UPDATE, Aug. 6, 2024: Surge of water from Chilcotin landslide dam breach fills Fraser River People are being urged to stay away from the banks of the Chilcotin and Fraser rivers after water finally breached the dam created by last week's huge landslide. The province of British Columbia issued an emergency alert Monday morning after water began spilling over the slide blocking the Chilcotin River. The alert , sent at at 10:35 a.m. PT, urged residents anywhere along the banks of the Chilcotin River from Hanceville to the Fraser River, and anywhere along the banks of the Fraser River from the Chilcotin River to the Gang Ranch bridge around 25 kilometres downstream, to evacuate immediately. At a news conference Monday afternoon, Connie Chapman with B.C.'s Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship said the water had since created a 15-metre-wide channel in the dam and was breaching it at a "moderate pace." She added the dam is carrying wood debris downstream. WATCH | Water spills over Chilcotin River landslide: Chilcotin River breaches landslide 5 months ago Duration 0:19 Water from the Chilcotin River has begun to spill over a landslide that has blocked the river since the July 30. Gerald Pinchbeck with the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre told CBC News earlier that it's the debris he's worried about. "The going concern are debris flows, which aren't included in the [river flow] modelling. We don't know what those impacts will be, but our concern is for the safety of people and infrastructure in the area," said Pinchbeck, who added that water had begun moving over the dam around 9 a.m. PT. As more water moves over the slide, officials are expecting it to carry more debris, including fallen trees. Water levels along the Chilcotin River are expected to rise far above normal spring melt levels, while water levels along the Fraser River are expected to be below spring levels. "I cannot underline enough how extremely dangerous the valley is right now," Emergency Preparedness and Climate Change Minister Bowinn Ma told reporters at the 2 p.m. briefing. "We need people to stay off the Chilcotin and Fraser rivers and stay away from the river banks." She said it's not clear when the rivers and their banks will be safe again. WATCH | Aerial footage shows debris flowing through Chilcotin River: Debris flows in B.C. river after water buildup bursts through landslide 5 months ago Duration 1:06 Footage shot by Trevor Chelsea from a helicopter shows the Chilcotin River flowing with significant force on Monday, nearly five days after a landslide dammed the river and caused a significant buildup. CORRECTION (Aug. 6, 2024): A previous description said the footage was shot Tuesday; in fact, it was Monday. Evacuation orders, alerts Evacuation orders are in place along parts of the Chilcotin and Fraser rivers, affecting about 11 properties and about 10 people in the Cariboo Regional District. On Sunday night, the Cariboo Regional District issued three new evacuation orders along the Fraser River. One covers about 9.6 square kilometres along the Fraser River, just south of where it meets the Chilcotin River. A second order covers 3.5 square kilometres along the Fraser River just north of that confluence, upstream. "Once the water hits the Fraser River from the Chilcotin River, it'll go where it can," Pinchbeck said. "If there's enough water coming down, it will go upstream and also it will eventually flow downstream." Chilcotin landslide presents new barriers for struggling salmon A third evacuation order covers 1.5 square kilometres along the Fraser River, about 25 kilometres south of where the two rivers meet. It includes the Gang Ranch Suspension Bridge. Evacuation orders also remain in place for about 100 square kilometres of land along the Chilcotin River, both upstream and downstream from where the landslide happened near Farwell Canyon. In total, evacuation orders stretch from near Hanceville, B.C., to where the Chilcotin and Fraser rivers meet. Water expected to flow over Chilcotin landslide On Monday afternoon the B.C. River Forecast Centre also issued a flood warning for the Fraser River from the Chilcotin River confluence to Big Bar. Several jurisdictions also issued evacuation alerts, which ask residents to prepare for an evacuation at short notice. Just after noon on Monday, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued an evacuation alert for all private properties within 300 metres of either side of the Fraser River, including four properties it listed in the Big Bar area. The regional district posted a map of the evacuation alert area online. The Cariboo Regional District has an online interactive map showing an evacuation alert along either side of the Fraser River within its jurisdiction. The landslide blocking the Chilcotin River in B.C.'s Cariboo region pictured on Aug. 2. Water began moving over the top of the natural dam Monday morning, B.C. officials say. (Handout, Government of British Columbia/The Canadian Press) Peak flows In a news release Sunday, officials said peak flows along the Chilcotin River could be more than 10 times greater than typical levels after the spring melt. It estimates the river could rise by 21 metres at the Farwell Canyon bridge, close to the site of the landslide, about 285 kilometres north of Vancouver. Peak flow could take up to 13 hours to reach Lillooet. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Nathan Cullen posted video to social media of water moving past the landslide. Some important developments on the Chilcotin slide. We're seeing the first images from moments ago of water getting through the slide.We'll be getting more detailed information in the coming hours. #bcpoli @BowinnMa pic.twitter.com/m5k8WTYmEz — @nathancullen Cullen told CBC's On The Coast on Monday that the breach is expected to move up to three million dump trucks worth of soil in the coming days. The landslide was first reported by residents near Farwell Canyon last Wednesday morning. The slide created a dam about 30 metres high, 600 metres wide and a kilometre long. Since then, officials have warned that water would eventually spill over the dam. Chapman told reporters Monday that risks to public safety include the potential for further landslides upstream of the natural dam and downstream of the dam once water begins to flow past it. WATCH | 100 kilometres of riverbank has been evacuated: Water breaches dam on Chilcotin River 5 months ago Duration 2:01 People have been warned to stay away from the Chilcotin and Fraser rivers after water that pooled behind a natural dam, formed by a landslide last week, surged through and headed downstream. On Sunday the province launched a new Chilcotin River landslide information portal to share the latest information about the slide with the public. Chapman said staff that were previously studying the landslide have been moved a safe distance away, where they continue to assess the area. They expect an increased risk of landslides about 16 kilometres upstream of the landslide, and have already seen some smaller ones. According to Chapman, from the time water breached the dam until noon on Monday, the lake that had built up behind the slide was dropping at a rate of 20 centimetres per hour. Since then, the flow of the breach has increased and the lake is dropping about 1.3 metres per hour.Inside Matt Eberflus' firing: As losses mounted and message fizzled, Bears couldn't take it anymore
