that a human reviews each citation made by the AI cameras. An MTA spokesperson told the outlet the cameras weren't properly programmed for the routes they monitored. On one route, the cameras misidentified parked cars, and on another, they issued citations where full enforcement hadn't begun yet. Drivers receive a $50 fine for blocking a bus lane, with an increased fine of $250 for each subsequent violation. But the city says only a tiny fraction of violators receive a second citation. New York has already refunded drivers who had paid and reversed the citations. You can avoid being ticketed by following all posted laws and ordinances, but sometimes mistakes are made Like any form of citation, parking tickets are preventable by reading and obeying posted signage. However, when visiting a new city, or state, or in a hurry, things can be missed and mistakes are made. Suddenly there's a ticket you weren't prepared to pay for. If the ticket is a surprise to you, there are a few things you can do to help your case when appealing a parking ticket. Carefully read the ticket. Look for errors like incorrect street names, license plate numbers, vehicle make and model, time and date, etc. Errors would then make the ticket invalid. Take photos. Of the vehicle in the parking space, lack of signage, or other vehicles that weren't cited for performing the same parking job. If the ticket involves parking too close to something like a fire hydrant, a photo showing a reasonable distance would help your case. Make sure metadata with the time and date are accessible. Signs that are obstructed by trees, or are on bent posts, or aren't "obvious" are great things to photograph, too. Make sure the statute that was violated is listed on the ticket. If not listed, the ticket is not valid. Promptly follow the appeal instructions on the ticket. All legitimate tickets will have directions for appeal. Waiting until the very last moment weakens your argument and can result in late fees. When in court, avoid these phrases as they reduce your credibility and weaken your argument: "I didn’t know the law." "I was on my way to move my car." "I can’t afford this ticket." "I’ve been doing this for years." "I checked with the parking officer, who said it was OK." Contact a lawyer. If you're running into roadblocks and feel stuck, it may be best to reach out to a traffic lawyer in your area. Many have free case consultations. Source: Reader's Digest The MTA says it has fixed the software issue that caused the mistaken citations to begin with. "One of the purposes of the warning phase for newly activated routes is to work out any issues before anyone is actually ticketed," Tim Minton, the MTA’s Communications Director said. "In this situation, there were programming kinks, both in the mapping of curb areas and the timing of warnings themselves - all of which have now been resolved." Defending the scheme, the MTA says that since the ticketing scheme was launched, bus speeds have gone up about 5%. Read More on The US Sun More than 293,000 vehicles have been caught illegally blocking bus lanes so far this year, according to NYC's Department of Finance. That represents a 570% increase over 2021, with the city's revenue from bus lane fines rising from $4.3m annually to $20.9m.
NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Future Vision II Acquisition Corp., (NASDAQ: FVNNU) a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company (the "Future Vision”), and Viwo Technology Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company operating its business via wholly owned entities in China ("Viwo”), today announced that, on December 10, 2024, they have entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Merger Agreement. Amendment No. 1 to the Merger Agreement requires pre-Business Combination Viwo shareholders to enter into a lock up agreement with respect to Future Vision shares they receive from the consummation of the Business Combination. The lock up is designed to align the interests of these shareholders with the long-term growth of the post-Business Combination company, Viwo Inc. Under the terms of the lock-up agreement, shareholders will be required to enter into a lock-up agreement, which includes a Viwo Inc. performance based release mechanism. This mechanism provides that shares are released based on the achievement of specific financial performance milestones and time-based criteria. Key Highlights of the Lock-Up Agreement: Company Shareholders' shares received in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination will be locked up for two (2) or three (3) years from the Effective Time of the Business Combination if the following performance-based milestone is met by Viwo Inc. Condition of the Two-Year Lock-Up Period Shares will be eligible for release if Viwo Inc. achieves an audited gross revenue growth of 20% by the end of the first fiscal year and 30% by the end of the second fiscal year, or a compounded growth rate of 24.96% year over year for the two-year period. If Viwo Inc. does not achieve the required gross revenue growth, than the shares will be locked up for a third year. Condition of the Three-Year Lock-Up Period: Shares will be eligible for release if Viwo Inc. achieves an audited gross revenue growth of 126.2% by the end of the third fiscal year, representing a compounded growth rate of 28.46% year over year, or 45% revenue growth from the second year assuming Viwo Inc. achieves a compounded growth rate of 24.96% year over year for the first and second years. Forfeiture of Shares to Release Lock Up: Alternatively, shareholders may effect the forfeiture of 10% of their Consideration Shares after the end of the third fiscal year