Hollyoaks ‘confirms’ Abe comeuppance as Cleo escapes her captor in unexpected wedding twistDonald Trump is returning to the world stage. So is his trolling
Trump names Andrew Ferguson as head of Federal Trade Commission to replace Lina KhanFederal Reserve policymakers unanimously decided to reduce interest rates by 25 basis points to a range of 4.5%-4.75% during their November meeting, as they expressed confidence that inflation was moving sustainably toward their 2% target, according to meeting minutes released Wednesday. Participants highlighted several factors expected to maintain downward pressure on inflation, including diminishing business pricing power, the Fed’s restrictive monetary policy stance, and well-anchored long-term inflation expectations. Easing Inflation, But Core Pressures Persist The minutes revealed that nearly all participants believed the latest data supported the view that inflation was steadily moderating, albeit with volatility in month-to-month readings. Inflation, they noted, had eased significantly from its peak. However, core inflation measures—excluding volatile food and energy prices—remained “somewhat elevated.” Policymakers also discussed upside risks to inflation, including potential disruptions in global supply chains due to geopolitical events, a faster-than-anticipated loosening of financial conditions, unexpectedly robust consumer spending, persistent shelter price increases, and surging insurance costs across health, automotive, and housing sectors. Resilient Economy and Labor Market Underpin Consumer Spending Economic data reviewed at the meeting pointed to stronger-than-expected growth in consumer spending and overall economic activity. While participants generally agreed that the labor market remained solid, they emphasized the importance of closely monitoring indicators for signs of softening, which could influence the Fed’s future policy direction. “Participants remarked that consumption had been supported by a solid labor market, rising real wages, and elevated household wealth,” the minutes stated. Diverging Views on Monetary Policy Adjustments The minutes also shed light on varying perspectives regarding the Fed’s next steps. While some participants suggested the central bank could pause its easing cycle and hold rates at restrictive levels if inflation remained sticky, others indicated that policy easing could be accelerated if economic conditions weakened, such as a downturn in the labor market or a notable slowdown in economic activity. “Many participants observed that uncertainties concerning the level of the neutral rate of interest complicated the assessment of the degree of restrictiveness of monetary policy and, in their view, made it appropriate to reduce policy restraint gradually,” according to the November minutes. Market Reactions The release of the Fed meeting minutes had little impact on short-term interest rate markets. Fed funds futures continued to show a 59% probability of another 25-basis-point rate cut in December, unchanged from market expectations prior to the minutes’ publication. The U.S. dollar index (DXY), tracked by the Invesco DB USD Index Bullish Fund ET F UUP , held steady, gaining 0.2% on the day. Meanwhile, Treasury yields saw marginal changes, with the 10-year Treasury yield broadly holding at 4.32%. The S&P 500 index – tracked by the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust SPY – also held its marginal session gains, up 0.3%. Read Next: Consumer Confidence Hits 2-Year High As Recession Fears Fade: Stock Market Optimism Soars To Record High Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Disney+ Adds ESPN Tile To Its App To Lure Bundle Subscribers
ALPINE, Texas (AP) — Three U.S. Army soldiers at Fort Cavazos, Texas, have been arrested on human smuggling charges, U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas said Thursday. Soldiers Emilio Mendoza Lopez, Angel Palma, 20, and Enrique Jauregui, 25, were arrested after a vehicle allegedly driven by Palma and carrying Mendoza Lopez, a Mexican national and two Guatemalan nationals was stopped Nov. 27 by law enforcement in Presidio along the border with Mexico, about 500 miles (805 kilometers) southwest of Dallas. Mike Lahrman, a spokesman for Esparza, said he did not know the soldier’s ranks or whether action had been taken against them by the military. A spokesman for Fort Cavazos did not immediately respond to a request for comment. “Mendoza Lopez and Palma allegedly traveled from Fort Cavazos to Presidio for the purpose of picking up and transporting undocumented noncitizens,” Esparza said in a statement. “Jauregui is alleged to be the recruiter and facilitator of the human smuggling conspiracy,” according to Esparza. “Data extracted from Palma’s phone through a search warrant revealed messages between the three soldiers indicating collaboration in the smuggling operation.” Related Articles Nation | Pete Hegseth’s SecDef appointment in doubt, DeSantis floated as potential replacement Nation | Memphis police use excessive force and discriminate against Black people, Justice Department finds Nation | Two children wounded and gunman dead after shooting at Northern California school Nation | Abandoned mines in the US pose dangers to people and property when land gives way Nation | Dog food recalled