Ben Stelter, the young Edmonton Oilers superfan who captured the hearts of the entire city and the team, is being honored in a special way this holiday season. The inaugural Ben’s Cup minor hockey tournament kicked off Friday . The event brings together 32 teams from Edmonton to raise funds for the Ben Stelter Foundation. The tournament is a tribute to Ben’s lasting impact on the community and his deep connection with Oilers captain Connor McDavid. McDavid shared many memorable moments with the young fan. Ben Had a Special Bond with the Oilers Ben’s bond with the team was not just one of admiration but mutual inspiration. His energy, courage, and infectious personality touched the hearts of the Oilers players. He also became an integral part of the Oilers’ journey. Ben’s Cup serves as a celebration of Ben’s influence on the community and his role in motivating the team. The event supports the Foundation that provides vital assistance to children battling cancer. It is a reminder of how one young life can leave an indelible mark on a city and a team. Benn created a legacy that will endure for years to come. The inaugural Ben’s Cup will be a holiday season minor hockey tournament. It includes 32 teams from the Edmonton area. These teams will compete in a tournament that will help to raise crucial funds for the Ben Stelter Foundation. This event supports youth hockey and is a powerful tribute to Ben’s infectious personality. It also highlights his family’s unwavering commitment to helping other children battling cancer. Ben’s Cup and the All-Star Game Support Cancer Research Featuring 16 Under-11 and 16 Under-13 teams, Ben’s Cup also includes a special All-Star game spotlighting the top 40 fundraisers. The event has already raised more than $400,000 for the Foundation, which supports cancer research, medical equipment, and special experiences for kids and families facing cancer. Ben’s father, Mike Stelter, who is also fighting cancer, hopes the tournament will grow each year, bringing the community together while providing vital support for children in need. As Oilers captain Connor McDavid shared, Ben’s spirit lives on through events like Ben’s Cup , and his legacy continues to inspire everyone who knew him. This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.Shares of Godrej Consumer on Monday fell up to 11% to the day's low at Rs 1,104.20 on BSE after a subdued Q3 business outlook shared by the FMCG firm made brokerages reduce their target prices. In its Q3 business update , shared with investors well before the end of the December quarter, Godrej Consumer said a 20-30% year-on-year surge in palm oil and derivatives prices has impacted the soaps category, which represents one-third of the standalone business revenue. "To partly offset the cost increases we have taken price increases, reduced grammage of key packs and reduced various trade schemes. Such pricing actions typically have minimal impact on category consumption but do result in reduced inventory across wholesale and household pantry. Historical patterns indicate a normalization in volume growth following price stabilization, which we anticipate occurring in the next few months," the company said. Also read | Mark Mobius says US Justice Department had no business prosecuting Adani Group; has a Santa gift for investors It also warned that weather conditions have impacted its home insecticides segment which contributes about one-third of the standalone business. Stock Trading A2Z of Stock Trading - Online Stock Trading Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Stock Trading Stock Markets Made Easy By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Stock Trading Technical Analysis Made Easy: Online Certification Course By - Souradeep Dey, Equity and Commodity Trader, Trainer View Program Stock Trading Renko Chart Patterns Made Easy By - Kaushik Akiwatkar, Derivative Trader and Investor View Program Stock Trading A2Z of Stock Market for Beginners: Stock Market Course For Beginners By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Stock Trading Complete Guide to Stock Market Trading: From Basics to Advanced By - Harneet Singh Kharbanda, Full Time Trader View Program Stock Trading Cryptocurrency Made Easy: Cryptocurrency Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Stock Trading Market 104: Options Trading: Kickstart Your F&O Adventure By - Saketh R, Founder- QuickAlpha, Full Time Options Trader View Program Stock Trading Macroeconomics Made Easy: Online Certification Course By - Anirudh Saraf, Founder- Saraf A & Associates, Chartered Accountant View Program Stock Trading Dow Theory Made Easy By - Vishal Mehta, Independent Systematic Trader View Program Stock Trading Technical Analysis Demystified: A Complete Guide to Trading By - Kunal Patel, Options Trader, Instructor View Program Stock Trading Options Trading Made Easy: Options Trading Course By - Anirudh Saraf, Founder- Saraf A & Associates, Chartered Accountant View Program Stock Trading Markets 102: Mastering Sentiment Indicators for Swing and Positional Trading By - Rohit Srivastava, Founder- Indiacharts.com View Program "These are exceptional situations in Standalone business that the management believes are transitionary and not structural. Hence the management remains focused on navigating these near-term challenges while maintaining strategic investments for long-term growth as these negative trends are likely to persist for a few months," Godrej said. Domestic brokerage firm Emkay Global downgraded Godrej Consumer to reduce from add rating with a target price of Rs 1,225. "We cut earnings by 4-7% to factor in demand as well as inflationary stress ahead. In a mid-quarter update (Q3FY25), GCPL noted demand stress, wherein 2/3rd of the India business is impacted: Soaps portfolio affected by sharp inflation in palm oil (leading to price hikes and reduced trade promotion), and stress in Household Insecticides, given delayed winter in the North and floods in the South. Overall India revenue should see mid-single digit value growth with flat volume," Emkay said. The brokerage said India EBITDA should decline by high teens in Q3 on a high base and raw material pressures. It sees low-single-digit consolidated revenue growth and low-double-digit decline in EBITDA. Macquarie, which has a neutral call on GCPL, has reduced target price from Rs 1,300 to Rs 1,260 while CLSA has cut target to as low as Rs 1,000. (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel )
Tilray Inc (NASDAQ: TLRY) chief executive Irwin Simon expects the recreational use of cannabis to be legalised on a federal level under Donald Trump as the President of the United States. Advertisement In other words, he expects legalisation to occur over the next four years. Advertisement Simon made that prediction in a recent . But even if the President-elect moves in that direction, there’s reason to believe that Tilray stock may continue to struggle. Let’s explore why. Why has Tilray faced challenges in Germany? The recreational use of cannabis has already been legalised in two major markets: Germany and Canada – but both of them still have strict regulations in place. In Germany, for example, it remains illegal to set up a cannabis store. So, if you want it, you’ll have to either grow it by yourself or join a licensed club that is prohibited from accepting more than 500 members. And it’s not like there’s a ton of these clubs spread all over Germany. Plus, the clubs are quite choosy in picking their members as well. So, yes, Germany has legalised the recreational use of cannabis – but the supply within the country remains rather restricted. That’s why Tilray hasn’t been