NFL odds, Week 13 lines, ATS predictions, game picks, times, tips: Model simulates each game 10,000 timesThe UH-60 Black Hawk is not just an icon of the US military but of modern helicopters as our world knows them. The prolific whirly-bird was built by Sikorsky at the behest of the US Army and Air Force. The family of variants has grown over the years to include the SH-60 Seahawk of the US Navy , the US Air Force's MH-60 Pave Hawk and MH-60T Jayhawk of the US Coast Guard . It has served as the U.S. Army's primary utility helicopter since 1979. Renowned for its versatility, the Black Hawk is the go-to battlewagon that gets troops on the battlefield from point A to point B. It also serves as the workhorse for many missions like medical evacuation (medevac), search and rescue (SAR), cargo airlift and fire support. Time and time again, the rugged helo has proven it can take any mission the Army throws at it. As time marches on, combat continues to evolve, and the Black Hawk has kept pace with many phases of upgrades and modifications to integrate new technology. However, the landscape is changing, and new threats demand ever-increasing performance from the Army’s Air Corps. As reported by Defense News , the US Army plans to reduce the Black Hawk fleet significantly over the next decade to prioritize modernization efforts. This modernization effort focuses on the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA)program, which seeks a next-generation rotorcraft capable of meeting 21st-century operational demands. The Bell V-280 Valor and other tiltrotor platforms are top contenders for replacing the Black Hawk . Sikorsky's project, which combines autonomy and fly-by-wire technology, is another candidate. However, the notable gains in speed, range, and payload capacity offered by tilt-rotors have the potential to completely transform the Army's vertical lift capabilities. Because the platform choice will influence the Army's aviation capabilities for many years, it is a crucial strategic decision. Black Hawk legacy The Black Hawk family has been the backbone of the Army’s rotary-wing fleet for over four decades. The UH-60 was created during the Cold War to meet the demand for a dependable, durable, and adaptable helicopter. The helicopter has deployed on every mission from disaster relief in the States to counterinsurgency ops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Famously immortalized by the movie “Black Hawk Down,” for its central role in the peacekeeping operations in Somalia where the Army relied on its fleet to rapidly ingress special forces like Rangers and Green Berets to execute tactical strikes. The Black Hawk's rotors are designed to withstand extreme conditions, including medics & direct arms fires, making it a powerful lifeline in combat. One recent upgrade program tested a semi-autonomous, fly-by-wire MH-60M variant that would allow the pilot to focus on tactical tasking and leave the flying primarily up to the autopilot. “We’re going to have a tablet. You push a button, and it’ll go through all the pre-flight checks, it’ll start, it’ll take off, and perform that [assigned] mission,” said Dan Tenney , Vice President, Strategy and Business Development for Lockheed Martin for Rotary and Mission Systems. Even with its legacy of service and achievement, the Black Hawk is becoming seen as unsuitable for threats in the future. It is less resilient than it once was for operations under fire, as today's adversaries have more sophisticated air defense weaponry than ever before. Bell Valor’s promise The Bell V-280 Valor was developed under the Army’s FLRAA program. The Valor holds the potential for a paradigm shift in rotary-wing aviation. The V-280 employs tiltrotor technology to transition between vertical takeoff and higher-speed horizontal flight. Bell V-280 Valor specs : Cruise speed: 320 mph (520 km/h) Range: 500-800 nautical miles (926-1,482 km) Maximum payload: 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg) Valor versus the Hawk Although decades of service have demonstrated the Black Hawk's worth, the V-280 outperforms it in critical metrics critical to maintaining the battlefield advantage in future conflicts. Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk specs : Cruise speed: 183 mph (295 km/h) Range: 320 nautical miles (593 km) Maximum payload: 10,350 lbs (4,694 kg) The Black Hawk's capabilities have made it one of the world's most versatile military helicopters with a diverse range of roles. Implications for Army aviation The choice to switch to a next-generation platform and replace over 2,000 Black Hawks will have a widespread impact on how the Army allocates resources for many programs. Tiltrotor aircraft will require infrastructure changes that provide maintenance and training, which necessitates an investment of funding and time. The promise of improved survivability in contested environments, increased range, and quicker battlefield response times may provide operational advantages that outweigh these difficulties. Only time will tell which course the top brass in the Army choose will be the new direction for their air cavalry. Until then, we will have to wait and watch.
