Modi Advocates Democratic Cooperation in Global South AwakeningWoolworths strike costs supermarket $50m, couple win Keno jackpot on 50th anniversary, Laos factory shut after methanol deathsTaylor Swift, Travis Kelce's romance heats up with engagement rumour Taylor Swift and her beau Travis Kelce's romance intensifies with a new twist Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's romance are talk of the town these days as the beautiful pair capture media's attention everywhere they appear together. The lovers have been in massive spotlight throughout the 2024 with their cute and heartwarming moments in one of Taylor's Eras Tour concerts. The Anti-Hero hitmaker also attended a few games of her beau NFL star along with her friends and family which attracted massive spotlight. Swift and Kelce's heated relationship has been making headlines ever since they have started making appearance in public as the couple's passion for each other going stronger each day since back in September 2023. The lovebirds are trying to make efforts and taking out some time for each other during their busy career schedule and personal responsibilities. The buzz surrounding the couple has been growing louder, fueled by whispers of an engagement. Speculations are rapidly spreading across social media, as fans are eagerly waiting for the official announcement of the big day. However, people are wondering when these two lovers will begin their "forever after." Despite all the gossips, they both have not utter a single word about their marriage plans. Taylor Swift and Travis currently keeping their lives very personal and private, away from all the limelight and focusing on career, as they seem to be taking things kind of slow and steady. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s neighbour makes shocking claims Margot Robbie finally opens up about controversial 'Wolf of Wall Street' bold scene Luz Cuevas sparks fans frenzy with 'shocking' revelations Meghan’s Christmas gift to Prince Harry turns into chaos after Archie’s mishap
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, expecting their first childThe 9th-gen iPad has fallen to $200 for Black Friday. Considering the regular price for this model was $330 at its peak, this is a great discount. This is a tablet Apple first released back in 2021 , so it’s getting a bit long in the tooth. The 10th-gen iPad is Apple’s official “budget” tablet, as the 9th-gen will ultimately be phased out. But it’s still a fantastic machine, particularly for the price, particularly if you’re dead-set on getting an iPad but have little to spend. This is a relatively ancient tablet with an equally ancient A13 Bionic chip. This isn’t the best iPad to buy for those looking for raw power. However, it’s the perfect tablet for those who want a media consumption machine on the cheap. Netflix in bed? Sign me up. This sale is for the 64GB model and doesn’t apply to the 256GB version. The 9th-gen tablet is being discontinued, so it’s highly likely this is the last chance to pick one up at this price. Once the stock is gone, it’s all over. Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.The London Knights Booster Club (LKBC) is ready to break an OHL record for most teddy bears tossed onto the ice. “I think we’re going to hit from that 4,000 mark just within the club,” said Sav Neth, president or the LKBC. During every bus and beach trip, as well as BBQ the club hosted this past year, they asked their members to bring a stuffed animal in anticipation of this year’s Teddy Bear Toss game. Neth, known as the Knights Super Fan, knows how the importance of the game and its donations for underprivileged children in the city. “When I was a child, we went to a place and the Salvation Army provided me with a teddy bear,” said Neth. “I was just given that hope and the inspiration. When I was young, my mom was a single mother of five children, and I gave her that teddy bear. In my mid-forties, she passed away and she had that bear ever since, so it's definitely meaningful.” When the bears are thrown onto the ice, they will be counted, sorted, and delivered by the Salvation Army. The London Knights Booster Club has collected more than 4,000 stuffed animals for the annual Teddy Bear Toss game at Canada Life Place on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Brent Lale/CTV News London) “This year we're serving over 6,000 children,” said Nancy Kerr, executive director of Salvation Army London. “Every little piece of toy we get, some of the bears are big, some of them are small, and it goes a long way to helping us make sure that the children get something under the tree.” The Knights are encouraging fans to bring a new stuffed animal to Wednesday’s game at Canada Life Place. Their goal is to surpass their own OHL record achieved last year of 11,924. “It's a fun game to be a part of and one of the first games to sell out,” said Alex Brown, Knights’ director of marketing. “We had almost 12,000 bears last year and hoping for more this year.” A year ago, it was defenceman Jared Woolley who made history when he opened the scoring. Nancy Kerr, executive director of London’s Salvation Army seen on Dec. 3, 2024, says they will service 6,000 children with stuffed animals collected during this year’s Teddy Bear Toss. (Brent Lale/CTV News London) “I think everyone wants to score that goal and doing that and it being my first career goal, I thought it was pretty fun,” said Woolley. He added that it has become an internal competition in the dressing room, as everyone wants the one who makes the bears rain down. “Everybody's chirping and saying that they're going to score it, so everyone's giving each other a hard time about it,” added Woolley. “I think everyone just wants to be the one to bring them down for sure.” No matter who scores London’s first goal Wednesday, Neth knows from personal experience, it is a very special night for those donating and those receiving. “It is such a remarkable thing that this fan base, and this community is doing to help the Salvation Army,” said Neth. “It’s great giving and be able to receive and hopefully inspire those kids to have something to hug or something to hold that might not have anything for Christmas.” Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 19 Of The Best Stocking Stuffers For Teenagers 13 Of The Best Self-Care Gifts You Can Find On Amazon Canada The Ultimate 2024 Holiday Gift Guide For People Who Love Working Out Home Our Guide To The Best Sectional Sofas You Can Get In Canada Our Guide To The Best Electric Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Hydroponic Gardens In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Gifts Here Are All The Gift Wrapping Supplies You Should Order Before The Holidays 17 Sweet Treats And Snacks That Make Great Stocking Stuffers 15 Gifts That'll Pry Their Eyes Away From Screens For A Bit Beauty Our Guide To The Best Self Tanners You Can Get In Canada 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit Deals Black Friday May Be Over, But You Can Still Take Advantage Of These Amazing Sales On Amazon Canada It's Officially Travel Tuesday: Here Are The Best Deals On Flights, Hotels, And Vacations The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 40% Off For Cyber Monday London Top Stories 'A real gamut': LHSC highlights number of serious seasonal injuries ahead of the holiday season Tire shops 'spinning' with winter tire changeover demand Mayor worried about flooding following conservation dam decision 'We can’t wait for perfection': Local advocates respond to AG’s criticism of province’s plan to fight homelessness and addiction Charges laid after 'shelter in place' in Tillsonburg 'Hopefully inspire those kids': London Knights Booster Club collects thousands of stuffed animals for Teddy Bear Toss game Nearly $300,000 worth of drugs seized in Oxford County, Kitchener School closures and bus cancellations, more squalls expected Tuesday morning CTVNews.ca Top Stories Mexico president says Canada has a 'very serious' fentanyl problem Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is not escalating a war of words with Mexico, after the Mexican president criticized Canada's culture and its framing of border issues. Singh won't support Conservative non-confidence motion that uses his own words NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says he won't play Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's games by voting to bring down the government on an upcoming non-confidence motion. Calgary man who drove U-Haul over wife sentenced to 15 years A Calgary man who killed his wife in 2020 when he drove over her in a loaded U-Haul has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars. Freeland says it was 'right choice' for her not to attend Mar-a-Lago dinner with Trump Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says it was 'the right choice' for her not to attend the surprise dinner with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on Friday night. Opposition leaders talk unity following Trudeau meeting about Trump, minister calls 51st state comment 'teasing' The prime minister’s emergency meeting with opposition leaders on Tuesday appears to have bolstered a more united front against U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Canada Post strike: Kids no longer need to mail their letters to Santa by the end of the week Canada Post says it has removed the deadline for its Santa Claus letter program amid an ongoing national workers' strike that has halted mail delivery leading up to the holiday season. Man severely injured saving his wife from a polar bear attack in the Far North A man was severely injured Tuesday morning when he leaped onto a polar bear to protect his wife from being mauled in the Far North community of Fort Severn. Another case of 'zombie deer' disease confirmed in B.C.'s Kootenays Health officials have confirmed a fourth case of chronic wasting disease in B.C.’s Kootenay region, prompting calls for a swift cull to prevent further spread. Video shows 'completely unprovoked' stranger attack in Vancouver, police say Police in Vancouver are searching for witnesses after a seemingly random and unprovoked assault was captured on video in the city's downtown core. Kitchener Why Wilmot is proposing a $580 tax increase in its 2025 draft budget The Township of Wilmot has released its 2025 draft budget which included a one-time capital infrastructure investment. Teddy Bear Toss happening tonight at the Aud Calling all Kitchener Rangers fans! The Teddy Bear Toss returns for tonight's game against the Brantford Bulldogs. Guelph Police looking for missing pregnant woman Guelph Police are asking for help as they search for a missing pregnant woman. Barrie Snow-clearing efforts stalled due to tractor-trailers stuck on many roads along Highway 11 Snow-clearing efforts continue on secondary roads that remain closed along Highway 11 on Tuesday. Woman dies in two-vehicle crash on Highway 118 in Haliburton An 87-year-old woman has died following a collision on Highway 118 in Haliburton County on Monday afternoon. Crown pushes for 6-year sentence for supervisor convicted in fatal crash case Victim impact statements were read in a Barrie courtroom on Tuesday ahead of sentencing for a man convicted of criminal negligence causing the death of a dump truck driver four years ago. Windsor Survey raises concerns about cannabis-impaired driving in Ontario A recent survey conducted by CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) highlights an increase in cannabis use among Ontario drivers, sparking some concern about impaired driving. 'Times are tough and we're feeling the stretch': Still time to give this Giving Tuesday Dec. 3 is Giving Tuesday and the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation (CKHAF) is calling on the community for support to help purchase a new fluoroscopy machine for Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA). Leamington man facing several firearms charges Essex County OPP have charged a 42-year-old man with firearms-related offences following the execution of a warrant in Leamington. Northern Ontario Man severely injured saving his wife from a polar bear attack in the Far North A man was severely injured Tuesday morning when he leaped onto a polar bear to protect his wife from being mauled in the Far North community of Fort Severn. Insults on social media lead to real-life assault in northern Ont. A Mississauga First Nation woman has been charged with assault after she took offence to comments about her on social media. Five years after toddler's brutal death, Northern Ont. family struggles to find peace, justice A North Bay family is struggling to find peace and justice as the five-year anniversary of the brutal death of toddler Oliver McCarthy approaches. Sault Ste. Marie Shooting on Manitoulin Island leads to attempted murder charges Two people have been charged – one with attempted murder – following a shooting in Wikwemikong last week. Insults on social media lead to real-life assault in northern Ont. A Mississauga First Nation woman has been charged with assault after she took offence to comments about her on social media. Snow squall warning in the Sault, heaviest snowfall expected tonight Sault Ste. Marie's run of severe winter weather will continue Tuesday, with Environment Canada issuing another snow squall warning. Ottawa TRAVEL ADVISORY | Winter weather travel advisory in effect as Ottawa expects first notable snowfall The first winter weather travel advisory of the season is in effect for Ottawa as the city's first dump of snow expected this week. 1 teen, 4 adults injured in crash involving school bus and vehicle in south Ottawa Ottawa paramedics say five people were injured following a collision between a school bus and a van in south Ottawa. Jewish pro-Palestinian protesters occupy Ottawa Parliament building A group of Jewish-Canadian activists protesting Israel's ongoing armed offensive in Gaza have occupied a parliamentary building in Ottawa on Tuesday morning. Toronto Walking pneumonia cases in Ontario have nearly tripled since 2019: report The number of walking pneumonia cases seen in Ontario this year is triple the amount of what was reported in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Process around Ontario Place redevelopment was 'unfair' and didn't follow rules: AG Ontario's auditor general is slamming the Ford government for failing to follow proper process around the redevelopment of Ontario Place, including a revelation that senior staff communicated directly with Therme Canada and other applicants while proposals were still being accepted. Winter weather travel advisory: Toronto expected to see its first snowfall Wednesday Toronto is expecting its first snowfall of the season this week. Environment Canada has issued a winter weather advisory for the city, advising of snow accumulations near five centimetres on Wednesday. Montreal Despite devastating poll, Quebec Premier Legault confident he’s here to stay Despite a devastating poll, Premier François Legault is confident that he will lead the CAQ troops into the next electoral battle in two years' time. Quebec doctors who refuse to stay in public system for 5 years face $200K fine per day Quebec's health minister has tabled a bill that would force new doctors trained in the province to spend the first five years of their careers working in Quebec's public health network. Quebec prisons on lockdown after correctional officer severely beaten Quebec prisons were in lockdown on Tuesday after a correction officer at the Sorel-Tracy detention centre was attacked this week. Atlantic Snow, rain, and wind expected for Maritimes this week with early December storm A developing low pressure skirting colder air in place across eastern parts of the country will bring snow, rain, and wind to the Maritimes on Thursday. Cape Breton investigating last year of municipal credit card transactions The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) is investigating more than a year of transactions on a legislative credit card due to a lack of documents. N.B. woman dies after hit and run in Notre-Dame: RCMP A 40-year-old New Brunswick woman has died after she was struck by a vehicle in Notre-Dame, N.B. Winnipeg Manitoba opening trade office in Washington, D.C. The Manitoba government is opening a trade office in Washington, D.C., next year. Every Winnipeg driver pulled over during checkstop program must give breath sample: police Every driver pulled over in Winnipeg as part of the police’s annual festive season checkstop program will have to provide a breath sample. Young Manitoba woman dies after medical emergency during dental appointment The Manitoba Dental Association (MDA) said it is investigating a critical incident where a young woman from the Morden-Winkler area died following a dental appointment. Calgary Person found dead in Taradale home with high CO levels: CFD A person was found dead in a Taradale home where emergency crews discovered high levels of carbon monoxide. Calgary man who drove U-Haul over wife sentenced to 15 years A Calgary man who killed his wife in 2020 when he drove over her in a loaded U-Haul has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars. Calgarians need to make more money to avoid homelessness than other Canadians: study New research suggests Calgarians need to make more money than people in other major Canadian cities in order to keep their homes. Edmonton Ex-Alberta teacher convicted of sex crime involving child for 2nd time Former Alberta teacher Brian Davison has been found guilty of one count of sexual exploitation in connection with an incident involving a child. U of A team repurposes culinary device to improve frostbite injury outcomes University of Alberta researchers have created a device they believe could significantly reduce the number of frostbite cases that end in amputation. Gibbons man charged with child pornography offences A 23-year-old Alberta man has been charged in connection with a 10-month-long child pornography investigation. Regina Regulations around foreign ownership of Sask. farmland need better enforcement, auditor finds The Provincial Auditor of Saskatchewan is recommending that the province improve its system of monitoring sales of farmland to foreign entities. Formal expectations needed for answering 911 calls: Sask. auditor reports The Provincial Auditor assessed the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency’s (SPSA) 911 call taking and dispatching processes for fire emergencies, focusing on the Provincial Emergency Communications Centre. Attempted murder charge laid after home invasion, series of hit and runs in Regina Two people in Regina are facing a list of charges following a series of alleged acts that include a home invasion, multiple collisions and attempted murder. Saskatoon Major power outage hits much of Saskatoon's west side A large power outage is affecting much of Saskatoon’s west side and portions of the east side of the city on Tuesday afternoon. Saskatoon city council raises property taxes 4.96% next year Saskatoon city councillors approved a municipal budget that will raise property taxes 4.96 per cent in 2025. Teenage girl among two killed in Saskatchewan First Nation house fire Vancouver BC SPCA to rescue up to 30 stray cats from one Kamloops home The BC SPCA is warning of the consequences of feeding stray cats after a person accidentally lured over 25 felines to their home in Kamloops, B.C. BREAKING | New Vancouver Art Gallery plan scrapped, board seeks new design The Vancouver Art Gallery has decided to start all over again and shelve plans for a new nine-level tower made of wood and glass, CTV News has learned. Taylor Swift fans flock to BC Place, days before Eras Tour lands in Vancouver Security fencing is going up around BC Place stadium in preparation for the final days of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour this weekend, while dozens of Swifties gather near by to feel the vibe and "breathe the same air as Taylor Swift." Vancouver Island Canadian military drones enter production, though Arctic modifications will be required Canada's first combat drones have now entered production, though the remotely piloted aircraft will require years of testing and significant modifications before the first units are delivered in 2028. Taylor Swift fans flock to BC Place, days before Eras Tour lands in Vancouver Security fencing is going up around BC Place stadium in preparation for the final days of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour this weekend, while dozens of Swifties gather near by to feel the vibe and "breathe the same air as Taylor Swift." Coroners inquest set for B.C. woman with Down Syndrome who starved to death The BC Coroners Service will hold an inquest into the death of Florence Girard, a 54-year-old woman with Down syndrome who died of starvation in 2018. Stay ConnectedA season of protests, forfeits and lawsuits ended quietly Saturday on the volleyball court with San José State losing the Mountain West Conference women's tournament final to Colorado State. The loss deprived San José State from claiming the conference's automatic bid to the 64-team NCAA tournament, which could have extended the controversy centered on the team's transgender player. Instead, top-seeded Colorado State earned the automatic bid by winning in four sets. Fewer than 200 spectators attended the match at UNLV, and the fans were respectful, cheering every player during pregame introductions and during the action. Players encouraged one another throughout the match and exchanged hugs when it was over. The only bit of political activity came when Colorado State star player Malaya Jones and teammates Kennedy Stanford and Naeemah Weathers knelt during the national anthem. Colorado State coach Emily Kohan told reporters the players have knelt before matches since 2020. "They've knelt since their freshman year, when the Black Lives Matter movement was going on, and, in this program, we raise critical thinkers to make decisions for what's important to them," Kohan said. "And, for those three, they're Black players, and it's been important to them for five years. And they've stood their ground for saying that this is something that they believe in, and we've all supported them." The focus on volleyball and sportsmanship was a welcome departure from a roller-coaster season in which four Mountain West teams — Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State and Nevada-Reno — each chose to forfeit or cancel two conference matches to San José State. Boise State also forfeited its conference tournament semifinal match to the second-seeded Spartans, who had a first-round bye and only played one match in the tournament. The transgender player has been on the San José State roster for three seasons after transferring from a college on the East Coast, although this is the first season opponents have protested the player's participation. The player is not being named by The Los Angeles Times because they haven't publicly identified as transgender. The issue became public when San José State co-captain Brooke Slusser joined a lawsuit in September against the NCAA filed by former All-American swimmer and anti-trans-athlete activist Riley Gaines. The suit alleges that NCAA transgender eligibility policies violate Title IX and the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. Slusser alleges in the lawsuit that the inclusion of a transgender player poses an unfair advantage and safety hazards. The NCAA adopted new rules a year ago pertaining to transgender athletes, who must document sport-specific testosterone levels at the beginning of their season and again six months later. They also must document testosterone levels four weeks before championship selections. "We are steadfast in our support of transgender student-athletes and the fostering of fairness across college sports," said John DeGioia, chair of the NCAA board of governors and Georgetown president. "It is important that NCAA member schools, conferences and college athletes compete in an inclusive, fair, safe and respectful environment and can move forward with a clear understanding of the new policy." Nevertheless, the schools that forfeited volleyball matches have the backing of politicians in their states. Idaho's Republican Gov. Brad Little recently signed an executive order barring sports teams at Boise State and other public schools in the state from playing against teams with transgender athletes. San José State was left to piece together its season against opponents willing to play. Colorado State was one of those. "Our team played their hearts out today, the way they have done all season," San José State coach Todd Kress said in a statement after the conference tournament loss. "This has been one of the most difficult seasons I've ever experienced and I know this is true as well for many of our players and the staff who have been supporting us all along. Maintaining our focus on the court and ensuring the overall safety and well-being of my players amid the external noise have been my priorities." Slusser, San José State associate head coach Melissa Batie-Smoose and 10 other current and former players filed another lawsuit Nov. 13 aimed at having the transgender player removed ahead of the conference tournament, stating that her inclusion violated Title IX rights for gender equity in federally funded institutions. But a federal judge last Monday rejected the lawsuit, and a day later, another judge rejected Slusser's appeal. The transgender player took the court along with Slusser and San José State was defeated, ending a turbulent season that Kress said included attacks on social media. "Our team prepared and was ready to play each match according to established Mountain West and NCAA rules of play," Kress said in his statement. "We did not take away anyone's participation opportunities. Sadly, others who for years have played this same team without incident chose not to play us this season. "To be clear, we did not celebrate a single win by forfeiture. Instead, we braced for the fallout. Each forfeiture announcement unleashed appalling, hateful messages individuals chose to send directly to our student-athletes, our coaching staff, and many associated with our program." ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
NoneOpinion: Australia is banning social media for teens. Should Canada do the same?Human rights court rules against Venezuela in 2013 election case
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red Cat Holdings, Inc . RCAT , a drone technology company building hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced several leadership updates to align its executive team with the company's top priorities for scaling operations, manufacturing and meeting the needs of a fast-growing portfolio of customers. George Matus, Red Cat's Chief Technology Officer (CTO), is departing the company and is taking the role of CTO at Vector . As the founder of Teal Drones, George has played a vital role in Red Cat's journey, including the recent production selection of its Black Widow drones for the U.S. Army's SRR Program. His innovative contributions have significantly advanced Red Cat's technology and product development. "George has been an invaluable asset to Red Cat and we fully support his transition to Chief Technology Officer at Vector," said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. "Red Cat looks forward to partnering with Vector to equip the U.S. military and its warfighters with fully integrated, rapidly deployable technology that ensures operational success." Chris Rill, currently Director of Partner Integration, will also transition to the role of President of Teal Drones, another Red Cat subsidiary. Chris brings nearly 20 years of experience working at the intersection of hardware and software. As a co-founder and CTO at Canary, Chris successfully delivered two award-winning connected camera security products and shipped more than 200,000 products globally. He has served as CTO for several other connected hardware companies where he's advised on product development, security, strategy, manufacturing, fundraising, and hiring. In his new role Chris will focus on scaling engineering and manufacturing and developing process efficiencies to meet the large-scale demands of the U.S. Army and Red Cat's global customers. These leadership updates follow the recent announcement of Geoffrey Hitchcock's promotion from General Manager of Teal Drones to Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) for Red Cat, underscoring the company's deliberate efforts to expand its market reach and advance its leadership position in the small UAS industry. "As a fast-growing company in a rapidly evolving industry, aligning our leadership with our aggressive plans for scale is paramount," added Thompson. "Chris and Geoff have proven track records in scaling operations, forging partnerships, and delivering innovative solutions required for the modern battlefield. With these strategic changes, we are well-positioned to meet the increasing demands of our customers while ensuring we fit into the U.S. Army's long-term vision for medium and long-range UAS operations." About Red Cat Holdings, Inc. Red Cat RCAT is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a leading-edge Family of Systems. This includes the flagship Black WidowTM, a small unmanned ISR system that was awarded the U.S. Army's Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record contract. The Family of Systems also includes TRICHONTM, a fixed wing VTOL for extended endurance and range, and FANGTM, the industry's first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at www.redcat.red . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "seek," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "target," "aim," "should," "will" "would," or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.'s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled "Risk Factors" in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. INVESTORS: E-mail: Investors@redcat.red NEWS MEDIA: Phone: (347) 880-2895 Email: redcat@indicatemedia.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
PPP celebrates 57th Foundation Day with Festive cake cutting ceremony
The Prime Minister insisted the UK will back Ukraine “for as long as it takes” as he made a speech at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet in London, but for the first time acknowledged the conflict could move towards a negotiated end. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has in recent weeks suggested he is open to a possible ceasefire with Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Kyiv and its European allies meanwhile fear the advent of Donald Trump’s return to the White House could result in American aid being halted. President-elect Trump has said he would prefer to move towards a peace deal, and has claimed he could end the conflict on “day one” of his time in power. As he attempts to strike up a good relationship with the incoming president, Sir Keir revealed he had told Mr Trump the UK “will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come”. In his speech at London’s Guildhall, the Prime Minister said there is “no question it is right we support Ukraine”, as the UK’s aid to Kyiv is “deeply in our self-interest”. Allowing Russia to win the war would mean “other autocrats would believe they can follow Putin’s example,” he warned. Sir Keir added: “So we must continue to back Ukraine and do what it takes to support their self-defence for as long as it takes. “To put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for negotiations so they can secure a just and lasting peace on their terms that guarantees their security, independence, and right to choose their own future.” Mr Zelensky told Sky News over the weekend he would be open to speaking with Mr Putin, but branded the Russian president a “terrorist”. He also suggested Ukrainian territory under his control should be taken under the “Nato umbrella” to try to stop the “hot stage” of the war with Russia. In a banquet speech focused on foreign affairs, the Prime Minister said it was “plain wrong” to suggest the UK must choose between its allies, adding: “I reject it utterly. “(Clement) Attlee did not choose between allies. (Winston) Churchill did not choose. “The national interest demands that we work with both.” Sir Keir said the UK and the US were “intertwined” when it came to commerce, technology and security. The Prime Minister added: “That’s why, when President Trump graciously hosted me for dinner in Trump Tower, I told him that we will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come.” He also repeated his commitment to “rebuild our ties with Europe” and insisted he was right to try to build closer links with China. “It is remarkable that until I met President Xi last month there had been no face-to-face meeting between British and Chinese leaders for six years,” the Prime Minister said. “We can’t simply look the other way. We need to engage. To co-operate, to compete and to challenge on growth, on security concerns, on climate as well as addressing our differences in a full and frank way on issues like Hong Kong, human rights, and sanctions on our parliamentarians,” he added. The Prime Minister said he wants Britain’s role in the world to be that of “a constant and responsible actor in turbulent times”. He added: “To be the soundest ally and to be determined, always, in everything we do. “Every exchange we have with other nations, every agreement we enter into to deliver for the British people and show, beyond doubt, that Britain is back.” Ahead of Sir Keir’s speech, Lord Mayor Alastair King urged the Prime Minister and his Government to loosen regulations on the City of London to help it maintain its competitive edge. In an echo of Sir Keir’s commitment to drive the UK’s economic growth, the Lord Mayor said: “The idealist will dream of growth, but the pragmatist understands that our most effective machinery to drive growth is here in the City, in the hands of some of the brightest and most committed people that you will find anywhere in the world.”Former presidential candidate Nikki Haley was among the many users on social media condemning the Biden administration's decision to give $1 billion to Africa, arguing the United States is continuing to recover from hurricane season. President Joe Biden announced the aid on Tuesday during a visit to Angola, stating that doing so was “the right thing for the wealthiest nation in the world to do.” The financial aid , given in the wake of “historic droughts” in the African country, comes about two months after North Carolina was among several states that were hit by hurricanes in late September. “This is infuriating,” Haley wrote on X. “After pardoning his son and fleeing to Africa, Biden gives a BILLION of our tax dollars to rebuild homes in Africa when we still have people homeless from the hurricane! Completely tone deaf and insulting.” This is infuriating. After pardoning his son and fleeing to Africa, Biden gives a BILLION of our tax dollars to rebuild homes in Africa when we still have people homeless from the hurricane!Completely tone deaf and insulting. https://t.co/NrcZK2OJ71 — Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) Many other users on social media similarly condemned the aid, with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) writing, “I beg your biggest pardon?”, in reposting the footage of Biden’s announcement. I beg your biggest pardon? https://t.co/Q4jFnbXkJH — Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) "With this administration, it's always America last," women's sports activist and Outkick host Riley Gaines wrote. With this administration, it's always America last https://t.co/PlKzVjwiaV — Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) "Remember those hurricanes that ravages Florida and North Carolina?" actor Kevin Sorbo wrote. "Those people got $750." Remember those hurricanes that ravaged Florida and North Carolina? Those people got $750. https://t.co/M8oBojxC3l — Kevin Sorbo (@ksorbs) "I really want this to be a typo," actress Justine Bateman wrote. I really want this to be a typo. #NorthCarolina https://t.co/qFly3KYpgB — Justine Bateman (@JustineBateman) "Joe Biden announces $1 BILLION in handouts to victims of AFRICAN natural disasters," musician Chad Prather wrote. "Meanwhile, hurricane victims in North Carolina are still struggling to survive. Can this America LAST clown show leave already?!?" Joe Biden announces $1 BILLION in handouts to victims of AFRICAN natural disasters Meanwhile, hurricane victims in North Carolina are still struggling to survive. Can this America LAST clown show leave already?!? pic.twitter.com/FaVVzw061k — Chad Prather (@WatchChad) CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER The $1 billion to Africa comes right after the United States announced it would provide Ukraine with an additional $725 million in military weapons on Monday . Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) deemed the move as “America LAST,” writing that the money ought to go toward North Carolina residents “who are homeless and sleeping in tents.” "America LAST again!!" Greene wrote. "This money should be spent helping the people in Western North Carolina who are homeless and sleeping in tents!" America LAST again!! This money should be spent helping the people in Western North Carolina who are homeless and sleeping in tents! https://t.co/VBek4hZuak — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) On Sunday, Gov.-elect Josh Stein (D-NC) stated that he was "eager" to work with incoming President-elect Donald Trump on hurricane relief , citing the “unimaginable devastation” Hurricane Helene left earlier this year. Over 100 North Carolina residents were killed by the hurricane as of Nov. 26.UPDATED, 12:40 PM: Walmart ‘s $2.3 billion acquisition of smart TV manufacturer Vizio and its SmartCast operating system closed Tuesday. The deal allows Walmart to collect Vizio’s automatic content recognition data to bolster advertising and positions the retail giant to be a bigger force in the connected TV world. “Vizio offers great products at great prices that customers love. They’ve always put customers at the center of their business – and that’s core to Walmart’s values and the omnichannel experiences we’re excited to roll out,” Seth Dallaire, Walmart U.S.’ EVP and Chief Growth officer, said in a statement. “Vizio has also expertly changed their business over time, like building and quickly scaling a profitable advertising business. Pairing it with Walmart Connect will be impactful and allow us to invest in our business even further on behalf of our customers.” Read details of the acquisition below. PREVIOUSLY, February 20: Retail giant Walmart is acquiring smart TV maker Vizio for $2.3 billion in a deal that will alter the streaming advertising landscape. While Vizio is a leading manufacturer of televisions, rivaling Samsung for supremacy in North America, Walmart is not mainly interested in its hardware business, however. Instead, it has coveted Vizio’s SmartCast Operating System, which has 18 million active accounts to be targeted by advertisers. With Amazon knitting together e-commerce and streaming ads with increasing potency, Walmart identified an opportunity in Vizio to counter-attack. Walmart has had phases of interest in the U.S. media business, selling its Vudu streaming subsidiary to NBCUniversal’s Fandango in 2020 after a 10-year run. Given that Walmart is a top retailer of smart TVs, integrating Vizio should be a more streamlined process than building out Vudu. It also sends a shot across the bow of Roku, whose interface is in one-third of all smart TVs in North America. The company will now face another scaled competitor for streaming ad dollars. Shares in Roku, which plunged 24% last Friday in the wake of a mixed quarterly earnings report, slid another 5% in premarket trading today on the Walmart-Vizio news. “There is a lot to be excited about with this acquisition,” said Seth Dallaire, EVP and chief revenue officer, Walmart U.S. “We believe Vizio’s customer-centric operating system provides great viewing experiences at attractive price points. We also believe it enables a profitable advertising business that is rapidly scaling. Our media business, Walmart Connect, is helping brands create meaningful connections with the millions of customers who shop with us each week. We believe the combination of these two businesses would be impactful as we redefine the intersection of retail and entertainment.” Vizio was founded in 2002. Its smart TV operating system, SmartCast, has surpassed 18 million active accounts, growing about 400% since 2018. Advertising now accounts for a majority of the company’s gross profit. “We believe this is the ideal next chapter in Vizio’s history. By bringing our capabilities and resources together, we’ll drive innovation and create even more value for our customers,” Vizio CEO William Wang said. “Walmart’s approach is aligned with Vizio’s mission and vision, and our technology will help bring a scaled, connected TV advertising platform to Walmart Connect. This transaction delivers immediate and compelling value to Vizio stockholders and is a true testament to the hard work of the entire Vizio team.”
QB Josh Allen and coach Sean McDermott deserve credit in Bills latest AFC East-clinching seasonNEW YORK — Dylan Raiola took the shotgun snap and saw the Boston College defensive end crash in hard. Time to improvise. On the day Raiola set a new Nebraska freshman passing record for a season, perhaps his most crucial sequence came on a rare run. With the Huskers leaking momentum after a blocked punt helped whittle their lead to 20-15 late in the fourth quarter, the quarterback pulled the ball from Rahmir Johnson and took off to his left on a first-and-10 play from the NU 36. Raiola picked up five yards and slid late as defensive back Carter Davis crashed into him. Officials flagged Davis for a late-hit personal foul — Eagles coach Bill O’Brien vehemently disagreed in the moment and declined to discuss it afterward — as Raiola rolled to his feet and got in the face of the defender to set off a brief on-field scuffle. “He tried to take me out which is why I came up and kind of reacted,” Raiola said. “But I guess it was just kind of the fire in me. Game’s on the line, I’m going to lay it on the line for my team. I got up, I knew I wasn’t going to do anything but my linemen came in and kind of cleaned up for me.” People are also reading... Raiola finished 23-of-31 passing for 228 yards, pushing his season passing total to 2,823 yards in 13 games. The previous school mark was 2,617 by Adrian Martinez in 2018. Photos: Nebraska football vs. Boston College in Pinstripe Bowl — Dec. 28 Nebraska players stand on the stage covered in confetti after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. From left, Nebraska's Joey Mancino (67) celebrates with teammate Cayden Echternach (48) after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) walks off the field in celebration after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Nash Hutmacher (0) shakes confetti out of his hair after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) celebrates as the trophy is awarded after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Henry Lutovsky (59), left, hugs Nebraska's Bryce Benhart (54) after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) places a hat on head coach Matt Rhule after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule celebrates after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) and Heinrich Haarberg (10) embrace after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) runs around the outfield fencing after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) places a hat on head coach Matt Rhule after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) and Heinrich Haarberg (10) embrace after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) runs around the outfield fencing after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule celebrates after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. From right, Nebraska's Derek Branch (24) celebrates with Nebraska's Elijah Jeudy (16) after Jeudy’s tackle on the punt return during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) tackles Boston College's Jeremiah Franklin (17) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Nash Hutmacher (0) and Ty Robinson (9) celebrate after a good defensive play during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. University of Nebraska Cornhusker Marching Band cheers during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Ben Scott (66) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Gage Stenger (47), left, and Vincent Genatone (30), right, celebrate with Elijah Jeudy (16) after Jeudy’s tackle on the punt return during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) tackles Boston College's Jeremiah Franklin (17) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Ben Scott (66) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) motions to the crowd after a stop against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) motions to the crowd after a stop against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Boston College head coach Bill O'Brien watches on during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Evan Taylor (37) tackles Boston College's Lewis Bond (11) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Boston College's Grayson James (14) throws the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Keona Davis (97) tackles Boston College's Grayson James (14) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Keona Davis (97) tackles Boston College's Grayson James (14) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Janiran Bonner (16) tackles Boston College's Cameron Martinez (29) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Kwinten Ives (28) celebrates after a touchdown against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) stretches out for the first down as he is tackled by Boston College's Ashton McShane (35) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) is tackled by Boston College's Ashton McShane (35) and KP Price (20) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball as Nebraska's Ben Scott (66) blocks Boston College's Bryce Steele (2) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. A look inside Yankee Stadium during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. A look inside Yankee Stadium during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. A look inside Yankee Stadium during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Bryce Benhart (54) lifts up teammate Kwinten Ives (28) after Ives’ touchdown during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Kwinten Ives (28) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Luke Lindenmeyer (44) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Kwinten Ives (28) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Justin Evans (51) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's John Hohl (90) kicks in an extra point during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans wave as the Nebraska bus pulls up to Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans gather in the Dugout BX bar ahead of the Pinstripe Bowl vs. Boston College in New York. Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) runs the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans watch on during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) reaches out but misses the pass ahead of Boston College's Ashton McShane (35) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's MJ Sherman (48) attempts to tackle Boston College's Dino Tomlin (13) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Boston College's Reed Harris (4) makes a catch during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Marques Buford Jr. (3) and John Bullock (5) stop Boston College's Turbo Richard (27) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Vincent Shavers Jr. (1) celebrates after a stop against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks to an official during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball against Boston College's George Rooks (91) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) runs the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball against Boston College's KP Price (20) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) makes a catch against Boston College's Max Tucker (13) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) makes a catch against Boston College's Max Tucker (13) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans look on during the Pinstripe Bowl vs. Boston College on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (10) catches the ball during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska football players stand together during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Ceyair Wright (15) holds the ball during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans walk up to the gates at Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans take shelter from the rain outside of Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. The Nebraska bus pulls up to Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans wave as the Nebraska bus pulls up to Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans walk outside of Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Subscribe for the best Husker news & commentary Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
More than 72 million people are expected to shop during Cyber Monday, according to the National Retail Federation . The end-of-year shopping surge provides a major boost for retailers. "The last six weeks of the year makes a big difference," said Brian Miller, owner of Geppetto's Toys in San Diego. "It can make or break your year as a retailer." Retailers already got a major bump from Black Friday spending. Consumers spent a record $10.8 billion online on Friday, according to Adobe Analytics . That's up more than 10% from last year. "It's not only bonanza for the shoppers, but it's bonanza for the stores," said Professor Alan Gin of the University of San Diego's Knauss School of Business. "People have just gotten a misconception of what was happening. Yes, prices are up, but in this recent time period here, what we've seen is that wages have risen faster than prices have increased. So, people's real incomes have gone up." Last month, consumer confidence hit its highest level in more than a year, according to the Conference Board, a nonprofit that tracks business and consumer sentiment. RELATED STORY | 'Essentially, I just gifted a scammer $100': Gift card draining costing shoppers and retailers Americans are paying with plastic for a lot of their shopping. According to a survey from the National Retail Federation, 39% of shoppers said they plan to use credit cards for their holiday spending. More than one in four shoppers say they plan to take on some debt during the holidays — either by carrying a credit card balance or using a buy now, pay later service, according to Bankrate . American credit card debt hit a record $1.17 trillion in the third quarter of this year. Experts say setting a budget and sticking to it can help people from overspending and taking on debt during the holidays.
The past week in Seoul, officials and academics warn, is what a threat to democracy looks like in 2024. It's a democratically-elected president declaring martial law over the nation he leads, asserting sweeping powers to prevent opposition demonstrations, ban political parties and control the media. It's members of the military attempting to block lawmakers from exercising their power to vote on cancelling the power grab. And here's what it took to defeat President Yoon Suk Yeol 's lurch toward government by force: Unified popular support for democracy. Legislators storming the National Assembly past midnight, live-streaming themselves climbing over fences. A politician grabbing at a soldier's rifle and yelling “Aren't you ashamed?” until he retreated. And finally, decisively, Parliament assembling a quorum and voting unanimously to cancel martial law. It was a victory for a hard-won democracy — and for the idea that checks and balances among branches of government must work to counteract each other's ambitions, as the American founders wrote in the Federalist Papers in 1788. But as the drama played out in Seoul, the scaffolding of democracy rattled around the world. In other countries, the grab for power might have worked. Other would-be authoritarians might have been better prepared than Yoon. In deeply polarized societies — the United States, for example, where Republicans are staunchly loyal to president-elect Donald Trump — there might not have been decisive support from the public or the opposition. The military might have used force. And the members of the legislature might not have voted as one to snuff out the attempted takeover. “President Yoon's attempt to declare martial law reveals the fragility of the rule of law in divided societies, especially those with governments in which the chief executive cannot be easily dismissed by the legislature," said Tom Pepinsky, a government professor at Cornell University who studies backsliding among democracies in Southeast Asia. Notably, he said in an email, “No members of President Yoon’s own party were willing to defend his actions in public." Nevertheless, Yoon’s surprise attempt to impose martial law revealed both the fragility and resilience of the country’s democratic system. Within three hours of his stunning announcement to impose military rule — claiming the opposition was “paralyzing” state affairs — 190 lawmakers voted to cancel his actions. In so doing, they demonstrated the strength of the country’s democratic checks and balances. Yoon’s authoritarian push, carried out by hundreds of heavily armed troops with Blackhawk helicopters and armored vehicles sent to the National Assembly, harked back to an era of dictatorial presidents. The country’s democratic transition in the late 1980s came after years of massive protests by millions that eventually overcame violent suppressions by military rulers. Civilian presence was again crucial in shaping the events following Yoon’s late night television announcement on Tuesday. Thousands of people flocked to the National Assembly, shouting slogans for martial law to be lifted and Yoon to step down from power. There were no reports of violent clashes as troops and police officers. “We restored democracy without having a single casualty this time,” said Seol Dong-hoon, a sociology professor at South Korea’s Jeonbuk National University. It’s virtually impossible for any leader of a democracy to pull off a transition toward martial law without a public willing to support it, or at least tolerate it. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, attracted millions of views as he began live-streaming his journey to the National Assembly, pleading for people to converge to the parliament to help lawmakers get inside. The shaky footage later shows him exiting his car climbing over a fence to get onto the grounds. The vote at the National Assembly was also broadcast live on the YouTube channel of Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik, who also had to scale a fence to get in. Yoon’s sense of crisis clearly wasn’t shared by the public, whose opinions, Seol said, were shaped predominantly by the shocking videos broadcast to their devices. “Ultimately, democracy is all about moving public opinion,” he said. “What was most crucial in this case was that everything was broadcast live on smartphones, YouTube and countless other media.” Opposition lawmakers are now pushing to remove Yoon from office, saying he failed to meet the constitutional requirement that martial law should only be considered in wartime or a comparable severe crisis — and that he unlawfully deployed troops to the National Assembly. On Saturday, an opposition-led impeachment motion failed after most lawmakers from Yoon’s party boycotted the vote. Yet the president’s troubles persist: The vote’s defeat is expected to intensify nationwide protests and deepen South Korea’s political turmoil, with opposition parties preparing to introduce another impeachment motion when parliament reconvenes next Wednesday. Han Sang-hie, a law professor at Seoul’s Konkuk University, said the martial law debacle highlights what he sees as the most crucial flaw of South Korea’s democracy: that it places too much power in the hands of the president, which is easily abused and often goes unchecked. Political scientists call what happened in South Korea an “autogolpe” — a “self-coup” — defined as one led by incumbent leaders themselves, in which an executive takes or sponsors illegal actions against others in the government. Yoon qualifies because he used troops to try to shut down South Korea's legislature. Self-coups are increasing, with a third of the 46 since 1945 occurring in the past decade, according to a study by researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Penn State University. About 80% of self-coups succeed, they reported. In 2021, a power grab by Tunisian President Kais Saied raised similar concerns around the world after the country designed a democracy from scratch and won a Nobel Peace Prize after a largely bloodless revolution. In the United States, some have expresed worry about similar situations arising during the second administration of Donald Trump. He has vowed, after all, to shake some of democracy's pillars . He's mused that he would be justified if he decided to pursue “the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution.” That’s in contrast to the oath of office he took in 2017, and will again next year, to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution” as best he can. Nearly half of voters in the Nov. 5 election, which Trump won, said they were “very concerned” that another Trump presidency would bring the U.S. closer to authoritarianism, according to AP Votecast survey data. Asked before a live audience on Fox News Channel in 2023 to assure Americans that he would not abuse power or use the presidency to seek retribution against anyone, Trump replied, “except for day one," when he'll close the border and “drill, drill, drill.” After that, Trump said, "I'm not a dictator.” Kellman reported from London.Squid Game is back with more blood and a taste for revenge. Netflix ’s biggest ever series, which launched in September 2021, returns for its second season later this month and it’s just as dystopian, violent and vicious as the first with more than 450 new characters to kill off. The first season, which scored 14 Emmy nominations including wins for star Lee Jung-jae and creator Hwang Dong-Hyuk for directing , was inspired by the Korean financial collapse. The world, according to Dong-Hyuk, otherwise known as Director Hwang, is just as screwed up as it previously was, inspiring him to go back to the island for another round of Squid Game. The second season starts with Seong Gi-hun, otherwise known as Player 456, played by Lee, searching for the people behind the game, three years after winning it. He’s using the ₩45.6 billion prize to fund this search, helped by a large group of ne’er-do-wells and underworld figures, from the safety of a disused motel that he’s turned into his HQ fortress. Gi-hun is initially searching for The Recruiter, played by Gong Yoo, a slender figure in a sharp suit that lured people into the game by playing ddakji in the subway. This all leads Gi-hun to returning to Squid Game in order to attempt to end it. Once he’s back inside, he is introduced to a new cast of characters including Myung-gi (played by Yim Si-Wan), a former cryptocurrency influencer who, after losing a hefty sum of cash and incurring huge losses for himself and his subscribers, becomes a fugitive until his involvement in the game; Jun-hee (played by Jo Yu-Ri), a strong-willed woman who participates in the game due to bad investments made at the advice of said influencer; Yong-sik (played by Yang Dong-Geun), a compulsive gambler neck-deep in debt who finds his own mother is a participant in the game; his mother Geum-ja (played by Kang Ae-Sim) and Jung-bae (played by Lee Seo-Hwan), a longtime friend and former coworker of Gi-Hun’s who was seen in Season 1 gambling alongside him at the horse race track. Elsewhere, Lee Byung-hun’s The Front Man, who has seemingly taken charge of the game following the death of Oh Il-nam, and Hwang Jun-ho, played by Wi Ha-jun, a detective who sneaks into the game in search of his brother, are also back. Gi-Hun has grown in the three years since his first visit. Lee Jung-jae explains that his character has gone through a “transitional period.” “Because of that emotional change in Season 1, the types of emotions that he feels when he meets the other players is very different from what he feels when he meets other participants in Season 2,” he said. “In Season 2, I realized that I was on set receiving and accepting others’ emotions first, and paying more attention to that, so I thought that was the biggest difference.” Director Hwang says that the second season has “greater scale” than Season 1 and there are obviously new games. Without revealing the specifics of the new and deadly challenges, he said that he thought long and hard about which games to make the contestants plays. He revealed there were plenty of suggestions online about local Korean games but he wanted them to be “really simple.” “The games are one of the biggest changes as well as the characters because, except for Gi-Hun, all of the characters that play the games are new so you’re going to be able to see more endearing characters that you end up rooting for,” he added. Hwang said while the engine of the story is Gi-Hun’s quest for revenge on the perpetrators, there’s a much bigger message in Season 2. “Do we have the willpower and strength to try to make the world a better place? Does humanity have what it takes to change the course of the world, and can we truly let go of our greed, our desires in order to create a better world together? Those were some of the questions that I wanted to pose, not so much about who or how these people behind the games like what they’re like,” he said. The drama series remains somewhat political. “The one thing that I had most in mind was this current world and how it makes all of us divided, it separates us from the other group, creates different sides to become hostile,” he said, speaking days before Donald Trump won the U.S. presidency for a second time. “There are so many things that divide us today, whether it’s race, religion, language, the haves and the have nots, the generational divisions, and recently, with the very important vote that you have this week, we look at the political division, the left against the right, the conservatives against the progressives, and things like this lead to such a division where it almost seems like there is this line that absolutely cannot be crossed. It seems that the world leaders are creating these walls and divisions and it leads us to think that everyone who is on the other side, who does not think as you do, is an enemy that cannot ever be forgiven.” Highlighting this in Season 2 is another one of the biggest differences between the seasons: voting. The contestants in this latest round of murderous children’s games are handed a vote after each challenge to decide whether they want to continue or to carry on and accrue more money. “Even more so than the tension that comes from the games themselves, I felt more intense feelings of suspense and tension from these votes, because you cannot but wonder what’s going to happen if the games are going to go on, who’s going to vote,” Hwang said. “That leads to the people in the games thinking whatever [is chosen], I’m right, you’re wrong. I’m an angel. You’re absolute evil. All throughout Season 2, I was focusing on that issue of, is there truly hope for us?” He said that he created Season 2 because he does not want to live in a divided society. You can’t put a price on human life, either, he added. “I am not so naive that I believe that we can do completely away with any kind of discrimination in this world that we live in,” Hwang said. “However, I don’t believe people are different. There are differences in terms of what kind of talents we have, what we are capable of. People have different abilities. However, I think it truly it becomes a problem when those differences lead to discrimination to an unacceptable level where those that have less abilities, or those that have abilities that are deemed of less value in society, are driven to the rock bottom of society without any kind of system to look after them. That is something that we have to stop. If we fail to do that, I don’t think that we will ever see a society with a healthy social system. We need to move in a way where we accept the differences of individuals, but make sure that it does not lead to discrimination. Unfortunately, I think that is what the world is currently doing.” Season 2 of Squid Game premieres on Netflix on December 26. It will be followed next year by the third and final season. DEADLINE: Director Hwang, you’ve said that Season 1 of Squid Game was quite stressful. How did you both feel going into Season 2? HWANG : Season 1, as you know, was an immense success, and thanks to that success we could create a Season 2, but we knew that there was so much expectation and anticipation for Season 2, so it did come to me as a bit of pressure. I wanted to channel that pressure into a positive way forward, so the season one finale was [Seong] Gi-hun not getting on the flight, saying that he’ll find the guys [responsible]. I knew that I had to do something with that and finish the story of Gi-hun, so that’s how I went on with Season 2. I’ve been working on this project like almost like 10 years from the writing. Finally, we are at the point of launching and it makes me excited, for sure, also at the same time, I’m nervous, because people love Season 1 so much. LEE : When we were filming Season 1, I kept asking Director Hwang if we were going to have a Season 2. And he said, “Never, ever.” But because we got so much love and support from the global fans, I think it was our way of returning that love to the fans by creating a Season 2, so I was very happy to return and reprise my role as Gi-hun. I did feel a bit of a pressure, but I also, just like Director Hwang, wanted to use that as a positive driver. Season 2, in a way, feels like a way of returning the love to the fans. It’s my first time feeling this way in my career. But it doesn’t feel like a product or content, it feels like a gift or present we’re giving to their viewers, which makes me even more nervous, because we don’t know if they will like the present or not. DEADLINE: Season 1 was influenced by the South Korean financial crisis. What was your inspiration for Season 2? HWANG : Season 1 came out during the pandemic, and it’s been about three or four years, and now, if you see the world and the environment that we live in, I think it’s spiraling downwards. It’s not getting any better. We still see gaps between gender and the poor exacerbating and we see wars around the globe, and we have conflicts between races, religion, class. Looking at all that, and I also feel like the young people just want a jackpot because they don’t have that ladder they can climb up, they don’t have that anymore. I think because these things are still happening in our world, I could be influenced by that, and I could create a Season 2. DEADLINE: JJ, your character is slightly more mature in Season 2, you’ve gone through Squid Game and come out successful. Did you approach the character differently in Season 2, knowing what you knew? LEE: This time around, Gi-hun is full of vengeance, and he wants to put an end to the game. I’m kind of sad that he no longer is the naive and childlike person that he was in Season 1, just quite lovable. But this time around, he has a very strong purpose, and a thing that he wants to make happen. As an actor, sometimes when my character has that strong purpose, I think I’m empowered by that, so I was very happy filming Season 2. DEADLINE: Director Hwang, you wrote Season 1 largely by yourself. Did you have other writers for Season 2 and did you film in the same locations? HWANG : When I was writing the scripts for Season 2, I did have a couple of assistant writers help me, but usually they were doing most of the research, and the main writing was done by myself. For the locations, about 80% of the entire filming for Squid Game takes place on a set or a sound stage, so we used the same soundstage for Season 2, and for the scenes that do not require to be on set, we found locations that were suitable for the scenes. DEADLINE: Hwang In-ho, The Front Man, is much more of a major character now following the death of Oh Il-nam. Do we find out more about how he became in charge of Squid Game? HWANG : This might be a bit of a spoiler, so I can’t give too much away, but I can tell you that throughout seasons two and three, you will find parts of his backstory. DEADLINE: You decided to focus on the guards a little more in Season 2. Why did you decide to do that? HWANG : In Season 1, I used the cop who infiltrated the game, Hwang Jun-ho, as a way to introduce the life of the workers there. But in Season 2, I wanted to focus more on the soldiers and the managers with the triangle or the square. This time around, you can see a sneak peek into the lives of the soldiers and managers and how they came to be who they are. DEADLINE: JJ, since Squid Game launched you became a Jedi Master in The Acolyte . Did that Star Wars series have any influence on how you approached returning to Squid Game ? LEE: Being in production for The Acolyte , was indeed a very special experience and a memory that I’m very fond of, but I think that project is very different from Squid Game . Instead of using the experience from The Acolyte , I relied more on my experience of filming Season 1 of Squid Game . I tried my best to connect what I learned from Season 1 and then use that in Season 2. DEADLINE: Season 2 of Squid Game is seven episodes, compared to nine in Season 1. Was that your decision? Did you film Season 2 back-to-back with Season 3? HWANG : I wrote seasons two and three at the same time, and we were in production for both simultaneously, and currently we are in the post-production process for Season 3. When I was writing the script for the two seasons, I felt like there was a big turning point or an inflection point, and that was the end of episode seven, so I thought that it would do it justice to have a separate season after that. That’s why I had first seven episodes as Season 2 and then the rest of Season 3. DEADLINE: We reported that David Fincher is working on an American version of Squid Game . How does that make you feel? Could we potentially see other international versions of the show, as the VIPs allude to Squid Games taking place all over the world? HWANG : It’s been about a year or two talking about David Fincher coming into the story. But I don’t know anything official about that, but why not, he’s David Fincher, I respect his work. I like his films so if he does, I’m excited and I’ll look forward to it.