GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Coach Billy Napier and his team did something no one at Florida had done in nearly two decades. It could be the turning point for a once-proud program that clearly slipped in recent years. DJ Lagway threw two touchdown passes , Montrell Johnson ran for 127 yards and a score , and the Gators upset No. 9 Mississippi 24-17 on Saturday to knock the Rebels out of College Football Playoff contention . Florida (6-5, 4-4 Southeastern Conference), which topped LSU last Saturday in the Swamp, beat ranked teams in consecutive weeks for the first time since 2008. “We're just getting started,” said Napier, who is expected back for a fourth season in 2025. “This is part of the big-picture journey. Belief is the most powerful thing in the world." Ole Miss (8-3, 4-3), which was a 10-point favorite, lost for the first time in four games and will drop out of the 12-team playoff picture. The Rebels ranked ninth in the latest CFP and needed only to avoid a letdown against Florida and lowly Mississippi State to clinch a spot in the playoff field. “Obviously a lot was at stake, and we didn’t come through," coach Lane Kiffin said. "A lot of missed opportunities.” The Rebels failed to score in three trips inside the red zone and dropped countless passes in perfect weather, miscues Kiffin called “very unusual.” Still, Ole Miss had chances late. But Jaxson Dart threw interceptions to end the team's last two drives . Bryce Thornton, beaten for a touchdown in the first half, picked off both. The second one came with 17 seconds remaining and set up a raucous celebration by defenders in the end zone. Dart completed 24 of 41 passes for 323 yards, with two TDs and the two picks. He was sacked four times and also scrambled 14 times for a team-high 71 yards. “You look at the way we played, we had a chip on our shoulder for sure," defensive tackle Cam Jackson said. The Rebels probably would have had a comfortable lead had it not been for repeated failures inside the 20-yard line. Defensive tackle J.J. Pegues, a 325-pound wrecking ball out of the backfield, was stopped on two fourth-down runs inside the 20-yard line, and Caden Davis missed a 34-yard field goal in the second quarter. Ole Miss' drops were egregious, including at least three that probably would have been touchdowns. Jordan Watkins (twice), Wells (twice), Dae’Quan Wright and star receiver Tre Harris were among the droppers. Florida was much more efficient. Lagway completed 10 of 17 passes for 180 yards , with an interception. He made three throws with defenders draped all over him. “Those were the plays of the game,” Napier said. Johnson had a few of those, too. His 9-yard scoring run from the wildcat formation was huge and came after missed most of the last four games. “I focused on grinding and trying to work my way back," Johnson said. "Last week I got a couple carries and this week I shot to the moon.” Days after Kiffin raved about the health of his team, the Rebels had three starters go down with injuries. Harris, returning after missing the last three games with a strained groin, re-injured it the second quarter and did not return. Safety Yam Banks also was carted off the field after injuring his left knee, and center Reece McIntyre left the game. Right tackle Micah Pettus also was injured on a play but was able to return. Injured quarterback Graham Mertz got the loudest ovation during Florida’s senior day. Mertz’s college career ended when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a 23-17 overtime loss at then-No. 8 Tennessee last month. The graduating class also includes Johnson, defensive tackle Desmond Watson and cornerback Jason Marshall, who also is out for the season. Mississippi: The Rebels needed better offensive balance. Playing without running back Henry Parrish Jr. (knee) for the second consecutive game, Ole Miss threw the ball 41 times. Dart also scrambled 14 more. It worked at times against Florida’s depleted secondary but wasn't a recipe for success. Florida: The Gators now have a chance to close the regular season with three consecutive wins, more proof that Napier has the team on the right track. Mississippi: The Rebels host Mississippi State in a rivalry known as the Egg Bowl on Friday. Florida: The Gators play at rival Florida State next Saturday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