immensely successful in Germany, and why the disappointment may replicate even if the US legalises cannabis on federal level. Why has TLRY faced challenges in Canada? Competition has been a major hurdle for Tilray in Canada ever since the country legalised the recreational use of cannabis in 2018. If the US follows suit, a number of other players may join the race, potentially leaving Tilray scrambling for market share. Plus, strong local competitors with established relationships and supply chains could keep things challenging for TLRY. Finally, the possibility that at least some of its potential customers will continue to tap on illegal channels to acquire cannabis to bypass regulations can’t entirely be ruled out either. So, federal legalisation of cannabis in the United States would sure be a meaningful event for Tilray stock. But the challenges it has been facing all along could present in the US as well – limiting its upside potential in 2025. versus its year-to-date high at writing. Is it worth investing in Tilray stock? Tilray’s financials have been rather inconsistent in recent years. And if federal legalisation is what it needs to change that, then TLRY remains a speculative investment at best since it’s only a prediction for now that Trump 2.0 will prove to be a tailwind for the cannabis market. The incoming government itself has not indicated any such plans so far. That’s part of the reason why Wall Street analysts currently have a consensus “hold” rating on Tilray stock that does not pay a dividend either at writing.There is a public perception that the interim government is intentionally delaying the election process, said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Speaking at an event in the capital yesterday, he said an unelected government should not remain in power for long. "Reform is an ongoing process and it will continue. However, we can't delay the election for the sake of reforms. We can't allow an unelected government to remain in power for long under the pretext of completing reforms." The event was organised by a faction of the Jatiya Gonotantrik Party at the Jatiya Press Club. Fakhrul alleged that the chief adviser sparking controversy by suggesting that the minimum voter age be lowered to 17, which has raised concerns about further delays in the election process. "This means a new voter list will have to be prepared. People will now fear that more time will be wasted, and further delays will occur due to this [preparation of voter list]." He criticised Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus for making such a statement without consulting the stakeholders. "You are the chief executive, and you suggested that 17 years is a more suitable age. When you say this, it becomes binding on the Election Commission. The BNP leader said the government should allow the EC to make this decision independently. Fakhrul emphasised that the current minimum voter age of 18 is widely accepted. He said the BNP has no objection to reform initiatives. However, when an elected government takes office through a national election, the country's instability is reduced. Refuting claims that the BNP seeks early elections to go to power, he said, "There is a misconception that the BNP wants elections to be held soon just to return to power. The BNP had been in power two to three times before. If Allah wills, we will return to power again. But we have never pursued politics merely for power." Talking about six reform commissions, Fakhrul urged them to engage more with the ordinary people. "Who are these commissions working with? They have consulted a few intellectuals, whom we know well, respect. But you should also engage with the people and listen to what they want." Fakhrul criticised some advisers of the interim government for failing to address the price spirals of essentials and getting involved in politics. "Prices of essentials like rice, lentils, oil, salt, eggs, fish, and chicken have gone up. People's lives have become unbearable. Yet, they [advisers] are not paying attention. "We haven't seen any adviser or official visit the markets to identify the problems behind the price hike. Instead of addressing the issue, many of them are getting involved in politics." Fakhrul urged the advisers not to make comments that undermine political parties and their leaders. "You must remember that you are an interim government. Your primary responsibility is to implement reforms and hold an election that is acceptable to all. Your main task is to transfer power to an elected government." He said political parties are not opponents of the interim government. "You are neither engaging with political parties nor cooperating with them." Fakhrul called upon the interim government to complete essential reforms in key areas, including the judiciary, the EC, and law enforcement agencies, to ensure credible and acceptable elections. Mentioning that the BNP has no objection to the formation of new political parties, he said the nation will assess whether this truly benefits the country. "We have no objection to the formation of new parties, be it 100 or 200. But the people will think how much this will benefit the nation. Do you know what a current problem in Bangladesh is? It is that we all are politicians." Fakhrul emphasised the urgent need for the government to focus more on governance issues to meet people's demands, including cooling the prices of essentials, and ensuring safer roads. Criticising the interim government, Fakhrul expressed concerns over previous corruption and mismanagement in the financial sector. "All the money from the banks has been looted, but not a single case has been filed yet against those responsible. Instead, we see the same old tactics -- cases are being filed against 1,000 or 1,500 unnamed suspects. A business arrangement has been made again in the same manner." "Unless these practices are stopped, you [chief adviser] won't be able to achieve your goals," he added. There is a public perception that the interim government is intentionally delaying the election process, said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Speaking at an event in the capital yesterday, he said an unelected government should not remain in power for long. "Reform is an ongoing process and it will continue. However, we can't delay the election for the sake of reforms. We can't allow an unelected government to remain in power for long under the pretext of completing reforms." The event was organised by a faction of the Jatiya Gonotantrik Party at the Jatiya Press Club. Fakhrul alleged that the chief adviser sparking controversy by suggesting that the minimum voter age be lowered to 17, which has raised concerns about further delays in the election process. "This means a new voter list will have to be prepared. People will now fear that more time will be wasted, and further delays will occur due to this [preparation of voter list]." He criticised Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus for making such a statement without consulting the stakeholders. "You are the chief executive, and you suggested that 17 years is a more suitable age. When you say this, it becomes binding on the Election Commission. The BNP leader said the government should allow the EC to make this decision independently. Fakhrul emphasised that the current minimum voter age of 18 is widely accepted. He said the BNP has no objection to reform initiatives. However, when an elected government takes office through a national election, the country's instability is reduced. Refuting