in 7 states for salmonella risk after puppy litter gets sick, FDA says Mendoza Lopez was arrested at the scene of the Nov. 27 traffic stop while Palma, who prosecutors said fled the scene of the traffic stop, and Jauregui were arrested Tuesday at Fort Cavazos, about 125 miles (201 kilometers) south of Dallas, Lahrman said. Mendoza Lopez’s attorney, Shane Chriesman, said he is awaiting more information, known as discovery, from prosecutors on the charge. “Once I get discovery and have a chance to assess the case we’ll develop a plan of attack” and will try to get a bond set for Mendoza Lopez, who is currently jailed without bail, Chriesman said. No attorneys are listed in jail records who could speak for for Palma and Jauregui, who are awaiting their first court appearance on Friday, according to Esparza.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim hailed Arsenal as one of the best set-piece teams he has ever faced following the 2-0 defeat at Arsenal. The Gunners took two points out of Liverpool’s lead at the summit of the Premier League after Jurrien Timber and William Saliba struck in the second half – both from corners – to condemn Amorim to his first defeat as United boss. The hosts’ second-half strikes took their goals-from-corners tally to 22 since the start of last season – a statistic that is unmatched by any other team in the division. Asked if Arsenal are one of the best teams he has come up against on corners, Amorim replied: “If you follow the Premier League for a long time you can see that. “They are also big players and you see every occasion when (Gabriel) Martinelli and (Bukayo) Saka have one-on-ones, a lot of times they go outside and they cross, and they know that if the cross goes well, they can score, and if it is a corner they can score, too, so we have to be better on that. “You have seen in all Arsenal games that every team have had problems with that (corners). And the difference today was the set-pieces. “You see a goal and then the momentum changed, and it is really hard for us to take the full control of the game after that.” Timber leaned into Rasmus Hojlund at the front post before diverting Declan Rice’s set-piece into the back of Andre Onana’s net after 54 minutes to send Arsenal into the lead. Thomas Partey’s header from Saka’s corner then deflected in off Saliba’s shoulder with 17 minutes left. Arteta and the club’s set-piece guru Nicolas Jover embraced on the touchline as Amorim was left with his head in his hands. The Arsenal supporters cheered raucously every time they won a corner – landing 13 in all without reply. However, Arteta moved to play down the significance of Arsenal’s set-piece threat. “We need that, but we want to be very dangerous and very effective from every angle and every phase of play,” said Arteta. “Today we could have scored from open play like we did against West Ham and Sporting. Last year we scored the most goals in the history of this football club. Arsenal have won four consecutive Premier League matches against Man Utd for the first time ever! 💫 pic.twitter.com/biv1kvsJEP — Premier League (@premierleague) December 4, 2024 “Not because of only set-pieces, but because of a lot of things that we have. We want to create individual and magic moments, too.” Arsenal’s win against United – the first time they have recorded four victories in a row against the Red Devils in the league – was their fourth in succession since the international break. They will head to Fulham on Sunday bidding to keep the momentum going. Arteta continued: “The will to win is there. We try our best to do that. We won four in a row, but it doesn’t matter. We have to go to Fulham now, try to be better than them and try win the game. “It’s every three days that we play. It’s a crazy schedule. We’re going to need everybody and to mentally be very strong.”India's current DAP shortage underscores the urgent need to overhaul its fertiliser policy. Over-reliance on imports from countries such as China jeopardises the nation's food security. Experts and industry stakeholders unanimously agree that the government must prioritise boosting domestic fertiliser production to reduce dependence on imports. This is especially critical due to the increasingly unpredictable global supply chains, which significantly impact India's food security and agricultural sector. DAP, a highly soluble and fast-dissolving fertiliser, is most commonly used. It releases phosphate and ammonium, crucial nutrients for early plant root growth. DAP is widely used for winter (rabi) crops such as wheat, pulses, and mustard. China's supply restrictions and geopolitical tensions are intensifying the DAP crisis. Global supply chain disruptions are hindering the delivery of raw materials for fertiliser production, according to the FAI. Additionally, China has suspended exports of critical inputs, citing heightened domestic demand. “India’s import of DAP from China fell drastically by nearly 75% in the first half of FY25 from corresponding period last year,” says Richa Bagaria, Associate Director, CareEdge Ratings. The DAP import from China was 17.1 LT in the first half of FY24 and it is down to 4 lakh tonnes in the same period of FY25, adds Bagaria. As a result, farmers in Punjab , Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, among other