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Last year, Donald Trump Jr.’s longtime fiancee Kimberly Guilfoyle was his proud date to Donald Trump’s annual Christmas celebration at Mar-a-Lago. This year, Guilfoyle was replaced at the Mar-a-Lago holiday festivities by Trump Jr.’s new girlfriend, Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson, the Daily Mail reported . Unfortunately for the new lovers, some Trump family allies and insiders are not happy about Anderson’s quick ascension into the family orbit, the Daily Mail also is reporting. The 37-year-old model and influencer was photographed seated next to Trump Jr. at the Christmas Eve dinner table, near the president-elect and his wife Melania Trump. Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner and their three children also attended the Christmas Eve dinner, Page Six reported . Some of the allies and insiders have told the Daily Mail that Anderson “isn’t MAGA enough,” while two friends of Trump Jr. expressed concern that she’s essentially a shallow influencer and “social climber” who is using Trump’s oldest son to snag an even wealthier and more powerful romantic target — someone like billionaire Elon Musk. “It’s one thing to worry about Palm Beach shenanigans making a stop at Mar-a-Lago,” a source close to the Trump transition team told the Daily Mail. “But to let those problems penetrate the White House is a new level of trouble.” The source appears to be referring to what the Daily Mail said was an “open secret” simmering in Palm Beach circles in the late summer and fall — how 46-year-old Trump Jr. had begun “fooling around” with the younger, Anderson, even while he was still engaged to 55-year-old Guilfoyle, a MAGA firebrand and top Trump campaign fundraiser. Rumors about Trump Jr.’s dalliance with Anderson began in September when images emerged of the couple kissing and cuddling while dining at a restaurant near Mar-a-Lago. Earlier this month, Trump Jr.’s relationship with the 37-year-old Anderson gained public recognition, after Trump announced that he was nominating Guilfoyle to be his ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle’s nomination was seen by some political observers as a way that Trump could reward the former Fox News host for her political loyalty, while nudging her out of his “immediate sphere” and sending her off to Europe so that his son could openly pursue his new relationship with Anderson. At the time, sources close to Trump Jr. told People that he had became tired of his six-year relationship with Guilfoyle , the former first lady of San Francisco and ex-wife of California Gov. Gavin Newsom-turned Trump loyalist. For one thing, Trump Jr. didn’t like Guilfoyle’s “style,” including her “tight dresses.” He felt that Anderson, with her honey-blonde hair and “Waspy” model looks, would “impress” his father and perhaps make her a more ideal romantic partner. “Don Jr. has always wanted to look good in his father’s eyes,” the political source told People. Apparently, Anderson’s more natural, fun-loving style also was more to Trump Jr.’s taste these days, especially as he saw that she could become his “own Melania Trump equivalent,” a source told People. “She is a party girl, and outgoing, and Don is smitten with her,” a Palm Beach source told People. “Bettina is smart, sexy and savvy and knows it. She likes to have fun,” another source added. “Who knows what, if anything, will come from this.” Trump family members also got tired of Guilfoyle’s attention-seeking ways. Sources told People and the Daily Mail that they expected that Guilfoyle knew about Trump Jr.’s affair with Anderson, but chose “to look the other way because she loves the power and lifestyle.” Once Trump Jr. felt he could shed his public association with Guilfoyle, he began to “flaunt” his romance with Anderson, being photographed holding hands with her during a dinner date with her in Palm Beach in December, the Daily Mail reported. After Trump announced that he wanted to send Guilfoyle to Greece, Trump Jr. and Anderson jetted off to Italy for a romantic getaway, the Daily Mail reported. Anderson also publicly posted photos of love letters and flowers sent to her from Trump Jr., and openly documented their European vacation. Someone described as a “close, personal friend” of Trump Jr. told the Daily Mail that he wasn’t concerned about Anderson. He said he expected there would “be gossip and trash talking, just because that’s kind of the world of Palm Beach and, you know, the universe they live in.” If Trump Jr. has heard any concerns about Anderson, he hasn’t let this friend know, according to the Daily Mail. Stacey Bendet, a fashion designer and close friend of Anderson’s, expressed dismay that her friend had become the target of social-climber rumors. “I have been friends with Bettina for a decade, she is the kindest soul, she has the biggest heart, she is witty and wise, hilariously funny, and an Ivy League grad — anyone who says a word otherwise is just another societal example of women fixating on competing verse empowering,” said Bendet, CEO of Alice + Olivia, in a text to the Daily Mail. Anderson has been seen at Alice + Olivia events over the years, the Daily Mail reported. Bendet added in her text: “Don adores her for good reasons!” However, some Trump family allies feel very differently about Anderson and are “doing everything they can” do to get Trump Jr. to end their relationship, the Daily Mail reported. Someone who worked for the Trump campaign the last five years told the Daily Mail that Trump Jr. is “slowly” starting to “wake up” to how Anderson is perceived in MAGA circles. Allies question her MAGA loyalty because of her previous support for the Black Lives Matters movement and her adherence to COVID-19 lockdown rules, the Daily Mail reported. But they also wonder about her “notorious party girl reputation in Palm Beach,” which they think somehow isn’t “highbrow enough” to be associated with the Trump family, the Daily Mail also said. Someone who works in the modeling business and who has known Anderson for years speculated to the Daily Mail that she’s using Trump Jr. as a stepping stone and would prefer to date someone like Musk. People who’ve known Anderson in Palm Beach also told the Daily Mail that she regularly dates wealthy older men. Even though Musk already is the world’s richest man, he stands to gain even more power in the incoming Trump administration, according to critics of both Musk and Trump. These critics note that the billionaire SpaceX founder donated at least a quarter of a billion dollars to support Trump’s campaign, and he’s been rewarded by becoming a regular presence at Trump’s side since his Nov. 5 victory. Musk now is on tap to lead the new DOGE agency, whose purported mission is to drastically reduce federal government spending and “waste.”Maxwell Wealth Strategies Inc. raised its position in shares of Alphabet Inc. ( NASDAQ:GOOGL – Free Report ) by 20.