Gov. Tim Walz wants to remain a force in politics, at state and national level
Short term, Partners in Housing helps families experiencing or at immediate risk of homelessness, but the long term goal is to help ensure housing stability for those it serves, known as partners. “We’re dedicated to families because we believe all children should have a home,” explained Cathy McKinley, community engagement manager for Partners in Housing. Families must have at least one dependent under 18 years old to qualify. The organization provides transitional housing for a year with several programs in place to assist in employability and self-sufficiency. Since the pandemic, what was once a two-year program is now condensed to one, based on feedback from partners who completed the program in the past. “We listened to our partners and based on their input we made a change without eliminating anything,” McKinley explained. “We hastened the process of working with a housing navigator to find suitable long term housing from one year to six months.” In addition to transitional housing, Partners in Housing provides what McKinley referred to as wrap-around services. “This is really what sets us apart,” she said. It’s all part of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. This includes one-on-one case management, career counseling, budget counseling, technology instruction, life skills courses addressing such areas as personal growth, health, stress management and much more. Partners also have access to Partners in Housing donation centers for such things as furnishings, household goods, baby items, hygiene products and clothing. The organization has 68 units around town to accommodate families of different sizes. These range from apartments to single-family homes. Consider that the organization was founded in 1991 and the following year purchased its first property: a 12-unit building, which provided transitional housing to 12 families. All partners associated with the nonprofit must either be employed or enrolled in school, McKinley said. The goal is to increase their employability skills. This is accomplished through its Work-It! program, which focuses on resume building, developing interviewing skills among other aspects associated with job searches. Partners in Housing also has a donation center where partners can find appropriate clothing for interviews. “This has been around for a while,” she said. “It’s very successful.” The 2023-24 fiscal year outcomes cited on the Partners in Housing website state that 409 individuals were served; this includes 274 children and 135 adults. The statistics indicate that 85 percent moved to long term stable housing. The national average is 65 percent. Education, employability and self-sufficiency stats are also tracked. Numbers for the 2022-23 fiscal year illustrate a more complete picture. During that time 139 families were served, which included 301 children. Of those families: 93% were headed by single moms; 1% by two-parent households; 1% by grandparents; and 5% headed by single fathers. As partners move forward, McKinley said, many return as volunteers and donors. One former partner who was assisted by the nonprofit has established herself in a successful career, has two daughters in college and has made a substantial financial contribution. Families are referred to Partners in Housing through several ways including 2-1-1 Pikes Peak United Way, TESSA, Springs Rescue Mission and other area assistance agencies. The Empty Stocking Fund is another way of reaching not just the community at large, but also making families in need aware of available services. “It’s a huge impact for our organization in many ways,” McKinley said. “We have not seen a downturn in need. We could not operate the way we do without the Empty Stocking Fund.”ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Abacus Life, Inc. (“Abacus” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: ABL), a pioneering alternative asset manager specializing in longevity and actuarial technology, today announced the closing of its oversubscribed underwritten public offering of 12,500,000 shares of its common stock, consisting of 10,000,000 shares of its common stock sold by the Company and 2,500,000 shares of common stock sold by certain stockholders of the Company (the “Selling Stockholders”) at the public offering price of $8.00 per share. The gross proceeds raised in the offering, before underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses of the offering, were approximately $100 million, of which approximately $80 million was raised in the primary offering by the Company and approximately $20 million was paid in connection with the sale of shares by the Selling Stockholders. Abacus intends to use net proceeds that it receives for its operations, including the purchase of life settlement policies, to support its overall business strategy, for working capital purposes, and for general corporate purposes, which may include funding previously announced and future acquisitions and repayment and refinancing of its indebtedness. Abacus did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock by the Selling Stockholders. Piper Sandler & Co., TD