to release the lock up. "We believe that this lock-up agreement, with its staggered release mechanism, will foster a stronger alignment between shareholders and the company's long-term goals,” said Fidel Wang of Viwo Technology Inc. "By tying the release of shares to specific financial performance milestones, we are reinforcing our commitment to sustainable growth and value creation.” About Viwo Technology Inc. Viwo is an innovation-driven technology company specializing in AI and "Martech” (marketing + technology) services, as well as AI and software development services. Viwo's mission is to drive business growth and enhance corporate value for its customers. Viwo assists customers across various industries in achieving digital upgrades and transformations, thereby creating future value. Viwo is committed to continuous technological innovation with the aim of industrializing intelligent digital technology. About Future Vision II Acquisition Corp. Future Vision II Acquisition Corp is a newly incorporated blank check company incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. While we will not be limited to a particular industry in our identification and acquisition of a target company, we intend to focus our search on businesses within the technology, media, and telecommunications sector. Additional Information about the Business Combination and Where to Find It To facilitate the Business Combination, Future Vision will file a registration statement on Form S-4 (as may be amended from time to time, the "Registration Statement”) that will include a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus of Future Vision, and after the Registration Statement is declared effective, Future Vision will mail a definitive proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Business Combination to its shareholders. The Registration Statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, when declared effective by the SEC, will contain important information about the Business Combination and the other matters to be voted upon at a meeting of Future Vision's shareholders to be held to approve the Business Combination and related matters. This communication does not contain all of the information that should be considered concerning the Business Combination and other matters and is not intended to provide the basis for any investment decision or any other decision in respect to such matters. Future Vision and Viwo may also file other documents with the SEC regarding the Business Combination. Future Vision shareholders and other interested persons are advised to read the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and the amendments thereto and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed in connection with the Business Combination, when available, as these materials will contain important information about Future Vision, Viwo, and the Business Combination. When available, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials for the Business Combination will be mailed to Future Vision shareholders as of a record date to be established for voting on the Business Combination. Shareholders will also be able to obtain copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein, without charge, once available, at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . Participants in the Solicitation / No Offer or Solicitation Future Vision, Viwo, and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Future Vision shareholders in connection with the proposed Business Combination. A list of the names of the directors and executive officers of Future Vision and information regarding their interests in the business combination will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus when available. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such other jurisdiction. Forward-Looking Statements Neither Future Vision, Viwo, nor any of their respective affiliates make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K. This Current Report on Form 8-K is not intended to be all-inclusive or to contain all the information that a person may desire in considering the proposed Business Combination discussed herein. It is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the proposed Business Combination. This Current Report on Form 8-K and the exhibits filed or furnished herewith include "forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the proposed transactions by and among Future Vision, Merger Sub, and Viwo, including statements regarding the benefits of the transaction, the anticipated timing of the Business Combination, the business of the Company and the markets in which they operate. Actual results may differ from expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words or phrases such as "aspire,” "expect,” "estimate,” "project,” "budget,” "forecast,” "anticipate,” "intend,” "plan,” "may,” "will,” "will be,” "will continue,” "will likely result,” "could,” "should,” "believe(s),” "predicts,” "potential,” "continue,” "future,” "opportunity,” "seek,” "intend,” "strategy,” or the negative version of those words or phrases or similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Future Vision's and Viwo's expectations with respect to future performance and anticipated financial impacts of the proposed Business Combination. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside Future Vision's and Viwo's control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic markets; risks related to the business of Viwo and the timing of expected business milestones; changes in the assumptions underlying the expectations of the Viwo regarding its future business; the effects of competition on the Viwo's future business; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Future Vision, Viwo, and/or the combined company or others following the announcement of the proposed Business Combination and any definitive agreements with respect thereto; the inability to complete the proposed Business Combination, including, without limitation, the inability to obtain approval of the shareholders of Future Vision or to satisfy other conditions to closing; the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards in connection with and following the consummation of the proposed Business Combination; the risk that the proposed Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations of Future Vision and Viwo as a result of the announcement and consummation of the proposed Business Combination; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; costs related to the proposed Business Combination; changes in applicable laws or regulations and delays in obtaining, adverse conditions contained in, or the inability to obtain regulatory approvals required to complete the proposed Business Combination; the Parties' estimates of expenses and profitability and underlying assumptions with respect to shareholder redemptions and purchase price and other adjustments; the possibility that the combined company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the filings made by Future Vision with the SEC, including the proxy statement/prospectus that will be filed relating to the proposed Business Combination. 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. Future Vision and Viwo caution that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Future Vision and Viwo caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Neither Future Vision or Viwo undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: Ms. Caihong Chen, CFO of Future Vision Email: [email protected]Eyes on the skies
Canada is already examining tariffs on certain US items following Trump’s tariff threat
A Middlesex resident lost $45,000 in a crypto-currency scam. Police were made aware of the fraud on December 10, after an individual reported that they had been made victim. According to OPP, the victim clicked on a pop-up ad on a social media site that advertised an investment opportunity. Police say that the victim became suspicious when additional funds were requested to ‘unlock’ and retrieve the initial investment funds. If you have been victim of a fraud, you are not alone. Fraud is a multi-billion dollar industry that relies on confusion and chaos to victimize people. Reporting fraud can help police prevent further victimization in the future – report it, and always avoid suspicious activity online involving people you don’t know. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 15 Amazon Canada Stocking Stuffers Under $10 That Everyone Will Love 19 Gifts Under $50 That Are Better Than A Gift Card 19 Practical Gifts That Anyone Would Love To Unwrap Home The Good Stuff: Our Favourite Christmas Lights For 2024 Our Guide To The Best Sectional Sofas You Can Get In Canada Our Guide To The Best Electric Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Gifts 25 Last-Minute Secret Santa Gifts From Amazon Canada That’ll Arrive On Time 19 Of The Best Gifts For People Who Love To Cook 28 Crowd-Pleasing Gifts For The Pickiest People On Your List Beauty 12 Budget-Friendly Products To Add To Your Winter Skincare Routine Our Guide To The Best Self Tanners You Can Get In Canada 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About Deals Don’t Walk, Run! These LEGO Kits Are On Sale And Ready To Gift Black Friday May Be Over, But You Can Still Take Advantage Of These Amazing Sales On Amazon Canada It's Officially Travel Tuesday: Here Are The Best Deals On Flights, Hotels, And Vacations London Top Stories Blizzard, snow squall warnings in effect, as much as 80cm possible in some areas Man assaults and disarms police in Hyde Park bank: London police Proposal for nurse practitioners at long term care homes welcome news at Ailsa Craig groundbreaking Experts react to Bank of Canada interest rate cut 'I'd prefer to put security over commerce': Sarnia mayor reacts to potential border spending Local charities split $80K donation from LSTAR London police say pedestrian threw coffee at driver, threatened them with knife, and fled on city bus NEW | Middlesex resident loses $45,000 in crypto-currency scam: OPP CTVNews.ca Top Stories Elon Musk calls Justin Trudeau 'insufferable tool' in new social media post Billionaire Elon Musk is calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'an insufferable tool' in a new social media post on Wednesday. 'Won't be in power for much longer,' Musk also wrote about the prime minister on 'X.' Banks lower prime rates following Bank of Canada move Canadian financial institutions are lowering their prime lending rates to match the decrease announced by the Bank of Canada. Police locate labyrinth of tunnels connecting tents to generator in Hamilton encampment Hamilton police say that they discovered a series of “man-made holes and tunnels” during a patrol of a downtown encampment earlier this week. Trudeau will have to 'kiss the ring' to achieve smoother bilateral relations with Trump: John Bolton If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants to get on U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's good side for the sake of a smooth bilateral relationship, he'll likely have to be openly deferential, says former U.S. National Security Advisor, John Bolton. Police identify murder victim whose skull was found in Ontario river more than three decades ago Police have identified a man whose skull was found almost 40 years ago