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cockfighting meaning CHOICEONE FINANCIAL ANNOUNCES CASH DIVIDENDSLouis-Jacques scores 17, Colgate defeats Vermont 65-60Deal on Elgin Marbles ‘still some distance’ away, says George Osborne

U.S. Energy Development Corporation (USEDC), an exploration and production company focused on the development of energy projects throughout North America, provides its outlook on the oil and gas markets in the wake of Donald Trump’s successful presidential bid and the Republican party securing control of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. • Deal Flow: Evaluated over 800 oil and gas opportunities, with strong deal flow continuing into Q4. • Capital Deployment: On track to deploy 100% of the projected $750 million announced earlier this year. • Focus Areas: Continued investments in the Permian Basin, recognized as one of the premier regions for predictable productivity and returns. • Improved Efficiencies: U.S. Energy continues to see wells decrease in cost per lateral foot while maintaining productivity, driving margin expansion. Matthew Iak, USEDC Executive Vice President, provides the following insights: Despite the geopolitical uncertainty in the U.S. and the rest of the world in 2024, the energy markets have remained relatively stable, and deal flow has been strong. It is almost paradoxical that during a tumultuous year, globally and domestically, the energy market’s remarkable achievement has been its truly unremarkable stability. For USEDC, we continued to see a steady, attractive deal flow, many at advantageous price levels for companies with a solid capital structure and robust infrastructure. We anticipate that our teams will evaluate 800-plus deals of all sizes in 2024 and expect to deploy 100% of the projected $750 million announced earlier this year. We continue to actively pursue and invest in deals within the Permian Basin, recognizing it as one of the best areas for predictable productivity and returns. In our recent Oil & Gas Market Update, “‘Drill Baby Drill’: Breaking Down the GOP’s Plan for Oil & Gas Dominance,” we highlighted how the post-election political landscape stands to open significant doors for oil and gas companies. With that said, questions around the current rule-making and regulatory environment remain to be answered, and we will be watching potential changes in this space closely. Proposed Department of Labor regulations could pose challenges across various sectors, while potential tax changes, like the elimination of certain tax treatments by the IRS, such as the 1031 deduction, promise a chilling effect on the oil and gas and real estate markets. This administration could drive positive change in the energy sector if it is able to foster more peace in the Middle East, maintain a strong dollar which makes oil more affordable in the U.S. and increases revenue from international buyers, maintain competitive corporate tax rates and policies, and unlock federal oil leases to boost production. A certainty in the U.S. economy for the past several years was the explosion of energy demand for data centers in almost every major market in the U.S. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and the seemingly exponential increase in electricity demand driven by these technologies has completely changed the conversation around domestic natural gas production. For the U.S. to continue to be the world’s leader in AI, data centers, and digital currency production, we also must be the world’s leader in affordable energy and energy infrastructure. Other energy sources, such as nuclear, present compelling options for meeting these demands sustainably and reliably over the long term. However, in the near term, natural gas stands out as a highly viable fuel source due to its extensive reserves – estimated to last for centuries under current consumption rates – and strong pipeline infrastructure. In the upcoming term of the new administration and beyond, it is going to be critical that our government and industry be pro energy in all forms. Conversations in Washington, D.C., Austin and other state capitals should take a long-term view and embrace all energy sources, fossil, nuclear and renewable. Signaling a long-term commitment to a pro-energy economy could make energy companies open to larger, longer-term investments in generation, pipelines and infrastructure that keep us ahead of our international competitors. For now, industries seem to be returning to long-term plans knowing they have at least four years with a pro-energy, pro-business administration. USEDC looks forward to making the most of this opportunity on behalf of the company and our partners. Source: U.S. Energy Development CorporationJosh Hubbard scored 25 points and Claudell Harris Jr. scored 21 on 6-of-9 shooting as Mississippi State escaped with a 91-84 win against Prairie View A&M on Sunday in Starkville, Miss. Prairie View A&M took a 65-64 lead with 10:38 remaining, but Hubbard and Harris Jr. each scored seven points to power the ensuing 14-1 run that put Mississippi State up for