Securities (USA) LLC, KKR Capital Markets LLC, B. Riley Securities, Inc. and SG Americas Securities, LLC acted as joint book-running managers and representatives of the underwriters for the offering. The registration statements on Form S-3 relating to this offering were declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on November 14, 2024. Final prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectuses relating to and describing the terms of the offering were filed with the SEC on November 25, 2024 and may be obtained from: Piper Sandler & Co. by mail at 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10020 or by email at prospectus@psc.com; TD Securities (USA) LLC by mail at 1 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017, by telephone at (855) 495-9846 or by email at TD.ECM_Prospectus@tdsecurities.com; KKR Capital Markets LLC by mail at 30 Hudson Yards, 75th Floor, New York, NY 10001, Attention: Prospectus Delivery; B. Riley Securities, Inc. by mail at 1300 17th Street North, Suite 1300, Arlington, VA 22209, by telephone at (703) 312-9580 or by email at prospectuses@brileyfin.com; SG Americas Securities, LLC by mail at 245 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10167 or by email at us-ny-prospectus@sgcib.com; or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the shares of the Company’s common stock or any other securities, nor shall there be any sale of such shares of common stock or any other securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Abacus Abacus is a pioneering global alternative asset manager and market maker specializing in uncorrelated financial products. The Company leverages its longevity data and actuarial technology to purchase life insurance policies from consumers seeking liquidity. This creates a high-return asset class uncorrelated to market fluctuations for institutional investors. With nearly $3 billion in assets under management, including pending acquisitions, Abacus is the only publicly traded global alternative asset manager focused on lifespan-based financial products. Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this press release) other than historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements, many of which are outside the control of Abacus. Forward-looking information includes but is not limited to statements regarding the proposed offering, including the expected closing of the proposed offering; Abacus’s financial and operational outlook; Abacus’s operational and financial strategies, including planned growth initiatives and the benefits thereof, Abacus’s ability to successfully effect those strategies, and the expected results therefrom. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” ”intend,” “anticipate,” “goals,” “prospects,” “will,” “would,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions (including the negative versions of such words or expressions). While Abacus believes that the assumptions concerning future events are reasonable, it cautions that there are inherent difficulties in predicting certain important factors that could impact the future performance or results of its business. The factors that could cause results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the fact that Abacus’s loss reserves are bases on estimates and may be inadequate to cover its actual losses; the failure to properly price Abacus’s insurance policies; the geographic concentration of Abacus’s business; the cyclical nature of Abacus’s industry; the impact of regulation on Abacus’s business; the effects of competition on Abacus’s business; the failure of Abacus’s relationships with independent agencies; the failure to meet Abacus’s investment objectives; the inability to raise capital on favorable terms or at all; the effects of acts of terrorism; and the effectiveness of Abacus’s control environment, including the identification of control deficiencies. These forward-looking statements are also affected by the risk factors, forward-looking statements and challenges and uncertainties set forth in documents filed by Abacus with the SEC from time to time, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and subsequent periodic reports. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Abacus cautions you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Abacus assumes no obligation and, except as required by law, does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Abacus does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. Contacts: Robert Phillips – SVP Investor Relations rob@abacuslife.com (321) 290-1198 David Jackson – IR/Capital Markets Associate djackson@abacuslife.com (321) 299-0716 Abacus Life Public Relations press@abacuslife.comPIERS Morgan has lead well-wishes for Michail Antonio after a car crash saw him trapped in his Ferrari for 45 minutes. The footballer, 34, was airlifted to hospital with "shattered" legs after the horror unfolded on Coppice Row, in Epping, Essex, at around 12.50pm. 5 Piers Morgan has led well-wishes after the horror crash Credit: Rex 5 A source told The Sun on Sunday 'everyone at the club is very worried' Credit: Getty 5 Photographs at the scene show extensive damage to the