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 29,278 shares of the information services provider’s stock after buying an additional 4,982 shares during the period. Alphabet comprises about 2.1% of Maxwell Wealth Strategies Inc.’s investment portfolio, making the stock its 11th biggest holding. Maxwell Wealth Strategies Inc.’s holdings in Alphabet were worth $4,970,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in GOOGL. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its position in Alphabet by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 49,472,478 shares of the information services provider’s stock valued at $9,011,412,000 after purchasing an additional 238,403 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in Alphabet by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 23,465,190 shares of the information services provider’s stock valued at $4,274,184,000 after purchasing an additional 418,204 shares during the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board raised its position in Alphabet by 9.1% during the 2nd quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 23,263,385 shares of the information services provider’s stock valued at $4,237,426,000 after purchasing an additional 1,949,476 shares during the last quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC raised its position in Alphabet by 43,005.6% during the 3rd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 18,743,594 shares of the information services provider’s stock valued at $31,086,250,000 after purchasing an additional 18,700,111 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in Alphabet by 6.7% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 17,520,067 shares of the information services provider’s stock valued at $3,191,561,000 after purchasing an additional 1,102,269 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 40.03% of the company’s stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have commented on GOOGL. Pivotal Research upped their price target on Alphabet from $215.00 to $225.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 30th. Seaport Res Ptn raised Alphabet from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 29th. Piper Sandler reissued an “overweight” rating and issued a $210.00 target price (up previously from $200.00) on shares of Alphabet in a research report on Wednesday, October 30th. Loop Capital increased their target price on Alphabet from $170.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 6th. Finally, JMP Securities increased their target price on Alphabet from $200.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock a “market outperform” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 30th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirty-one have given a buy rating and five have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Alphabet presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $205.90. Alphabet Price Performance Shares of Alphabet stock opened at $168.95 on Friday. Alphabet Inc. has a one year low of $127.90 and a one year high of $191.75. The stock’s fifty day moving average is $168.47 and its 200 day moving average is $170.33. The stock has a market cap of $2.07 trillion, a P/E ratio of 22.41, a P/E/G ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 1.95 and a current ratio of 1.95. Alphabet ( NASDAQ:GOOGL – Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 29th. The information services provider reported $2.12 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.83 by $0.29. Alphabet had a return on equity of 31.66% and a net margin of 27.74%. The company had revenue of $88.27 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $72.85 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.55 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Alphabet Inc. will post 8.01 earnings per share for the current year. Alphabet Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 9th will be issued a dividend of $0.20 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 9th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.47%. Alphabet’s dividend payout ratio is presently 10.61%. Insider Buying and Selling at Alphabet In other Alphabet news, CEO Sundar Pichai sold 22,500 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $158.68, for a total transaction of $3,570,300.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 2,137,385 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $339,160,251.80. This trade represents a 1.04 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . Also, Director Kavitark Ram Shriram sold 10,500 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $180.78, for a total value of $1,898,190.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 330,466 shares in the company, valued at approximately $59,741,643.48. This represents a 3.08 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold a total of 206,795 shares of company stock valued at $34,673,866 over the last ninety days. 11.55% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Alphabet Company Profile ( Free Report ) Alphabet Inc offers various products and platforms in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and Latin America. It operates through Google Services, Google Cloud, and Other Bets segments. The Google Services segment provides products and services, including ads, Android, Chrome, devices, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Maps, Google Photos, Google Play, Search, and YouTube. Further Reading Five stocks we like better than Alphabet Technology Stocks Explained: Here’s What to Know About Tech The Latest 13F Filings Are In: See Where Big Money Is Flowing P/E Ratio Calculation: How to Assess Stocks 3 Penny Stocks Ready to Break Out in 2025 Best of the list of Dividend Aristocrats: Build wealth with the aristocrat index FMC, Mosaic, Nutrien: Top Agricultural Stocks With Big Potential Receive News & Ratings for Alphabet Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alphabet and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Amanda Hernández | (TNS) Stateline.org CHICAGO — Shoplifting rates in the three largest U.S. cities — New York, Los Angeles and Chicago — remain higher than they were before the pandemic, according to a report last month from the nonpartisan research group Council on Criminal Justice. Related Articles National News | Bill Clinton is out of the hospital after being treated for the flu National News | Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flights National News | Prosecutors withdraw appeal of dismissed case against Alec Baldwin in fatal movie set shooting National News | Today in History: December 24, former defense secretary pardoned in Iran-Contra scandal National News | Judge rules Arkansas law allowing criminal charges against librarians is unconstitutional The sharp rise in retail theft in recent years has made shoplifting a hot-button issue, especially for politicians looking to address public safety concerns in their