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DALLAS , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bestow , a leading technology company in the life insurance industry, has been named one of the Top 100 Financial Technology Companies of 2024 by The Financial Technology Report . This recognition highlights Bestow's innovative approach to modernizing life insurance and its commitment to delivering seamless, high-impact solutions. The Financial Technology Report annually highlights organizations redefining financial services with innovation, influence, and impact. Bestow's inclusion places it among industry leaders, underscoring its role in transforming how life insurance is provided. "This recognition is a testament to our team's relentless focus on creating a better way to offer life insurance," said Melbourne O'Banion, CEO and Co-Founder, Bestow. "Bestow plays a crucial role in driving rapid innovation within the industry, and I'm proud of our team's commitment to our mission." Bestow's proprietary platform removes traditional barriers in the life insurance process, offering a fully digital experience that eliminates the need for medical exams and lengthy paperwork. Its advanced technology enables businesses to quickly integrate life insurance solutions and products into their platforms, helping carriers increase customer growth and profitability. Since its inception, Bestow has been at the forefront of insurtech innovation, leveraging data science and AI, forging strategic partnerships, and developing scalable solutions that empower businesses and broaden access to life insurance. This leadership has solidified its position in the evolving financial technology sector. Earlier this year, Bestow was recognized as one of the Top 25 Insurtech Companies by The Financial Technology Report for its success in partnering with leading carriers to broaden the reach and impact of life insurance solutions. Additionally, CNBC honored Bestow as one of the world's leading insurtech companies of 2024. For more information about Bestow, visit: Bestow.com About Bestow Bestow is on a mission to increase financial stability for everyone. We partner with top life insurance carriers to deploy cutting-edge technology and data solutions that reduce costs, maximize efficiency, and drive growth by streamlining processes from origination and underwriting through administration. To learn more, visit Bestow.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bestow-named-a-top-100-financial-technology-company-of-2024-302333006.html SOURCE Bestow Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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A Democratic state senator’s errant email is shedding light on new taxes that she and her colleagues may pursue in 2025 as well as a strategy to sell them to the public. Sen. Noel Frame , D-Seattle, sent the missive last Friday as a follow-up to discussion during a Washington state Senate Democratic Caucus retreat. But she inadvertently blasted it out to every Republican senator too. You can predict what happened next. Her email and attached PowerPoint presentation found their way onto social media. A furor followed. Conservative podcaster Brandi Kruse, a former television journalist, led the way, calling the materials “worse than getting a lump of coal in your stocking.” “Probably the worst email and ideas in state history,” wrote Rep. Travis Couture , R-Allyn, on X. He will be the lead Republican on the House Appropriations Committee next session. Frame on Monday described the email mixup as a “very simple error.” She said her presentation was intended as an “education exercise” for her Democratic colleagues. With the state facing a multi-billion dollar shortfall, she said her role as vice chair of finance on the Senate Ways and Means Committee is to explore tax options while others try to identify savings. “I wanted to get the conversation started early. Not this early. Now, every legislator is better prepared,” she said On the list Frame’s email says the quiet part out loud. House Speaker Laurie Jinkins and Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen have said voters’ preserving of the capital gains tax in the November election is a sign they’re comfortable with requiring super-wealthy individuals and large businesses to pay a little more. And Democratic budget writers in the two chambers have already indicated that they plan to consider all revenue options to erase a shortfall estimated between $12 billion and $16 billion over the next four-and-a-half fiscal years. They’ve just not itemized tax policies in the manner Frame did. For example, there have been private conversations on attempting a statewide version of Seattle’s JumpStart tax levied on companies with large payrolls and high-paid employees . Frame puts it atop her list. The idea is employers would pay a tax on the total compensation paid to employees making more than $168,600 annually. It would affect companies with an annual payroll of $8 million or more in Washington. A “wealth tax” is on her list as well. Last year, she proposed a 1% levy on intangible assets above $250 million such as cash, bonds and stocks. Gov. Jay Inslee last week called for a similar tax on wealth above $100 million. Frame’s PowerPoint includes a guesstimate of what might be raised if the threshold is lowered to $50 million. In addition, Frame suggests the Democratic majorities in the House and Senate could make another run at a 1% real estate transfer tax on any portion of property sales above $3.025 million. That proposal didn’t reach the finish line last session. Her roster includes