front of the Ferrari Credit: X 5 The footballer was trapped for nearly an hour before fire crews cut him free Credit: X Michail was eventually cut free by fire crews at 1.45pm after being trapped for nearly an hour. Piers Morgan posted his well-wishes on X after shocking photographs from the scene circulated. "Whoa... this looks very bad. Hope he’s OK," wrote the Uncensored host. When West Ham later posted a major health update stating the player was in "stable condition", the presenter added: "Good news...". Read More HORROR SMASH Michail Antonio trapped in Ferrari for almost an HOUR before being airlifted Michail's former team-mate Jobi McAnuff, who played with him at Reading, also wrote on Instagram: "Thoughts and prayers to Michail and his family." It comes after the footballer's £260,000 Ferrari FF smashed into trees after leaving the road. Ex-wife Debbie travelled from her home in Manchester to be at his bedside. A source told The Sun on Sunday: “He is in a serious condition. Most read in Football GER WARNED Philippe Clement issues warning to glory hunters ahead of Ross County clash NOT HAPPY Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reveals how his starts left him 'concerned' v Hibs CELTIC 3 HIBS 0 Gray rues missed chances as MOTM Schmeichel racks up ANOTHER clean sheet HEALTH UPDATE West Ham issues major update after star involved in horror crash “He is conscious and communicating but everyone at the club is very worried. We are all just praying he gets through this.” Onlookers reported grey smoke pouring from the car which crashed in Theydon Bois — close to the home of West Ham owner David Sullivan. One said: “There were other cars stopped and people were on their phones calling 999. “It was awful weather, rain, wind and very slippery on the road. It didn’t look like another car was involved. "It looked like it had spun out of control. “I only found out later who he was. I hope he’s OK.” A motorist who passed the scene added: “The right wing was ripped off, as well as the right front wheel and driver’s door. “I could see firefighters had to cut away parts of the car to get him out. It looked like he had some face injuries.” Another source also claimed the footballer's legs had been "shattered" in the crash. Horrific photographs from the scene show the shocking aftermath. Michail's silver Ferrari lay at the side of the road on the verge of surrounding woodland. There appeared to be extensive damage to the front, driver's side, with the windshield crumpled. Pictures revealed only the back of the car remained in tact. In an update on X, the club confirmed Michail is in a "stable condition" and remains in hospital after the single vehicle collision. The dad-of-four is "under close supervision" but is "conscious and communicating". "West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area," the club wrote on social media. "Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital. "At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family. "The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course." Fans on X were quick to send their best wishes and prayers following the latest update. One said: "Amazing news. Here’s to speedy recovery Michail take all the time you need." Another added: "Good news! Glad to hear this." A third said: "Wishing Michail Antonio a speedy recovery. Glad to hear he's in stable condition. "Thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time. Hoping for a full and quick recovery." A spokesperson for Essex Police said: "Officers investigating a serious collision in Epping are asking for witnesses and dash cam footage. "We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday 7 December to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari. "Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital. "The vehicle has been recovered and we are no longer on scene. "An investigation will be carried out by our Roads Policing Unit. "If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us. "Please quote incident 605 of 7 December when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible. "Alternatively, please email the investigating officer, PS Mark Hewitt." An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: "Crews were called to High Road, Epping, at 1.02pm this afternoon after reports of a road traffic collision involving one car. Read more on the Scottish Sun FERRY WINDY Ferry stranded amid Storm Darragh as passengers stuck on ship for 12 hours HORROR BLAZE Huge fire erupts at Scots industrial estate as emergency crews race to scene "On arrival firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm. "The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service." 5 The player is in 'stable condition' Credit: Getty
Colorado's 2-way star Travis Hunter eyes Big 12 title and more before 'for sure' entering NFL draftBetty White Forever: New stamp will honor the much-beloved 'Golden Girls' actorI gave away my Kindle and iPad within hours of testing this tablet - and it's up to $180 off