communities. Since 2020, when viral videos of smash-and-grab robberies flooded social media during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans have expressed fears that crime is out of control. Polls show that perceptions have improved recently, but a majority of Americans still say crime is worse than in previous years. “There is this sense of brazenness that people have — they can just walk in and steal stuff. ... That hurts the consumer, and it hurts the company,” said Alex Piquero, a criminology professor at the University of Miami and former director of the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics, in an interview. “That’s just the world we live in,” he said. “We need to get people to realize that you have to obey the law.” At least eight states — Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, New York and Vermont — passed a total of 14 bills in 2024 aimed at tackling retail theft, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The measures range from redefining retail crimes and adjusting penalties to allowing cross-county aggregation of theft charges and protecting retail workers. Major retailers have responded to rising theft since 2020 by locking up merchandise, upgrading security cameras, hiring private security firms and even closing stores. Still, the report indicates that shoplifting remains a stubborn problem. In Chicago, the rate of reported shoplifting incidents remained below pre-pandemic levels throughout 2023 — but surged by 46% from January to October 2024 compared with the same period a year ago. Shoplifting in Los Angeles was 87% higher in 2023 than in 2019. Police reports of shoplifting from January to October 2024 were lower than in 2023. Los Angeles adopted a new crime reporting system in March 2024, which has likely led to an undercount, according to the report. In New York, shoplifting rose 48% from 2021 to 2022, then dipped slightly last year. Still, the shoplifting rate was 55% higher in 2023 than in 2019. This year, the shoplifting rate increased by 3% from January to September compared with the same period last year. While shoplifting rates tend to rise in November and December, which coincides with in-person holiday shopping, data from the Council on Criminal Justice’s sample of 23 U.S. cities shows higher rates in the first half of 2024 compared with 2023. Researchers found it surprising that rates went up despite retailers doing more to fight shoplifting. Experts say the spike might reflect improved reporting efforts rather than a spike in theft. “As retailers have been paying more attention to shoplifting, we would not expect the numbers to increase,” said Ernesto Lopez, the report’s author and a senior research specialist with the council. “It makes it a challenge to understand the trends of shoplifting.” In downtown Chicago on a recent early afternoon, potential shoppers shuffled through the streets and nearby malls, browsing for gifts ahead of the holidays. Edward Johnson, a guard at The Shops at North Bridge, said that malls have become quieter in the dozen or so years he has worked in mall security, with the rise of online retailers. As for shoplifters, Johnson said there isn’t a single type of person to look out for — they can come from any background. “I think good-hearted people see something they can’t afford and figure nothing is lost if they take something from the store,” Johnson said as he patrolled the mall, keeping an eye out for lost or suspicious items. Between 2018 and 2023, most shoplifting in Chicago was reported in the downtown area, as well as in the Old Town, River North and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, according to a separate analysis by the Council on Criminal Justice. Newly sworn-in Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke this month lowered the threshold for charging retail theft as a felony in the county, which includes Chicago, from $1,000 to $300, aligning it with state law. “It sends a signal that she’s taking it seriously,” Rob Karr, the president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, told Stateline. Nationally, retailers are worried about organized theft. The National Retail Federation’s latest report attributed 36% of the $112.1 billion in lost merchandise in 2022 to “external theft,” which includes organized retail crime. Organized retail crime typically involves coordinated efforts by groups to steal items with the intent to resell them for a profit. Commonly targeted goods include high-demand items such as baby formula, laundry detergent and electronics. The same report found that retailers’ fear of violence associated with theft also is on the rise, with more retailers taking a “hands-off approach.” More than 41% of respondents to the organization’s 2023 survey, up from 38% in 2022, reported that no employee is authorized to try and stop a shoplifter. (The federation’s reporting has come under criticism. It retracted a claim last year that attributed nearly half of lost merchandise in 2021 to organized retail crime; such theft accounted for only about 5%. The group announced this fall it will no longer publish its reports on lost merchandise.) Policy experts say shoplifting and organized retail theft can significantly harm critical industries, drive up costs for consumers and reduce sales tax revenue for states. Those worries have driven recent state-level action to boost penalties for shoplifting. California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of 10 bills into law in August aimed at addressing retail theft. These measures make repeated theft convictions a felony, allow aggregation of crimes across multiple counties to be charged as a single felony, and permit police to arrest suspects for retail theft even if the crime wasn’t witnessed directly by an officer. In September, Newsom signed an additional bill that imposes steeper felony penalties for large-scale theft offenses. California voters also overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure in November that increases penalties for specific drug-related and theft crimes. Under the new law, people who are convicted of theft at least twice may face felony charges on their third offense, regardless of the stolen item’s value. “With these changes in the law, really it comes down to making sure that law enforcement is showing up to our stores in a timely manner, and that the prosecutors and the [district attorneys] are prosecuting,” Rachel Michelin, the president and CEO of the California Retailers Association, told Stateline. “That’s the only way we’re going to deter retail theft in our communities.” In New Jersey, a bipartisan bill making its way through the legislature would increase penalties for leading a shoplifting ring and allow extended sentences for repeat offenders. “This bill is going after a formally organized band of criminals that deliver such destruction to a critical business in our community. We have to act. We have to create a deterrence,” Democratic