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NEW YORK , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The global do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement retailing market size is estimated to grow by USD 196.61 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.41% during the forecast period. Greater emphasis on diy home improvement projects for personalized interior designing is driving market growth, with a trend towards uptake of ar applications for home improvement projects. However, shifting consumer preference for difm from diy culture poses a challenge. Key market players include Ace Hardware Corp., BayWa Bau and Gartenmarkte GmbH and Co. KG, Grafton Group plc, Groupe Adeo, hagebau connect GmbH and Co. KG, HORNBACH Holding AG and Co. KGaA, Kesko Corp., Kingfisher Plc, Menard Inc., Mr D.I.Y. Group M Berhad, OBI Group Holding SE and Co. KGaA, REWE Group, Stark Group AS, The Home Depot Inc., Travis Perkins Plc, ubyld, Wesfarmers Ltd., Wickes Group Plc, and Lowes Co. Inc.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF DIY home improvement retailing is experiencing significant advancements with the integration of technology. Kingfisher introduced a mobile device for in-store use in 2014, enabling features like mobile checkout, product location, and inventory checks. Their mobile application offers an enhanced in-store map and live chat. AR technology is used in catalogs and apps, allowing virtual previews of furniture and precise measurements. UDecor.com's AR-enabled room planner visualizes 3D items in real rooms. These innovations are expected to boost the DIY home improvement market's growth during the forecast period. The DIY home improvement retailing market is thriving with consumers seeking project solutions and supplies. DIY projects, such as painting, home repairs, and gardening, are popular trends. Profiles of DIY consumers include homeowners, renters, and those looking to save on labor costs. DIY retailers offer a wide range of products, including tools, hardware, and building materials. Online sales are growing, with consumers researching and purchasing products online for convenience. Consumers also value educational resources, such as instructional videos and tutorials, to help with their projects. The market is competitive, with retailers focusing on providing quality products, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service. Consumers are looking for one-stop shops for their DIY needs, making it essential for retailers to offer a comprehensive selection of products and services. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! • The DIY home improvement retailing market may face challenges due to the increasing trend of Do-It-For-Me (DIFM) services. This shift is driven by factors such as an aging population in mature markets seeking professional help, young consumers lacking DIY skills, and employment growth leading to higher wages. As a result, DIY retailers are witnessing decreased sales as DIFM professionals prefer B2B suppliers over consumer-facing stores. However, some mature DIY retailers are capitalizing on this trend by catering to trade customers and enhancing their service offerings to attract professional consumers. For instance, Kingfisher's TradePoints and Home Depot's Product Authority are targeting the DIFM segment to optimize sales. These factors are expected to impact the growth of the global DIY home improvement retailing market during the forecast period. • The Do-It-Yourself home improvement retailing market faces several challenges. Procurement of products is a significant issue, with the need to source a wide range of tools and materials. Product availability and timely delivery are crucial to meet customer demands. The market is competitive, with numerous players offering similar products. Differentiating offerings through pricing, customer service, and product selection is essential. Additionally, the increasing trend of online shopping poses a threat to brick-and-mortar stores. Digital marketing and omnichannel strategies are necessary to reach and engage customers effectively. Lastly, ensuring inventory levels and managing supply chains efficiently are ongoing challenges for retailers in this sector. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report This do-it-yourself (diy) home improvement retailing market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Lumber and landscape management 1.2 Tools and hardware 1.3 Decor and indoor garden 1.4 Kitchen 1.5 Lighting and others 2.1 Offline 2.2 Online 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Lumber and landscape management- The DIY home improvement retailing market holds substantial potential, particularly in sectors with rising demand for wooden furnishings, lawn care, and gardening. Key categories include tree cutting for decorative uses, door installation, bricklaying, and lawn maintenance. These areas offer significant growth opportunities, contributing to the expansion of the global DIY home improvement market. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) The DIY home improvement retailing market has experienced significant growth due to the professional DIY movement, with consumers increasingly opting for home purchases and DIY projects. Online stores have become a popular destination for DIYers, offering convenience, time savings, and competitive pricing. E-commerce revenues continue to rise, driven by the availability of DIY items such as painting supplies, building materials, electrical work materials, lighting, tools and hardware, and RTA furniture. Augmented reality (AR) technology is transforming the DIY landscape, enabling consumers to visualize home decor initiatives before making a purchase. Zero-waste solutions are also gaining traction, aligning with the DIY ethos of resourcefulness and sustainability. Online and in-store displays showcase a wide range of DIY resources, catering to the diverse needs of consumers. Big-box retailers continue to dominate the market, leveraging consumer disposable income to offer a comprehensive selection of DIY products. Overall, the DIY home improvement retailing market is a dynamic and evolving space, driven by consumer demand for professional-grade DIY solutions and the convenience of online shopping. The Do-It-Yourself home improvement retailing market refers to the sale of products and tools enabling consumers to complete home improvement projects independently. This sector encompasses a wide range of merchandise, including hardware, power tools, building materials, and decorative items. Consumers are increasingly seeking cost-effective solutions and the satisfaction of completing projects themselves, leading to market growth. Retailers offer various services such as classes and workshops to assist customers in selecting the appropriate products and ensuring project success. The convenience of online shopping and the availability of a vast array of products further enhance the market's appeal. The DIY home improvement retailing market caters to diverse demographics, with a significant portion of sales coming from homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Product Lumber And Landscape Management Tools And Hardware Decor And Indoor Garden Kitchen Lighting And Others Distribution Channel Offline Online Geography North America Europe APAC South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE TechnavioBears general manager Ryan Poles was granted a reprieve complete with a second swing at hiring a head coach in Chicago. Poles will interview candidates and select a replacement for Matt Eberflus, who was fired Friday after the Bears' sixth consecutive loss and fourth of the season decided on a final play. "Ryan Poles is the general manager of the Chicago Bears, and he will remain the general manager of the Chicago Bears," president and CEO Kevin Warren said Monday. "Ryan will serve as the point person of our upcoming search for a head football coach. We will closely, we will work together on a daily basis to make sure we have the right person as our head football coach." Warren said the McCaskey family provided "all the resources" to build a championship environment. He confirmed that Thomas Brown, who a month ago was passing game coordinator before replacing Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator, will serve as interim head coach and shift from the press box to the sideline starting this week. Warren did not say whether Brown would automatically receive an interview for the full-time coaching position, which he said "will be the most coveted head coaching job in the National Football League." Poles said consideration will be given to candidates with the plan to develop rookie No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, but there are no set plans to involve the quarterback in the interview process. He said the Bears showed great progress through two seasons but couldn't sustain growth. "At the end of the day, we just came up short too many times," Poles said of firing