adidas Tilt boxing Gloves Ann Najjar, "The Mitt Queen,” is shown using the Adidas Tilt Gloves. Ergonomically and innovative, based on a game-changing re-design, these boxing gloves provide superior wrist support and protection, enhancing performance during intense training and sparring sessions. Innovative adidas Boxing Gloves - TILT200 and HYBRID 250 - Now Available In-Store and Online at Dick's Sporting Goods NEW YORK and PARIS, Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just in time for the holidays, adidas and DICK'S Sporting Goods have partnered to bring the best in boxing gear to DICK'S retail locations and online . Boxing fitness enthusiasts and athletes at all levels can gear up to participate in one of the most popular sports & fitness disciplines in the world through the adidas Tilt and Hybrid 250 boxing glove product line, and the new adidas Max system. Double D Imports SAS, the global licensee for adidas boxing and combat sports, made the announcement. The collection officially launched in stores at DICK'S on November 15, 2024, and is meticulously designed to enhance both performance and safety for athletes of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Developed and rigorously tested by fitness trendsetters like Ann Najjar "The Mitt Queen,” and top professional athletes, the adidas Boxing and Combat Sports line features cutting-edge design, advanced technology, and premium materials. These elements combine to deliver unmatched performance and durability, setting a new standard in boxing equipment. adidas training equipment is created to elevate performance with adidas's latest innovations, just in time for the holiday season. Over 30 items are available online and instore, with three key highlights of the collection including: adidas Tilt Gloves : Ergonomical and innovative, based on a game changing re-design, these boxing gloves provide superior wrist support and protection, enhancing performance during intense training and sparring sessions. adidas Hybrid 250 Gloves : Versatile gloves featuring the unique Duo Lace Hook & Loop closure, combining the wrist and hand support of a laced glove with the convenience of a Hook & Loop closure, offering a perfect balance of comfort, protection, and durability. adidas Max ( Online Only ): A freestanding simulated opponent sparring bag with adjustable height and realistic movement. It is part of the unique Combax 4 system that will be made available later this year. "We are thrilled to bring our new adidas Boxing and Combat Sports line to DICK'S Sporting Goods," said Christophe Dessalles, Managing Director at Double D Imports SAS, the global licensee for adidas combat sports. "This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing athletes with the best tools to reach their full potential, whether they are training for competition or personal fitness goals." At the pre-launch review of the adidas boxing gloves and gear, Mitt Queen emphasized their importance for anyone incorporating boxing into their fitness routine. "As a boxing coach and fitness expert, I can confidently say that boxing is one of the most effective full-body workouts,” said Mitt Queen. "Starting with the right gloves is essential, and the adidas Tilt200 and Hybrid 250 gloves set the standard. This holiday season, there's no better gift than the gift of fitness and boxing, and it all starts with adidas gloves, now available at DICK'S Sporting Goods.” adidas will host in-store events at select DICK'S locations, featuring demonstrations by professional athletes and coaches and opportunities for customers to experience the new products firsthand. Najjar is an adidas ambassador, exemplifying the commitment to the best in sport and fitness through her professional coaching and training business centered in San Diego. She has mastered the art of mitt holding and is one of the few female boxing trainers working in and shaping the sport. adidas continues to lead the way in sports innovation, leveraging its expertise and dedication to athlete performance and safety. The new Boxing and Combat Sports line is a testament to this commitment, offering products that empower athletes to train harder, smarter, and achieve their goals. For more information about the new adidas Boxing and Combat Sports product line and to find a participating DICK'S Sporting Goods store near you, visit DICKS.com. About Double D Imports SAS Double D Imports SAS is the global licensee of adidas boxing and combat sports categories, including all martial arts. Committed to innovation and excellence, Double D Imports SAS collaborates with boxing and sports associations worldwide to create and provide approved products for amateur and professional boxing. About DICK'S Sporting Goods DICK'S Sporting Goods creates confidence and excitement by inspiring, supporting and personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, the leading omnichannel retailer serves athletes and outdoor enthusiasts in more than 850 DICK'S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Public Lands, Going Going Gone! and Warehouse Sale stores, online, and through the DICK'S mobile app. DICK'S also owns and operates DICK'S House of Sport and Golf Galaxy Performance Center, as well as GameChanger, a youth sports mobile platform for live streaming, scheduling, communications and scorekeeping. Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, DICK'S has been a longtime champion for youth sports and, together with its Foundation, has donated millions of dollars to support under-resourced teams and athletes through the Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about DICK'S business, corporate giving, sustainability efforts and employment opportunities can be found on dicks.com , investors.dicks.com , sportsmatter.org , dickssportinggoods.jobs and on Instagram , TikTok , Facebook and X . Contact: Hanna Bolte, Bolte Media [email protected] ; 310-497-5586 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d6d2a6ac-2638-43d9-801e-10d2e1db6461San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game against the Packers with a sore throwing shoulderThe signs at Nippon Steel read: “The world through steel,” underlining why Japan’s top steelmaker is pursuing its $15 billion bid to acquire U.S. Steel. “We can’t expect demand in Japan to grow as the population is declining. We need to invest in production that leads to growth,” a company official, Masato Suzuki, said while giving reporters a look at a Nippon Steel plant in Ibaraki Prefecture, north of Tokyo. Nippon Steel Corp. has its eyes on India, Southeast Asia and the U.S., Suzuki said. About 70% of the plant's output is exported. The Tokyo-based company remains optimistic, although the deal is opposed by President-elect Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and American steelworkers. During the tour, slabs of steel, glowing hot-orange at more than 1,000 degrees Celsius, rolled through the cavernous plant to become giant spools of super-thin steel. Nippon Steel officials didn’t disclose details of the fine technology they said the planned acquisition would offer U.S. Steel. Under the proposed deal, first announced in 2023, U.S. Steel would keep its name and its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, becoming a subsidiary of Nippon Steel. Nippon Steel already has manufacturing operations in the U.S. and Mexico, China and Southeast Asia. It supplies the world’s top automakers, including Toyota Motor Corp., and makes steel for railways, pipes, appliances and skyscrapers. The American steel industry has waned as Chinese steelmakers have grown to dominate the market. Japan wants to leverage the decades-old U.S.-Japan security and political alliance to seal the acquisition, but the outlook is uncertain. In September, an arbitration board jointly chosen by U.S. Steel and United Steelworkers decided the proposed acquisition could proceed. But United Steelworkers union, which has 1.2 million members, have objected, citing worries about job losses and contract terms. The union has questioned Nippon Steel’s plans to transfer production locations and concerns about national security and domestic supply chains. When asked for comment, it referred to a recent letter to its members. “As a union, our primary concern is the future of our jobs and the communities we live and work in — not just this year, but also for the foreseeable future. We’ve seen job losses in the past, and we must do everything we can to avoid it in the future,” said the letter, co-signed by Mike Millsap, chairman of the negotiating committee, and its international president, David McCall. “While Japan is a political ally, it is also an economic competitor, one that has proven time and again that it is willing to promote its steel industry at our expense,” the union said. Nippon Steel is promising to “preserve the legacy” of U.S. Steel and protect jobs, pensions and benefits, pledging that there will be no layoffs or plant closures. The deal is expected to produce an economic boost for the region equivalent to nearly $1 billion in the first two years, create up to 5,000 construction jobs and generate almost $40 million in state and local taxes, according to Nippon Steel. William W. Grimes, professor of international relations and political science at Boston University, said Nippon Steel's commitment to keeping the U.S. Steel factories running would help preserve U.S.-based production of specialty steels. Nippon Steel also has also promised investments to make the factories more competitive. There is no militarily sensitive technology Nippon Steel would be able to take from the U.S., and the U.S. relies on steel produced in allied countries, including Japan, Grimes said. “If Japanese companies do draw a lesson, it should be to engage unions and local politicians early in the process,” he said.
MONTREAL — Montreal Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson was not available for Tuesday's game against the Utah Hockey Club due to a lower-body injury. The Canadiens announced his injury half an hour before puck drop. Jayden Struble took his place in the lineup as Montreal (7-11-2) faced Utah (8-10-3) for the first time. Matheson participated in the morning skate but missed practice on Monday. The 30-year-old from nearby Pointe-Claire, Que., leads all Montreal blueliners with 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) in 20 games as the lone defenceman on the team's top power-play unit. Struble has one goal and three assists in 15 games this season. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. The Canadian Press