Assemblymember Joseph Danielsen, one of the bill’s prime sponsors, said in an interview with Stateline. The legislation would allow extended sentences for people convicted of shoplifting three times within 10 years or within 10 years of their release from prison, and would increase penalties to 10 to 20 years in prison for leading a retail crime ring. The bill also would allow law enforcement to aggregate the value of stolen goods over the course of a year to charge serial shoplifters with more serious offenses. Additionally, the bill would increase penalties for assaults committed against retail workers, and would require retailers to train employees on detecting gift card scams. Maryland legislators considered a similar bill during this year’s legislative session that would have defined organized retail theft and made it a felony. The bill didn’t make it out of committee, but Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Retailers Alliance, said the group plans to propose a bill during next year’s legislative session that would target gift card fraud. Better, more thorough reporting from retailers is essential to truly understanding shoplifting trends and its full impact, in part because some retail-related crimes, such as gift card fraud, are frequently underreported, according to Lopez, of the Council on Criminal Justice. Measuring crime across jurisdictions is notoriously difficult , and the council does not track organized retail theft specifically because law enforcement typically doesn’t identify it as such at the time of arrest — if an arrest even occurs — requiring further investigation, Lopez said. The council’s latest report found conflicting trends in the FBI’s national crime reporting systems. The FBI’s older system, the Summary Reporting System, known as SRS, suggests that reported shoplifting hadn’t gone up through 2023, remaining on par with 2019 levels. In contrast, the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System, or NIBRS, shows a 93% increase in shoplifting over the same period. The discrepancy may stem from the type of law enforcement agencies that have adopted the latter system, Lopez said. Some of those communities may have higher levels of shoplifting or other types of property crime, which could be what is driving the spike, Lopez said. Despite the discrepancies and varying levels of shoplifting across the country, Lopez said, it’s important for retailers to report these incidents, as doing so could help allocate law enforcement resources more effectively. “All law enforcement agencies have limited resources, and having the most accurate information allows for not just better policy, but also better implementation — better use of strategic resources,” Lopez said. Stateline staff writer Robbie Sequeira contributed to this report. ©2024 States Newsroom. Visit at stateline.org. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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lambada/E+ via Getty Images Introduction Amid fears of potential disintermediation by autonomous vehicles [robotaxis], Uber Technologies, Inc. ( NYSE: UBER ) stock has tumbled by more than 30% off its October 2024 highs in a matter of weeks: While headlines such as Want More Asymmetric Investment Ideas? To help supercharge our members' journey to financial freedom, we publish TQI's Asymmetric Ideas Series at " The Quantamental Investor ", with each stock pick targeting 50-100% return in 1-3 years. Since its launch in April 2023, TQI’s Asymmetric Ideas Series has grown to 20 Picks, with the average return for these ideas standing at +63% as of writing on 14th December 2024. If you’d like for TQI’s Asymmetric Ideas Series to be delivered right to your inbox every month, join TQI Basic or Full Access now. "We're in an asset bubble, and TQI can help you navigate it profitably" I am Ahan Vashi, a seasoned investor with professional background in equity research, private equity, and software engineering. I currently serve as the Chief Financial Engineer at The Quantamental Investor , a community pursuing financial freedom through bold, active investing with proactive risk management. TQI was established in July 2022 with a singular mission to make investing simple, fun, and profitable for all investors. In alignment with this mission, we publish premium equity research reports on Seeking Alpha - research library - performance tracker . However, there's a lot more on offer within our investing group - features include highly-concentrated, risk-optimized model portfolios that meet investor needs across different stages of the investor lifecycle, access to proprietary software tools, and group chats. Learn more In addition to our work on SeekingAlpha, we publish best-in-class investing tidbits and research insights at TQI Tidbits [free newsletter], Twitter , and LinkedIn . Follow for more investing content. Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of UBER either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it. I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is heading to the NFL draft after leading the Southeastern Conference in rushing and setting a handful of school records. The SEC Offensive Player of the Year announced on social media his intention Friday to leave after his junior season. He helped the seventh-ranked Vols go 10-3 with a first-round loss in the College Football Playoff where Sampson was limited by an injured hamstring. Sampson thanked his family, Tennessee coaches and fans, saying he learned so much and had the chance to be part of something special. Tennessee went 3-7 in 2020, and he leaves with the Vols having won 30 games over his three seasons. People are also reading... “I poured my heart and soul into this program and this community,” Sampson wrote. “With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.” Sampson set a school record running for 1,491 yards. He also set a program record with a league-best 22 rushing touchdowns, breaking a mark that had stood for 95 years. He was part of coach Josh Heupel's first full signing class in December 2021 out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He also set school records for total touchdowns scored (22), points scored (132) and consecutive games with a rushing touchdown (11). He led the SEC in nine different categories, including rushing attempts (258), rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, 100-yard rushing games with 10, averaging 114.7 yards rushing per game, points scored, points per game (10.2), all-purpose yards (1,638) and all-purpose yards per game (126.0). He finished this season tied for fifth all-time in the SEC ranks for rushing TDs in a single season with Leonard Fournette of LSU. 