Eberflus, his pick to be the Bears' head coach in January 2022. Brown promoted wide receivers coach Chris Beatty to interim offensive coordinator on Monday and announced that defensive coordinator Eric Washington will be the defensive play caller, a role Eberflus previously held. Trailing 23-20 on Thanksgiving Day, the Bears were within field-goal range when quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked. With 32 seconds remaining, Eberflus elected not to use his final timeout as Williams heaved an incompletion down the right sideline as time expired. "When you look at the end-of-the-game situations, detailing to finish in some of those moments. We all know a lot of games come down to those critical moments where we weren't able to get over the hump," Poles said. Eberflus said after the game that everything was handled properly and held a press conference via Zoom on Friday voicing confidence he'd have the team ready to play the 49ers this week. But three hours later, he was fired. Warren admitted the franchise could've handled the timing better, but clarified there was no decision on Eberflus' status at the time of his media session. "The decision was made to terminate the employment of head coach Matt Eberflus," Warren said 72 hours later. "We try to do everything in a professional manner. That decision was made on Friday." "Coach Eberflus had his press conference, we had not made a final decision. I think you know me, you know Ryan you know George McCaskey. One thing we stand for is family, integrity, doing it the right way. In retrospect, could we have done it better? Absolutely." Eberflus, 54, went 14-32 in two-plus seasons. The Bears (4-8) travel to San Francisco (5-7) in Week 1. --Field Level Media
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LiveOne (Nasdaq: LVO), an award-winning, creator-first, music, entertainment, and technology platform, announced today that the company received a formal written notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) that LiveOne has regained compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) and that this matter is now closed. LiveOne's shares of common stock will continue to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol "LVO". This confirmation follows the Company’s continued efforts to improve its balance sheet by enhancing shareholder value. About LiveOne Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, LiveOne (Nasdaq: LVO ) is an award-winning, creator-first, music, entertainment, and technology platform focused on delivering premium experiences and content worldwide through memberships and live and virtual events. LiveOne's subsidiaries include Slacker Radio, PodcastOne (Nasdaq: PODC ), PPVOne, CPS, LiveXLive, DayOne Music Publishing, Drumify and Splitmind. LiveOne is available in Tesla vehicles and on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Spotify, Samsung, Amazon Fire, Android TV, and through STIRR’s OTT applications. For more information, visit liveone.com and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and Twitter at @liveone . For more investor information, please visit ir.liveone.com . Forward-Looking Statements All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements,” which may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as “may,” “might,” “will,” “will likely result,” “would,” “should,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “continue,” “target” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including: LiveOne’s reliance on its largest OEM customer for a substantial percentage of its revenue; LiveOne’s ability to consummate any proposed financing, acquisition, spin-out, special dividend, merger, distribution or transaction, the timing of the consummation of any such proposed event, including the risks that a condition to the consummation of any such event would not be satisfied within the expected timeframe or at all, or that the consummation of any proposed financing, acquisition, spin-out, merger, special dividend, distribution or transaction will not occur or whether any such event will enhance shareholder value; LiveOne’s ability to continue as a going concern; LiveOne’s ability to attract, maintain and increase the number of its users and paid members; LiveOne identifying, acquiring, securing and developing content; LiveOne’s intent to repurchase shares of its and/or PodcastOne’s common stock from time to time under LiveOne’s announced stock repurchase program and the timing, price, and quantity of repurchases, if any, under the program; LiveOne’s ability to maintain compliance with certain financial and other covenants; LiveOne successfully implementing its growth strategy, including relating to its technology platforms and applications; management’s relationships with industry stakeholders; LiveOne’s ability to extend and/or refinance its indebtedness and/or repay its indebtedness when due; uncertain and unfavorable outcomes in legal proceedings and/or LiveOne’s ability to pay any amounts due in connection with any such legal proceedings; changes in economic conditions; competition; risks and uncertainties applicable to the businesses of LiveOne’s subsidiaries; and other risks, uncertainties and factors including, but not limited to, those described in LiveOne’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 1, 2024, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, filed with the November 14, 2024, and in LiveOne’s other filings and submissions with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and LiveOne disclaims any obligation to update these statements, except as may be required by law. LiveOne intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. LiveOne IR Contact: Liviakis Financial Communications, Inc. (415) 389-4670 john@liviakis.com LiveOne Press Contact: LiveOne press@liveone.com Follow LiveOne on social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter at @liveone .Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh) [India], December 7 (ANI): ISRO on Saturday shared a video of its PSLV-C59/Proba-3 Mission, showcasing the liftoff, PSOM separation, stage ignition, and satellite separation. In a post on X, they said, "PSLV-C59/Proba-3 Mission - Liftoff, PSOM Separation, Stage Ignition & Satellite Separation Video." Also Read | 'Matter of Immense Pride for India': PMO on Archbishop George Jacob Koovakad's Elevation As Cardinal by Pope Francis. https://x.com/isro/status/1865382637604413913 Meanwhile, on Thursday, ISRO announced that the PSLV-C59/Proba-3 mission had successfully achieved its launch objectives, deploying ESA's satellites into their designated orbit with precision. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) added that the mission reflected the dedication of teams from NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO, and the European Space Agency (ESA). This achievement highlights India's crucial role in enabling global space innovation. Also Read | Ghaziabad Shocker: 4 Men Behead Acquaintance on Instructions of 'YouTube Tantriks' To Get His Skull For Worship; Arrested. ISRO successfully launched the PSLV-C59/Proba-3 mission from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh earlier that day. The PSLV-C59 vehicle carried the Proba-3 spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit as part of a dedicated commercial mission by NSIL. Originally scheduled for Wednesday, the mission was postponed due to an anomaly detected in the Proba-3 spacecraft. The PSLV-C59 mission is a joint initiative between ISRO and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). Proba-3 is a technology demonstration mission by the European Space Agency (ESA), marking ESA's first precision formation-flying mission. It involves a pair of satellites flying together in a fixed configuration, as if forming a single large rigid structure in space, to demonstrate innovative formation-flying and rendezvous technologies. According to ESA, the mission aims to demonstrate formation flying as part of a large-scale scientific experiment. The two satellites will create a 150-meter-long solar coronagraph to study the Sun's faint corona closer to the solar rim than ever before. In addition to its scientific goals, the mission serves as a benchmark for achieving precise positioning between two spacecraft, using a range of new technologies. Proba-3 will function as an orbital laboratory, demonstrating acquisition, rendezvous, proximity operations, and formation flying while validating advanced metrology sensors and control algorithms. This mission seeks to pave the way for innovative approaches to mission control. The two satellites will maintain a fixed 150-meter configuration in space, aligned with the Sun, enabling the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC) to block the solar disk for the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC). This alignment will provide uninterrupted views of the Sun's faint corona for scientific study. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is India's first launch vehicle to feature liquid stages and is used to carry satellites and other payloads into space. PSLV's first successful launch took place in October 1994. According to ISRO, PSLV-C59 involves four stages and carries a total payload mass of approximately 320 tonnes. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