states, are struggling to obtain sufficient DAP for their wheat crops. Entrepreneurship Boosting Startup Revenue with 6 AI-Powered Sales Automation Techniques By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Master RESTful APIs with Python and Django REST Framework: Web API Development By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship From Idea to Product: A Startup Development Guide By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Entrepreneurship Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Collaborative AI Foundations: Working Smarter with Machines By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Soft Skills Cross-Cultural Communication Mastery: Connect with Confidence By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Leadership Business Storytelling Masterclass By - Ameen Haque, Founder of Storywallahs View Program Entrepreneurship Building Your Winning Startup Team: Key Strategies for Success By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Entrepreneurship Validating Your Startup Idea: Steps to Ensure Market Fit By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Learn InVideo AI: Create Videos from Text Easily By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Marketing Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, Author | Speaker | Thought Leader | Branding Consultant View Program Legal Complete Guide to AI Governance and Compliance By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Analysis Animated Visualizations with Flourish Studio: Beginner to Pro By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Web Development JavaScript Essentials: Unlock AI-Driven Insights with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Experts say that India's imports of DAP and MOP have been severely disrupted by China's trade restrictions and the Israel-Hamas conflict, necessitating changes in import routes and causing major supply chain problems. Due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Red Sea, a crucial shipping lane carrying 30% of India's imports, is now obstructed. Fertiliser shipments to India are being rerouted, adding 6,500 kilometers to their journey. ET Online If shortage was not enough, prices of the crucial fertiliser has been steadily climbing north. According to Richa Bagaria, Associate Director at CareEdge Ratings, DAP prices have risen steadily this year, from a low of $515 per tonne in May 2024 to $642 per tonne in October 2024 (compared to $595 per tonne in October 2023). Wild price swings have battered the fertiliser industry for four years, creating widespread problems. The volatility's impact extends beyond fertilisers, affecting essential raw materials and intermediates. India's quest for DAP self-sufficiency Despite India's progress in urea production, experts stress the need for further advancements to achieve complete self-sufficiency. New production units, commissioned over time, are expected to drastically reduce the country’s import dependency, from 25-28% to below 15% by FY26, according to experts. India, however, still depends significantly on imported fertilisers. For example, about half the nation's DAP needs are filled by imports, mainly from Saudi Arabia, China, Russia, and Morocco. In the case of Muriate of Potash (MOP), India is entirely dependent on imports, as there is currently no domestic production capacity. The Indian government revealed to Parliament in August that India imported 18.5 LT of urea and 22 LT of P&K fertilisers from China in 2023-24. India's imports of P&K fertilisers totalled 106.5 LT during 2023-24. Some of P&K fertilizers India imports are DAP, MAP, TSP, MOP, Ammonium Sulphate, SSP, PDM and 18 grades of NPKS complex. India needs nearly 100 LT of DAP annually and imports nearly 60% of this phosphorus fertiliser. On October 1, 2024, there were only 15-16 LT of DAP in stock, against the recommended 27-30 LT. The production of DAP fell to 25.03 LT during April-October this fiscal, from 27.01 LT in the year-ago period, according to FAI data. India's DAP imports witnessed a significant decline, dropping to 27.84 LT from 39.68 LT during the same period. DAP sales to farmers also fell to 56.92 LT from 76.31 LT. “The import of DAP remains unviable in view of a steady rise in DAP prices. This has led to some concerns around adequate availability of DAP for the current rabi crop sowing season, with an assessed requirement of 55 LT,” notes Bagaria. iStock According to industry stakeholders, while high fertiliser prices may help reduce overuse, fertilisers remain a crucial component for achieving optimal crop yields. Farmers’ contrasting narrative While addressing an annual seminar of the FAI, Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Anupriya Patel said on 4 December that the government took several proactive measures such as long-term agreements with the supplier countries and promotion of alternate fertilisers as well as indigenous nano-fertilisers. Patel added that the government offered a special package of Rs 3,500 per tonne on DAP and linked an overall increase in the prices of P&K fertilisers in the international market to the current market prices. However, farmers paint a starkly different picture. Farmers say they are being forced to pay a premium of Rs 250-350 above the government-fixed price of Rs 1,350 