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 Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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Imran merely an excuse to target Pak nukes, missiles: Bilawal PPP chief says PML-N-led govt doesn’t have mandate to take unilateral decisions, urges consensus in decision-making LARKANA: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Friday the demand for the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder chairman was just an excuse, and “their [international powers] real target is Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programme”. He was apparently referring to the statements given recently by President-elect Donald Trump’s aide and other US lawmakers about the release of Imran Khan and imposition of recent sanctions on Pakistan’s missile programme. Bilawal said: “They wish that no Muslim country has nuclear power.” Addressing the public gathering in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on the 17th death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal wondered “why those who conspired against Pakistan are raising voice for PTI founder Imran Khan. We have to get united to deal with the conspiracy being hatched against us [Pakistan]. We have to think about the Pakistan and its defence while keeping aside politics.” “They are casting an evil eye on nuclear technology gifted by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto,” he added. Expressing annoyance over “foreign interference” in Pakistan’s internal affairs, the PPP chairman said: “Statements are being issued from the US about our internal politics; these statements are just excuses.” He said the US lawmakers had nothing to do with democracy in Pakistan, adding: “PTI founder is just an excuse, their real target is Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programme.” He wondered as to why those who had been issuing statements against Pakistan’s nuclear programme were now raising their voices for Khan’s release. He said the PTI and its founder should condemn these statements. “There is an impression that a certain lobby wants to bring a government [in the country] that is ready to make a deal on anything [including nuclear programme].” Stressing the need for making consensus decisions, the PPP chairman said that PMLN-led government did not have the mandate to take unilateral decisions. He said: “We are the only political party that can proudly say that we are neither selected nor Form-47 beneficiaries.” He said provinces had faced step-motherly treatment in every PMLN government. “We had written it in the agreement that the first priority is that we will fulfil the needs of those who were affected by the floods.” Bilawal said “today, unfortunately, it has to be said that the government has failed to implement the agreement”. The PPP chairman said he had objection to the government policy of new canals, which was a violation of the agreement reached with the PPP. “Our efforts on all these issues will continue to protect the rights of people and find solution to Pakistan’s problems”. “An international conspiracy is being hatched against Pakistan,” he said, adding that they could deal with nefarious designs by unity and political stability. The PPP leader urged all political forces to set aside their differences for the sake of country. The PPP founder had made an “Islamic bomb”, Bilawal said, adding that they would not let anybody to make a “deal” on the nuclear and missile programme. Bilawal paid rich tribute to his mother and the slain former prime minister, saying that her 30-year political struggle had become a part of history. He said Benazir had never compromised on ideology, adding that she was the representative of vulnerable segments of society. Bilawal said those who martyred Benazir Bhutto had the misconception that when Bibi Shaheed was not present, the real voice of Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir would be suppressed, and there would be only puppets in Pakistan, ready to compromise on the rights of people of Pakistan for their vested interests; they would be ready to compromise on Pakistan’s nuclear assets. Bilawal also chaired a meeting of the PPP committee on national issues on Friday. The committee members requested the party chief for holding a meeting of PPP central executive committee (CEC) after the Kashmir Day. Bilawal accepted the request, saying date of the meeting would be announced soon. Important decisions related to national politics and public issues would be taken in the PPP CEC meeting. Addressing the public gathering at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, President Asif Ali Zardari remarked, “If there is any superpower, it is our faith in Allah Almighty.” Reiterating his commitment, he vowed to steer the country out of challenging times with the strength and prayers of people. “I have faced adversities before, and my resolve remains unwavering. They cannot harm us. We will manage everything and ensure stability. Yes, there are difficulties and hardships, but this is not new for me.” Addressing the public, President Zardari urged them not to worry, assuring that the country would soon receive good news. “Your water, gas, and rightful resources are not going anywhere. Every province, whether Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Punjab, or Sindh, will receive its due share. There is no alternative to this decision,” he added. Apparently, he was referring to the federal government’s project for constructing six canals on the River Indus. Zardari said he had become president for the second time due to unwavering support from the people of Sindh. “We reversed the verdict of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto case after 43 years; now it will always remain a judicial murder,” he added. Furthermore, he said they would have to save the country from the hands of “anti-Pakistan elements”. Benazir’s youngest daughter Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Zardari’s sister and member of provincial assembly (MPA) Faryal Talpur, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had reached the Presidential House Naudero in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh a day ahead of the Benazir Bhutto’s death anniversary. President Zardari visited the mausoleum of Benazir Bhutto, offered Fateha and laid a wreath at the grave. He also recited the Holy Quran at the mausoleum and prayed for Benazir Bhutto and other members of the Bhutto family, buried in the ancestral graveyard. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday said that Benazir Bhutto was a ‘champion of democracy’ and a staunch supporter of the power of dialogue and reconciliation in political process. In his message on her 17th death anniversary, he said Benazir Bhutto remained an icon of courage and resilience. “A champion of democracy, and a staunch advocate of the power of dialogue and reconciliation in the political process, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto remains an icon of courage and resilience,” he wrote on his X timeline. He said the charter of democracy, signed between Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, was a testament to her enduring legacy. The PM offered his deepest respect to Benazir’s family, especially President Asif Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari, and to her followers, who were proudly carrying forward her vision and advancing her ideals. Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said: “Martyr Benazir Bhutto is metaphor of courage and bravery for Pakistani women.” In her message on the death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto, she said: “Benazir Bhutto’s martyrdom is a tragic chapter of Pakistan’s political history.” She said Benazir Bhutto proved that women could play a significant role in development of their country. Her services for democracy would be remembered forever, she added.