good. Hubbard punctuated the rally with a 3-pointer that made it 78-66 with 5:51 to play. The Bulldogs (8-1) stretched their lead to as many as 13 points in the closing minutes to notch their second straight win. Shawn Jones Jr. added 11 points for Mississippi State, while Michael Nwoko added 10 points and 10 rebounds. RJ Melendez also netted 10 points. The Panthers (1-8) were led by the trio of Nick Anderson (21 points) Tanahj Pettway (20) and Marcel Bryant (19). Pettway drilled 4 of 5 3-pointers and Bryant grabbed seven rebounds. Prairie View A&M got off to a hot start, opening up a 27-12 lead with 10:42 left in the first half. It was a surprising haymaker from the visitors, who entered the game winless in Division I play and faced a Bulldogs team that was ranked last week. Mississippi State eventually found its stride offensively, turning things around with a 32-17 run to tie the game at 44 entering halftime. The Bulldogs shot 50 percent from the field overall in the first half, but only made six of their 17 attempts from 3-point range (35.3 percent). Their defense remained an issue throughout the half, with the Panthers hitting 16 of their 27 shots (59.3 percent) and canning 5 of 8 3-pointers. Neither team led by more than five early in the second half until Mississippi State pulled away. The Bulldogs finished the game shooting 55.6 percent from the floor (30-of-54) and drilled 11 of 26 attempts (42.3 percent) from long range. They outrebounded Prairie View A&M 35-22 and outscored them 31-20 in bench points. The Panthers held a 34-32 advantage in points in the paint and shot 56.4 percent overall for the game, including 52.6 percent (10-of-19) on threes. --Field Level MediaECRI Expands Safety Solutions to Enhance Patient Care and Staff Well-Being

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Traditional Chinese medicine gains increasing popularity among foreignersA UK ticket-holder has won £177 million in Tuesday’s EuroMillions draw. A UK ticket-holder has won £177 million in Tuesday’s EuroMillions draw. But it is not the largest prize a person has won in this country. Here are the 10 biggest UK lottery winners – all from EuroMillions draws – and what some of them did with their fortunes. – Anonymous, £195,707,000 A UK ticket-holder scooped the record EuroMillions jackpot of £195 million on July 19 2022 – the biggest National Lottery win of all time. – Joe and Jess Thwaite, £184,262,899.10 Joe and Jess Thwaite, from Gloucester, scooped a then record-breaking £184,262,899 with a Lucky Dip ticket for the draw on May 10 2022. At the time, Joe was a communications sales engineer, and Jess ran a hairdressing salon with her sister. – Unclaimed ticket holder, £177 million Tuesday’s winner is wealthier than former One Direction member Harry Styles and heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, who are both worth £175 million, according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List. Players have been urged to check their tickets to see if they can claim the prize. – Anonymous, £170,221,000 The fourth biggest winner of the National Lottery to date scooped £170 million in October 2019, after matching all the numbers in a Must Be Won draw. – Colin and Chris Weir, £161,653,000 Colin and Chris Weir, from Largs, North Ayrshire, bagged their historic winnings in July 2011, making them the biggest UK winners at the time. Colin used £2.5 million of his fortune to invest in his beloved Partick Thistle Football Club, which led to one of the stands at the stadium being named after him. He later acquired a 55% shareholding in the club, which was to be passed into the hands of the local community upon his death. He died in December 2019, aged 71. The couple also set up the Weir Charitable Trust in 2013 and donated £1 million to the Scottish independence referendum in 2014. They divorced in the same year as Colin’s death. – Adrian and Gillian Bayford, £148,656,000 Adrian and Gillian won 190 million euros in a EuroMillions draw in August 2012, which came to just over £148 million. The couple bought a Grade II listed estate in Cambridgeshire, complete with cinema and billiards room, but it was sold in 2021, some years after the pair divorced, as reported by The Mirror. – Anonymous, £123,458,008 The seventh biggest National Lottery winner won a Superdraw rollover jackpot in June 2019, and decided not to go public with their success. – Anonymous, £122,550,350 After nine rollovers, one lucky anonymous ticket-holder bagged more than £122 million in April 2021. – Anonymous, £121,328,187 Another of the UK’s top 10 lottery winners found their fortune through a Superdraw jackpot rollover, this time in April 2018. – Frances and Patrick Connolly, £114,969,775 Former social worker and teacher Frances set up two charitable foundations after she and her husband won almost £115 million on New Year’s Day 2019. She estimates that she has already given away £60 million to charitable causes, as well as friends and family. She considers helping others to be an addiction, saying: “It gives you a buzz and it’s addictive. I’m addicted to it now.”