claims that the BNP seeks early elections to go to power, he said, "There is a misconception that the BNP wants elections to be held soon just to return to power. The BNP had been in power two to three times before. If Allah wills, we will return to power again. But we have never pursued politics merely for power." Talking about six reform commissions, Fakhrul urged them to engage more with the ordinary people. "Who are these commissions working with? They have consulted a few intellectuals, whom we know well, respect. But you should also engage with the people and listen to what they want." Fakhrul criticised some advisers of the interim government for failing to address the price spirals of essentials and getting involved in politics. "Prices of essentials like rice, lentils, oil, salt, eggs, fish, and chicken have gone up. People's lives have become unbearable. Yet, they [advisers] are not paying attention. "We haven't seen any adviser or official visit the markets to identify the problems behind the price hike. Instead of addressing the issue, many of them are getting involved in politics." Fakhrul urged the advisers not to make comments that undermine political parties and their leaders. "You must remember that you are an interim government. Your primary responsibility is to implement reforms and hold an election that is acceptable to all. Your main task is to transfer power to an elected government." He said political parties are not opponents of the interim government. "You are neither engaging with political parties nor cooperating with them." Fakhrul called upon the interim government to complete essential reforms in key areas, including the judiciary, the EC, and law enforcement agencies, to ensure credible and acceptable elections. Mentioning that the BNP has no objection to the formation of new political parties, he said the nation will assess whether this truly benefits the country. "We have no objection to the formation of new parties, be it 100 or 200. But the people will think how much this will benefit the nation. Do you know what a current problem in Bangladesh is? It is that we all are politicians." Fakhrul emphasised the urgent need for the government to focus more on governance issues to meet people's demands, including cooling the prices of essentials, and ensuring safer roads. Criticising the interim government, Fakhrul expressed concerns over previous corruption and mismanagement in the financial sector. "All the money from the banks has been looted, but not a single case has been filed yet against those responsible. Instead, we see the same old tactics -- cases are being filed against 1,000 or 1,500 unnamed suspects. A business arrangement has been made again in the same manner." "Unless these practices are stopped, you [chief adviser] won't be able to achieve your goals," he added.
Sira Thienou scores 16 points, No. 18 Ole Miss women coast to 89-24 win over Alabama State
Lucknow, Dec 23 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that at a time when many countries are at war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is binding the world in the thread of peace, harmony and unity through the message of Lord Buddha. Welcoming a delegation led by Governor of Japan's Yamanashi Province Kotaro Nagasaki at his official residence here, Adityanath described UP as a state of "Unlimited Potential". An MoU was signed between the Uttar Pradesh government and Yamanashi Prefecture (Japan) for industrial cooperation, tourism and vocational education in the presence. "The roots of strategic, cultural and global cooperation have been connected between the two countries for more than a millennium. Today, when many countries of the world are at war, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is binding the world in the thread of peace, harmony and unity through the message of Lord Buddha," Adityanath said. "The strong relations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Prime Minister of Japan, late Shinzo Abe, have also taken the political, economic and business relations of India-Japan to new heights," he said. "The state government is keen to cooperate with Japanese companies. Japan also provided great support as a partner country for the Global Investors Summit-2023," Adityanath said. On behalf of the state government, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and Director General of the Governor's Policy Planning Bureau of Yamanashi Province Junichi Ishidera exchanged the MoU, the UP government said in a statement. Adityanath said the MoU is a result of the prime minister's commitment to work together with the Quad countries for humanity on the basis of shared democratic values. Currently, more than 1,400 Japanese companies are operating in India, including seven major firms -- Mitsui Technologies, Honda Motors, Yamaha Motors, Denso, Toyodrunk, Nissin ABC Logistics, Sekisui DLJM Molding -- operating in Uttar Pradesh. Economic co-operation between India and Japan is very rich, he said, and added that bilateral trade between the two countries has been USD 22.854 billion in the financial year 2023-24. During this period, USD 17.69 billion was exported from Japan to India and USD 5.15 billion was imported. Adityanath told the Japanese delegation that Uttar Pradesh is getting a new identity as an 'expressway state'. After the construction of the Ganga Expressway, Uttar Pradesh will have 55 per cent share in the total expressways of the country. At present, five expressways of a total length of 1,130 km are operational, he said. The UP CM said that in the electronics and IT/ITES sector, Uttar Pradesh has the distinction of contributing about 45 per cent of India's total mobile manufacturing. About 55 per cent of India's mobile components are manufactured here. About 26 per cent of India's mobile manufacturers are active in Uttar Pradesh and more than 200 ESDM companies are located in the state. The state government is developing clusters for semi-conductor manufacturing and fab-units. Apart from this, Uttar Pradesh is rapidly emerging as the main hub of data centers in India, he said. On this occasion, Governor Yamanashi Prefecture of Japan, Kotaro Nagasaki said there have been spiritual and historical relations between Yamanashi Prefecture and Uttar Pradesh. Expressing happiness over the MoU, he said that Japan will provide mutual cooperation in labour skilled development, renewable energy, hydro power, exchange of knowledge and technology. He told the chief minister that "Japan is your second home", the statement said, adding Adityanath also spoke a few lines in Japanese. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)NoneNew Hampshire courts hear two cases on transgender girls playing girls sports
Has anyone won the Mega millions jackpot lottery ticket? Here's some amazing news coming in from CaliforniaRice builds up big lead early, hangs on to beat USF 35-28
NEW YORK (AP) — New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge was a unanimous pick to win his second American League Most Valuable Player Award in three seasons on Thursday, easily outdistancing Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Shohei Ohtani was expected to win the National League honor later Thursday, his third MVP and first in the NL.Russian security officials say they foiled plot to kill high ranking officer, blogger