Late Surge Lifts York Past Mount Marty Men
RJ Thompson scored 23 points -- including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 56 seconds left -- as Charleston Southern shocked host Miami 83-79 on Saturday afternoon. Miami entered the game as a 23.5-point favorite. Charleston (2-7) won its first game of the season away from home after losing its previous six road or neutral-court contests. The Buccaneers also got 21 points from Thompson Camara and 20 points and 11 rebounds from Taje' Kelly. Camara match his previous career point total. Miami (3-4), playing at home for the first time in two weeks, lost its fourth straight game. Brandon Johnson led Miami with 23 points and freshman Austin Swartz scored a career-high 15. Swartz entered the game averaging just 2.3 points For the first time this season, Miami was without Nijel Pack, who has a lower-body injury. Pack leads the team in scoring (15.2) and assists (4.7). With Pack out, five-star freshman Jalil Bethea made his first start and had six points. The game featured quite a contrast in coaches. Miami's Jim Larranaga, 75, has won 743 games in 41-plus seasons. Charleston Southern's Saah Nimley, 31, is in his full first season as a head coach. He was named interim coach in November 2023. In the first half, Miami raced to a 17-10 lead. However, Charleston Southern posted an 11-0 run to grab a 21-17 advantage. The Hurricanes lost control late in the first half as Miami's Johnson hit a 3-pointer and was hit with a technical foul for taunting. Later in the first half, Larranaga was also hit with a technical. By the end of the half, the Buccaneers led 45-37. Camara led Charleston Southern with 16 first-half points on 6-for-7 shooting, including 4-of-5 on 3-pointers. Johnson scored 12 for Miami in the opening half, all on 3-pointers. In the second half, Charleston Southern stretched its lead to 13. Miami rallied as the clock wound down. With 38 seconds left, Miami called a timeout while trailing 81-79. With 15 seconds left, Swartz missed a 3-pointer and the Buccaneers got the rebound. Daylen Berry made two free throws with 11 seconds left to ice the game. Up next, Miami will host No. 19 Arkansas on Tuesday night as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge. Charleston Southern will return home to face Tennessee-Martin on Tuesday night. --Field Level MediaXPeng Inc., a prominent player in the electric vehicle market, startled investors with a surprising stock dip just before trading commenced on Friday. The share price dropped from a previous close of $13.26 to an opening price of $12.82, and it settled at $12.71 by the end of the session. The trading volume reached over 2.4 million shares, signaling a highly active market day for the company. Analyst Insights and Predictions Recent assessments by financial analysts have demonstrated mixed projections for XPeng. China Renaissance recently elevated its rating for XPeng to a “buy,” setting a higher target price of $16.70, signaling optimism about the company’s prospects. However, not all analysts shared this view. Goldman Sachs lowered its rating from “buy” to “neutral,” anticipating a future price target of $12.50. Meanwhile, JPMorgan Chase & Co. seemed more hopeful, upgrading XPeng to “overweight” and lifting its price target to $11.50. XPeng continues to capture the interest of institutional investors. Several new investments were initiated during recent months, with funds such as Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC acquiring stakes valued at approximately $45,000. Institutional investors currently own over 21% of XPeng’s stock, highlighting the company’s significance in investment portfolios. About XPeng In the realm of smart electric vehicles, XPeng Inc. is making waves with its innovative designs and technological advancements. The company offers an impressive lineup, including SUVs and sedans tailored to the needs of modern drivers. Besides its vehicle offerings, XPeng provides a vast array of services such as supercharging, maintenance, and auto financing, underscoring its commitment to customer satisfaction and technological innovation. XPeng’s Future: Trends, Innovations, and Market Insights In the dynamic landscape of electric vehicles, XPeng Inc. remains a focal point for investors and industry analysts alike, despite recent fluctuations in its stock price. With strategic innovations and a strong position in the market, XPeng exhibits a mix of promise and challenges that are insightful for stakeholders. Innovations and Features XPeng is largely recognized for its commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into its vehicle lineup. The company’s electric vehicles (EVs) are designed with smart connectivity and autonomous driving features, including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and voice-activated controls, which cater to the demands of tech-savvy consumers. These features set XPeng apart in a competitive market, where technological edge is crucial. Market Trends and Analysis XPeng’s strategies appear aligned with the increasing global shift towards sustainable energy. They are actively investing in EV infrastructure, notably in supercharging networks, a crucial factor for expanding their consumer base. This move speaks to broader trends within the industry, where range anxiety and charging availability continue to be top consumer concerns. Moreover, XPeng’s competitive pricing strategy positions it well against rivals, offering a compelling value-to-price ratio in comparison to market leaders like Tesla. This approach is paramount as price sensitivity remains a significant factor for EV purchasers. Sustainability and Environmental Commitment Sustainability is at the heart of XPeng’s mission. The company is not only focused on reducing carbon emissions through its EV offerings but is also investing in greener manufacturing processes to minimize its environmental footprint. These sustainability efforts are aligned with global consumer trends favoring companies with strong ecological commitments. Analyst Perspectives and Future Outlook Analysts present a mixed view of XPeng’s future prospects. While China Renaissance’s optimism reflects confidence in XPeng’s market strategies and innovation capabilities, Goldman Sachs’ neutral stance suggests an expected slowdown, hinting