Two sides looking to escape the shackles of relegation in the Turkish Super Lig will face off on Sunday when Kayserispor welcome Alanyaspor to Kadir Has Stadium. The hosts are the first team in the relegation zone, but the visitors are only one spot and two points ahead, making this a relegation six-pointer. © Imago Kayserispor are finding it difficult to rediscover the form that helped them go on a five-match unbeaten streak in the Super Lig between October 5 and November 8. The Anatolian Star have lost their last two matches by a combined 9-2 scoreline, losing 6-2 to Fenerbahce before a 3-0 defeat against Caykur Rizespor in their last league game. The loss to Rizespor was a sore one for Kayserispor who had two men sent off, with manager Sinan Kaloglu getting a red card in the first half, before Stephane Bahoken received a second yellow card in the 75th minute. The Kayseri-based side must now win the relegation six-pointer against Alanyaspor, as victory on Sunday will take them directly above the opposition and out of the relegation zone. However, the Anatolian Star have failed to win any of their six home matches in this campaign, picking up three wins and three draws each. © Imago Meanwhile, Alanyaspor ended a five-game winless run in the Super Lig with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Trabzonspor last Saturday, playing over 20 minutes with a man down. The victory seemed to have opened the floodgates for Fatih Tekke 's side, who followed up that game with a 4-1 win over third division side Fethiyespor on Wednesday. Alanyaspor climbed out of the relegation zone following last weekend's win, and a win on Sunday could further steer them away from the zone, possibly opening up a five-point gap if other results are favourable to them. In a worst-case scenario, the Alanya-based side will hope to avoid defeat, which would still leave them above the relegation zone, and securing draws in their last two away games will leave them confident of the possibility of achieving this. © Imago Kayserispor will have to make do without 32-year-old forward Bahoken, who will miss this clash through suspension after his dismissal last time out. Centre-back Majid Hosseini also continues to struggle with a knee injury and is not expected back on the pitch until the middle of this month. Alanyaspor will remain without defender Furkan Bayir , who has an ankle injury and is expected to be sidelined until the latter part of this month. Yusuf Ozdemir was sent off in the win over Trabzonspor and is suspended for this clash, a similar scenario with Nuno Lima who has accumulated an unhealthy number of yellow cards. Kayserispor possible starting lineup: Piri; Attamhah, Kolovetsios, Carole; Kaldirim, Karimi, Bourabia, Yilmaz, Sazdagi; Boa Morte, Cardoso Alanyaspor possible starting lineup: Taskiran; Balkovec, Aliti, Aksoy, Hadergjonaj; Richard, Makouta; Augusto, Janvier, Karaca; Cordova Kayserispor are struggling at the moment and are on a downward spiral, while they have especially struggled on home soil. With Alanyaspor's recent resurgence, we believe that the visitors have enough at the moment to take something from this game, which is why we are predicting a stalemate. For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here .Dr Disrespect Rumble deal has fans divided over joining “banned” platform
The prime minister has labelled a new graffiti and arson attack as an "abhorrent anti-Semitic hate crime" after a spate of similar incidents across the country. Login or signup to continue reading A car was burned on Magney Street, Woollahra in Sydney's east, a suburb known for its Jewish community, in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The vehicle, two buildings and a footpath were graffitied with hate speech, NSW Police said. The perpetrators are believed to be two people of slim build, aged between 15 and 20 years, wearing face coverings and dark clothing. The graffiti on one of the buildings said 'Kill Israiel' (sic). Anthony Albanese said it was an "anti-Semitic attack". "This isn't an attack on a government, this is an attack on people because they happen to be Jewish," he told ABC radio. "This is a hate crime, it's as simple as that." Mr Albanese said the perpetrators were guilty of "abhorrent criminal behaviour". "This does not change anything that is occurring on the ground in the Middle East," he said. "This is an attack against their fellow Australians." The incident has been escalated to the Australian Federal Police, after a spate of similar incidents across the country. On Friday, the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea in Melbourne's southeast was set alight in a pre-dawn attack while a number of people were inside. The federal police have set up Operation Avalanche to investigate what was labelled a "likely" act of terrorism. Operation Avalanche will now also investigate Wednesday's incident. This is the second such incident in Woollahra, which is home to more than 7000 people, after buildings and vehicles were targeted in November. A ute was set on fire, multiple cars were graffitied and a restaurant and other buildings were graffitied with anti-Israel messages. Two men were arrested and charged over that attack. NSW Premier Chris Minns branded Wednesday's incident an act of anti-Semitism. "I'll be speaking to police this morning," he posted on social media. "They will be found and they will face the full force of the law." Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said it was designed to terrorise Jewish Australians. "The Jewish community again wakes to scenes of terror and devastation," he said. "How long will this continue and with what horrors will it end?" Australian Associated Press DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. WEEKLY Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!
Haitians massacred for practicing voodoo were abducted, hacked to death: UNCEO Letter to Shareholders Issued by Tivic HealthHOUSTON, TEXAS, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CO2 Energy Transition Corp. (Nasdaq: NOEM) (the “Company”) announced today that it closed its initial public offering of 6,000,000 units at $10.00 per unit, plus the full exercise of the underwriter’s option to purchase an additional 900,000 units to cover over-allotments. Each unit consists of one share of common stock, one warrant to purchase one share of common stock at a per share exercise price of $11.50 and one right. Each right entitles the holder thereof to receive one-eighth (1/8) of one share of common stock upon the consummation of an initial business combination. The units are listed on The Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) and began trading under the ticker symbol “NOEMU” on November 21, 2024. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the shares of common stock, warrants and rights are expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “NOEM,” “NOEMW” and “NOEMR,” respectively. Kingswood Capital Partners, LLC acted as sole underwriter in the offering. Loeb & Loeb LLP served as legal counsel to the Company. Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP served as legal counsel to Kingswood. A registration statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-269932), relating to these securities was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and became effective on November 12, 2024. A final prospectus relating to the offering was filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov . The offering was made only by means of a prospectus forming part of the effective registration statement. Electronic copies of the prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained from Kingswood Capital Partners, LLC, 126 East 56th Street, Suite 22S, New York, NY 10022, Attn: Syndicate, or by email at syndicate@kingswoodus.com , or by accessing the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov . This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About CO2 Energy Transition Corp. CO2 Energy Transition Corp. is a blank check company, also commonly referred to as a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. The Company will not be limited to any particular industry or geographic region, although it initially intends to pursue targets in the carbon capture, utilization and storage industry. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to the Company’s initial public offering (“IPO”) and search for an initial business combination. No assurance can be given that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of CO2 Energy Transition Corp., including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of CO2 Energy Transition Corp.’s registration statement and prospectus for the IPO filed with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov . CO2 Energy Transition Corp. undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law. Contact Information: CO2 Energy Transition Corp. Brady Rodgers President and Chief Executive Officer bradyr@co2et.com www.co2et.com Andrew J. Martin andym@co2et.com (832) 724-3149
Comeup 2024, one of Korea’s largest startup events, took place at COEX in Seoul on December 11-12. This annual gathering serves as a vibrant hub for both local and international startups and investors to explore innovative technologies and business models. This year, the spotlight was on emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, green technology, and health tech, highlighting their potential to shape the future. Interesting Engineering participated in this year’s event as a judge. We recognized three standout startups from different sectors, awarding them prestigious shields. This article will introduce these companies and share the reasons behind our choices. Raion Robotics Our first award went to Raion Robotics, a leading South Korean company revolutionizing the robotics industry with its innovative solutions and commitment to excellence. Known for its cutting-edge technology, Raion Robotics specializes in developing advanced robotics systems that integrate artificial intelligence, machine learning, and precision engineering. These capabilities enable the company to deliver groundbreaking solutions for healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics industries. One of Raion Robotics’ standout achievements is its focus on creating human-friendly robots seamlessly collaborating with people in various settings. The company’s products are designed to enhance efficiency and safety, from assisting surgeons in complex medical procedures to optimizing warehouse operations with intelligent automation. Raion Robotics is also recognized for its dedication to sustainability. The company ensures its robotics solutions align with global environmental goals by integrating energy-efficient technologies and promoting eco-friendly practices. The company’s emphasis on research and development has led to several patents and accolades, showcasing its role as a trailblazer in the robotics sector. Raion Robotics also actively collaborates with academic institutions and global organizations, fostering innovation and pushing the boundaries of what robotics can achieve. With a vision of empowering industries and improving lives, Raion Robotics continues to set benchmarks in technological advancement, making it a leader in the rapidly evolving world of robotics, which was why we selected the company for this award. Biotion Biotion, a South Korean startup, is emerging as a trailblazer in the biotech and digital health sectors, dedicated to leveraging technology to improve human well-being. The company’s innovative solutions focus on integrating advanced biotechnology with cutting-edge digital tools to address pressing health challenges and enhance the quality of life, making it second on our list to get the award. Founded to bridge the gap between science and everyday health management, Biotion develops products and services tailored to individual needs and larger healthcare systems. Its flagship innovations include wearable biosensors and personalized health monitoring platforms, enabling real-time data collection and analysis. These tools empower users to make informed decisions about their health while providing healthcare professionals with actionable insights. Biotion’s unique approach lies in its seamless combination of biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI). The company’s analysis of biological data through AI-driven algorithms delivers highly accurate and predictive insights, facilitating early diagnosis and preventive care. This methodology is particularly impactful in managing chronic diseases and promoting proactive health practices. The startup is also committed to sustainability and affordability, ensuring its solutions are accessible to diverse populations. Biotion’s dedication to fostering collaborations with research institutions and global health organizations positions it as a significant contributor to the future of digital health and biotech innovation. Tecnovelero The third and the last company to get an award was Tecnovelero, an innovative automotive company at the forefront of the hydrogen-powered vehicle revolution. The company is dedicated to developing sustainable and efficient transportation solutions, combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Its flagship product, the H2 Car, exemplifies this mission by harnessing the power of hydrogen fuel cells to provide a zero-emission driving experience. The Tecnovelero H2 Car is designed to deliver exceptional performance, combining environmental benefits with advanced engineering. Its hydrogen fuel cell system converts hydrogen gas into electricity, producing only water as a byproduct. This eco-friendly approach significantly reduces the vehicle’s carbon footprint while maintaining an impressive range and efficiency comparable to traditional combustion engine vehicles. One of the standout features of the H2 Car is its rapid refueling capability. Unlike battery electric vehicles that require recharging hours, the H2 Car can refuel in just minutes, making it a practical choice for long-distance travel. Its innovative design and lightweight materials also enhance aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, ensuring a smooth and economical ride. Tecnovelero’s H2 Car represents a significant step forward in sustainable transportation, providing the company a well-deserved spot for this award. By investing in hydrogen infrastructure and partnerships, the company aims to make clean energy accessible and pave the way for a greener future in mobility.A long-awaited appeal for convicted double murderer Alex Murdaugh was filed Tuesday in the South Carolina Supreme Court. Alex Murdaugh listens as his attorneys Dick Harpootlian, left, and Phil Barber speak during a judicial hearing at The Richland County Judicial Center in Columbia, S.C. on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. In the 132-plus page brief, Murdaugh’s lawyers lay out two main prongs of attack they say should be grounds for granting Murdaugh a new trial: First, they allege that former Colleton County clerk of court Becky Hill, a state official, improperly swayed one or more jurors to vote to find Murdaugh guilty. Hill’s intrusion denied Murdaugh “infected the trial with unfairness” and denied him his right to a fair trial by an impartial jury, they argue. Second, they allege that the extensive information about Murdaugh’s financial crimes that state Judge Clifton Newman allowed the jury to hear about from 10 witnesses unfairly prejudiced the jury against Murdaugh (Murdaugh had not pleaded guilty to the crimes at that point). Those 10 witnesses testified “over a span of six days” about various Murdaugh financial crimes that involved 19 victims, the brief said. The brief also attacks various evidence offered by prosecution witnesses. The brief was submitted to the State Supreme Court nearly two years after the five-week Murdaugh murder trial, which began in January 2023 and ended in early March of that year. The trial was followed by millions on television, social media and mainstream media. The delay was caused in part by the time it took to prepare a 6,000-page transcript of the three-week trial and by an appeal Murdaugh’s lawyers made to the S.C. Court of Appeals on the alleged jury tampering issue. Normally, appeals in non-death penalty murder cases are first heard by the Court of Appeals. But in this case, Murdaugh’s attorneys sought and received permission from the Supreme Court to appeal directly to the high court. The State Attorney General’s office now has 30 days to file a reply. However, due to the holidays, and the complexity of the issues, the Supreme Court will probably grant an extension if prosecutors request one. The filing is the latest move in a case that shocked and riveted South Carolina and the world with its unexpected twists and fatal blend of violence, family dysfunction, big money and white collar crime. Murdaugh was convicted in March 2023 of murdering his wife Maggie and son Paul in what prosecutors argued was a cold-blooded attempt to distract suspicion from the looming threat of public disclosure that the attorney had stolen millions of dollars from his clients and his family’s 110-year-old law firm. His trial and conviction was a stunning downfall for a fourth-generation member of a prominent South Carolina legal and political family. The murders took place on June 7, 2021, at the dog kennels on the Murdaugh 1,700-acre family estate, called Moselle, just after nightfall, in rural Colleton County. Maggie was killed with an assault rifle; Paul, by a shotgun. No weapons were ever recovered. Murdaugh, 56, who is serving two life sentences for murder in a S.C. prison, claims he is innocent and that someone else did the killing. The appeal comes almost two years after Mardaugh was sentenced to life in prison for shooting and killing his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. The delay was partly due to a pause put on the normal appeals process while his attorneys attempted to win Murdaugh a new trial following bombshell allegations that Becky Hill, the clerk of court who served on his trial, tampered with the jury. That attempt failed. Hill, who gained a small measure of celebrity during the trial, was accused of encouraging the jury to doubt Murdaugh’s testimony, pressuring the jury to reach a quick verdict and working to ensure a juror who had indicated that she was not convinced of Murdaugh’s guilt be dismissed. After the trial, she published a book based on her insider’s position at the trial, a position in which she oversaw the jury and had confidential conversations with the judge. Her goal, Murdaugh’s attorneys argued, was to ensure Murdaugh’s conviction in order to drive sales of the book she planned to write about the trial. The book was published in August 2023 and later withdrawn from publication after she admitted plagiarizing passages from a BBC’s reporter’s article. At a hearing last January before former South Carolina Supreme Court Justice Jean Toal, Hill denied the charges against her. While Toal found Hill “not completely credible,” she declined to grant Murdaugh a new trial, arguing that the state supreme court did not have the authority to grant a “a new trial in a very lengthy trial such as this on the strength of some fleeting and foolish comments by a publicity-influenced clerk of court But the controversy over Hill’s actions has not died down. Hill resigned from her position as the elected clerk of court and has been facing ethics and criminal investigations into jury tampering and allegations that she abused her position for financial gain . Defense lawyers on Murdaugh’s brief include Dick Harpootlian, Jim Griffin, Phil Barber, Andrew Hand and Maggie Fox. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Analysis: Trump’s second administration set to be filled with losers
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of Visa Inc. V publicly traded securities between November 16, 2023 and September 23, 2024, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), have until January 21, 2025 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Visa class action lawsuit. Captioned Cai v. Visa Inc. , No. 24-cv-08220 (N.D. Cal.), the Visa class action lawsuit charges Visa as well as certain of Visa's top executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Visa class action lawsuit, please provide your information here: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-visa-inc-class-action-lawsuit-v.html You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at info@rgrdlaw.com . CASE ALLEGATIONS : Visa operates as a payment technology company. The Visa class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Visa was not in compliance with federal antitrust laws and did not have effective internal programs and policies to assess and control compliance with federal antitrust laws; and (ii) Visa was in violation of federal antitrust law, and therefore likely to be subject to lawsuits and penalties by federal agencies. The Visa class action lawsuit further alleges that on September 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Visa in federal court for monopolizing the debit card payment processing market. On this news, the price of Visa stock fell more than 5%, according to the complaint. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS : The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired Visa publicly traded securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Visa class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Visa class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Visa class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Visa class action lawsuit. ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER : Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world's leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud cases. Our Firm has been #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for six out of the last ten years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. We recovered $6.6 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases – over $2.2 billion more than any other law firm in the last four years. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever – $7.2 billion – in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. Contact: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal 655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101 800-449-4900 info@rgrdlaw.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Hundreds of homes were left under water, roads were turned into rivers and winds of more than 80mph were recorded across parts of the UK. Environment Secretary Steve Reed has been asked to review “incompetence” at the Met Office that led to a “clear underestimation” of the impact of Storm Bert. Labour MP for Cardiff West, Alex Barros-Curtis, said warnings should have been “amber or red”, as Mr Reed told MPs that more flooding is “likely”. Hundreds of homes were left under water, roads were turned into rivers and winds of more than 80mph were recorded across parts of the UK. More than 130 flood warnings and 160 alerts remained in place across the UK on Monday. In the Commons on Monday, Mr Barros-Curtis asked: “Can I ask that the Secretary of State speak to his Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) colleagues to carefully look into the role of the Met Office here? “It is clear that their response was slow and that there was a clear underestimation of the impact of Storm Bert. “They put it yellow rather than amber or red. Our constituents have been let down by this incompetence before, and it cannot keep happening.” Mr Reed said: “In most parts of the countries that were affected, warnings were given with adequate time for people to prepare and I would encourage people to sign up on the Defra website, or the Environment Agency website for warnings and alerts if they live in an area that could be affected by flooding. “I’m aware of the particular concern that he mentions regarding the Met Office, and I will indeed be speaking to colleagues in DSIT as they review the circumstances of that and look at how the situation can be improved for future events of this kind.” A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Bert was well forecast, with first signs of disruptive weather signalled a week ahead and the first warnings issued on Wednesday November 20. “A number of warnings were in place ahead of the system reaching the UK. “We work closely with partners to assess the potential risks of extreme weather and warnings covering Wales highlighted the potential for homes and businesses to flood with fast flowing or deep floodwater possible, causing a danger to life. “Observed rainfall totals were broadly in line with the forecast and the severe weather warnings issued in advance.” During his update to the House, the Environment Secretary said that more flooding this week is “likely” but its impact “should be less severe” than has been seen. He said: “Around 28,000 properties are being protected by Environment Agency flood defences. “Unfortunately, an estimated 107 properties have flooded across England, principally from river and surface water flooding.” He added: “The Environment Agency and local responders have also been busy protecting properties elsewhere in England, including flooding from the River Teme in Tenbury Wells where around 40 properties have flooded. “The river has now peaked and local responders will be focusing on the lower reaches of rivers over the next few days.” He further stated: “Further flooding is sadly likely over the next few days as water levels rise in slower flowing rivers such as the Severn and the Ouse. “The Environment Agency anticipates that any impacts should be less severe than we have seen in recent days.” Mr Reed also described the flood defences they inherited from the previous government as being “in the worst condition on record following years of underinvestment”. He added: “Over 3,000 of our key flood defences are below an acceptable standard. “That is why we are investing £2.4 billion over the next two years to build and maintain flood defences.” Elsewhere in the session, Labour MP for Coventry South, Zarah Sultana, was among the MPs to call for a legal duty on fire services to respond to flooding. She said: “I want to express my solidarity and thanks to all of our emergency services, including firefighters on the front line. “Extreme weather events are on the rise and becoming ever more frequent due to climate change, highlighting the urgent need for proper funding and resources. “England is the only part of the UK without a statutory duty for flooding, leaving fire services underfunded and under-resourced to respond effectively. This must change, as the FBU (Fire Brigades Union) has long called for.” “When will the Government finally provide a statutory duty for Fire and Rescue authorities to respond to flooding incidents in England?” Mr Reed replied: “The fire and rescue authorities have the powers to intervene, but she’s quite right to point out there’s not a duty, and officials in my department, working with the Home Office, will review that to see that that remains appropriate.” Conservative MP for Mid Buckinghamshire Greg Smith said some communities in his constituency are flooding “for the first time in decades” as he accused the Government of wanting to “concrete over the countryside”. He said: “That is a result of some of the big infrastructure we are seeing being built, particularly HS2 where they will concrete over a field completely, it seems, unaware that that will have a knock-on effect to farmland next door. “So will the Secretary of State commit to working with the Transport Secretary (Louise Haigh) and I also suggest the Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner) given their plans to concrete over the countryside to ensure that where construction takes place proper, and I really mean proper, flood mitigation measures are put into place.” Mr Reed replied: “This needs to operate across Government, and we will have those conversations and ensure that measures are put in place to support communities as much as is possible from the more severe weather events that we’re seeing as a result of climate change.”Judge hears closing arguments on whether Google's advertising tech constitutes a monopoly
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Huge Australian crocodile made famous by cameo role in Crocodile Dundee diesNEW YORK (AP) — Walmart's sweeping rollback of its diversity policies is the strongest indication yet of a profound shift taking hold at U.S. companies that are re-evaluating the legal and political risks associated with bold programs to bolster historically underrepresented groups. The changes announced by the world's biggest retailer on Monday followed a string of legal victories by conservative groups that have filed an onslaught of lawsuits challenging corporate and federal programs aimed at elevating minority and women-owned businesses and employees. The retreat from such programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. Trump's incoming deputy chief of policy will be his former adviser Stephen Miller , who leads a group called America First Legal that has aggressively challenged corporate DEI policies. “There has been a lot of reassessment of risk looking at programs that could be deemed to constitute reverse discrimination,” said Allan Schweyer, principal researcher at the Human Capital Center at the Conference Board. “This is another domino to fall and it is a rather large domino,” he added. Among other changes, Walmart said it will no longer give priority treatment to suppliers owned by women or minorities. The company also will not renew a five-year commitment for a racial equity center set up in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd. And it pulled out of a prominent gay rights index . Schweyer said the biggest trigger for companies making such changes is simply a reassessment of their legal risk exposure, which began after U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2023 that ended affirmative action in college admissions. Since then, conservative groups using similar arguments have secured court victories against various diversity programs, especially those that steer contracts to minority or women-owned businesses. Most recently, the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty won a victory in a case against the U.S. Department of Transportation over its use of a program that gives priority to minority-owned businesses when it awards contracts. Companies are seeing a big legal risk in continuing with DEI efforts, said Dan Lennington, a deputy counsel at the institute. His organization says it has identified more than 60 programs in the federal government that it considers discriminatory, he said. “We have a legal landscape within the entire federal government, all three branches -- the U.S. Supreme Court, the Congress and the President -- are all now firmly pointed in the direction towards equality of individuals and individualized treatment of all Americans, instead of diversity, equity and inclusion treating people as members of racial groups,” Lennington said. The Trump administration is also likely to take direct aim at DEI initiatives through executive orders and other policies that affect private companies, especially federal contractors. “The impact of the election on DEI policies is huge. It can’t be overstated,” said Jason Schwartz, co-chair of the Labor & Employment Practice Group at law firm Gibson Dunn. With Miller returning to the White House, rolling back DEI initiatives is likely to be a priority, Schwartz said. “Companies are trying to strike the right balance to make clear they’ve got an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome, and they want to get the best talent, while at the same time trying not to alienate various parts of their employees and customer base who might feel one way or the other. It’s a virtually impossible dilemma,” Schwartz said. A recent survey by Pew Research Center showed that workers are divided on the merits of DEI policies. While still broadly popular, the share of workers who said focusing on workplace diversity was mostly a good thing fell to 52% in the October survey, compared to 56% in a similar survey in February 2023. Rachel Minkin, a research associate at Pew, called it a small but significant shift in short amount of time. There will be more companies pulling back from their DEI policies, but it likely won’t be a retreat across the board, said David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at New York University. “There are vastly more companies that are sticking with DEI," Glasgow said. "The only reason you don’t hear about it is most of them are doing it by stealth. They’re putting their heads down and doing DEI work and hoping not to attract attention.” Glasgow advises organizations to stick to their own core values, because attitudes toward the topic can change quickly in the span of four years. “It’s going to leave them looking a little bit weak if there’s a kind of flip-flopping, depending on whichever direction the political winds are blowing,” he said. One reason DEI programs exist is because without those programs, companies may be vulnerable to lawsuits for traditional discrimination. “Really think carefully about the risks in all directions on this topic,” Glasgow said. Walmart confirmed will no longer consider race and gender as a litmus test to improve diversity when it offers supplier contracts. Walmart says its U.S. businesses sourced more than $13 billion in goods and services from diverse suppliers in fiscal year 2024, including businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans. It was unclear how its relationships with such business would change going forward. Organizations that have partnered with Walmart on its diversity initiatives offered a cautious response. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, a non-profit that last year named Walmart one of America's top corporation for women-owned enterprises, said it was still evaluating the impact of Walmart's announcement. Pamela Prince-Eason, the president and CEO of the organization, said she hoped Walmart's need to cater to its diverse customer base will continue to drive contracts to women-owned suppliers even if the company has no explicit dollar goals. “I suspect Walmart will continue to have one of the most inclusive supply chains in the World,” Prince-Eason wrote. “Any retailer's ability to serve the communities they operate in will continue to value understanding their customers, (many of which are women), in order to better provide products and services desired and no one understands customers better than Walmart." Walmart's announcement came after the company spoke directly with conservative political commentator and activist Robby Starbuck, who has been going after corporate DEI policies, calling out individual companies on the social media platform X. Several of those companies have subsequently announced that they are pulling back their initiatives, including Ford , Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s and Tractor Supply . Walmart confirmed to The Associated Press that it will better monitor its third-party marketplace items to make sure they don’t feature sexual and transgender products aimed at minors. The company also will stop participating in the Human Rights Campaign’s annual benchmark index that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. A Walmart spokesperson added that some of the changes were already in progress and not as a result of conversations that it had with Starbuck. RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, senior director of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program, said companies that “abandon” their commitments workplace inclusion policies “are shirking their responsibility to their employees, consumers, and shareholders.” She said the buying power of LGBTQ customers is powerful and noted that the index will have record participation of more than 1,400 companies in 2025.NoneDENVER — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's "America's Got Talent" meets "American Idol," with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it's never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at "Dream Team" status given the men's side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023. The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. "We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport," said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. "We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world." Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores. "Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That's something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok, the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado's two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. "If a receiver is running around, I'm thinking, 'OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,'" Daniels explained. "They're like, 'No, you can't.' I'm just like, 'So I'm supposed to let this guy just run?!' I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn." The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. "I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. "I'm not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, 'I played NFL football for five years. I'm popular. I have a huge name.' I'm still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise." Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It's his way of working on avoiding a "defender" trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. "You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the 'Redeem Team' led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, 'That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. "Everybody thinks, 'Yeah, the U.S. just wins,'" Daniels said. "But we work hard all the time. We don't just walk in. We don't just get off the bus thinking, 'We're going to beat people.'" Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Chess enthusiasts around the world are tuning in as game one of the World Chess Championship 2024 match got underway on Nov. 25. The game of chess was a top Google search trend in the past day, with China’s Ding Liren defending his world chess championship title against India’s Gukesh Dommaraju. Game 1 of the FIDE World Championship Match 2024, presented by Google, under 90 seconds! ♟️ 🔥 The 2024 championship is being played in Singapore and consists of 14 games, and the first person to reach a score of 7.5 wins the title. In case of a tie after 14 games, the match will conclude with a tiebreaker consisting of rapid games. The event started on Monday, Nov. 25 and is scheduled to continue until Sunday, Dec. 15. This is the first time in 138 years that the world championship match is being played by two competitors from Asia, the International Chess Federation (known by its French acronym FIDE) said. Besides the title itself, there is $2.5 million (U.S.) in prize money, which will be split between both players. Defending champion Ding scored the Game 1 victory on Monday. Ding, 32, is a Chinese chess grandmaster who won his first Chinese chess championship at age 16 — the youngest player to do so — according to a bio on . He’s won three Chinese chess titles in total, as well as many world events. He won the 2023 FIDE world championship against Ian Nepomniachtchi. Dommaraju, 18 (who often goes by his first name, Gukesh), is an Indian chess grandmaster and the third-youngest grandmaster in history. He’s also the youngest-ever challenger for the world championship in chess’s history, according to his profile on . The FIDE world chess championship match, which is sponsored by Google, is available to stream on . Game 2 will be played on Tuesday, Nov. 26, starting at 4 a.m. (Eastern Time). You may also watch previous games on . It’s hard to pinpoint any one reason for the game’s growing popularity, but there have been a few things that stand out in recent years. The 2020 hit Netflix show “The Queen’s Gambit,” starring Anya Taylor-Joy, based on a 1938 novel by Walter Tevis, certainly springs to mind. The fictional miniseries focused on an orphaned chess prodigy who set out to become the world chess champion. Neat fact: parts of the show were filmed in Cambridge, Ont. You can check out the story below. An article on from 2023 suggests that chess is surging in U.S. schools and , which allows people to play the game online, has millions of active users. Don’t forget the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo commercial for Louis Vuitton, in which the two football players play chess. Plus, according to various online sources, chess grew in popularity during the pandemic, as people needed a new pastime. Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our .