Last year, a homeless shelter in Portsmouth called Cross Roads House received a little over $65,000 in donations from charitable gaming, while the NH Coalition to End Homelessness brought in about $39,000. Both nonprofits partnered with different New Hampshire casinos — one significantly larger than the other. A new legislative proposal from State Rep. Dick Ames, a Jaffrey Democrat, seeks to reshape charitable gaming by capping the revenue any single nonprofit or charity can receive annually. The bill stems from concerns raised during state gaming commission meetings this year. Some charities voiced frustration that while a few rake in over $100,000 a year in donations, others struggle to make even $10,000. “It would be an interim step towards developing a better system,” said Ames. “But it would be fair and more systematically constructed.” The exact limits on annual revenue haven’t been finalized yet, Ames said. As for whether different types of charities — like booster clubs or veterans’ organizations — should have separate caps, he said that’s not something he plans to weigh in on. Meanwhile, another lawmaker wants to replace historic horse racing machines with video lottery terminals that are similar to slot machines. State Rep. Fred Doucette, a Salem Republican, is championing this change to direct more money to both the state and charities. Operating historic horse racing machines is costly because of their complex technology and math, and right now only 8.75 percent of the revenue from those machines goes to charities. But with video lottery terminals, Doucette says charities will get the same 35 percent of casino revenue in donations as they do from table games if they operate video lottery terminals. “The inevitability of going forward with these types of machines is beneficial to all involved, most importantly, the charities,” Doucette said, though he acknowledged that the faster pace of play might raise some concerns. “In my book, the state has an opportunity to get some more revenue. The market is there.” Under the current draft of the bill, a quarter percent of the revenue from these slot-like machines will be directed to problem gambling programs, while 4.75 percent will go to the retirement fund for police and fire personnel. At the same time, State Rep. Bill Ohm, a Nashua Republican, has introduced a proposal to let municipalities decide whether they want historic horse racing machines in their communities — much like how they can allow or ban Keno, the electronic lottery-style game. Right now, casinos must apply for historic horse racing licenses, and towns don’t have the option to opt-out. When charitable gaming was first allowed in New Hampshire, the goal wasn’t to open the door for big casinos. Instead, it was meant to support smaller, local operations. But over time, that’s turned into a boom of gaming halls, complete with restaurants and entertainment. “My bill is, to try to correct that situation I thought it’d be appropriate to put this decision in the hands of the voters,” said Ohm. “If we want that, then that’s fine, but let’s make sure that we go through the normal procedure, which is to have a new form of entertainment in the form of this historic horse machines be treated as we did Keno.” Ohm is also pushing for a new bill that would assess large gaming halls, like the ones in Salem and Nashua, based on the enterprise value of the property. Lawmakers respond to gaming growth One emerging bill would make historic horse racing facilities share a cut of the revenue from their machines with the communities where they’re located. Another one is focused on creating a charitable gaming oversight commission to ensure casinos are transparent about how they select charity partners and how the charities spend the money they receive. A recent projection from a gaming consultancy hired by a legislative commission suggests that New Hampshire’s gaming market could grow into a $1.1 billion industry in just three years, thanks to current trends and an influx of out-of-state casino operators. With new gaming venues popping up across the state, the gambling landscape is shifting from small gaming rooms to full-fledged entertainment complexes. Legislators are working to get ahead of this growing industry with new regulations and oversight. “It’s evolving rapidly, much more rapidly than anticipated,” said Ames. “There’s a lot to think about and a lot that was not anticipated in terms of the amount of money involved. The casinos that are participating in charitable gaming are becoming large and owned in most cases by out-of-state interests.”