a 1% surcharge on taxes paid by the state’s largest corporations, an excise tax on guns and ammunition sales, a lift of the 1% cap on annual property tax increases , and a sales tax on self-storage unit rentals. “We can fund world-class schools, affordable housing, and more by making the wealthy few pay what they owe,” reads the PowerPoint. “We have to identify the villain and the problem blocking our progress and how we can take action to solve the issue.” ‘Frame’s viewpoint’ Pedersen said Monday he doesn’t think it’s “necessarily a bad thing” the email got out. Democrats are trying to be transparent on the pluses and minuses of different revenue options, he said, adding that there will be months of discussion “before we get to the answer.” Even so, Pedersen distanced himself from the content. “The PowerPoint contained language that Sen. Frame was trying to sell the caucus on and I’ll say that reflects Sen. Frame’s viewpoint, and that’s not necessarily the viewpoint of any other member,” he said. Frame also outlined tax relief ideas such as a renters’ credit and a property tax exemption for one’s primary residence. A margin tax for businesses is on the list too. This would allow a company to choose a major deduction — like the cost of labor — before tax is calculated on its gross receipts. In her email, Frame invited her Democratic colleagues to reach out if they had interest in sponsoring a revenue bill. “Let’s spread that tax policy love around!The people that president-elect Donald Trump has selected to lead federal health agencies in his second administration include a retired congressman, a surgeon and a former talk-show host. All of them could play pivotal roles in fulfilling a new political agenda that could change how the government goes about safeguarding Americans' health — from health care and medicines to food safety and science research. And if Congress approves, at the helm of the team as Department of Health and Human Services secretary will be prominent environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine organizer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans didn’t need to see what Baltimore’s Derrick Henry is doing this season to be reminded of just how dangerous he can be. He ran all over the Texans for years while playing in the AFC South for the Tennessee Titans. Henry and the Ravens (10-5) visit AFC South champion Houston (9-6) on Wednesday, looking for a win to keep their AFC North title chances alive. Baltimore has clinched a playoff berth for a third straight season but needs wins in its last two games and one loss by the Steelers to capture the division. Henry, who ranks second in the NFL with 1,636 yards rushing, has had some of his greatest success against the Texans. Four of the 30-year-old’s six career 200-yard rushing games have been against Houston, including a career-high 250 in the season finale in the 2020 season to surpass 2,000 yards. “You talk about fast, explosive, physical — he’s looking probably the best he’s looked in his career,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s found that fountain of youth ... he’s a great player. It’s fun to see guys rebound and bounce back the way that he’s done this year.” Dealing with Henry along with all the challenges that quarterback Lamar Jackson presents makes the top-ranked Ravens one of Houston’s more difficult matchups. “You talk about MVP, (Jackson’s) definitely the MVP in my mind just for what he’s doing not only in the run game but also throwing the football,” Ryans said. “The accuracy, the decision-making, like, he’s playing unbelievable ball right now, so it’s going to be a really tough challenge for us this week.” Another challenge for the Texans is moving on after Tank Dell sustained a season-ending knee injury in Saturday’s loss to Kansas City. His injury is another blow to a receiving group that already was without star Stefon Diggs, who tore his ACL in Week 8. “The position we’re in, it’s not a lot of times where you can sulk in your feelings for very long,” quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “You’ve got to just keep rolling. I think that’s a testament to just life in general. Everybody has stuff on their plate. Everybody is going through something. And just because we’re in this position, doesn’t mean you get to feel sorry for yourself.” Houston will rely on Stroud to keep the passing game rolling despite the loss of Dell, who ranks second on the team with 667 yards receiving. Baltimore coach John Harbaugh has been impressed with Stroud’s growth in Year 2 and knows that dealing with him will be difficult for his team, which ranks 31st in the NFL by allowing 254.9 yards passing a game. “He’s just a supertalented guy... he’s surrounded with some good weapons, and he gets the ball out quick,” Harbaugh said. “He handles pressure well, he can move, he’s athletic, scrambles and makes plays.” Jackson is a big fan of Beyoncé, though he didn’t know the title of his favorite song of hers, saying it