at potential market volatility. The increased involvement of institutional investors, holding over 21% of XPeng’s portfolios, signals strong institutional confidence, which may buoy the company’s stock performance in the long run. Challenges and Limitations Despite the promising outlook, XPeng faces challenges, including intensified competition in the EV sector and regulatory hurdles in different markets. Additionally, global supply chain disruptions and fluctuating raw material costs pose ongoing risks that may affect production and pricing. Predictions for the Electric Vehicle Market Looking ahead, XPeng is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for EVs, particularly in China—its largest market. Experts predict continued growth in this sector, driven by advancements in battery technology and supportive government policies. As XPeng navigates this landscape, its focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainability will be critical to its long-term success. For further insights into their strategic ventures, visit the XPeng official website .In their 49-year history, the Seahawks have been held to seven points or fewer 75 times, according to Pro Football Reference. Only once have they won — Thursday night in Chicago against the Bears, 6-3. One other time they tied, the infamous 6-6 overtime game at Arizona in 2016, which is the only tie in Seahawks history. Only 54 times has Seattle been held without a touchdown in 775 all-time games. Only three times have they won — Thursday night, and 9-6 wins at Cleveland in 2001 and at Detroit in 2006. Had the Seahawks lost in Chicago, it would have been one of the uglier defeats in recent team history, given that the Bears had lost nine in a row coming in and had lost their previous three games by a combined 60 points to the Lions, 49ers and Vikings. That it took all the Seahawks had to hold off the Bears, not securing the win until there were 11 seconds left, had many tabbing it as the proverbial ugly win. But to coach Mike Macdonald, what the effort said about his team was a sight to behold. The Seahawks faced the challenge of traveling on a short week, coming off two devastating losses that dropped them from first place in the NFC West and controlling their destiny to second place and needing a lot of help, and with the result of the Bears game itself having somewhat negligible meaning to Seattle’s postseason hopes, which rest largely on the Rams losing to Arizona and then beating LA next week and/or hoping for the strength-of-victory tiebreaker to break right. The Seahawks survived all that to get what was their sixth win in seven road games this season. "Well, the guys are put in a tough spot," Macdonald said Friday. “You're not guaranteed, you're not holding your own destiny, so what are you going to go play for? How are you going to go on a short week, go across the country, go play the right way, battle adversity throughout the game, stick together, and fight through it? How are you going to do all of that when playoff implications aren't necessarily on the line? “That tells me our guys are connected, they're tough, and they're playing for one another. I think that's pretty awesome." They did it behind what was statistically one of the better defensive performances in team history. The three points allowed tied for the 20 th fewest in team history; Seattle has had 19 shutouts and have now allowed just three points 21 times. Seattle has won all 40 of those games. And the 179 yards Seattle allowed were the 23 rd fewest in team history. The Seahawks have lost only twice when allowing fewer — a 16-3 defeat to Tampa Bay in 1998 when the Bucs got 156 and a 28-7 defeat to Kansas City in 1985 when the Chiefs gained 165. It was also the fewest yards allowed by Seattle since 2017, when the Giants gained just 177 in a 24-7 Seahawks win. Seattle needed every bit of that defense, though, with the offense managing just two field goals, gaining just 265 yards and garnering a season-low 11 first downs. It was the sixth time in the past nine games Seattle has been held to 289 yards or fewer, all far off what is still the season average of 331.9 per game, built on some explosive early-season performances. That led to Macdonald being asked Friday if the offensive performance was “alarming." Macdonald said, “I wouldn’t call it alarming," noting the circumstances of the game played a role in the offense growing conservative as the game wore on. “It wasn't up to our standard on our production and how we want to operate," he said. “But we did do the things we needed to do to win the game. We played a little bit of the field-position game in the second half. We finally flipped field position ... the game kind of declared (itself) there in the second half on how we had to play. “So, we slowed it down a little bit and it became a field-position game, which it'd been in our territory in most of the games. I would have liked for us to be able to get it out in some of those situations. But when we did, in the latter part of the game going into the last drive, that was big for us to make Chicago have to go 30 or 40 yards instead of just 10 or 15." The victory improved Seattle’s record to 9-7 and also assured that Macdonald will finish with a winning record in his first year as an NFL head coach. But as Macdonald noted, the goals were higher, and it’s whether those can be reached that will determine how successful this year turns out to be. “We wish we would have won more," he said. “We want to win every time we step on the field. But, to be sitting here with a week left and still have life, we've done some things. I felt like we've grown. Fallen short several times, but we've gotten up and dusted ourselves off and kept moving forward." Walker could be back if Seahawks make long postseason run The Seahawks on Thursday placed running back Kenneth Walker III on Injured Reserve with a high ankle sprain. Players on IR have to sit out four games, which means Walker could return if the Seahawks advanced to the NFC championship game. Macdonald said he thinks that could be realistic. "I would love to see him come back ready to roll," he said. “Let's go have that problem come NFC championship time. We've got to get there first, but I know I'm sure holding out hope to see him again." Seahawks preparing to play next Saturday Macdonald said the Seahawks should find out on Sunday if their game against the Rams will be on Saturday or Sunday of next weekend. None of the games for next weekend have yet been assigned dates with the league waiting to try to highlight games that have playoff implications. There are two time slots for Saturday and there has been some assumption that if the Rams-Seahawks game is winner-take-all it could be handed one of those, which are at 1:30 p.m. or 5 p.m. Pacific Time. The rest of the games will be on Sunday at the usual 10 a.m. and 1:25 p.m. slots, with one game at night (there is no Monday night game). Macdonald said the Seahawks are planning as if the game will be on Saturday and ready to adjust if needed. “Right now, we're operating under the assumption that we're going to be playing on Saturday because that's the earliest we can play," he said. “We have a secondary plan if we play Sunday. Right now, we're operating as if we're going to play on Saturday."
KILLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — American skier Mikaela Shiffrin said she suffered an abrasion on her left hip and that something “stabbed” her when she crashed during her second run of a World Cup giant slalom race Saturday, doing a flip and sliding into the protective fencing. Shiffrin stayed down on the edge of the course for quite some time as the ski patrol attended to her. She was taken off the hill on a sled and waved to the cheering crowd before going to a clinic for evaluation. “Not really too much cause for concern at this point, I just can’t move,” she said later in a video posted on social media . “I have a pretty good abrasion and something stabbed me. ... I’m so sorry to scare everybody. It looks like all scans so far are clear.” She plans to skip the slalom race Sunday, writing on Instagram she will be “cheering from the sideline.” The 29-year-old was leading after the first run of the GS and charging for her 100th World Cup win. She was within sight of the finish line, five gates onto Killington’s steep finish pitch, when she an outside edge. She hit a gate and did a somersault before sliding into another gate. The fencing slowed her momentum as she came to an abrupt stop. Reigning Olympic GS champion Sara Hector of Sweden won in a combined time of 1 minute, 53.08 seconds. Zrinka Ljutic of Croatia was second and Swiss racer Camille Rast took third. The Americans saw Paula Moltzan and Nina O’Brien finish fifth and sixth. “It’s just so sad, of course, to see Mikaela crash like that and skiing so well,” Hector said on the broadcast after her win. “It breaks my heart and everybody else here.” The crash was a surprise for everyone. Shiffrin rarely DNFs — ski racing parlance for “did not finish.” In 274 World Cup starts, she DNF'd only 18 times. The last time she DNF'd in GS was January 2018. Shiffrin also has not suffered any devastating injuries. In her 14-year career, she has rehabbed only two on-hill injuries: a torn medial collateral ligament and bone bruising in her right knee in December 2015 and a sprained MCL and tibiofibular ligament in her left knee after a downhill crash in January 2024. Neither knee injury required surgery, and both times, Shiffrin was back to racing within two months. Saturday was shaping up to be a banner day for Shiffrin, who skied flawlessly in the first run and held a 0.32-second lead as she chased after her 100th World Cup win. Shiffrin, who grew up in both New Hampshire and Colorado and sharpened her skills at nearby Burke Mountain Academy, has long been a fan favorite. Shiffrin is driven not so much by wins but by arcing the perfect run. She has shattered so many records along the way. She passed Lindsey Vonn’s women’s mark of 82 World Cup victories on Jan. 24, 2023, during a giant slalom in Kronplatz, Italy. That March, Shiffrin broke Swedish great Ingemar Stenmark’s Alpine mark for most World Cup wins when she captured her 87th career race. To date, she has earned five overall World Cup titles, two Olympic gold medals — along with a silver — and seven world championships. In other FIS Alpine World Cup news, the Tremblant World Cup — two women’s giant slaloms at Quebec’s Mont-Tremblant scheduled for next weekend — were canceled. Killington got 21 inches of snow on Thanksgiving Day, but Tremblant — five hours north of Killington — had to cancel its races because of a lack of snow. ___ AP Sports Writer Pat Graham in Denver contributed to this report. ___ More AP skiing: https://apnews.com/hub/alpine-skiing Peggy Shinn, The Associated PressAs it often happens, the Charlotte Hornets have players down with an injury. This includes face of the franchise LaMelo Ball , who has had a sensational season thus far. Ball, who sustained calf strain, is out for at least another week . However, backup Tre Mann will be sidelined for at least as long as him due lower back soreness. OFFICIAL: LaMelo Ball has been diagnosed with a left calf strain. Additionally, further evaluation of Tre Mann’s low back soreness has been diagnosed as disc irritation. — Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) November 30, 2024 This has led to former EuroLeague star Vasilije Micic being promoted to the first unit. In his first game as the Hornets’ starting point guard, Micic tallied nine points and eight assists. Yet, he was unable to consistently connect from beyond the arc, going 1-5 from three. As a career 27.4 percent three-point shooter in the NBA, the 30-year-old likely won’t look like a Splash Brother anytime soon. Still, he holds plenty of value as a playmaker due to his basketball IQ and passing prowess. So, with rookie KJ Simpson the only other point guard in the roster, his experience is all but invaluable at this juncture. However, Simpson has a terrific opportunity in front of him. Hornets Rookie KJ Simpson Has Terrific Opportunity In Wake Of Injury Updates Drafted 42nd overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Hornets signed Simpson to a two-way contract . If he has aspirations of having his deal converted to a standard deal, his performance while Ball and Mann are sidelined can go a long way towards making that a reality. On Friday, he played his third career game. For the first time, was on the floor for over 10 minutes. In those 16-plus minutes, he recorded 11 points, two assists, two steals, and one block. Though he went just 1-5 from three-point land, he was 5-10 overall because of his ability to make plays happen inside the circle. KJ Simpson had a career night with LaMelo out, dropping 11 points on 50% shooting in 16 minutes. Showed good scoring instincts, especially when attacking downhill, and was super active on defense as well, getting 2 steals and a block. One of the Hornets’ intriguing young weapons. pic.twitter.com/pwxjuzkDYK — HornetsHoops (@hornetshoops_) November 29, 2024 Call it youthful energy, but his hustle and enthusiasm helped him outshine even a player of Micic’s stature. His sheer ability was notable as well. Perhaps because he’s more seasoned than the average rookie after spending three seasons at Colorado, he wasn’t deterred by the Knicks rotations or afraid to attack their defense. With Simpson averaging 19.7 points per game in his junior season, the second-highest mark in the Pac-12, its not hard to see why. Forcing his way onto the Hornets’ roster will take a fair bit more than that. Regardless of that though, he’s already flashed the ability to be a rotation-caliber player. With the Denver Nuggets showing interest in Micic, Simpson could earn a standard contract by or after the trade deadline. He just has to prove he deserves it. This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.