(Image: Google) (Image: Google)In the landscape of digital memory, screenshots have been our personal and very informal archive – collections of information captured in moments of urgency or inspiration. Google 's Pixel Screenshots feature emerged from understanding how people interact with digital information, leveraging artificial intelligence to reimagine how people capture, store, and retrieve the fragments of information that compose their daily experiences. In a candid conversation that peeled back the layers of Google's innovation, Times of India - Tech caught up with Friedman, one of the key architects behind the Pixel Screenshots app. Max Friedman , Pixel Product Manager at Google, recalls the team's initial contemplation about personal computing. "Our phones are becoming the most important device for us," he explained. "However, a lot of the experiences on your phone aren't actually personalized.” This observation wasn't just a critique but a starting point for reimagining how technology could better serve user needs. The core philosophy behind Pixel Screenshots is deceptively simple: enhance an existing user habit without demanding additional effort. "Users are already taking screenshots. They're already using those screenshots later on to reference information or complete tasks," Friedman noted. The challenge was to close the loop, making the screenshot journey seamless and intelligent. The team's approach was unconventional. Instead of building another agent, Friedman explains that the team wanted to think of AI more like a sidekick that helps you around on your journey, something. Their inspiration? The magical house in Disney's animated musical fantasy, Encanto. "We thought about what if we could make the Pixel phone gradually more like the casita from Encanto, in the sense that it adapts to your needs as they come," Friedman said. Before the December Pixel drop, screenshot management was evolving towards more intelligent solutions. Google's new approach aimed to solve a common problem: the challenge of finding specific information within a growing collection of screenshots. "We've all been there - you know you saved that restaurant's address or your friend's Wi-Fi password somewhere, but scrolling through hundreds of images is a challenge," explained Sarah Chen , Google's VP of Pixel Software, during the Made by Google event, back in August, when Google announced the "Pixel Screenshots" with the Pixel 9 phones. The Pixel Screenshots app introduced a new approach to digital information management. Powered by Google's Gemini Nano technology, it could analyze and organize screenshots in real-time, transforming them from static images into searchable information repositories. Users could now ask specific questions like "What was Sam's Wi-Fi password?" or "When does that concert go on sale?" The app would scan through saved screenshots, extract relevant information, and provide answers alongside the source image. The fundamental challenge was understanding user behavior. People take screenshots constantly – concert tickets, restaurant recommendations, Wi-Fi passwords, product details – but retrieving that information later becomes a digital treasure hunt. "We wanted to take an existing habit that users already have, and just make it better and more useful without requiring any additional effort," Friedman articulated. (Image: Google) What's new with Pixel Screenshots in the December's drop, is this philosophy manifests through several nuanced features and it’s existence beyond just a mere app. First up is Gboard integration, which is a practical solution much welcomed. Friedman shared a personal anecdote: after screenshotting a concert ticket for an artist he didn't know, the app automatically surfaced the musician's music in Spotify. Just so you know, Gboard is the default keyboard app on Pixel phones, and as for the apps it works with, it works with all the Google apps and selected third-party apps, which Friedman says will continue to grow. Another integration that introduces another layer of interaction is Circle to Search. Users can now circle specific screen segments, saving precise information snippets with potential actions. "We're trying to make it easier for users to save the information they want," Friedman explained. Privacy remains a critical consideration. Unlike cloud-based solutions that might compromise user data, these features operate entirely on-device, powered by the new Tensor G4 chip. "We have a strong principle of processing everything on-device without sending information externally," Friedman emphasized, addressing potential user concerns transparently. The Details page now functions more like an intelligent assistant than a passive viewer. Action chips can extract specific information – a customer support email from a museum ticket, contact details from a screenshot, potential purchasing links. These weren't just conveniences; they were bridges between captured information and actionable experiences. Wallet integration adds practical utility, allowing users to instantly add tickets, boarding passes, and essential documents to Google Wallet . But it's more than a storage solution. The team was deliberate about maintaining user agency. "We want to make sure the automation that we're