in a Peterborough-area river. Certain foods may disrupt your body's fight against cancer cells, study says The food you eat may be affecting your body’s ability to fight cancer cells in the colon, according to a new study. Canada Post strike: Talks deadlocked as sides clash on wages Negotiations between Canada Post and the union representing its workers appear to be in a deadlock as the two sides remain far apart on wages and other issues. Poilievre's Conservatives still in majority territory: Nanos seat projections The Liberals' promise of a temporary GST break and $250 rebate cheques haven't benefited Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his minority government when it comes to public support, according to Nanos Research data. George Kresge Jr., who wowed talk show audiences as the The Amazing Kreskin, dies at age 89 George Joseph Kresge Jr., who was known to generations of TV watchers as the mesmerizing entertainer and mentalist The Amazing Kreskin, has died at age 89. Kitchener Another blast of winter weather coming our way After a few days of warmer weather, winter is making its return. 140-pound dog strolls solo into Giant Tiger store in Stratford, Ont. A furry, four-legged shopper was spotted in the aisles of a Giant Tiger store in Stratford, Ont. on Sunday morning. Large watermain repair closes stretch of Kitchener road until Friday A large watermain repair has closed a stretch of Strasburg Road in Kitchener. Barrie Blizzard and snow squall warnings issued with hazardous travel expected Prepare for some wicked weather expected to hit the region on Wednesday, with heavy snowfall up to 80 centimetres possible and gusty winds creating dicey travel conditions. Driver speeding 155km/h in posted 80 zone in dense fog charged: OPP A motorist accused of speeding 75 kilometres per hour over the posted limit in the Town of Mono through dense fog will have to explain their actions in court. Modified shotgun, axe and drugs seized from vehicle in Midland parking lot: OPP Two people face charges after a driving complaint in Midland led officers to allegedly find drugs, an axe, baton and a modified shotgun. Windsor Kingsville man dies after crash on Manning Road Essex County OPP say Manning Road is closed after a crash involving a dump truck. $64,000 bank fraud suspect arrested Windsor police say a bank fraud suspect, who was wanted in Windsor, has been arrested in York Region. Invest Windsor-Essex facing major financial deficit Invest Windsor-Essex is facing a big budget cut. Essex County council recently agreed to lower the amount of funding to Invest Windsor-Essex and the City of Windsor is set to do the same. Northern Ontario Sudbury police make big drug bust at apartment connected to assault suspect As Sudbury police continue to investigate Tuesday's assault on Elm Street, a search of the apartment where some of the suspects were found uncovered $135,000 in drugs. Ontario man charged with sex trafficking underage girls from Sudbury, Kingston Two young girls, from Sudbury and Kingston, Ont., were rescued from sex trafficking in the GTA and their suspected abuser has been charged, but police fear there may be more victims. Sudbury family celebrates liberation of their home country of Syria A Syrian family living in Sudbury, Ont., is celebrating a significant political shift in their home country after rebels took over the government. Sault Ste. Marie Ontario man charged with sex trafficking underage girls from Sudbury, Kingston Two young girls, from Sudbury and Kingston, Ont., were rescued from sex trafficking in the GTA and their suspected abuser has been charged, but police fear there may be more victims. Doctor shortage crisis turning into a catastrophe in the north: OMA Northern Ontario doctors are calling on the province to immediately address an acute doctor shortage in northern Ontario. SPONSORED | Is your credit card’s travel insurance enough? When you’re planning a trip, you always want to ensure you have coverage for any unexpected events, whether that’s a medical emergency, needing to cancel a trip at the last-minute (or during the trip!), or even for lost baggage. Many credit cards offer travel insurance as a perk, but do they provide you with enough coverage? Ottawa Council approves 3.9% tax hike in 2025 City of Ottawa budget, hikes senior fares $9 City council has voted to approve the 2025 City of Ottawa budget that will include scaled back fares hikes for seniors and retain youth discount passes while raising taxes across the board for most homeowners. Driver receives $10K in fines for speeding 134 km/h over speed limit on Highway 174 in Ottawa, police say An Ottawa driver faces $10,000 in fines and is banned from driving for two years after being observed going 134 km/h over the speed limit on Highway 174. Canada Post workers rally at headquarters as strike enters fourth week Canada Post workers are continuing their fight for a deal as their strike stretches into its fourth week. Toronto Police locate labyrinth of tunnels connecting tents to generator in Hamilton encampment Hamilton police say that they discovered a series of “man-made holes and tunnels” during a patrol of a downtown encampment earlier this week. Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy in response to Trump's tariffs Ontario Premier Doug Ford hinted Wednesday about Canada 'cutting off' energy supply to the U.S. in response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff plan on all Canadian imports. Police identify murder victim whose skull was found in Ontario river more than three decades ago Police have identified a man whose skull was found almost 40 years ago in a Peterborough-area river. Montreal Montreal billionaire Robert Miller facing new sex charges Montreal billionaire Robert Miller is facing new criminal charges as he waits to go on trial on several sex offences. Amber Alert ends after child, 9, found safe, police say Quebec provincial police have ended the Amber Alert issued earlier on Wednesday for a nine-year-old boy. Montreal plans to turn Molson Brewery site into residential neighbourhood The old industrial Molson Brewery site downtown Montreal will be transformed into a residential neighbourhood with a public park and some 5,000 housing units. Atlantic Officer receives suspension after two Mi'kmaq elver fishers left without boots A federal fisheries officer has been suspended for 10 days without pay for his role in arresting two Mi'kmaq elver fishers late at night and releasing them in only their socked feet. Truro man wanted on provincewide warrant: N.S. RCMP The RCMP is searching for a man from Truro, N.S., who is wanted on a provincewide warrant. Maritime weather: Rainy, windy weather moves through region More rain and wind are ahead for the Maritimes Wednesday through Thursday, with weather warnings in effect for parts of the region. Winnipeg Winnipeggers face 5.95 per cent property tax increase in budget Winnipeggers will be paying more property taxes than expected next year. Manitoba nurse found not criminally responsible for killing parents has licence to practice suspended A Manitoba nurse who was found not criminally responsible for killing his parents and attacking another nurse in a Winnipeg hospital has been suspended from practicing. Woman, 72, dies following crash on Highway 41: RCMP A 72-year-old woman is dead following a crash on an icy Manitoba highway Tuesday morning. Calgary 'Suspicious person' prompts shelter in place at Calgary building, turns out to be RCMP officer Calgary police say an RCMP officer inadvertently prompted a shelter in place order at an Eau Claire office building on Wednesday. Multi-vehicle highway collision in southern Alberta leaves 4 dead, 1 injured Four people are dead following a multi-vehicle crash in southern Alberta on Monday evening. Local art therapist working with marginalized and vulnerable men to help them share their stories Jennifer Seniuk started an initiative called 'My Friend Dave' after meeting up with Dave Lanza at a warming station last winter. Edmonton Pair accused in killing of apartment security guard to spend Christmas in jail A man and a woman charged in the killing of a security guard in Edmonton will spend Christmas and New Year's behind bars. Edmonton police acted reasonably in 2022 shooting that killed innocent man: police watchdog Alberta's police watchdog has cleared three Edmonton police officers in the death of a civilian in his apartment in 2022. Crash involving school buses ties up south Edmonton traffic Two school buses carrying children were involved in a crash in south Edmonton Wednesday morning. Regina Extreme cold warnings issued for Regina, Saskatoon and much of eastern Sask. Extreme cold warnings are now in effect as Saskatchewan enters a cold snap, which is expected to last until the end of the week. SaskPower bills to rise an average of 2.9% in 2025 due to carbon tax rate increase Residents in Saskatchewan will see a slight increase in their power bills come the new year, as the federal price on carbon is set rise. Sask. premier sees rise in approval as new term begins, according to poll Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has seen a bump in his approval rating as his new term begins, according to a recent poll from Angus Reid. Saskatoon Cold weather in Saskatchewan spurs furnace breakdowns, carbon monoxide concerns The return of bitterly cold temperatures has first responders and HVAC technicians on stand-by, ready to respond to emergencies. 'Unfortunate coincidence': Two Saskatoon power outages not related, city says The city's two major power outages within a week were caused by different reasons, according to Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P). River search for missing Saskatchewan man suspended Emergency crews have suspended their river search for a missing Saskatchewan man. Vancouver Distress call leads to discovery of camper's body on Vancouver Island Mounties say a 42-year-old man who was camping on Vancouver Island has been found dead after rescuers were alerted to a distress signal from his satellite communication device. Commercial truck driver charged after parked cars struck in Metro Vancouver A commercial truck driver is facing impaired driving charges after police say his tractor-trailer collided with four parked cars in Port Coquitlam, B.C. Short-term rental not a 'business,' B.C. owner claims in rejected assessment appeal A B.C. man's unique claim that his short-term rental unit was not a "business," but an "investment" for the purposes of his 2024 property assessment has been rejected. Vancouver Island Distress call leads to discovery of camper's body on Vancouver Island Mounties say a 42-year-old man who was camping on Vancouver Island has been found dead after rescuers were alerted to a distress signal from his satellite communication device. No Santa, no Rudolph: B.C. mother questions lyric changes for son's school concert A Saanich, B.C., mom is questioning why her son came home from school with the words “Santa,” “Rudolph” and “Christmas” crossed out on a lyric sheet for his winter concert. Commercial truck driver charged after parked cars struck in Metro Vancouver A commercial truck driver is facing impaired driving charges after police say his tractor-trailer collided with four parked cars in Port Coquitlam, B.C. Stay ConnectedReport: Leadership needed to address quantum threat mitigation