per 50-kg bag, adding to the financial burden of farmers. Baldev Singh, a 52-year-old farmer from a village in Punjab's Sangrur district, shares his frustrating experience. "Every visit to the government's fertiliser centre ends in disappointment," he says, frustration evident in his voice. "Farmers are being forced to pay higher prices for DAP, adding to the financial woes." Similarly, Ranjeet Singh, a 38-year-old farmer from Bunna village in Haryana's Kaithal district, pointed out that the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendra (PMKSK) has run out of DAP stock, forcing farmers like him to wait in long queues. Punjab is bearing the brunt of the DAP shortage, given its high cropping intensity, particularly for wheat and rice. The state has the highest DAP consumption in the country, utilising 91.49 kg per hectare annually. The state requires about 55 LT DAP for the rabi season and annual DAP requirement is 85 LT. The central and state governments have suggested that Punjab consider alternative fertilisers to DAP. However, experts and farmers argue that these alternatives are more expensive and don’t provide the same level of soil nourishment as DAP, making them less effective substitutes. Raminder Singh Patiala, Press Secretary, Kirti Kisan Union (KKU), says, “DAP is currently available in the market at inflated rates due to insufficient supply. Additionally, cooperative societies are struggling to keep up with demand. In our opinion, the central government's failure to procure adequate fertiliser stocks in a timely manner has exacerbated the issue. Furthermore, the reduction in fertiliser subsidies in the annual budget has compounded the problem." Subsidy cut: Adding fuel to fertiliser FAI has been cautioning the government since June to ensure sufficient DAP arrangements, but unfortunately, the government has been slow to respond, adds Patiala. iStock The fertiliser subsidy for 2024-25 is budgeted at Rs 1.64 lakh crore, 13.18% lower than the revised estimate of Rs 1.88 lakh crore for 2023-24. According to Patiala, the delayed subsidy announcement for fertilisers had a ripple effect, influencing the decision-making of private suppliers. While there is some availability of DAP, the supply falls significantly short of the actual demand. On 18 September, the Centre had announced a subsidy of Rs 24,475 crore for phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers for the rabi season of 2024-25 for the period October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. The fertiliser subsidy for 2024-25 is budgeted at Rs 1.64 lakh crore, 13.18% lower than the revised estimate of Rs 1.88 lakh crore for 2023-24. In 2022-23, the subsidy was Rs 251,339 crore, a record high owing to escalated global prices amid the Russia-Ukraine war. The government offers fertiliser subsidies to achieve two key objectives: support the fertiliser industry and regulate prices to benefit farmers. India's fertiliser subsidy allocation is bifurcated into two categories: urea subsidy and nutrient-based subsidy (NBS). Due to declining input prices, including gas prices, the government has decreased NBS subsidy rates for the fiscal year 2024. Farmer organisations have voiced concerns that the subsidy reduction will have a detrimental effect on agricultural productivity. Furthermore, experts warn that the decreased subsidy has triggered an impact across the value chain, prompting domestic manufacturers to scale back both production and imports of chemical fertilisers. According to industry stakeholders, while high fertiliser prices may help reduce overuse, fertilisers remain a crucial component for achieving optimal crop yields. As such, they can’t be completely eliminated from agricultural practices, emphasising the need for a balanced approach to fertiliser use. “The increased sales of NPKS complex fertilisers and MOP offer a partial buffer against the DAP shortage, as these alternatives provide a balanced mix of essential nutrients. However, DAP’s high phosphorus content remains irreplaceable during the critical root establishment phase of rabi crops like wheat and mustard. Substituting DAP with NPKS or MOP may not fully mitigate the impact,” says Maninder Singh Nayyar, CEO & Founder, CEF Group. A fertiliser importer revealed to ET that the government-fixed price of Rs 27,000, combined with a subsidy of nearly Rs 22,000, still falls short of covering the actual cost of importing DAP. “Release of close to 64% of subsidy budget till October 2024 and upward trajectory in DAP and phosphorus prices, may necessitate the need to relook at the subsidy budget going ahead,” says Bagaria. Given India’s reliance on fertilisers, experts suggest farmers may need to explore alternative fertilisers during the upcoming rabi sowing season. This shift is necessary to mitigate potential production losses due to the evolving DAP landscape, say experts. The government faces a pressing challenge in addressing the severe fertiliser shortage and ensuring timely access to these essential inputs for farmers. All stakeholders emphasise the need for India to reassess its fertiliser policy, ensuring it remains aligned with the evolving global supply chain landscape. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 15, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award.
NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of burning a woman to death inside a New York City subway train used a shirt to fan the flames, a prosecutor said Tuesday at his arraignment on murder charges. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally, was not required to enter a plea and did not speak at the hearing in Brooklyn criminal court. Zapeta, wearing a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt, will remain jailed at the city's Rikers Island complex and is due back in court on Friday. His lawyer did not ask for bail. Zapeta is charged with two counts of murder, accusing him of intentionally killing the woman and killing her while committing arson. He is also charged with one count of arson. The top charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez called the attack a “gruesome and senseless act of violence” and said it would be “met with the most serious consequences.” The apparently random attack occurred Sunday morning on an F train that was stopped at the Coney Island station. The victim's identification is still pending. Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who may have been sleeping in the train, and set her clothing on fire with a lighter. Zapeta then fanned the flames with a shirt, engulfing her in fire, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said in court Tuesday. Zapeta then sat on a bench on the subway platform and watched, Rottenberg said. According to Rottenberg, Zapeta told detectives that he didn’t know what happened but identified himself in images of the attack. Zapeta's lawyer, public defender Andrew Friedman, did not speak to reporters after the arraignment. A message seeking comment was left for him. Video on social media appears to show some people looking on from the platform and at least one police officer walking by while the woman is on fire inside the train. NYPD Transit Chief Joseph Gulotta said Sunday that several officers responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be" while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. “Officers who were on patrol on an upper level of that station smelled and saw smoke and went to investigate. What they saw was a person standing inside the train car fully engulfed in flames,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. They eventually put the fire out, but “unfortunately, it was too late,” Tisch said, and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Zapeta was taken into custody Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after teenagers recognized him from images circulated by the police. Story continues below video A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta was deported in 2018 but later reentered the U.S. illegally. The crime deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system, amplified by graphic video of the attack that ricocheted across social media. “It creeped me out real bad,” said Deandre Nelson, 22. Others said the attack hasn’t changed their daily routine or how they feel about the subway. “I don’t think it gave me pause," said Collin Burroughs, 24. “I think it mostly just made me sad.” Overall, crime is down in the transit system compared to last year. Major felonies declined 6% between January and November compared to the same time period last year, according to data from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. But murders are up, with nine killings this year through November compared to five during the same period last year. There have also been several high-profile incidents, including one in September where police inadvertently shot two bystanders and a fellow officer when they opened fire on a man holding a knife in front of a train. Earlier this month, a Manhattan jury acquitted former Marine Daniel Penny in the chokehold death last year of an agitated subway rider. The case became a flashpoint in debates over safety, homelessness and mental illness on the system. Policing the subway is difficult, given the vast network of trains moving between 472 stations. Each stop contains multiple entry points and, in many stations, multiple floors and platforms. This story has been corrected to show that the name of Zapeta's lawyer is Andrew Friedman, not Ed Friedman. Associated Press reporter Melissa Goldin contributed to this report.Oklahoma's throwback offensive approach against Alabama gets LSU's attention
Top 25 College Hoops Picks Against the Spread – Tuesday, November 26
AP News Summary at 6:21 p.m. ESTLITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 26, 2024-- As the holiday shopping season kicks off this Black Friday, shoppers nationwide are gearing up to find the latest tech gifts for children. This year, the excitement over new gadgets is coupled with a growing concern for online safety, as highlighted by a recent survey conducted by Internet Service Provider, Kinetic. This survey, which involved 1,100 participants across 18 states, underscores a growing trend: consumers may be poised to prioritize cybersecurity features and parental controls when selecting tech devices for children. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125614797/en/ Kinetic Secure helps guard against cyber threats and inappropriate content. With these findings in mind, here are essential considerations for shoppers hunting for tech gifts this holiday season to ensure both safety and fun: “This holiday season, as you consider high-tech gifts for your family, don’t forget to prioritize the security of your children’s online experience,” said Ben Midanek, Kinetic’s chief marketing officer. “The best tech-gifts are those which provide entertainment for your family along with peace of mind for you. With Kinetic's advanced parental controls and security features, families can get the most out of their high-tech gifts on our ultra-fast fiber network and remain confident, knowing they’ve made the informed choice to create a safer place for their families.” Visit https://www.windstream.com/kinetic-secure-packs for more info. Also consider fiber technology that grows with new technology and purchases as it offers superior security by being resistant to interception and interference. Visit https://www.windstream.com/fiber-internet for more info. This study includes data from two surveys conducted Jul 25-31, 2024, and Jun 28-Oct 7, 2024, of 1,100 18-60-year-old respondents across Kinetic’s 18-state footprint. About Kinetic Kinetic, a Windstream company, offers fiber-based broadband to residential and small business customers in 18 states. The company’s quality-first approach connects customers to new opportunities and possibilities by delivering a full suite of advanced communications services. Kinetic is one of three brands managed by Windstream. The company also offers managed cloud communications and security services to mid-to-large enterprises and government entities across the U.S. as well as customized wavelength and dark fiber solutions to carriers, content providers and hyperscalers in the U.S. and Canada. Windstream is a privately held company headquartered in Little Rock, Ark. Additional information about Kinetic is available at www.gokinetic.com or windstream.com . Category: Kinetic View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125614797/en/ Megan Krtek,Megan.Krtek@windstream.com KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA ARKANSAS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RESIDENTIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE SECURITY CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY ENERGY CONSUMER ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY SMALL BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CHILDREN FAMILY TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS CONSUMER INTERNET UTILITIES SOURCE: Windstream Holdings Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/26/2024 02:00 PM/DISC: 11/26/2024 02:02 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125614797/enInvestors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on Riot Platforms RIOT . And retail traders should know. We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga. Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with RIOT, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen. So how do we know what these investors just did? Today, Benzinga 's options scanner spotted 9 uncommon options trades for Riot Platforms. This isn't normal. The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 44% bullish and 55%, bearish. Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 2 are puts, for a total amount of $108,053, and 7 are calls, for a total amount of $247,558. What's The Price Target? Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $11.5 to $25.0 for Riot Platforms during the past quarter. Insights into Volume & Open Interest Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Riot Platforms's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Riot Platforms's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $11.5 to $25.0 over the preceding 30 days. Riot Platforms 30-Day Option Volume & Interest Snapshot Noteworthy Options Activity: Symbol PUT/CALL Trade Type Sentiment Exp. Date Ask Bid Price Strike Price Total Trade Price Open Interest Volume RIOT PUT SWEEP BULLISH 12/06/24 $1.13 $1.12 $1.13 $12.00 $71.3K 899 810 RIOT CALL SWEEP BEARISH 12/20/24 $0.6 $0.59 $0.59 $15.00 $48.3K 14.4K 517 RIOT CALL TRADE BULLISH 03/21/25 $2.1 $2.02 $2.08 $15.00 $41.6K 38.4K 473 RIOT CALL TRADE BULLISH 01/16/26 $3.2 $3.1 $3.2 $22.00 $38.4K 2.7K 123 RIOT PUT TRADE BEARISH 01/03/25 $1.47 $1.47 $1.47 $11.50 $36.7K 8 251 About Riot Platforms Riot Platforms Inc is a vertically integrated Bitcoin mining company focused on building, supporting, and operating blockchain technologies. The company's segments include Bitcoin Mining; Data Center Hosting and Engineering. It generates maximum revenue from the Bitcoin Mining segment which generates revenue from the Bitcoin the company earns through its mining activities. Having examined the options trading patterns of Riot Platforms, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance Current Position of Riot Platforms Trading volume stands at 16,034,233, with RIOT's price down by -5.14%, positioned at $11.44. RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought. Earnings announcement expected in 86 days. What Analysts Are Saying About Riot Platforms In the last month, 4 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $14.625. Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. Click here for access .* An analyst from Needham downgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $11. * Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Compass Point keeps a Buy rating on Riot Platforms with a target price of $13. * An analyst from HC Wainwright & Co. has revised its rating downward to Buy, adjusting the price target to $17. * An analyst from Macquarie has decided to maintain their Outperform rating on Riot Platforms, which currently sits at a price target of $17. Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely. If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Riot Platforms, Benzinga Pro gives you real-time options trades alerts. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Dates Set for PG&E Quarterly Stock DividendsSafety first for Syd-Hob fleet after recent tragedyHope for the best, prepare for the worst
Environmental diplomacy Fortunately, after a decade’s struggle with smog, Pakistani Punjab has understood the urgency of climate action The art of downplaying a dilemma or a disaster has been mastered by Pakistani politicians. They have done so in the past – and continue this trend with the ongoing smog disaster. The public, unfortunately, mirrors this insensitivity. During Covid-19 lockdowns, people turned the streets into sightseeing tours with their families. Now, when Punjab’s government closed schools to safeguard children and reduce emissions, parents were seen taking their children to parks. This mutual insensitivity is exacerbating an already dire crisis. For a crisis like this, we need to have clarity and a united front. For far too long, developed nations have denied billions across the globe, in South Asian countries like Pakistan in particular, the right to a future safeguarded by climate-conscious actions. We are pretty much aware of a dark reality: our world has known weather warfare before. In the past, it was deliberate – an act of war. But if, today, developed nations refuse to extend a hand to regions like ours, then – while unintended – the outcome will be no less destructive. Make no mistake: this is not just an environmental crisis; this is climate warfare. And it is more dangerous than Fifth Generation Warfare and more unpredictable than any nuclear conflict. This requires stronger collaborations in the shape of regional climate diplomacy, partnerships that cross borders, and a commitment that transcends politics. South Asian countries like India and Pakistan have strived on every possible stage: economic front, sports arenas, and technological innovations. Competition is essential; it is survival. But there is one stage where competition must cease and cooperation must prevail: climate action. In this fight for our shared future, we cannot afford divisions, pride, or reluctance. The partnership between India and Pakistan would be of key importance, if it happens. Similarly, time is of the essence. Fortunately, after a decade’s struggle with smog, Pakistani Punjab has understood the urgency of climate action through Chaudhry Rehmat Ali’s Now or Never, and we expect our neighbour to do the same as Nehru’s Now or Never. This climate diplomacy is far greater than opening onion trade between the two countries – because climate is the new peace dialogue of the millennium. Climate is no longer just a part of any economy – it is our economy. Climate is no longer just another branch of governance - it is a mode of governance now. Climate should be our unbreakable stance on sustainability. To realise this vision, Punjab has crafted an all-encompassing climate policy: the Climate Resilient Punjab Vision and Action Plan 2024. This powerful declaration is a blueprint for action, grounded in the urgency of the moment and infused with the spirit of resilience. Time-sensitive initiatives of supreme significance have already been taken up with full funding from the Government of Punjab. Key components of this framework are set in motion, and every target is backed by the resources to make it real. Punjab is investing in climate finally. This policy plan was developed in close coordination with international bodies, organisations, donor agencies, stakeholders, and civil society, and now the most populous province is in a condition to collaborate, to create and adopt joint strategic actions that go beyond borders. We have already suffered for environmental crimes we didn’t commit. Pakistan doesn’t contribute even one per cent to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, yet, due to the actions of others, we are among the five most vulnerable nations to climate change. We, the citizens, call upon all our neighbours to come forward and work with us. You have a tremendous stake in this. I fully support exploring the universe and finding new planets to live on. But let’s not forget to fix the planet we already call home. The writer is a freelance journalist. He has also served as media adviser to the World Bank and Unicef-funded healthcare and tourism related projects in Punjab. He tweets/posts @EAAgopGlobal stocks end mostly up with DAX crossing 20,000 for 1st time