doing helps achieve the user goal," Friedman noted. When questioned about potential redundancy with existing apps, like Photos, which already has some of the features that could have done the job, like natural language search, image sorting, and Lens integration, the team was clear. Screenshots serve a different purpose from photo collections. "Users take photos for many different reasons, but screenshots are taken because users want to save some type of information and use it later," they explained. The current implementation is exclusive to the Pixel 9, a calculated approach to introducing AI capabilities responsibly. The device's processing capabilities allow for nuanced, on-device intelligence that older models cannot support, explained Friedman, when we asked that why this isn't available on older Pixel phones, which already have plenty of AI features. The long-term vision is thoughtful. Imagine screenshots that become contextually relevant years after capture – a restaurant recommendation resurfacing when you're in that city, or a forgotten contact detail emerging precisely when needed. In a world with overwhelming information, Pixel Screenshots offers a glimpse of technology that doesn't just digital fragments but makes them meaningfully accessible. As Friedman put it, the goal is creating an experience where things happen seamlessly in the background, personalizing your experience without requiring you to do anything different. "Screenshots aren't just an app with a repository of information," Friedman asserted. "It extends beyond the app into the operating system. It integrates into different surfaces where you are." The most profound aspect of Pixel Screenshots isn't any single feature, but the underlying philosophy of device intelligence. Google's vision extends beyond mere screenshot management. "We're laying the groundwork for some incredible personal intelligence features," Friedman said, echoing the team's ambitious vision. The goal isn't just to organize screenshots but to create what he describes as a "magical experience where things happen seamlessly in the background." It's an ambitious vision, but a genuine attempt to understand and enhance how people interact with their digital lives. Pixel Screenshots' approach to our personal archival is a promising step towards a more intuitive digital ecosystem.

And he wanted one of them to start showing his all-conference form again. The Great Danes took advantage of an opportunity to check both of those boxes with a 93-50 win over the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez at the in the Puerto Rico Clasico tournament in San Juan. Killings played 14 players, only one of whom was out there for more than 20 minutes, and that was redshirt junior Amar’e Marshall, who scored 17 points on 6-for-9 from the field and 3 for 5 from 3-point range in 21 minutes. Marshall missed most of the preseason prep work with a thumb injury on his shooting hand, but Friday’s game showed he’s on the road back to where he was before the injury. “One of the priorities was to get Amar’e going,” Killings said via Zoom. “I don’t think he’s been as impactful as we want him to be and he wants to be. “But he’s probably practiced five times in six weeks. I think his instincts are coming back, his confidence is coming back, and we want to ride that wave through the next two games. If we’re going to win games, we need Amar’e Marshall to play really well.” UAlbany will play two more games in Puerto Rico, against Kansas City on Saturday and American on Sunday. Marshall showed some flashes of his old self in a 70-60 win over Siena in the Albany Cup at Broadview Center last Saturday, but Friday’s performance was more complete. Besides his scoring, he had five assists, three rebounds and two steals. “I was just trying to get into the groove of things, get that feeling of running up and down the court and tightening up my game,” Marshall said. “I feel like last time I hit the court, I was just playing sloppy.” “I think he’s an all-league player, and if he pushes himself, he’s Player of the Year in the league, so if we’re going to set the bar that high, I’ve got to be a little harder on what he’s doing out there,” Killings said. “This is a good step in the right direction.” The Great Danes (4-1) put the game away early, taking a 39-16 lead with over five minutes left in the first half. Marshall scored 10 points during that stretch. Byron Joshua had had 13 points and five assists for UAlbany, Aaron Reddish scored 12 and DeMarr Langford, Jr., scored 11. “Justin [Neely] had two great games. To see him come back and play that good, it shows how much firepower we’ve got,” Marshall said. “Everybody can have their night. It could be a different guy every day. I really enjoy playing for this team and feel like there’s multiple guys that can do it for us.” Wilkin Paulino, a 6-foot-3 combo guard out of Worcester, Massachusetts, has committed to join the Great Danes in 2025-26. "The New England native brings a level of toughness, competitiveness, and hunger that will help him find success early and have a positive impact as a freshman,” Killings said in a release this week. “We are excited about his recent growth as a player and believe his best basketball days are ahead of him.” Paulino plays AAU for The House We Built of the Hoop Group Elite AAU Circuit and currently attends Proctor Academy in Andover, New Hampshire, for which he was named team captain for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons. He is ranked the 11th-best player in New Hampshire according to the New England Recruiting Report. Heading into the season, Paulino is averaging 14.