The All Progressives Congress in Rivers State has elected Chief Tony Okocha as its new chairman. This was just as the new opposition party chairman declared that the party would take over the seat of power in the state come 2027. Okocha, the hitherto Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party in the state, was elected unopposed alongside other executives during the party’s state delegate congress held in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Saturday. The delegate congress which was conducted through voice vote was presided over by Dr Adoye Omalez, who represented the party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje. Speaking after the exercise, the APC National Vice Chairman, South-South, Chief Victor Giadom, commended the party delegates for the peaceful manner they conducted themselves during the state delegate congress. Giadom stated that the peaceful conduct of the state delegate congress demonstrated the fact that APC in Rivers state is one united and indivisible party, even as he called party members to support the new executive of the party in order to move the party forward. In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Rivers State APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, said that his election has gone a long way to prove all those who said the APC is not united and cannot conduct a peaceful election wrong. He lauded President Bola Tinubu for his numerous achievements in office so far, especially the resumption of production of petroleum products at the Port Harcourt Refinery, pointing out that the party will do more to pave the way to win all the elections in Rivers State. “If you know me very well, I’m an emotional person. Our joy is that our members came on their own volition. Nobody cajoled anybody to come, nobody bamboozled anybody to come here for the state primary election. “They came to show their love for the All Progressives Congress. I like to reassure you I’m sure you are seeing the indices and the variables already. Related News Wike's loyalist, Okocha, eyes Rivers APC chairmanship seat Fubara is Wike's political investment, says Tony Okocha Rivers APC condemns explosion at party secretariat “Those who said APC cannot conduct elections lied. APC will conduct and win elections and be in charge of government in Rivers State. Our business with you supporting us is to ensure that we route out a rudderless government in Rivers State. “By the year 2027 God keeping us alive, we will have an election in Rivers State and our target with you is to help us so that APC takes the reign of governance in Rivers State”, Okocha stated. Okocha added that with the mandate given to him and other elected executive officials, the party is set to capture the state in 2027. “From Assembly, local government areas, National Assembly, governorship election APC will win in Rivers state and also ensure that we return the hero of our time, President Bola Tinubu. Let me again use this opportunity to say to Nigerians that we are on cause. The APC is on cause in Nigeria I’m sure you have watched or you have heard what happened at the Port Harcourt Refinery some days ago? This is the tip of the iceberg that you will begin to see. “We have told you many times that Rome was not built in a day. That the day you plant a seed is not the day you will harvest it. So in less than two years we have started up and running. The President has also directed that the Kaduna and Warri refineries should be on the same speed as the Port Harcourt Refinery. So when we can achieve this I’m sure the problems of Nigeria will be half solved. “So let me say it to all of us, particularly my colleagues here, it’s one family. I want to assure you of the appreciation of APC in Rivers State that we will come up with the best for the interest of all of us. I want to thank the delegation from the National who have come here and dutifully and profoundly led this process to this right. “Let me on behalf of the party thank you for your courage, dexterity for the love you have for the party. For this reason, you have left all that you are doing to come to Port Harcourt to superintendent this election to its logical conclusion. We would not have succeeded in concluding this process if INEC had not come to preside over this election. Of course, it’s their responsibility to preside over party primary elections. The leader of the delegation is no other person than the leader of INEC in the state he came here himself. Other elected positions during the state delegates congress were that of the Deputy Chairman of the party, the State Secretary, the Publicity Secretary, the State Auditor, the State women leader, the Youth leader, the legal advisor and Zonal leaders of the party in the three senatorial districts of the State. Our correspondent reports that the state delegate congress was supervised by the state resident electoral Commissioner, Dr Joseph Alalibo.
DALLAS — Delta and United became the most profitable U.S. airlines by targeting premium customers while also winning back a significant share of travelers on a tight budget. That is squeezing smaller low-fare carriers like Spirit Airlines , which recently filed for bankruptcy protection. Some travel-industry experts think Spirit’s troubles indicate that travelers on a budget will be left with fewer choices and higher prices. Other discount airlines are on much better financial footing than Spirit, but they too are lagging far behind the full-service airlines when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic . Most industry experts think Frontier Airlines and other so-called ultra-low-cost carriers will fill the vacuum if Spirit shrinks , and that there is still plenty of competition to prevent prices from spiking. Spirit Airlines lost more than $2.2 billion since the start of 2020. Frontier has not reported a full-year profit since 2019, though that slump might end this year. Allegiant Air’s parent company is still profitable, but less so than before the pandemic. Those kind of numbers led United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby to declare recently that low-cost carriers were using “a fundamentally flawed business model” and customers hate flying on them. Kirby’s touchdown dance might turn out to be premature, but many analysts are wary about the near-term prospects for budget airlines, which charge cheaper fares but more fees than the big airlines. A traveler speaks with a Spirit Airlines agent May 24 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day in Atlanta. Low-cost airlines grew in the last two decades by undercutting big carriers on ticket prices, thanks in large part to lower costs, including hiring younger workers who were paid less than their counterparts at Delta Air Lines, United and American Airlines . Wages soared across the industry in the past two years, however, narrowing that cost advantage. The big airlines rolled out and refined their no-frills, “basic economy” tickets to compete directly with Spirit, Frontier and other budget carriers for the most price-sensitive travelers. The budget airlines became less efficient at using planes and people. As their growth slowed, they wound up with more of both than they needed. In 2019, Spirit planes were in the air an average of 12.3 hours every day. By this summer, the planes spent an average of two more hours each day sitting on the ground, where they don't make money. Spirit's costs per mile jumped 32% between 2019 and 2023. Another issue is that airlines added too many flights. Budget airlines and Southwest Airlines were among the worst offenders, but full-service airlines piled on. To make up for a drop in business travel, the big carriers added more flights on domestic leisure routes. The result: Too many seats on flights into popular tourist destinations such as Florida and Las Vegas, which drove down prices, especially for economy-class tickets. Rows of seats are shown Sept. 26 on a retrofitted Southwest Airlines jet at Love Field in Dallas. Low-cost airlines are responding by following the old adage that if you can't beat them, join them. That means going premium, following the rapidly growing household wealth among upper-income people. The top one-fifth of U.S. households by income added $35 trillion in wealth since 2019 and holds nearly nine times the wealth of the middle fifth, according to the Federal Reserve . Frontier Airlines organized its fares into four bundles in May, with buyers of higher-priced tickets getting extras such as priority boarding, more legroom and checked bags. The airline dropped ticket-change or cancellation fees except for the cheapest bundle. Spirit followed in August with similar changes, blocking middle seats and charging passengers more for the comfort of aisle and window seats. Spirit Airlines CEO Ted Christie received a $3.8 million retention bonus a week before the Florida-based carrier filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Christie will retain the bonus if he remains with the company for another year. The airline's stock has dropped over 90% this year. It has faced challenges including a blocked $3.8 billion merger with JetBlue and failed talks with Frontier. The pandemic disrupted Spirit's operations and travel patterns, reducing its daily aircraft utilization and increasing costs. Demand has shifted to full-service airlines as higher-income travelers vacation more, while inflation impacts lower-income consumers. JetBlue Airways , which began flying more than 20 years ago as a low-cost carrier but with amenities, is digging out from years of steady losses. Under new CEO Joanna Geraghty, the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline, JetBlue is cutting unprofitable routes, bolstering core markets that include the Northeast and Florida, and delaying deliveries of $3 billion worth of new planes. Starting next year, Southwest Airlines will toss out a half-century tradition of “open seating” — passengers picking their own seat after boarding the plane. Executives say extensive surveying showed 80% of customers preferred an assigned seat, and that's especially true with coveted business travelers. More crowded planes also might be pushing passengers to spend more to escape a middle seat in the back of the plane. A Frontier Airlines jet takes off July 5, 2022, from Denver International Airport in Denver. In other parts of the world, budget carriers are doing just fine. They bounced back from the pandemic just like their more highbrow competitors. Some industry experts say low-cost carriers in Asia and Europe have always attracted a more diverse mix of passengers, while in the U.S., affluent and middle-class travelers look down their noses at low-cost carriers. Jamie Baker, an analyst for JPMorgan, says he has many college friends who work in London and fly Irish airline Ryanair all the time, but he hardly knows anyone who has ever been on a Spirit or Frontier plane. A small plane tows a banner April 13, 2016, over Flint Bishop International Airport as part of ceremonies marking Allegiant Air joining the airport. Delta CEO Ed Bastian is less dismissive of the “lower-end carriers” in the U.S. than United's Kirby. "I don’t see that segment ever disappearing,” Bastian said after Spirit’s bankruptcy filing. “I think there’s a market for it.” At the same time, he said the upscale moves by ultra-low-cost carriers are having no effect on his airline. Delta targets upscale travelers but also introduced basic-economy fares a decade ago, when discounters emerged as a growing threat to poach some of Delta's customers. “Just calling yourself a premium carrier and actually being a premium carrier are two totally different things,” Bastian said “It's not the size of the seat or how much room you have; it's the overall experience.” As frequent flyers know, air travel isn't cheap. With the summer months in full swing, demand for air travel is expected to reach record numbers in 2024 as airlines continue to recover after the COVID-19 pandemic. Luckily for those who are looking for ways to save on travel , one way to cut costs on your next vacation may be in finding the right places to fly in and out of. FinanceBuzz looked at average domestic airfares from the 45 busiest airports in the U.S. to learn which airports are best for travelers on a budget, as well as which ones to avoid if you are trying to travel affordably. Overall, the national average airfare cost decreased by 3.1% from 2022 to 2023 when adjusted for inflation (which translates to a 0.9% increase in non-adjusted dollars). The last time inflation-adjusted airfare costs dropped year-over-year was during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when it fell 18% between 2019 and 2020. Largely, this is good news for consumers who can spend less on airfare and have more room in their budget for hotels , restaurants, and other travel fees. In addition to earning rewards on airfare, most travel credit cards offer rewards for spending in these areas, which can offset overall vacation costs. Based on Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the above chart shows inflation-adjusted average airline fares over the past 25 years. For this report, we compared domestic airfares from the 45 busiest airports in the U.S. using data published by the U.S. Department of Transportation . Orlando International Airport (MCO) had the lowest airfare cost in the country at $265.58 on average. Home to iconic theme parks like Universal Studios, Sea World, and most notably, Walt Disney World, Orlando is one of America's top tourist destinations. This is welcome news for those bracing for expensive park tickets and food prices at the House of Mouse. Beyond saving with a Disney credit card on park-related purchases, visitors can also maximize savings by using a credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve which offers an annual travel credit, or even using a 0% APR credit card if you don't want to pay for your entire vacation at once. Another Florida-based airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), has the second-lowest average airfare cost in the country — tickets here are only about $5 more expensive than Orlando's. Just a few dollars behind FLL is Las Vegas's Harry Reid International (LAS), where fares cost $272.15 on average. LAS is also the last airport on our list where average airfare costs are less than $300. Oakland International Airport (OAK) has the fourth-lowest average airfare costs in the country at $303.79. And the fifth-least expensive airport, Chicago Midway International (MDW), comes in at $308.27. For the third year in a row, Dulles International Airport (IAD) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) have the two highest average fares in the country. Flights from Dulles cost $488.40 on average in 2023, while flights from San Francisco cost $444.59. Some silver lining for travelers who need to travel through Dulles: IAD is home to some of the best airport lounges in the country, including the recently-opened Capital One Lounge, available to Capital One Venture X or Venture Rewards credit card holders. With free food, drinks, and recharging stations, lounges can be one easy way to offset otherwise-expensive airport costs. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) has the third-highest average airfare in the country, with an average cost of $438.34. Last on our top-five list of the most expensive airports are Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). Average airfare from Charlotte cost $436.80 last year, while flights from Detroit had an average price tag of $427.05. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) was the biggest affordability winner over the last year, dropping prices by more than $18 on average. SEA jumped from 36th most-affordable place last year to 28th place this year — an increase of eight spots. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Portland International Airport (PDX) experienced similar jumps, rising by seven spots each. RDU went from 24th place in 2022 to 17th in 2023, while PDX went from 42nd to 35th. Two different airports fell by eight spots in our affordability rankings, tied for the biggest drop of the year. The average fare at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) rose by $18.66 year-over-year, which led SMF to go from 18th in last year's affordability rankings to 26th this year. Prices rose even more at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), going up by $19.64 on average from one year to the next. Consequently, STL fell from 21st to 29th place in terms of affordability. As you plan your travel, you'll find costs can vary widely at a single airport. With a little research and smart planning, you can find a deal at any airport. Here are a few tips to save on airfare: We looked at 2023 airfare data released by the U.S. Department of Transportation in May 2024 to compare domestic airfares by origin city. This report calculated average fares based on domestic itinerary fares. "Itinerary fares" consist of round-trip fares, unless only a one-way ticket was purchased. In that case, the one-way fare was used. Fares are based on total ticket value, including the price charged by the airline plus any additional taxes and fees levied at the time of purchase. Fares include only the price paid at booking and do not include fees for optional services like baggage fees. Averages also do not include frequent-flyer or "zero fares" or a few abnormally high reported fares. This stor y was produced by FinanceBuzz and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Nestled along two converging rivers, with the Blue Ridge Mountains’ precipitous cliffs offering a backdrop, Harpers Ferry has long been praised for its rugged natural beauty. The town named for millwright Robert Harper in 1747 soon became one of Thomas Jefferson’s favorite retreats, and today, the mound of Harpers shale on which he stood to survey the water gap below is a popular destination along the Appalachian Trail. George Washington chose Harpers Ferry for a new national armory in 1796. It turned what had been a somewhat sleepy hamlet into a prosperous industrial village. Yet this easternmost town in West Virginia didn’t gain national fame until the Civil War. It was here, in 1859, that abolitionist John Brown and his small group of men seized the armory in hopes of starting an uprising in the South against slavery. If you love history, it lives on at Harpers Ferry, which became a national historic park in 1963. It focuses not just on John Brown’s raid and the Civil War but also shines a light on African American history, industry, transportation and natural heritage. And if you find joy in hiking, cycling, mountaineering or paddling, you will find lots to do in and around this picturesque town on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. There also are numerous shops and restaurants, including in nearby Bolivar, if eating, drinking and shopping are high on your to-do list. Walking around charming Lower Town gives the feeling of stepping back in time. One of the most visited historic sites is the only armory building to escape destruction during the Civil War: John Brown’s Fort, where the abolitionist and several followers barricaded themselves during the final hours of their doomed raid. In 1891, it was dismantled and transported to Chicago for the World’s Fair. Other buildings reach even further into the past. When Harper established a ferry across the Potomac River in 1761, it made the town a starting point for settlers moving into the Shenandoah Valley and farther west. They included members of the famed Lewis and Clark expedition, who in 1803 made preparations here for their historic exploration of the western portion of the country after the Louisiana Purchase. Harpers Ferry became a ghost town by the 1950s and was reconstructed by the Park Service in the ’60s as a “multileveled interpretive proving ground.” Wearing comfortable shoes? National Park Service rangers lead free tours detailing the history of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Or take a self-guided Black heritage walking tour that includes 34 stops. Lower Town also includes an industry museum, a 19th-century “landscape” that will fascinate the kids, and both Civil War and Black history museums. And if you climb the rocky set of 44 steps that were carved into the hillside in 1810 behind the museums, you can take in a view of the city below from the stone patio of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. West Virginia is famous for its variety of outdoor activities on both land and water, and Harpers Ferry does not disappoint. The Appalachian Trail, one of America’s most famous footpaths, passes through Lower Town, and visitors can trek or bike the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath that runs along the banks of the Potomac River. (You’ll find maps at the Visitors Center.) If you don’t mind breaking a sweat and have a few hours, a moderately strenuous but rewarding hike follows the Maryland Heights trailhead to Overlook Cliff. The climb is both steep (1,154 feet uphill) and long (a 4.5-mile loop). But when you get to the top, the view of Harpers Ferry below is bucket- list spectacular. Less challenging (but not accessible to those with physical limitations) is the hike up the Stone Steps to St. Peter’s church, past the ruins of St. John’s Episcopal Church, to Jefferson Rock. You’re not allowed to climb onto the Harpers shale slab that gave Jefferson such pleasure, but you’ll share his terrific view. Continue up the hill a little farther, and you’ll hit the Appalachian Trail on your way to Camp Hill, the 32-acre site that once housed Storer College and is now owned by the Park Service. Harpers Ferry is considered the halfway point of the trail, and during the season, weary-looking hikers are a common sight around town and on the towpath across the Potomac. Many stop at the trail’s hikers’ lounge on Washington Street to rest or take a picture on its front porch. So far in 2024, visitor-center rep Dave Tarasevich has counted more than 1,240 northbound hikers. “It’s one of the few places where the trail goes through town, literally,” he said. Water sports, including fishing, are also popular here. Some people canoe and kayak through October; there’s also white water rafting in season. You also can go horseback riding. After all that walking and history learning, you’re going to want to unwind with some good food and drink. While you won’t find big-city gourmet eats, you can get a pretty good meal at several places around town. I had a tasty salad made with microfarm hemp hearts, greens, tomatoes and avocado on the patio at The Rabbit Hole and a pretty good burger at Coach House Bar and Grill. For coffee, fresh-baked pastries and sandwiches, head to Battle Grounds Bakery & Coffee. If you don’t eat meat, West Virginia’s very first vegan restaurant — Kelley Farm Kitchen in Bolivar — has got you covered with salads, Impossible burgers, hoagies and ramen bowls. Some places are dog-friendly, including my favorite spot for pizza and a beer — Harpers Ferry Brewing in neighboring Purcellville, Virginia. Perched on the side of a mountain next to Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, it offers an awesome view along with local craft brews and live music on weekends through November. Just know that everything in this small town, even the brewery, shutters pretty early. The only life downtown after dark is The Barn of Harpers Ferry, a music venue and bar that offers live music every night Wednesday through Saturday. Want to take a piece of West Virginia home with you? In boutiques along High Street and Public Way, you’ll find everything from original art and distinctive jewelry crafted by regional hands to old-fashioned candy and confections, antiques and hokey souvenirs. Lodging options include bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, a hostel and locally and nationally owned motels. For a guide on where to eat, seasonal events and other attractions, visit wherealmostheavenbegins.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!Boise State football’s love affair with the Fiesta Bowl could gain a major new chapter as we usher out 2024. The College Football Playoff committee released its final rankings on Sunday morning, setting the bracket for the 12-team playoffs in stone. The Broncos will play at 5:30 p.m. Mountain time on New Year’s Eve in the quarterfinals. Boise State came in at No. 9 overall in the rankings, but because the Broncos were among the four highest-ranked conference champions, they earned a first-round bye, and even slotted in as the No. 3 seed by being higher in the CFP Top 25 than two Power 4 league winners: the Big 12’s Arizona State and the ACC’s Clemson. That sets Boise State up for a fourth Fiesta Bowl appearance in program history. The Broncos are 3-0 in that game, most recently winning in 2014, when they defeated Arizona 37-30. The most famous victory came 43-42 over Oklahoma on Jan. 1, 2007, and there also was the Jan. 4, 2010, win over TCU by a 17-10 score. Those wins both completed undefeated seasons, but this time around, Boise State actually will have a chance to compete for a national championship. There’s another difference, too: When those past Fiesta Bowls were announced, the team immediately knew its opponent. Because of its bye, Boise State must wait to see who wins a first-round matchup between No. 6 Penn State and No. 11 SMU to learn its foe in the Dec. 31 game in Glendale, Arizona. Boise State redshirt sophomore quarterback Maddux Madsen said he’d kind of prefer to play Penn State because of the school’s “rich tradition of football.” The Nittany Lions, who will host the game against SMU, opened as an 8.5-point favorite . Here’s what to know about the two schools and what they bring to the table. The obvious attraction on paper, no matter who wins, will be a rushing game showdown: Boise State superstar Ashton Jeanty and a strong offensive line vs. a top-ranked run defense. No. 6 Penn State Penn State finished the season 11-2. The Nittany Lions played three ranked teams this season, beating then-No. 19 Illinois in late September, and losing to Ohio State in November and to No. 1 Oregon in the Big Ten championship game. The Nittany Lions lost 45-37 to the undefeated Ducks on Saturday afternoon. Boise State also played Oregon in the regular season, losing 37-34 on a last-second field goal. That means Penn State’s best win of the year came against Illinois, which finished No. 20 in the final CFP rankings. The Nittany Lions also had a come-from-behind 26-25 win over Minnesota, which finished 7-5 and tied for seventh place in the Big Ten. The Illini finished 9-3 and tied for fifth in the conference. Despite this, Penn State was actually No. 4 in the final CFP rankings before slotting into the 6 seed in the bracket, one spot ahead of one-loss Notre Dame, which beat four Top 25 teams; two spots ahead of Ohio State, which had the head-to-head win over the Nittany Lions and also beat Indiana, another playoff team; and three spots ahead of Tennessee, which beat Alabama and two other teams when they were in the Top 25. Penn State ranks 25th in the nation for scoring offense, averaging 33.6 points per game. That’s almost a touchdown behind Boise State, which averages 39.1 points per game to rank fourth in the nation. The Nittany Lions’ quarterback is junior Drew Allar, who is in his second season as the starter. He’s thrown for 2,894 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2024, with seven interceptions. Allar’s favorite target is tight end Tyler Warren, who’s got 1,062 yards on 88 receptions — the next closest player is wide receiver Harrison Wallace III, who had 638 yards on just 39 catches. The real danger for Penn State comes from its two-headed rushing attack. The Nittany Lions have two running backs — Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen — who have rushed for over 800 yards this season. Of course, those totals pale in comparison to Boise State junior running back Ashton Jeanty, who has 2,497 yards to lead the nation. But Penn State has the nation’s No. 9 rushing defense, allowing just 103.6 rushing yards per game. And that defense held eight opponents to 13 or fewer points this season. No. 11 SMU SMU grabbed the final at-large playoff berth in somewhat of a surprise, after staging a second-half comeback before falling to three-loss Clemson 34-31 on a last-second field goal in the ACC championship game Saturday night. The Mustangs finished the year 11-2 and got in over the likes of fellow ACC member Miami (10-2) and perennial playoff team Alabama, which went 9-3 but had higher-quality wins on its resume — as well as much worse losses. The Mustangs were unbeaten in ACC play in the regular season, but they did not face Miami, Clemson or Syracuse — the other top teams in the standings. SMU’s only other loss was also by three points, 18-15 to BYU (10-2) in early September. The Mustangs’ best wins would be hammering then-unbeaten Pittsburgh (7-5) by a 48-25 score, and a 34-27 victory over then-No. 22 Louisville (8-4). They also beat a 9-3 Duke squad, but they don’t boast a win over a single team in the final CFP rankings. The Mustangs are led by redshirt sophomore quarterback Kevin Jennings. He surpassed the 3,000-yard mark on the season with his efforts Saturday night against Clemson (304 yards, three TDs) and has thrown 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Jennings is also shifty on his feet, rushing for 464 yards this season. The Broncos are used to that and have done well against some dual-threat quarterbacks, holding Washington State’s John Mateer to 28 rushing yards and keeping UNLV’s Hajj-Malik Williams in check in the Mountain West title game, until Williams had a big scramble late in the game to reach 56 rushing yards. The Mustangs are even better than Penn State at stopping the run. They rank fourth in the nation in rushing defense, holding opponents to 93.4 yards per game. But their passing defense is nothing to write home about, yielding 232.7 yards per game to rank 92nd in the nation. This story was originally published December 8, 2024, 4:26 PM. Boise State earns first-round playoff bye, slots into Fiesta Bowl. Here are seeds, matchups Ready to alter New Year’s Eve plans to go to Fiesta Bowl, Boise State fans? Act fastAP Business SummaryBrief at 6:44 p.m. EST