The space industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades, shifting from government-led projects to being increasingly dominated by private-sector players. Space exploration is entering a new era, with companies like SpaceX and Rocket Lab USA leading the charge. AST SpaceMobile ( ASTS 12.48% ) is one intriguing company making headway in this industry. This satellite designer and manufacturer is establishing a groundbreaking space-based cellular broadband network and has hit some significant milestones in 2024. The company inked deals with telecommunications giants AT&T and Verizon Communications , and the stock has surged 281% since the start of the year. AST SpaceMobile stock has cooled down in recent months and is 41% below its 52-week high price of almost $39 per share in August. The recent dip may be a good buying opportunity for investors, but there are a few things you should know first. Connect anywhere with AST SpaceMobile In a world driven by technology, reliable connectivity is essential, yet millions still lack access to internet services. Here's where AST SpaceMobile operates, revolutionizing global communication with its innovative space-based connectivity solutions . AST SpaceMobile aims to launch commercial satellites into low-Earth orbit and deliver reliable cellular broadband service that is accessible via standard mobile phones. Its satellite network aims to bridge the connectivity gap in regions where traditional infrastructure is too costly or logistically challenging to implement. Beyond that, connectivity is the backbone of innovative technologies such as autonomous vehicles and Internet of Things devices , which need reliable networks to communicate and operate effectively. As we push the boundaries of exploration with robots and landers venturing to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, robust communication networks will be critical for their operations, and space-based connectivity supports this journey. AST fortified major partnerships earlier this year AST SpaceMobile has partnered with telecom giants AT&T and Verizon to expand its space-based network. On May 15, it solidified its long-standing relationship with AT&T by entering a new commercial agreement that extends their collaboration through 2030. Two weeks later, AST SpaceMobile expanded its reach with Verizon, which pledged a substantial $100 million investment to the space communications company. The deal includes $65 million in commercial pre-payments, with $45 million contingent on specific conditions and $35 million in convertible notes, underscoring Verizon's and AST SpaceMobile's shared mission. Launch of the BlueBird satellites met a huge milestone Earlier this year, AST SpaceMobile had just one satellite orbiting the Earth. Fast-forward to September, and AST celebrated an important milestone by successfully launching five new satellites , named BlueBirds, into low-Earth orbit. BlueBird communication antennas reach 693 square feet when fully extended, making them the largest ever deployed by a commercial spacecraft. As CEO Abel Avellan said, this achievement represents a "momentous occasion" for the company. But the journey doesn't stop here. AST SpaceMobile has ambitious plans to launch an additional 17 satellites by the first quarter of next year. In the long term, the company envisions building and launching 155 satellites by 2030. Is it a buy today? Investing in an emerging company like AST SpaceMobile comes with challenges, particularly due to the uncertainty surrounding its revenue stream. The business has not generated income from its flagship SpaceMobile service; previous revenue was derived from its former subsidiary, NanoAvionics, a small satellite bus manufacturer that it sold in 2022. However, there's a silver lining: AST SpaceMobile is making strides toward commercial viability and has significant upside potential as the industry expands. Analysts at Deutsche Bank forecast revenue could reach $50 million by next year, grow to $1.4 billion by 2027, and soar to $5.1 billion by 2030. Furthermore, they anticipate the company will become cash-flow positive by 2027. That said, AST SpaceMobile stock is vulnerable to volatility as it looks to grow in the emerging satellite communications market. Ramping up commercial operations and launching more satellites will take time and capital, which could mean more debt or shareholder dilution . For patient, long-term investors with a high tolerance for risk, the recent dip is an opportunity to build a small position in the space company -- as long as you're aware of the dilution risk and volatile road ahead before putting your capital into this exciting but risky stock.There was fury across the airwaves and social media following a traffic fuelled gridlock storm across Belfast on Thursday evening. Yes, there were some traffic lights down while a crash, gigs and Christmas traffic no doubt added to the problem. But this is a storm of our and our politicians' own making - and it's time we had a major rethink about how people travel around Northern Ireland. According to official statistics, Northern Ireland spends much less on public transport than any other part of the UK and Ireland - so it's not surprising we've landed here after years of inaction and unspent active travel funding amid blatantly obvious and attainable solutions. READ MORE: Belfast still has only 2 miles of segregated cycle lanes - Sustrans report READ MORE: £2.1m active travel funding being used to NI fix roads I cycled home from the office on Thursday, and while I could pass the traffic hell many motorists were jammed in - it still wasn't a pleasant experience on a bike. Anger rang out in the form of blaring horns while cars and lorries blocked crossings, yellow boxes and more in a bid to edge a little bit closer to their final destination. The roundabouts were a nightmare - and they're hard on a bike even when the traffic was flowing freely but they were especially dangerous on a bike - despite transport chiefs urging us to rethink how we get around. Meanwhile, the underpass at Knocknagoney that's supposed to provide a safe route for cyclists and pedestrians under a very busy roundabout was flooded so much it was impassable - cue me having to head out onto the road in the dark with cars going up to 60mph and maybe more in some cases. In short, our traffic systems are a debacle and there's little to no joined up thinking on how to fix it. Every project gets it's own business case and even when major roads like the Sydenham bypass are upgraded - those works completely ignore the cycle lanes that are supposed to be delivered along that route by the end of next year because DfI is still putting a plan together on how to deliver those, they say. It's not good enough. I'm sick to the back teeth of how long it takes the government to catch up with the people and deliver the changes we need to make everyone's lives better - including those who might need to use a car for whatever reason. It all starts with the proper funding to deliver the changes needed to get people out of their cars and into active travel and onto public transport. Translink needed £691m to deliver service as usual in 2023-2024 and got 14% less at £523m. In 2024/2025, DfI equality impact assessment on the resource budget also outlined how Translink faced a 19.4% reduction to funding against its forecast requirements posing "a real risk this will impact directly on the level of services provided". They've been given a few additional million here and there, but it's clearly not fixing our transport issues, which need a major funding boost to deliver the sorts of changes we need to reduce traffic on the roads. We need cheaper transport fares, more frequent and less sparse services to get more people to leave their car at home and take a bus or train. We also need the Belfast Cycle Network plans to be delivered at speed to keep cyclists safe on the road and encourage more people to take up the health, climate and congestion friendly mode of transport as well. When transport systems don't work, the economy suffers - and it's time the Executive woke up to that reality? Where are we with the All-Island rail review plans? Not very far on as it happens. Minister O'Dowd said in answer to an Assembly question from Justin McNulty, SDLP, at the end of November feasibility studies on the reopening of Antrim-Lisburn (with a link to Belfast International Airport); Armagh-Portadown; Electrification of Belfast to the Border and Portadown-Derry are due next spring/summer and that they have started developing hourly train services to Dublin while "procurement has also started on a new, faster, more sustainable Enterprise train fleet". Those shifts are