was “To the left,” which is just the first lines of her hit “Irreplaceable.” And he doesn’t think playing in Wednesday’s game should stop him from seeing her halftime show on Christmas . “I’m going to go out there and watch,” he said. “First time seeing Beyoncé perform, and it’s at our game — that’s dope. I’m going to go out and watch. Sorry Harbaugh, sorry fellas." He later clarified that he was kidding about sneaking out at halftime to get a glimpse of Queen Bey. “I was just thinking about just seeing Beyoncé for the first time,” he said. “Not saying it like that; no disrespect, because I know how people can take things. Next question.” Houston receiver John Metchie could have a chance for a big game with Dell out. Metchie is playing in his second NFL season after missing his entire rookie year while undergoing cancer treatment. He has just 182 yards receiving this season, with his best game coming against Detroit, when he had a career-high 72 yards receiving and his only NFL TD. Stroud is looking for Metchie and fellow reserve Xavier Hutchinson to help make up for Dell’s absence against the Ravens. “Those guys have another opportunity to show who they are and I know that they can do it,” Stroud said. “I see them in practice do it every week. So, I’m excited for them and it’s a good opportunity for them to step up.” Jackson is up to 6,023 yards rushing for his career. The NFL record for a quarterback is 6,109 by Michael Vick, so Jackson could break it with a big game on Wednesday. Jackson also leads the NFL in passer rating and is in the conversation for his third MVP. Although it sounds like that’s a discussion he’d rather not get involved in. “No other choice but to hear it,” Jackson said. “They (are) tagging me in it. You don’t (have) to tag me. You can talk about it all you want, but you want to tag me to get like clickbait because you know sometimes I (will) say something back like, ‘That was stupid.’ It is what it is. I don’t care, though. I really don’t care about the talk.” AP Sports Writer Noah Trister in Owings Mills, Maryland, contributed to this report. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Empowered Funds LLC grew its position in ESSA Bancorp, Inc. ( NASDAQ:ESSA – Free Report ) by 5.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 47,608 shares of the financial services provider’s stock after purchasing an additional 2,412 shares during the quarter. Empowered Funds LLC owned approximately 0.47% of ESSA Bancorp worth $915,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in ESSA Bancorp by 0.5% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 441,226 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $8,044,000 after buying an additional 2,056 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its position in shares of ESSA Bancorp by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 30,115 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $530,000 after acquiring an additional 977 shares in the last quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in ESSA Bancorp by 4.8% during the second quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 29,444 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $518,000 after purchasing an additional 1,343 shares during the last quarter. Signature Estate & Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in ESSA Bancorp in the second quarter valued at approximately $300,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets increased its stake in ESSA Bancorp by 27.1% in the first quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 4,502 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $82,000 after purchasing an additional 961 shares during the last quarter. 54.15% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. ESSA Bancorp Stock Up 0.7 % Shares of NASDAQ:ESSA opened at $20.30 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $19.25 and a 200-day simple moving average of $18.24. ESSA Bancorp, Inc. has a twelve month low of $15.29 and a twelve month high of $21.50. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04. The company has a market capitalization of $205.64 million, a PE ratio of 11.43 and a beta of 0.37. ESSA Bancorp Announces Dividend About ESSA Bancorp ( Free Report ) ESSA Bancorp, Inc operates as a bank holding company for ESSA Bank & Trust that provides a range of financial services to individuals, families, and businesses in Pennsylvania. The company accepts savings accounts, interest bearing demand accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, club accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs, and other qualified plan accounts, as well as commercial checking accounts. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ESSA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ESSA Bancorp, Inc. ( NASDAQ:ESSA – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for ESSA Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ESSA Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .