Investigators became suspicious upon discovering that the man had access to an unusually large number of phones, far beyond what would be considered normal for an individual. It was soon revealed that he had been collecting these phones in order to gather personal information from their users. This data, including contact details, browsing history, and even financial information, was then used to target potential buyers for his lucky bags.
In the meantime, fans of The Witcher will have to wait patiently for any official announcements from CD Projekt Red regarding the future of the franchise. Whether The Witcher 4 is in the works or not, one thing is certain – the world of The Witcher will continue to captivate audiences with its rich storytelling, memorable characters, and immersive gameplay experience. And as for Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt, his silence on the matter only adds to the intrigue and excitement surrounding the potential return of one of gaming's most beloved franchises.
In conclusion, the announcement of "The Fading Light" making its debut at TGA has sent shockwaves of excitement through the gaming community, with players' anticipation levels reaching a fever pitch. With its promise of a thrilling and immersive gameplay experience, this eagerly-awaited title is sure to leave a lasting impression on gamers everywhere. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on "The Fading Light" as it gears up for its highly-anticipated release!
In a world where relationships often feel superficial and fleeting, the friendship between Xue Jianing and Zhao Lusi serves as a beacon of hope. Their unwavering support for each other, through the highs and lows of life, exemplifies the true essence of friendship - standing by each other's side no matter what.TALKING TRASH: LUCKY ENERGY DEBUTED AT ART BASEL
Big Ten could place four teams in playoff, thanks to IU's riseFurthermore, regulatory authorities must enforce strict guidelines and regulations regarding the operation of bathing centers and other public facilities to ensure compliance with safety standards. Regular inspections and monitoring should be conducted to identify any potential safety hazards and take corrective action before they pose a threat to public health.In conclusion, while the drone incident during Cai Guo-Qiang's performance may have been a moment of unforeseen disruption, it also serves as a valuable lesson in prioritizing safety and responsible use of technology in art. By addressing the incident with transparency and advocating for caution, Cai Guo-Qiang sets a precedent for the art community to approach the integration of technology with mindfulness and care. As we continue to push the boundaries of artistic expression, let us remember that creativity should always be accompanied by a deep sense of responsibility and respect for the tools we wield.
NoneRADNOR — Having landed his dream job once, Eric Roedl wasn’t sure at first what to make of the chance to do it again. It would’ve taken a lot to get the Deputy Athletic Director at the University of Oregon to leave Eugene, where he’s spent 13 years. The chance to lead not just any athletic department but that of his alma mater was sufficient to bring him back to the Main Line. Roedl was introduced Tuesday as Villanova’s Vice President and Director of Athletics. He replaces Mark Jackson, who was hired in the fall to become the AD at Northwestern. The move brings Roedl home. He played tennis at Villanova, graduating in 1997. His wife Nicole is a 1998 graduate of Villanova. Roedl spent eight years in athletic administration at Temple, then a stint at William & Mary before venturing west to a power conference behemoth in Oregon. While Villanova President Rev. Peter M. Donohue joked at Tuesday’s press conference that he hoped Roedl could bring a slice of the Ducks’ massive budget East with him, Roedl will carry some tangible aspects managing such a big organization to the mission-driven challenge at Villanova. “My big takeaways from Oregon are a commitment to building a championship culture in everything we do, very high standards, full-fledged commitment to holistic student-athlete development, always trying to be out in front when it comes to NCAA deregulation and the things that we can do to provide support for our student-athletes, and just creating a great environment for our student-athletes and our staff,” Roedl said. “People talk about resources and they talk about money, but to me, what really is the difference maker in building successful programs – and I know you know this here at Villanova – it’s about the people and how you operate in the culture.” Both Donohue and Roedl acknowledged several times the changing landscape of college athletics. Athletes are able to earn money for their name, image and likeness, and the House settlement requires colleges to share revenue with athletes. The pressure of those changes will exert much different responses at Roedl’s former employer, a public land-grant institution backed by the deep pockets of Nike’s founder, than at a small, private, Augustinian university. Roedl highlighted those differences in asserting how his approach would meet those challenges. “We have an exciting and compelling vision for the future,” Roedl said in prepared remarks. “Villanova has a deep belief in the role and value of college athletics as a part of this community. Nothing brings people together like sports, and I think Nova Nation is a true testament to that. ... Our priorities will be focused on what’s in the best interest of this university and alignment with our Augustinian values, and certainly what is in the best interest of the health, well-being and success of our student-athletes.” Roedl talked around a question about the basketball program’s recent struggles, beyond a pledge to “continue to innovate and strategically invest” in the men’s and women’s programs. The Wildcats, who won national titles in 2016 and 2018 under Jay Wright, have failed to make the NCAA Tournament in consecutive seasons under Kyle Neptune. Roedl won’t formally take over until January, but he’ll be monitoring how the basketball season progresses, with on-court performance as one of several factors in determining Neptune’s fate. Roedl is transitioning from a program that enjoys a revenue-generating football program to a Football Championship Subdivision squad that is a much different economic model. But he extolled the virtues of that competitive format for Villanova, which begins the FCS playoffs on Saturday. “I think the FCS football model is terrific,” Roedl said. “I love the fact that you’re competing throughout the year, and you’re competing to get into the playoffs, and you can play your way through. The CFP finally came around to that type of a model. It took a while, but the financial model is different, and football means different things to different schools. “There’s a lot of benefit to having an FCS football program and all the things that it brings to your campus. The team represents this university really well. We bring in tremendous, talented student-athletes from all over the country to come in here and compete for Villanova, and that’s a program that I really look forward to supporting and being a part of.” Roedl played a sport in college that, like many Olympic sports, feels economically endangered at the collegiate level. He calls his student-athlete experience “transformational,” in both his career and his life. He used the term “broad-based excellence” on several occasions to illustrate a goal of elevating all of Villanova’s 24 varsity programs, in terms of on-field success and off-field sustainability. In lamenting that “college athletics has become a little bit more transactional,” Roedl is endeavoring to lead Villanova through a middle path. If recruiting talent becomes a bidding war against bigger and better resourced schools, they don’t necessarily have the capital to compete directly. So the name of the game is to provide something more than just what happens on the field, whether that’s academically or via the community. “To me, one of the things that’s most special about college athletics is all the opportunity that it provides to young people to dream and be a part of a university athletic program, and that’s something that we’re going to be fully committed to here at Villanova,” he said. “We’re going to work our tails off to go out and find the resources. It’s a new time, and there’s going to be more pressure on each of our programs to find ways to be sustainable, to continue to be able to provide those opportunities. There’s a lot of pressure on resources right now post-House settlement and we look forward to engaging in the communities around all of our sports to continue to have them be thriving and successful.”
In the world of football, there are moments that leave fans in awe, moments that define greatness and moments that make history. The recent success of the Argentina national team, with their midfield duo shining bright, has captivated the footballing world. Led by their dynamic midfield pairing, Argentina has dominated the competition, securing the top two spots in the Premier League and elevating their game to new heights.BOULDER, Colo. — A 72-year-old lifelong Colorado fan with end-stage kidney failure waited to the side of the field in his wheelchair for Travis Hunter and the rest of the Buffaloes. One by one, players strolled over and signed a football for Riley Rhoades, his face lighting up with each signature. Standing close by and taking in the scene was Jeremy Bloom. He's become a wish facilitator for older adults. Bloom, the former Colorado wide receiver and Olympic freestyle skier, started the Wish of a Lifetime foundation in 2008, which has made thousands of aspirations turn into reality for older adults. The list of granted wishes range from taking veterans back to the beaches of Normandy to helping late-in-life authors publish a book. He's staged concerts for musicians, assisted some in daredevil feats such as jumping out of an airplane and even lined up a meeting between an Olympic medalist and former President Barack Obama. For Rhoades, his wish was simply to return to Folsom Field again, the place where he used to have season tickets but hasn't attended a game since 2004. "Everybody has somebody in their life —a grandparent, friend, neighbor — at that age where you wish you had more resources to help," said Bloom, whose college career was cut short two decades ago when the NCAA denied his reinstatement to play football and still ski professionally after receiving endorsement money to fuel his Olympic dreams. "Nothing can compare to seeing someone else's eyes light up because you helped make their dream come true." The foundation is a tribute to his grandparents. But the concept began to take root when he was a teenager. He was in Japan for a World Cup freestyle skiing competition when a woman tried to hop on a crowded bus. There was no room, but everyone in front rose from their seats to make space. That stuck with him, along with seeing these acts of kindness for older adults all over Europe and Asia as he traveled. An idea formed — bring that same level of appreciation to the United States, with a wish-granting element. Bloom's organization has been a charitable affiliate of AARP since 2020. It was the yearning of Rhoades that brought the two of them to Folsom Field last weekend. Rhoades, who had season tickets at Colorado for 27 years, wanted to see the Buffaloes in person after watching the team's resurgence on television. A few years ago, Rhoades, who was born with spina bifida, was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Being among the 54,646 fans Saturday stirred up plenty of emotions for Rhoades, as he watched the 16th-ranked Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1 Big 12, No. 16 CFP) beat Utah. Colorado remains in the race for not only a conference title but a spot in the College Football Playoff. "It's just great to be back here again," Rhoades said as he pointed out the section where he used to watch games. "It's just ... so cool." For Bloom, the success that coach Deion Sanders has brought to the program means more reunions with teammates as they pass through town. "I've been through many years where nobody comes to visit," Bloom said. "It's fun that Boulder has become the epicenter of college football." Leading the way for Colorado this season have been quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Hunter, who's the Heisman Trophy frontrunner. But what particularly pleases Bloom is that Sanders, Hunter and the rest of college football players are able to finally profit through name, image and likeness. In his day, Bloom got caught in the NCAA crosshairs for wanting to play both sports and to have sponsors in one (skiing) so he could fund his Olympic aspirations. How time have changed. "I'm just really grateful that this generation of athletes gets to monetize their skills and ability," said Bloom, who finished sixth in moguls at the 2006 Winter Games in Italy. "It's the right thing." He's thrown his passion into fulfilling wishes such as learning ballet, riding in a Formula 1 pace car or taking a flight in a fighter jet. He's also helped reconnect families and friends, including a reunion for a trio of centenarian sisters who hadn't seen each other in more than a decade. This granted wish has stuck with Bloom: A person in Alabama wasn't able to travel after being diagnosed with end-of-life emphysema. So he asked for postcards to be sent, just to learn what made someone's town so special. He received 2,000 postcards from 26 different countries. "There's no end to the things that they've done for us in the world," Bloom said of older adults. "We're one of the organizations that reminds them that their dreams still do matter and that we still appreciate them and we cherish them." Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Title: Granddaughter Responds to 89-Year-Old's Survival in the Wilderness for 5 Days with Wild Herbs and VegetablesLooking ahead, the team knows that there are still challenges to overcome. But with their superstar back in the fold and their spirits high, they are ready to face whatever comes their way. The road to Champions League success is a long and arduous one, but Real Madrid is ready to fight every step of the way.It may just be the turn of currency markets to play ‘bad cop’ to the incoming U.S. administration’s proposed tariff hikes – sideswiping its trade threats by catapulting the dollar higher. In recent decades, market protests have usually involved so-called bond vigilantes, creditors demanding sky-high lending rates in response to ill-advised government budgets and making the plans unaffordable in the process. But as Donald Trump’s protectionist trade proposals – including a universal 10% import tariff and 60% charge on goods from China – now loom large, it’s the foreign exchange markets that appear to be taking up the cudgels. Much to the chagrin of the President-elect and his advisers, the dollar .DXY is already surging to two-year highs against currencies of America’s main trading rivals, offsetting the very competitiveness Trump’s tariff plans aim to protect. A rising dollar helps restore the pricing power of overseas exporters selling into the United States, by flattering sales priced in their own currencies – allowing them to keep dollar prices down and retain market share despite the surcharges. The euro’s EUR= near 7% drop in less than two months has partly offset the pain of a 10% charge that hasn’t even been implemented yet. The Chinese yuan’s CNH= 4% weakening over the same period is more modest given the draconian tariffs proposed against Beijing – but the direction of travel is also clear. Market arguments for strengthening the dollar hinge on the idea that Trump tariffs – when combined with stimulative U.S. tax cuts and deportation of immigrant workers – will depress confidence in overseas economies hit, while U.S. demand gets a boost and still-high inflation is aggravated. And in that scenario, the Federal Reserve might not cut its policy rates much further from here while other central banks are forced to step on the easing accelerator. This has two main impacts – it underscores a long-running trend toward U.S. ‘exceptionalism’ as the destination of choice for global investors and it potentially balloons the already wide interest rate gap in favor of holding dollars. Deutsche Bank, for example, thinks Fed rates will now not get below 4% in this cycle while European Central Bank rates will fall as low as 1.5%. That would leave an eventual gap of 250 basis points between the two policy rates compared to current market pricing for a peak of 180bp. And if the eventual tax-and-tariffs policy mix is more aggressive, it sees the euro/dollar exchange rate plunging below parity – more than 5% below current levels. China, the German bank reckons, will also allow the yuan to gradually weaken in that scenario. The whole conundrum partly explains why some Trump advisers appear keen to put political pressure on the Fed to adopt an easier monetary stance, even though Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent has backed away from campaign comments about undermining the central bank with a “shadow” Fed boss. But with Fed resistance likely to be stiff, the dollar is sticking with its script. While textbooks suggest yawning U.S. trade gaps should drag on a dollar already some 10%-20% overvalued, these deficits have been overwhelmed in recent years by the torrent of overseas investment heading to U.S. assets on the country’s exceptional economic and megacap business performance. And following Trump’s election, global investors appear even more convinced that U.S. financial assets are the only game in town right now – merely catalyzing further dollar gains. America’s net international investment position – essentially net foreign ownership of U.S. assets – expanded by more than $20 trillion over the past 20 years to some $22.5 trillion by the middle of this year. Just for context, that investment deficit is now almost three quarters of America’s entire annual GDP and muffles the annual trillion dollar trade gap. There well may be a reckoning ahead given these dramatic numbers and frothy valuations. But currency markets have a habit of pushing to extremes until met with a change of tack. Rather than lance the boil, higher tariffs may just exaggerate the problem. Apart from being a ploy to secure other concessions, they may not even be worth the trouble. Source: Reuters (Writing by Mike Dolan; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Target Corp. stock rises Wednesday, still underperforms marketAs they peel back the layers of their carefully curated image, these web celebrities are constructing a vast "edgy" universe that is as captivating as it is controversial. In this universe, boundaries are constantly pushed, rules are broken, and taboos are shattered. It is a world where nothing is off-limits, where risks are taken, and where authenticity reigns supreme.Ex-Colorado footballer Bloom dedicates time to fulfilling wishes for older adultsQatar tribune Agencies The European Central Bank (ECB) cut interest rates for the fourth time this year on Thursday and kept the door open to further easing ahead as inflation continues to hover close to its goal and the eurozone economy remains weak. The bank also slightly lowered its growth expectations for the medium term and cut its predictions for inflation. The central bank for the 20 countries that share the euro reduced the rate it pays on bank deposits, which drives financing conditions in the bloc, to 3.0% from 3.25%. It was at a record 4.0% only in June. It also signaled that further cuts are possible by removing a reference to keeping rates “sufficiently restrictive” – economic jargon for a level of borrowing costs that curbs economic growth. “Financing conditions are easing, as the Governing Council’s recent interest rate cuts gradually make new borrowing less expensive for firms and households,” the ECB said. “But they continue to be tight because monetary policy remains restrictive and past interest rate hikes are still transmitting to the outstanding stock of credit.” There is no universal definition of what constitutes a restrictive rate but economists generally see neutral territory, which neither fuels nor cools growth, at between 2% and 2.5%. With Thursday’s decision, the ECB also cut the rate at which it lends to banks for one week – to 3.15% – and for one day, to 3.40%. These facilities have barely been used in recent years as the ECB has supplied the banking system with more reserves than it needs via massive bond purchases and long-term loans. But they may become more relevant in the future as those programs end. The ECB confirmed on Thursday it would stop buying bonds under its Pandemic Emergency Purchase Program this month. The bank also said that efforts to return inflation to its 2% target were succeeding. “The disinflation process is well on track,” it said in a statement accompanying the decision. Lower rates should support growth amid signs that the post-pandemic recovery is slowing in the 20 countries that use the euro currency and concerns that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump might impose new tariffs, or import taxes, on goods imported to the U.S. after he is inaugurated on Jan. 20. That sends a cold chill through the business world in Europe, where exports are an outsized contributor to growth and employment. Yet there are internal risks as well. French Prime Minister Michel Barnier resigned on Dec. 5 after losing a vote of confidence, leaving France without a functioning government and no clear majority in parliament able or willing to tackle the country’s excessive budget deficit. Elections cannot be held before June. While the end of the Barnier government hasn’t triggered a financial crisis, it adds uncertainty about how long it will take for France to right its finances. Germany’s governing coalition also broke up in November, and a new national election is expected on Feb. 23. Weeks of coalition negotiations are expected to follow before a new government is in place. That leaves the two biggest eurozone economies politically adrift for months. All that has dinged the confidence that businesses need to borrow, invest, expand production and take risks. The survey index of purchasing managers compiled by S&P Global came in at 48.3 in November, with levels below 50 suggesting the economy is slowing. The Sentix survey of investor confidence fell in its first update after the U.S. election, by 4.6 points to minus 17.5. The eurozone economy is expected to expand by 0.7% in 2024 rather than the 0.8% predicted in September, the ECB said.In 2025 and 2026, growth is projected to be 1.1% and 1.4%, respectively. Copy 13/12/2024 10
CHENNAI: The Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department has extended the last date to apply for ‘pink autos’ till December 10. The date has been postponed from November 23 inviting more applicants to apply for the initiative. As a part of several welfare schemes for the public, Minister Geetha Jeevan had announced pink auto rickshaws for 250 women in Chennai in the assembly session in June. The scheme aims to encourage women to adopt self-employment and raise their livelihoods and incomes. For this, the department has called eligible women to apply for a grant of Rs 1 lakh towards the total cost of the CNG/hybrid auto rickshaws. The applications can be submitted to the Chennai Social Welfare office in the north and south regions before December 10. These autos will be functional in city railway stations and bus stands, painted in pink colour. They will be enabled with a GPS system, women helpline number 181, and constantly under the city police surveillance. The eligibility to apply for the grant is that only one woman can apply between 25 to 45 years and must have passed Class 10. Additionally, the beneficiary must be a resident of Chennai with a driving license. Preference will be given to widows and destitute women, read the notification from the department.
CVB Financial Corp. Announces Authorization of 10 Million Share Repurchase PlanThe pressure is on for policymakers to deliver effective and timely measures to support the economy and prevent further damage. With unemployment rates still high and businesses struggling to stay afloat, the need for swift action has never been more urgent.
US lawmakers voted Wednesday after fraught negotiations to move forward with a contentious 2025 defense budget that raises troops' pay but blocks funding of gender-affirming care for some transgender children of service members. The centerpiece of the $884 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) -- which was green-lit by the Republican-led House of Representatives but still needs Senate approval -- is a 14.5 percent pay increase for junior enlisted service members and 4.5 percent for other personnel. But talks over the 1,800-page-plus text were complicated by a last-minute Republican intervention to prevent the military's health program from covering gender-affirming care for children of service members if it results in "sterilization." "Citizens don't want their tax dollars to go to this, and underaged people often regret these surgeries later in life," Nebraska Republican Don Bacon told CNN. "It's a bad hill to die on for Democrats." Gender-affirming health care for children is just one of multiple fronts in the so-called "culture wars" that polarize US politics and divide the country, with Republicans using the issue as a cudgel against Democrats in November's elections. The funding block angered progressives, and prompted the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee to come out against the legislation. "As I said a few days ago, blanketly denying health care to people who need it -- just because of a biased notion against transgender people -- is wrong," Adam Smith, who represents a district in Washington state, said in a statement. "The inclusion of this harmful provision puts the lives of children at risk and may force thousands of service members to make the choice of continuing their military service or leaving to ensure their child can get the health care they need." Smith slammed House Speaker Mike Johnson for pandering to "the most extreme elements of his party" by including the transgender provision. The must-pass NDAA -- a bill that Congress has sent to the president's desk without fail every year since 1961 -- cleared the chamber in a 281-140 vote and now moves to the Senate, with final passage expected next week. The topline figure is one percent above last year's total and, with funding from other sources, brings the total defense budget to just under $900 billion. Some foreign policy hawks on the Republican side of the Senate wanted $25 billion more for the Pentagon but they are still expected to support the bill. "The safety and security of the American people is our top priority, and this year's NDAA ensures our military has the resources and the capabilities needed to remain the most powerful fighting force on the planet," Johnson told reporters. ft/mlmUltimately, the rediscovery of "moderate accommodation" in monetary policy signals a maturation of central bank thinking, reflecting a recognition of the need for a more sophisticated and adaptive approach to policy in a rapidly changing world.NoneSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers with a sore throwing shoulder. Purdy injured his right shoulder in last Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks . Purdy underwent an MRI that showed no structural damage but the shoulder didn't improve during the week and Purdy was ruled out for the game. Coach Kyle Shanahan said star defensive end Nick Bosa also will miss the game with injuries to his left hip and oblique. Left tackle Trent Williams is questionable with an ankle injury and will be a game-time decision. This will be the first time Purdy has missed a start because of an injury since taking over as the 49ers’ quarterback in December 2022. Brandon Allen will start in his place. The Niners (5-5) are currently in a three-way tie for second in the NFC West, a game behind first-place Arizona, and have little margin for error if they want to get back to the playoffs after making it to the Super Bowl last season. Purdy has completed 66% of his passes this season for 2,613 yards, 13 TDs, eight interceptions and a 95.9 passer rating that is down significantly from his league-leading mark of 113 in 2023. Allen has been mostly a backup since being drafted by Jacksonville in 2016. Allen last started a game in Week 18 of the 2021 season for Cincinnati and has thrown just three passes the last three seasons — including none since joining San Francisco in 2023. Joshua Dobbs will be the backup on Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
The S&P 500 rose 0.8% to break its first two-day losing streak in nearly a month and finished just short of its all-time high. Big Tech stocks led the way, which drove the Nasdaq composite up 1.8% to top the 20,000 level for the first time. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, meanwhile, lagged the market with a dip of 99 points, or 0.2%. Stocks got a boost as expectations built that Wednesday's inflation data will allow the Fed to deliver another cut to interest rates at its meeting next week. Traders are betting on a nearly 99% probability of that, according to data from CME Group, up from 89% a day before. If they're correct, it would be a third straight cut by the Fed after it began lowering rates in September from a two-decade high. It's hoping to support a slowing job market after getting inflation nearly all the way down to its 2% target. Lower rates would give a boost to the economy and to prices for investments, but they could also provide more fuel for inflation. "The data have given the Fed the 'all clear' for next week, and today's inflation data keep a January cut in active discussion," according to Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Expectations for a series of cuts to rates by the Fed have been one of the main reasons the S&P 500 has set an all-time high 57 times this year, with the latest coming last week. The biggest boosts for the index on Wednesday came from Nvidia and other Big Tech stocks. Their massive growth has made them Wall Street's biggest stars for years , though other kinds of stocks have recently been catching up somewhat amid hopes for the broader U.S. economy . Tesla jumped 5.9% to finish above $420 at $424.77. It's a level that Elon Musk made famous in a 2018 tweet when he said he had secured funding to take Tesla private at $420 per share. Stitch Fix soared 44.3% after the company that sends clothes to your door reported a smaller loss for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It also gave financial forecasts for the current quarter that were better than expected, including for revenue. GE Vernova rallied 5% for one of the biggest gains in the S&P 500. The energy company that spun out of General Electric said it would pay a 25 cent dividend every three months, and it approved a plan to send up to another $6 billion to its shareholders by buying back its own stock. On the losing end of Wall Street, Dave & Buster's Entertainment tumbled 20.1% after reporting a worse loss for the latest quarter than expected. It also said CEO Chris Morris has resigned, and the board has been working with an executive-search firm for the last few months to find its next permanent leader. Albertsons fell 1.5% after filing a lawsuit against Kroger, saying it didn't do enough for their proposed $24.6 billion merger agreement to win regulatory clearance. Albertsons said it's seeking billions of dollars in damages from Kroger, whose stock rose 1%. A day earlier, judges in separate cases in Oregon and Washington nixed the supermarket giants' merger. The grocers contended a combination could have helped them compete with big retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon, but critics said it would hurt competition. After terminating the merger agreement with Kroger, Albertsons said it plans to boost its dividend 25% and increased the size of its program to buy back its own stock. Macy's slipped 0.8% after cutting some of its financial forecasts for the full year of 2024, including for how much profit it expects to make off each $1 of revenue. All told, the S&P 500 rose 49.28 points to 6,084.19. The Dow dipped 99.27 to 44,148.56, and the Nasdaq composite rallied 347.65 to 20,034.89. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.27% from 4.23% late Tuesday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed, edged up to 4.15% from 4.14%. In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe and Asia. Hong Kong's Hang Seng was an outlier and slipped 0.8% as Chinese leaders convened an annual planning meeting in Beijing that is expected to set economic policies and growth targets for the coming year. South Korea's Kospi rose 1%, up for a second straight day as it climbs back following last week's political turmoil where its president briefly declared martial law.Despite his achievements, Shi Yuqi remains grounded and acknowledges that there is always room for improvement. He is constantly working on refining his skills, studying his opponents, and seeking ways to enhance his performance on the court. His dedication to continuous learning and growth sets him apart as a true champion in the world of badminton.