important, but they are not happening fast enough - we need changes on the ground across NI now and with the Northern Ireland Executive is set to get £18.2bn in 2025/2026 in Rachel Reeves' budget - I would suggest that Stormont should be looking at a massive funding boost for active travel and delivering public transport services that work for people. We still have just 2 miles of safe cycle routes through Belfast and DfI has spent just £3.3m of the £16m promised up to 2025 for Belfast's cycle lane network in the past four years. We reported how £2.1m of active travel funding was being used to fix roads in March this year - that's a disgrace - but highlights perfectly where DfI's priorities lie. It seems to me that they are happy to continue with business as usual, no matter the consequences for traffic, air quality, the climate crisis and people's health. Does our minister care about these things? If he did, why isn't he making changes like Eamon Ryan did in Ireland that have delivered over 1 million public transport journeys a day? ROI’s Transport Minister cut fares by 20%, gave rural areas new BusConnect routes which have had hugely positive impacts in the areas where they are being rolled out. Dublin’s Dart and Luas are getting more funding than ever, with routes being extended and journeys made more frequent. Kids now go free on public transport in the south while routes for public buses only have cut journey times between 25-32% through parts of Dublin. These are the changes we need to see along a major cycle infrastructure roll out if we are to have any hope of reducing the gridlock that has now reached crisis levels in NI cities - it's time the government started investing in our futures. I still think the Glider should have been light rail with its own tracks, that would not get stuck in traffic... but instead of investing for a better future DfI chose the cheap option and it has added to the problem. Bus lanes should be for buses only and evening trains to places just outside Belfast should not be offering just an hourly service if we want people to use them - it’s a joke. We should also have late night services in all our public transport offerings - not just at Christmas. That’s how we make the changes that will get more people onto public transport, it’s not rocket science, and surely even our politicians can see the benefits these changes would deliver? Join our Belfast Live breaking news service on WhatsApp Click this link or scan the QR code to receive breaking news and top stories from Belfast Live. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
NoneNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks tiptoed to more records amid a mixed Tuesday of trading, tacking a touch more onto what’s already been a stellar year so far. The S&P 500 edged up by 2 points, or less than 0.1%, to set an all-time high for the 55th time this year. It’s climbed in 10 of the last 11 days and is on track for one of its best years since the turn of the millennium. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 76 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite added 0.4% to its own record set a day earlier. AT&T rose 4.6% after it boosted its profit forecast for the year. It also announced a $10 billion plan to send cash to its investors by buying back its own stock, while saying it expects to authorize another $10 billion of repurchases in 2027. On the losing end of Wall Street was U.S. Steel, which fell 8%. President-elect Donald Trump reiterated on social media that he would not let Japan’s Nippon Steel take over the iconic Pennsylvania steelmaker. Nippon Steel announced plans last December to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash, raising concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden also came out against the acquisition. Tesla sank 1.6% after a judge in Delaware reaffirmed a previous ruling that the electric car maker must revoke Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package. The judge denied a request by attorneys for Musk and Tesla’s corporate directors to vacate her ruling earlier this year requiring the company to rescind the unprecedented pay package. All told, the S&P 500 rose 2.73 points to 6,049.88. The Dow fell 76.47 to 44,705.53, and the Nasdaq composite gained 76.96 to 19,480.91. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report showed U.S. employers were advertising slightly more job openings at the end of October than a month earlier. Continued strength there would raise optimism that the economy could remain out of a recession that many investors had earlier worried was inevitable. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.23% from 4.20% from late Monday. Yields have seesawed since Election Day amid worries that Trump’s preferences for lower tax rates and bigger tariffs could spur higher inflation along with economic growth. But traders are still confident the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate again at its next meeting in two weeks. They’re betting on a nearly three-in-four chance of that, according to data from CME Group. Lower rates can give the economy more juice, but they can also give inflation more fuel. The key report this week that could guide the Fed’s next move will arrive on Friday. It’s the monthly jobs report , which will show how many workers U.S. employers hired and fired during November. It could be difficult to parse given how much storms and strikes distorted figures in October. Based on trading in the options market, Friday’s jobs report appears to be the biggest potential market mover until the Fed announces its next decision on interest rates Dec. 18, according to strategists at Barclays Capital. In financial markets abroad, the value of South Korea’s currency fell 1.1% against the U.S. dollar following a frenetic night where President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and then later said he’d lift it after lawmakers voted to reject military rule. Stocks of Korean companies that trade in the United States also fell, including a 1.6% drop for SK Telecom. Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 1.9% to help lead global markets. Some analysts think Japanese stocks could end up benefiting from Trump’s threats to raise tariffs , including for goods coming from China . Trade relations between the U.S. and China took another step backward after China said it is banning exports to the U.S. of gallium, germanium, antimony and other key high-tech materials with potential military applications. The counterpunch came swiftly after the U.S. Commerce Department expanded the list of Chinese technology companies subject to export controls to include many that make equipment used to make computer chips, chipmaking tools and software. The 140 companies newly included in the so-called “entity list” are nearly all based in China. In China, stock indexes rose 1% in Hong Kong and 0.4% in Shanghai amid unconfirmed reports that Chinese leaders would meet next week to discuss planning for the coming year. Investors are hoping it may bring fresh stimulus to help spur growth in the world’s second-largest economy. In France, the CAC 40 rose 0.3% amid continued worries about politics in Paris , where the government is battling over the budget. AP Business Writers Yuri Kageyama and Matt Ott contributed.
Meet the 12 CFP Title Contenders: No. 11 SMUThis festive season, Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral is presenting a jolly feast for the holiday season. The Feast-mas Dreams Festive Dinner Buffet, priced at RM148nett, at Nook until Dec 28 (except Dec 24 and 25), is featuring holiday flavours such as Garlic Herb Marinated Leg of Lamb to Beef Wellington with Peppercorn Jus. The Dessert Wonderland section has Christmas classics like traditional mince pie, Christmas fruit cake, strawberry pistachio cake and cream caramel. On Christmas Eve, diners can expect to enjoy a festive meal, for RM168 nett per person, featuring live carving stations with dishes such as Mustard Rubbed Prime Rib and Honey-Orange Brined Whole Chicken. For seafood lovers, expect dishes such as Baked Oyster Mornay and Baby Lobsters. The Christmas Day Brunch, priced at RM148nett per person, will serve up Beef Wellington with Yorkshire Pudding and Seared Chicken Ballontine with Minced Apricot among others. For reservations, call 03-2723 1154, Whatsapp 012-338 3095 or email kulal.b&f@alofthotels.com The hotel is also teaming up with Ibupreneur – a social enterprise dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs – in hosting an array of events and experiences to make this season unforgettable. Its Christmas Dreams campaign is an initiative with a schedule of festive experiences, each one dedicated to spreading holiday joy and supporting Ibupreneur’s mission of economic empowerment for women. With the Dream Christmas Market, Aloft will transform into a winter wonderland with a charming fair hosted by Ibupreneur’s mothers, showcasing locally crafted goods. The marketplace is from Dec 20 to 26 from noon to 8pm.
A Blow to Russia’s Nuclear Industry: One of the Pillars of the Kremlin’s Nuclear Sector Has Passed AwayUniting generations through flavour
David Hilzenrath, Jodie Fleischer, Cox Media Group | (TNS) KFF Health News In March, newly installed Social Security chief Martin O’Malley criticized agency “injustices” that “shock our shared sense of equity and good conscience as Americans.” He promised to overhaul the Social Security Administration’s often heavy-handed efforts to claw back money that millions of recipients — including people who are living in poverty, are elderly, or have disabilities — were allegedly overpaid, as described by a KFF Health News and Cox Media Group investigation last year. “Innocent people can be badly hurt,” O’Malley said at the time. Nearly eight months since he appeared before Congress and announced a series of policy changes, and with two months left in his term, O’Malley’s effort to fix the system has made inroads but remains a work in progress. For instance, one change, moving away from withholding 100% of people’s monthly Social Security benefits to recover alleged overpayments, has been a major improvement, say advocates for beneficiaries. “It is a tremendous change,” said Kate Lang of Justice in Aging, who called it “life-changing for many people.” The number of people from whom the Social Security Administration was withholding full monthly benefits to recoup money declined sharply — from about 46,000 in January to about 7,000 in September, the agency said. Asked to clarify whether those numbers and others provided for this article covered all programs administered by the agency, the SSA press office did not respond. Another potentially significant change — relieving beneficiaries of having to prove that an overpayment was not their fault — has not been implemented. The agency said it is working on that. Meanwhile, the agency seems to be looking to Congress to take the lead on a change some observers see as crucial: limiting how far back the government can reach to recover an alleged overpayment. Barbara Hubbell of Watkins Glen, New York, called the absence of a statute of limitations “despicable.” Hubbell said her mother was held liable for $43,000 because of an SSA error going back 19 years. “In what universe is that even legal?” Hubbell said. Paying down the overpayment balance left her mother “essentially penniless,” she added. In response to questions for this article, Social Security spokesperson Mark Hinkle said legislation is “the best and fastest way” to set a time limit. Establishing a statute of limitations was not among the policy changes O’Malley announced in his March congressional testimony. In an interview at the time, he said he expected an announcement on it “within the next couple few months.” It could probably be done by regulation, without an act of Congress, he said. Speaking generally, Hinkle said the agency has “made substantial progress on overpayments,” reducing the hardship they cause, and “continues to work diligently” to update policies. The agency is underfunded, he added, is at a near 50-year low in staffing, and could do better with more employees. The SSA did not respond to requests for an interview with O’Malley. O’Malley announced the policy changes after KFF Health News and Cox Media Group jointly published and broadcast investigative reporting on the damage overpayments and clawbacks have done to millions of beneficiaries. When O’Malley, a former Democratic governor of Maryland, presented his plans to three congressional committees in March, lawmakers greeted him with rare bipartisan praise. But the past several months have shown how hard it can be to turn around a federal bureaucracy that is massive, complex, deeply dysfunctional, and, as it says, understaffed. Now O’Malley’s time may be running out. Lang of Justice in Aging, among the advocacy groups that have been meeting with O’Malley and other Social Security officials, said she appreciates how much the commissioner has achieved in a short time. But she added that O’Malley has “not been interested in hearing about our feelings that things have fallen short.” One long-standing policy O’Malley set out to change involves the burden of proof. When the Social Security Administration alleges someone has been overpaid and demands the money back, the burden is on the beneficiary to prove they were not at fault. Cecilia Malone, 24, a beneficiary in Lithonia, Georgia, said she and her parents spent hundreds of hours trying to get errors corrected. “Why is the burden on us to ‘prove’ we weren’t overpaid?” Malone said. It can be exceedingly difficult for beneficiaries to appeal a decision. The alleged overpayments, which can reach tens of thousands of dollars or more, often span years. And people struggling just to survive may have extra difficulty producing financial records from long ago. What’s more, in letters demanding repayment, the government does not typically spell out its case against the beneficiary — making it hard to mount a defense. Testifying before House and Senate committees in March, O’Malley promised to shift the burden of proof. “That should be on the agency,” he said. The agency expects to finalize “guidance” on the subject “in the coming months,” Hinkle said. The agency points to reduced wait times and other improvements in a phone system known to leave beneficiaries on hold. “In September, we answered calls to our national 800 number in an average of 11 minutes — a tremendous improvement from 42 minutes one year ago,” Hinkle said. Still, in response to a nonrepresentative survey by KFF Health News and Cox Media Group focused on overpayments, about half of respondents who said they contacted the agency by phone since April rated that experience as “poor,” and few rated it “good” or “excellent.” The survey was sent to about 600 people who had contacted KFF Health News to share their overpayment stories since September 2023. Almost 200 people answered the survey in September and October of this year. Most of those who said they contacted the agency by mail since April rated their experience as “poor.” Jennifer Campbell, 60, a beneficiary in Nelsonville, Ohio, said in late October that she was still waiting for someone at the agency to follow up as described during a phone call in May. “VERY POOR customer service!!!!!” Campbell wrote. “Nearly impossible to get a hold of someone,” wrote Kathryn Duff of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who has been helping a disabled family member. Letters from SSA have left Duff mystified. One was postmarked July 9, 2024, but dated more than two years earlier. Another, dated Aug. 18, 2024, said her family member was overpaid $31,635.80 in benefits from the Supplemental Security Income program, which provides money to people with little or no income or other resources who are disabled, blind, or at least 65. But Duff said her relative never received SSI benefits. What’s more, for the dates in question, payments listed in the letter to back up the agency’s math didn’t come close to $31,635.80; they totaled about a quarter of that amount. Regarding the 100% clawbacks, O’Malley in March said it’s “unconscionable that someone would find themselves facing homelessness or unable to pay bills, because Social Security withheld their entire payment for recovery of an overpayment.” He said that, starting March 25, if a beneficiary doesn’t respond to a new overpayment notice, the agency would default to withholding 10%. The agency warned of “a short transition period.” That change wasn’t automated until June 25, Hinkle said. The number of people newly placed in full withholding plummeted from 6,771 in February to 51 in September, according to data the agency provided. SSA said it would notify recipients they could request reduced withholding if it was already clawing back more than 10% of their monthly checks. Nonetheless, dozens of beneficiaries or their family members told KFF Health News and Cox Media Group they hadn’t heard they could request reduced withholding. Among those who did ask, roughly half said their requests were approved. According to the SSA, there has been almost a 20% decline in the number of people facing clawbacks of more than 10% but less than 100% of their monthly checks — from 141,316 as of March 8 to 114,950 as of Oct. 25, agency spokesperson Nicole Tiggemann said. Meanwhile, the number of people from whom the agency was withholding exactly 10% soared more than fortyfold — from just over 5,000 to well over 200,000. And the number of beneficiaries having any partial benefits withheld to recover an overpayment increased from almost 600,000 to almost 785,000, according to data Tiggemann provided. Lorraine Anne Davis, 72, of Houston, said she hasn’t received her monthly Social Security payment since June due to an alleged overpayment. Her Medicare premium was being deducted from her monthly benefit, so she’s been left to pay that out-of-pocket. Davis said she’s going to need a kidney transplant and had been trying to save money for when she’d be unable to work. Related Articles National News | Traveling this holiday season? 10 things the TSA wants you to know National News | California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child National News | Colorado funeral home owners who let bodies decay plead guilty to 191 counts of corpse abuse National News | Another E. coli recall: falafel bites from Florida, California and 16 other states National News | US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems? A letter from the SSA dated April 8, 2024, two weeks after the new 10% withholding policy was slated to take effect, said it had overpaid her $13,538 and demanded she pay it back within 30 days. Apparently, the SSA hadn’t accounted for a pension Davis receives from overseas; Davis said she disclosed it when she filed for benefits. In a letter to her dated June 29, the agency said that, under its new policy, it would change the withholding to only 10% if she asked. Davis said she asked by phone repeatedly, and to no avail. “Nobody seems to know what’s going on” and “no one seems to be able to help you,” Davis said. “You’re just held captive.” In October, the agency said she’d receive a payment — in March 2025. Marley Presiado, a research assistant on the Public Opinion and Survey Research team at KFF, contributed to this report. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Google Fiber, the high-speed internet service known for its fiber-optic network and impressive speeds, has announced a major overhaul of its plans and branding. The company is introducing three new tiers: Core 1 Gig, Home 3 Gig, and a lightning-fast Edge 8 Gig plan. This move comes as Google Fiber aims to attract new customers and solidify its position in the increasingly competitive internet service provider (ISP) market. These changes, rolled out initially in select US cities, signal Google Fiber’s commitment to providing faster, more reliable internet access to meet the growing demands of modern households. With streaming services, online gaming, and smart home devices becoming increasingly prevalent , the need for robust internet connectivity has never been greater. Google Fiber’s new plans aim to address this need head-on. What’s New? A Closer Look at the Plans My Experience with Google Fiber I’ve been a Google Fiber customer for about three years now, and I’ve always been impressed with their service. Initially, I was drawn to their straightforward plans and symmetrical gigabit speeds. Coming from a cable internet provider with frustratingly slow upload speeds, the difference was night and day. With Google Fiber, large file uploads for work became a breeze, video calls were crystal clear, and my family could stream and game simultaneously without any buffering or lag. Their customer service has also been consistently helpful and responsive. I’m excited to see how these new plans further enhance my internet experience. Why This Matters Google Fiber’s revamp is more than just a cosmetic change. It reflects a broader trend in the telecommunications industry: What’s Next for Google Fiber? While the new plans and branding are a significant step, Google Fiber isn’t resting on its laurels. The company continues to expand its fiber network, bringing its services to new cities and communities. Furthermore, Google Fiber is actively exploring new technologies and innovations to further enhance its offerings and solidify its position as a leader in the high-speed internet market. This is an exciting time for internet users. With Google Fiber leading the charge with its multi-gigabit plans, the future of connectivity looks brighter and faster than ever before.BOSTON — Ja Morant had 32 points, nine assists and nine rebounds, and the Memphis Grizzlies snapped a 10-game losing streak in Boston with a 127-121 win over the Celtics on Saturday night. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 27 points and nine rebounds for Memphis, which won in TD Garden for the first time since Nov. 27, 2013. The Grizzlies have won eight of their last nine. Jrue Holiday had 23 points for the Celtics, who went 18 for 60 from the 3-point line. Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard each finished with 22 points. The Celtics erased a 14-point, third-quarter deficit, taking a 97-94 lead early in the fourth. Memphis rallied and led 117-115 with less than four minutes to play. The Grizzlies then scored seven straight to get it back up to 124-115 and were able to close it out. Marcus Smart played in TD Garden for the first time since being dealt to Memphis as part of the three-team trade that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Boston in 2023. He played 19 minutes but was only 1 of 11 from the floor, finishing with three points. Takeaways Grizzlies: Morant had one of his best all-around efforts since returning from his hip injury last month. He showed explosiveness offensively, throwing down a double-clutch reverse dunk. He also facilitated for his teammates in the halfcourt, a solid sign in just his sixth game back. Celtics: The Celtics lost for the first time this season on the second night of a back-to-back (4-1). Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36), formerly of the Boston Celtics, acknowledges the crowd during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in Boston. Credit: AP/Mark Stockwell Key moment Smart checked into the game at the 8:50 mark of the first quarter and acknowledged a standing ovation from Celtics fans, stopping to wave to the crowd. Key stat Memphis outscored Boston 64-40 in the paint. Up next The Grizzlies visit the Washington Wizards on Sunday. The Celtics host the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.
Solar Project Looks to Make Nevada Gold Mines SustainableBelfast's very own chicken wing kings have announced the opening date and time of their latest outlet. Wing It will launch its brand new location on the Lisburn Road this Monday, December 9. It will join the firm's other three locations at Ballyhackamore in East Belfast , the Malone Road in South Belfast and at the Boneyard on Bedford Street in the city centre . In a post on Instagram, Wing It said the new outlet would be their biggest yet as they shared a sneak peak inside with their followers. READ MORE: Belfast social pictures as friends catch up at the Christmas Market READ MORE: Belfast Krispy Kreme looks set to open outlet in city centre They said: "Wing It Lisburn Road - Opening December 9th. Our biggest Wing It yet. Ready for you all. "Thank you to everyone that helped us get to this point. It’s been one hell of a journey. "Huge thank you to @plydesignni @dougancontracts , Rainbow signage, the electricians, painters, plumbers, tilers, everyone! This place wouldn’t be half the standard if it wasn’t for all your hard work." Wing It has enjoyed a cult status among Northern Ireland's street foodies with its devotion to the humble chicken wing and some sensational sides since opening in 2022. For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What's On newsletter .
US Releases Proposed Rules for Self-Driving Cars
Akima Sets Benchmark for Veteran Hiring With 2025 Military Friendly® DesignationAdam Taylor/DigitalVision via Getty Images Intel Corporation ( NASDAQ: INTC ) stock shot up after news of now ex-CEO Pat Gelsinger's abrupt retirement amid what looks like internal disputes about INTC's strategic direction and lackluster performance under Gelsinger. Our take Tired of losing money? Our Tech Contrarians team of Wall Street analysts sifts through the noise in the tech industry and captures outperformers through a coveted research process. We let the work speak for itself here . Tech Stock Pros is a team of three former technology sector engineers with a long history of investing in the tech sector. Tech Contrarians Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Sydneysiders who want to live in a suburb along the Metro line for the convenient commute will have to pay top dollar to either rent or buy. The fast-rail system stretches from Sydenham to the CBD, lower north shore, Hills district and Tallawong, with a journey from North Sydney to Barangaroo in just three minutes. Castle Hill residents can get to Martin Place in 35 minutes. But convenience comes at a premium. Bella Vista residents can get to the CBD in 41 minutes, but face a median house price of $2,477,500, while a house will set renters back around $975 per week. Waterloo’s median unit price is $925,500, and median unit rent $935, for a commute of just six minutes to Martin Place. Rents are also high at $780 for a unit in Chatswood (11 minutes to Martin Place) and $720 for Castle Hill (35 minutes). Castle Hill house buyers would pay a median of $2,312,500. Loading Ray White agent Peter Iann said the Metro had driven greater demand for Bella Vista and that he could not limit the buyer pool to one specific region of Sydney. “We are now seeing interest from all over Sydney,” he said. “There is not enough stock for the demand and sellers now have higher price expectations.” Geoffrey Clinton, senior lecturer in transport and logistics management at the University of Sydney Business School, said that while the Metro had a significant impact on social cohesion, it was just one piece of the puzzle. “Just building train lines alone is not going to create nirvana for Sydneysiders,” he said. “In the next five to ten years we will see mini CBDs pop up. People will be living in fairly small apartments, and they’ll be more likely to dine and go out, similar to what happens in other high-density areas like Singapore.” Sydneysiders who want to live along the Metro line in suburbs such as Bella Vista, pictured, will need to pay top dollar. Credit: Nick Moir Clinton said that while people wanted to live near public transport, pricing came down to the timing of developments. “If apartments are built ahead of demand, prices may be softer. But if they’re slow to be built, then prices will be higher.” He suggested the Metro and its surrounding high-rises are part of the solution to the housing crisis, but that we also need standalone houses and townhouses. “By opening up transport opportunities, it makes it easier to develop density around these areas.” Professor of civil engineering at the University of Technology Sydney, Buddhima Indraratna, said that while he would like to see young professionals living closer to the Metro, there was a lot of wishful thinking about how much the train line could improve housing affordability. Loading “With the high cost of living, people are living further away from the CBD because they can’t afford it. Even a two-bedroom [CBD] apartment can cost up to $3 million,” he said. “Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in the world. We might not see the advantages of the Metro yet, but they will be there for the next generation.” Marriott Lane Crows Nest agent Stephen O’Sullivan said that while the Metro has enhanced the appeal of the suburb, it hasn’t changed the buyer pool. “There’s more appetite, but the buyers tend to be locals or downsizers from the upper north shore that are seeking convenience to the CBD,” he said. O’Sullivan said buyers are limited by price. However, the Metro allows for more choice when priced out of Crows Nest, as residents of nearby St Leonards and Wollstonecraft can walk to the station. O’Sullivan said we are yet to see an uptick in prices for Crows Nest since the introduction of the Metro, as there are few homes for sale and prices are high. An extension from Sydenham to Marrickville, Lakemba and Bankstown, will open in 2025, further connecting Sydney’s suburbs. BresicWhitney Lower North Shore agent Louise Barton said buyers from the eastern suburbs have moved to North Sydney in the past few months, but not because they’re priced out. “They’re just interested to explore North Sydney, and it makes a lot of sense as you’re just over the other side of the bridge,” she said. Barton said sellers are not driving up their prices due to the Metro. “Sellers remain realistic about the market. But given how the Metro has impacted other suburbs such as North Ryde, we’ve seen prices increase over time. Sellers are excited about what it means for them.” North Ryde’s median house price rose 10.9 per cent to $2,495,000 in the year to September on Domain data. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Sydney house prices Infrastructure Property prices NSW residential property Renting First-home buyers Property market Kristy Johnson – Kristy is a property reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald. Most Viewed in Property LoadingAMESBURY, Mass. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Provident Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") (Nasdaq:PVBC), the holding company for BankProv (the "Bank"), today announced that its Board of Directors has adopted a new stock repurchase program. Under the repurchase program, the Company may repurchase up to 883,366 shares of its common stock, or approximately five percent of the current outstanding shares. The repurchase program was adopted following the receipt of non-objection from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston . The repurchase program permits shares to be repurchased in open market or private transactions, through block trades, and pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Repurchases will be made at management's discretion at prices management considers to be attractive and in the best interests of both the Company and its stockholders, subject to the availability of stock, general market conditions, the trading price of the stock, alternative uses for capital, and the Company's financial performance. Open market purchases will be conducted in accordance with the limitations set forth in Rule 10b -18 of the Securities and Exchange Commission and other applicable legal requirements. The repurchase program may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason, including market conditions, the cost of repurchasing shares, the availability of alternative investment opportunities, liquidity, and other factors deemed appropriate. These factors may also affect the timing and amount of share repurchases. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to purchase any particular number of shares. About Provident Bancorp, Inc. Provident Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:PVBC) is the holding company for BankProv, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Massachusetts . With retail branches in the Seacoast Region of Northeastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire , as well as commercial banking offices in the Manchester / Concord market in Central New Hampshire , BankProv delivers a unique combination of traditional banking services and innovative financial solutions to its markets. Founded in Amesbury, Massachusetts in 1828, BankProv holds the honor of being the 10th oldest bank in the nation. The Bank insures 100% of deposits through a combination of insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF). For more information, visit bankprov.com . Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements, such as statements of the Company's or the Bank's plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as, "expects," "subject," "believe," "will," "intends," "may," "will be" or "would." These statements are subject to change based on various important factors (some of which are beyond the Company's or the Bank's control), and actual results may differ materially. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements (which reflect management's analysis of factors only as of the date on which they are given). These factors include: general economic conditions; interest rates; inflation; levels of unemployment; legislative, regulatory and accounting changes; monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Bank; deposit flows; our ability to access cost-effective funding; changes in liquidity, including the size and composition of our deposit portfolio and the percentage of uninsured deposits in the portfolio; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; competition; our ability to successfully shift the balance sheet to that of a traditional community bank; real estate values in the market area; loan demand; the adequacy of our level and methodology for calculating our allowance for credit losses; changes in the quality of our loan and securities portfolios; the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans; our ability to retain key employees; failures or breaches of our IT systems, including cyberattacks; the failure to maintain current technologies; the ability of the Company or the Bank to effectively manage its growth; global and national war and terrorism; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or any other pandemic on our operations and financial results and those of our customers; and results of regulatory examinations, among other factors. The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive. Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in other documents that the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Annual and Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Investor contact: Joseph Reilly President and Chief Executive Officer Provident Bancorp, Inc. jreilly@bankprov.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/provident-bancorp-inc-adopts-stock-repurchase-program-302320082.html SOURCE Provident Bancorp, Inc.NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 20, 2024-- Aptorum Group Limited (NASDAQ: APM) (“Aptorum Group” or the “Company”), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to meeting unmet medical needs in oncology, autoimmune and infectious diseases, today provided a business update and announced financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2024. “Our team and Yoov have spent considerable time and effort on the due diligence process, the negotiation of definitive terms, and the preparation of necessary transactional and listing documentation. However, current market conditions have introduced significant uncertainty regarding the availability of the required funding for the transaction. After careful consideration, our Board has determined that it is no longer in the best interests of our shareholders to proceed with this transaction. Despite this, we will continue to explore other business combination opportunities that we believe will enhance shareholder value,” stated Mr. Ian Huen, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Aptorum Group Limited. Corporate Highlights On October 24, 2024, the Company and Yoov Group Holding Limited (“Yoov”) entered into a termination agreement and the anticipated reverse takeover transaction with Yoov was terminated. Financial Results for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 Aptorum Group reported a net loss of $2.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $6.6 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease in net loss in the current period was driven by the decrease in operating expenses by $4.1 million due to the implementation of stringent budgetary control measures, as a result of the Company’s exclusive emphasis on the previous anticipated RTO. Research and development expenses were $2.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $3.2 million for the same period in 2023. Before the Merger Agreement was terminated, we determined it was best to focus all of our attention and resources on completing the Merger and therefore paused the majority of our R&D activities during that time; following the termination of the Merger Agreement in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, we determined that searching for other business combination opportunities could maximize shareholder value, and our R&D activities remain suspended. General and administrative fees were $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $1.3 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease in general and administrative fees was primary due to the streamlining of our operations to focus on preparation for the Merger, which has since been abandoned. Legal and professional fees were $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $1.7 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease in legal and professional fees was attributed to the lack of non-routine activities that were present in the same period last year, such as the implementation of reverse stock split, and amendments to the memorandum and articles of association. The absence of such non-routine exercises in the current period has resulted in a decrease in legal and professional fees. As of June 30, 2024, cash and restricted cash totaled approximately $0.8 million and total equity was approximately $13.2 million. APTORUM GROUP LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (Stated in U.S. Dollars) June 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 ASSETS Current assets: Cash $ 783,085 $ 2,005,351 Accounts receivable 21,800 47,709 Amounts due from related parties 3,595 961 Other receivables and prepayments 725,616 422,071 Total current assets 1,534,096 2,476,092 Property and equipment, net - 1,663,926 Operating lease right-of-use assets - 182,057 Long-term investments 16,098,846 16,098,846 Intangible assets, net - 147,347 Long-term deposits 71,823 71,823 Total Assets $ 17,704,765 $ 20,640,091 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY LIABILITIES Current liabilities: Amounts due to related parties $ 79,180 $ 79,180 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,148,235 1,894,341 Operating lease liabilities, current 89,145 125,232 Total current liabilities 1,316,560 2,098,753 Operating lease liabilities, non-current 62,718 99,485 Convertible notes to a related party 3,148,500 3,058,500 Total Liabilities $ 4,527,778 $ 5,256,738 Commitments and contingencies - - EQUITY Class A Ordinary Shares ($0.00001 par value, 9,999,996,000,000 shares authorized, 3,674,164 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024; 2,937,921 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023) $ 37 $ 31 Class B Ordinary Shares ($0.00001 par value; 4,000,000 shares authorized, 1,796,934 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024; 2,243,776 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023) 18 22 Additional paid-in capital 93,470,186 93,018,528 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (9,762 ) (10,623 ) Accumulated deficit (70,805,518 ) (68,161,722 ) Total equity attributable to the shareholders of Aptorum Group Limited 22,654,961 24,846,236 Non-controlling interests (9,477,974 ) (9,462,883 ) Total equity 13,176,987 15,383,353 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 17,704,765 $ 20,640,091 APTORUM GROUP LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (Stated in U.S. Dollars) For the six months ended June 30, 2024 2023 Revenue Healthcare services income $ - $ 431,378 Operating expenses Costs of healthcare services - (426,063 ) Research and development expenses (2,038,923 ) (3,212,366 ) General and administrative fees (326,187 ) (1,263,019 ) Legal and professional fees (366,164 ) (1,738,566 ) Other operating expenses (137,233 ) (330,212 ) Total operating expenses (2,868,507 ) (6,970,226 ) Other income (expenses) Loss on investments in marketable securities, net - (9,266 ) Interest expense, net (68,462 ) (93,478 ) Loss on disposal of subsidiaries (4,271 ) - Sundry income 282,353 36,803 Total other income (expenses), net 209,620 (65,941 ) Net loss $ (2,658,887 ) $ (6,604,789 ) Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests (15,091 ) (1,117,685 ) Net loss attributable to Aptorum Group Limited $ (2,643,796 ) $ (5,487,104 ) Net loss per share – basic and diluted $ (0.50 ) $ (1.43 ) Weighted-average shares outstanding – basic and diluted 5,339,608 3,849,621 Net loss $ (2,658,887 ) $ (6,604,789 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 861 (7,485 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 861 (7,485 ) Comprehensive loss (2,658,026 ) (6,612,274 ) Less: comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests (15,091 ) (1,117,685 ) Comprehensive loss attributable to the shareholders of Aptorum Group Limited (2,642,935 ) (5,494,589 ) About Aptorum Group Aptorum Group Limited (Nasdaq: APM) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of therapeutic assets to treat diseases with unmet medical needs, particularly in oncology (including orphan oncology indications) and infectious diseases. The pipeline of Aptorum is also enriched through the co-development of Paths Dx Test, a novel molecular-based rapid pathogen identification and detection diagnostics technology, with Accelerate Technologies Pte Ltd, commercialization arm of the Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research. For more information about the Company, please visit www.aptorumgroup.com . Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Statements This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of offers to buy any securities of Aptorum Group. This press release includes statements concerning Aptorum Group Limited and its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Aptorum Group has based these forward-looking statements, which include statements regarding projected timelines for application submissions and trials, largely on its current expectations and projections about future events and trends that it believes may affect its business, financial condition and results of operations. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, without limitation, risks related to its announced management and organizational changes, the continued service and availability of key personnel, its ability to expand its product assortments by offering additional products for additional consumer segments, development results, the company’s anticipated growth strategies, anticipated trends and challenges in its business, and its expectations regarding, and the stability of, its supply chain, and the risks more fully described in Aptorum Group’s Form 20-F and other filings that Aptorum Group may make with the SEC in the future. As a result, the projections included in such forward-looking statements are subject to change and actual results may differ materially from those described herein. Aptorum Group assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release is provided “as is” without any representation or warranty of any kind. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220907803/en/ CONTACT: Aptorum Group Limited Investor Relations Department investor.relations@aptorumgroup.com +44 20 80929299 KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ONCOLOGY HEALTH INFECTIOUS DISEASES GENERAL HEALTH CLINICAL TRIALS PHARMACEUTICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY SOURCE: Aptorum Group Limited Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/20/2024 04:00 PM/DISC: 12/20/2024 04:00 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220907803/enLottery player’s win causes Maryland grocery store to erupt in cheers. ‘Pretty lucky’
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