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. “The reason why I chose UAlbany is because of the coaching staff, and how they took really good care of me and my mother when we visited," Paulino said in the release. "I saw how everyone in the coaching staff took time out of their day to start a bond with me, it felt like home. They also have a plan for me and I 100% trust them. I'm super excited to get to work on and off the court.”EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Stephen Olowoniyi scored 18 points as Southern Indiana beat Shawnee State 91-56 on Sunday. Olowoniyi also contributed five rebounds for the Screaming Eagles (5-5). Damoni Harrison scored 17 points and added five rebounds. Braxton Jones shot 4 for 11 (1 for 6 from 3-point range) and 4 of 5 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points. Donovan Lovelace led the way for the Bears with 12 points and seven rebounds. AJ Belton and Cory Gardner added nine points apiece. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Frankel's free throws help Northeastern hold off Colgate late, 78-75

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In 2023, more than 5 tons of shells were confiscated at Juan Santamaría and Daniel Oduber airports The massive extraction of marine shells , incentivized by local and international tourism, has generated a devastating impact on marine ecosystems , a silent problem that threatens the natural wealth that defines the country as an ecological paradise. This practice, often ignored, puts at risk the delicate balance of the beaches, habitat of species essential for biodiversity and the basis of sustainable tourism. The indiscriminate extraction of shells generates profound environmental consequences, among which Dr. Yolanda Camacho, a biologist at the University of Costa Rica, details accelerated erosion, as it reduces the structural stability of the beaches, making them more vulnerable to extreme climatic phenomena and rising sea levels. {link1} This is compounded by the alteration of marine habitats, because shells play a key role in the formation of calcareous structures, fundamental for organisms like corals. Another consequence is the loss of shelters for key species: species like hermit crabs, essential for the local food chain, depend on shells as refuge. Their decline is evident in areas like Puntarenas. Just as the chemical imbalance of the ocean, shells help prevent the acidification of seawater. Without them, acidity alters the availability of essential nutrients like iron and nitrogen, affecting species reproduction and the ability to form calcium carbonate skeletons and shells. In 2023, more than 5 tons of shells were confiscated at Juan Santamaría and Daniel Oduber airports. However, the difficulty in determining their origin (Pacific or Caribbean) causes many to end up buried. The answer: science, innovation, and collaboration FIFCO, through its Imperial brand, in partnership with MINAE-SINAC, AERIS, and UCR, presents an innovative solution showcased in the documentary “Back Home.” This project not only highlights this ecological crisis but also offers a real solution. At the heart of this initiative is an artificial intelligence application developed by FIFCO, capable of identifying in seconds whether a shell belongs to the Pacific or the Caribbean, with an accuracy of over 90%. For its creation, a database was generated with 18,500 images of shells collected with the help of more than 200 volunteers. This technology allowed the classification of 36,000 shells in record time. Impact of the project For the first time, the seized shells were not buried. All those confiscated over the course of a year were returned to the sea, restoring their role in marine ecosystems. This milestone marked a profound change in the way of addressing this environmental issue. “The Ministry of Environment and Energy, through SINAC and other agencies, promotes collaborative work with public institutions, private entities, and civil society to preserve and restore ecological balance .” Back to Home not only raises awareness but also offers technological tools to manage seized shells and protect our marine ecosystems,” said Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy. Beyond Restoration: A Commitment to Prevention The documentary aims to educate the public and transform the perception of seashells: they are not tourist souvenirs, but key pieces for biodiversity and the well-being of coastal communities. “At FIFCO, we believe that sustainability is a shared responsibility.” “This project reflects our commitment to leading with purpose, uniting science, technology, and collaboration to give back to nature what belongs to it,” added Maria Pía Robles, Director of Corporate Relations at FIFCO. Back Home is not just a documentary, it is an invitation to be part of the change. Imperial urges citizens, tourists, and businesses to become ambassadors of marine biodiversity , making responsible decisions to protect the beaches that are the pride of Costa Rica. Tags Care About the Environment costa rica news Daily News documentary extraction marine conservation National News Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Lamar Jackson was nearly flawless for the Baltimore Ravens in Monday night's win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The reigning MVP of the league had 177 passing yards, three total touchdowns and zero turnovers. Instead of talking about Jackson's incredible performance against the Chargers, ESPN's "First Take" talked about his legacy. Stephen A. Smith, Jeff Saturday and Shannon Sharpe debated if Jackson's career would be considered a failure if he doesn't win a Super Bowl when it's all said and done. While that talking point has been a thing for the past few seasons, NFL fans believe it's egregious that "First Take" had this discussion right after a statement win for the Ravens. They believe it's unfair to Jackson, who could very well win his third MVP. "Lamar Jackson discourse must keep the lights on at ESPN headquarters at this point," one fan replied. "Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Tua, Jared Goff, and Justin Herbert aren’t 2-time MVPs," a second fan pointed out. Another fan said, "Do they consider Dan Marino's career a failure?" "Career is insane lol but ring culture is apart of why sport discourse stinks now," a social media user wrote. Does Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Tua, Jared Goff, and Justin Herbert Get this type of Coverage? pic.twitter.com/HWoPgPWdDe Unfortunately for Jackson, analysts will use his lack of playoff success against him for as long as they can. On the bright side, Jackson could silence his critics by leading the Ravens to the promised land this season. Of course, that's easier said than done. Ron Jenkins/Getty Images Jackson has 3,053 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and three interceptions for the Ravens this season. Last year, he had less touchdown passes and four more picks. The Ravens are 8-4 heading into this Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. That'll be another test for Jackson, who constantly shows up in marquee regular-season games. Related: NFL Fans React To Major Snowstorm In Forecast For Week 13Forget Nespresso, Ninja Hot and Iced Coffee Maker Is at Its Lowest Price for Post-Black FridayManhattan DA Alvin Bragg's Assistant Robbed by Venezuelan Gang Member

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The freight forwarding sector is a backbone for global trade, ensuring the seamless movement of goods across borders. In Bangladesh, this sector is critical in facilitating the export of garments, seafood, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, leather, perishable items, and more. Despite its importance, freight forwarders in the country face persistent challenges that hinder their ability to operate efficiently and contribute optimally to trade facilitation. Lack of recognition of freight forwarders’ role: Stakeholders such as manufacturers, exporters, and importers often undervalue the role of freight forwarders, perceiving them merely as service providers rather than strategic partners. This perception limits collaboration and trust, preventing forwarders from innovating and offering value-added services. Additionally, policy formulation in Bangladesh rarely involves consultations with freight forwarders or other key stakeholders. This results in policies that fail to address operational needs and create complications. Freight forwarders frequently encounter difficulties with the National Board of Revenue (NBR), customs authorities, government agencies, port authorities, and banks. Regulators and facilitators have yet to fully recognize the strategic importance of freight forwarders in trade facilitation. Licensing and regulatory issues: The licensing regulations set by the NBR are outdated and require urgent revision. Freight forwarders must obtain separate licenses for each port, an inefficient process that increases operational complexity. A unified licensing system across Bangladesh would significantly streamline operations. Online application submissions and simplified procedures are also critical to modernizing this process. Inefficiencies in customs operations: Freight forwarders often face undue delays due to inefficient customs operations. Lengthy queues and slow processing of day-to-day formalities hinder smooth operations. Arbitrary decisions and complicated procedures surrounding the Import General Manifest (IGM) and Export General Manifest (EGM) further reduce efficiency and competitiveness. Customs decisions frequently result in delays, fines, and unnecessary complications. Moreover, freight forwarders often struggle to reach the relevant customs officials for clarifications or dispute resolution. The lack of timely communication exacerbates delays and increases uncertainty. Ambiguities in existing regulations create opportunities for inconsistent enforcement, leading to malpractice and inefficiencies. Freight forwarders are often subject to subjective judgments by officials instead of standardized rules, causing delays in cargo clearance and increasing costs. Burdensome taxes and banking policies: Freight forwarders in Bangladesh face high taxes on international transactions, such as payments to shipping lines and overseas agents. These include Value Added Tax (VAT) and Advance Income Tax (AIT), which significantly inflate operational costs. Foreign exchange transactions through formal banking channels are also taxed heavily, adding to the financial burden. Policies from the central bank further complicate operations. For instance, handling Bills of Lading (B/L) — essential documents in international shipping — remains inefficient due to outdated and manual verification processes mandated by Bangladesh Bank. These delays disrupt supply chains and increase operational costs. Another challenge is remitting payments to foreign service providers. Freight forwarders encounter lengthy approval processes and excessive documentation requirements, which strain relationships with international partners. Delays in payment transfers also result in penalties and lost opportunities for preferential rates. Unregulated practices by shipping lines: Shipping lines in Bangladesh frequently impose arbitrary charges without prior notice or justification. Detention charges for delayed container returns—often due to port congestion or customs inefficiencies—are a prime example of unfair costs borne by freight forwarders. Additional charges, such as non-schedule fees and unforeseen delay penalties, further burden the industry. The absence of effective regulation has allowed monopolistic behaviours among shipping lines, where dominant players dictate terms to freight forwarders and their clients. These practices increase costs, create an unethical trading environment, and threaten the competitiveness of the country’s trade sector. Challenges in bonded warehousing and cargo villages: Bonded warehouses are vital for trade facilitation, but inefficiencies and outdated regulations hinder their effective use. Freight forwarders have called for reforms, including merging bonded warehouse licenses with freight forwarding licenses to streamline operations and reduce redundancy. The cargo village at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) is another area of concern. Freight forwarders face arbitrary charges, inadequate facilities, and subpar adherence to Key Performance Indicator (KPI) standards. The single Explosive Detection System (EDS) at HSIA creates bottlenecks, leading to delays in cargo screening. Additionally, space constraints result in congestion and mishandling of goods, while inadequate security measures raise concerns about theft. Chittagong Port IS a critical bottleneck: Chittagong Port, the primary gateway for Bangladesh’s imports and exports, faces severe operational and infrastructural challenges. Congestion due to insufficient berths, cranes, and container storage facilities causes significant delays, particularly for time-sensitive exports. The issue of non-delivered containers further compounds these challenges. Freight forwarders report backlogs of unclaimed shipments, leading to heavy fines and blacklisting by shipping lines. This disrupts local operations and international supply chains. The crisis is attributed to customs authorities’ failure to enforce Section 82 of the Customs Act of 1969, which mandates the timely auctioning of unclaimed goods. The resulting congestion increases costs and hampers efficiency. Solutions and recommendations: Addressing these systemic challenges requires immediate action and comprehensive reforms. Key recommendations include: Streamlining Licensing. Implementing a unified licensing system across Bangladesh and digitising the application process. Reforming Customs Procedures. Simplifying and digitising customs operations to reduce delays and improve efficiency. Enhancing Regulation. Establishing oversight mechanisms to prevent monopolistic practices by shipping lines. Modernising Infrastructure. Expanding bonded warehouse and port facilities, addressing space constraints, and investing in advanced screening technologies. Improving Banking Policies. Updating central bank regulations to facilitate smoother handling of Bills of Lading and foreign currency transactions. Stakeholder Engagement. Involving freight forwarders and other stakeholders in policy formulation to ensure practical and inclusive solutions. Conclusion: The freight forwarding sector in Bangladesh is indispensable for its trade-driven economy but faces numerous systemic challenges. Inefficiencies in customs, monopolistic practices by shipping lines, outdated regulations, and inadequate infrastructure are holding back the sector’s potential. Urgent reforms, including modernising policies, enhancing regulatory oversight, and investing in infrastructure, are essential to improve the logistics and trade environment. Collaboration between the government, regulators, and private stakeholders is critical for addressing these challenges. By implementing these changes, Bangladesh can unlock the full potential of its freight forwarding sector, boost export growth, and enhance its competitiveness as a global trade partner. A reform committee should be established immediately to drive these initiatives and ensure sustainable economic growth. Source: The Financial ExpressNone