The policies, which begin in 2025, follow more than a year of study involving medicine, science, sport physiology and gender policy law. The updated policies would rule out eligibility for Hailey Davidson, who missed qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open this year by one shot and came up short in LPGA Q-school. Davidson, who turned 32 on Tuesday, began hormone treatments when she was in her early 20s in 2015 and in 2021 underwent gender-affirming surgery, which was required under the LPGA's previous gender policy. She had won this year on a Florida mini-tour called NXXT Golf until the circuit announced in March that players had to be assigned female at birth. “Can't say I didn't see this coming,” Davidson wrote Wednesday on an Instagram story. “Banned from the Epson and the LPGA. All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.” By making it to the second stage of Q-school, Davidson would have had very limited status on the Epson Tour, the pathway to the LPGA. The LPGA and USGA say their policies were geared toward being inclusive of gender identities and expression while striving for equity in competition. The LPGA said its working group of experts advised that the effects of male puberty allowed for competitive advantages in golf compared with players who had not gone through puberty. “Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who announced Monday that she is resigning in January. "The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.” Mike Whan, the former LPGA commissioner and now CEO of the USGA, said it developed the updated policy independently and later discovered it was similar to those used by swimming, track and field, and other sports. “It starts with competitive fairness as the North star,” Whan said in a telephone interview. “We tried not to get into politics, or state by state or any of that stuff. We just simply said, ‘Where would somebody — at least medically today — where do we believe somebody would have a competitive advantage in the field?’ And we needed to draw a line. “We needed to be able to walk into any women's event and say with confidence that nobody here has a competitive advantage based on their gender. And this policy delivers that.” The “Competitive Fairness Gender Policy” for the USGA takes effect for the 2025 championship season that starts with the U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball on May 10-14. Qualifying began late this year, though there were no transgender players who took part. “Will that change in the years to come as medicine changes? Probably,” Whan said. “But I think today this stacks up.” The LPGA “Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility” would apply to the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour and qualifying for the tours. Players assigned male at birth must prove they have not experienced any part of puberty beyond the first stage or after age 12, whichever comes first, and then meet limitation standards for testosterone levels. The LPGA begins its 75th season on Jan. 30 with the Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida.Published 5:45 pm Tuesday, November 26, 2024 By Minnesota Public Radio By Dana Ferguson A planned lottery to give some would-be cannabis business owners a licensing head start won’t go forward early this week after a judge halted the process Monday. Ramsey County District Court Judge Stephen Smith sided with a group of applicants who had been denied access to the social equity pre-approval lottery. They sued over a process they argued had lacked clear criteria and that left no room for appeals. “There’s no lottery tomorrow,” Smith ruled toward the end of an hour-long online hearing. He said the state was free to file an appeal. Ahead of the hearing, officials with the Office of Cannabis Management warned that the lottery might not happen at all if it was postponed given the cost and logistics of putting it on. Attorney David Asp, who represented some of the applicants, told Smith that the lottery was rushed and that people who were denied entry deserved a chance to contest their disqualification. “The state doesn’t dispute that our client will suffer irreparable harm if this order isn’t entered. That’s usually one of the main issues in an injunction, but it’s not a dispute here. Our clients will be harmed. As I said, more than $1,000,” Asp said. “The harm on the OCM side is entirely of their own making.” The Office of Cannabis Management had defended its process, saying they were attempting to root out applicants who were looking for a quick profit instead of actually moving to set up legitimate businesses. Officials with the regulatory agency said that some applications appeared to have been put in on behalf of other entrepreneurs trying to get a foothold in Minnesota’s nascent market. “The Legislature chose for this pre-approval process to be an efficient and expedient one, and part of that is evidenced by the fact that there is no appeals provided for the pre-approval process, whereas in the final license approval process there is an availability for reconsideration,” the agency’s attorney, Ryan Petty, said. “So a major factor of this is the Legislature’s decision to make this process efficient and expedient, so that the social equity applicants can get that head start.” In a written statement after the ruling, the office said the regulatory agency remained “committed to launching an equitable, sustainable and responsible adult-use cannabis marketplace.” There were more than 1,500 applicants for this stage of the licensing process, the agency said. The lottery was to narrow that down to 282. When the judge asked Petty about the timeline, including the lottery being scheduled shortly after denial letters went out, Petty said that the selection process involved several moving parts. “There wasn’t any hiding the ball here. There wasn’t any attempt to restrict the ability of applicants to challenge their denials,” he said. State lawmakers legalized cannabis for adult recreational use in 2023 but the setup of a retail marketplace has been slow. No licenses have been issued for commercial growers or sellers ahead of what is expected to be an early 2025 launch. People can grow their own marijuana and give away small quantities. American Indian tribes have also opened their own stores but those sales are limited to reservation land. The social equity lottery is intended to give a leg up to people who live in high poverty areas, those harmed by the war on drugs, and military veterans. Cristina Aranguiz is a first-generation Latina entrepreneur who applied for a license but was denied. She sued the office and said she was glad the judge agreed to block the lottery. “I am a legitimate applicant, not a straw buyer,” she said in a statement. “My application meets the criteria set by the state. I have colleagues who met the criteria and want to start a cannabis business, too, so I provided assistance to help them be successful. Helping others in this process is not improper.” State Sen. Lindsey Port, DFL-Burnsville, helped write the legislation that legalized cannabis and established the lottery system to issue licenses. She said the office did a good job vetting social equity applicants and preventing larger groups from getting in on the first round. “Once those folks get a foot in the door, it’s very hard to take back those licenses,” Port said. “It’s a unique system to Minnesota that really has always been focused on making sure that small businesses, folks with social equity backgrounds who have been most harmed by prohibition have an opportunity to get into this cycle.”
Trump Jr. didn’t like Kimberly Guilfoyle’s ‘style,’ family happy to see her go, reports say
KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — Police arrested a 16-year-old student after he allegedly brought a gun to his high school in Kenosha, the second time in less than a month that someone has apparently tried to bring a firearm into one of the southeastern Wisconsin city's schools. Indian Trail High School and Academy's resource officer learned Monday that a photo of the student with a gun had been posted on social media, police said in a statement Wednesday. The student was located, escorted to an office, arrested and taken to the police department. Investigators later determined that the student had hidden a gun in a “sensitive area," making it difficult for officers to locate the weapon initially.
NEW YORK , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The vehicle leasing market in Europe size is estimated to grow by USD 12.17 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. For comprehensive forecast and historic data on regions,market segments, customer landscape, and companies- Click for the snapshot of this report Report Attribute Details Base Year 2023 Forecast period 2024-2028 Historic Data for 2018 - 2022 Segments Covered Type (Passenger cars and Commercial vehicles), Mode Of Booking (Online and Offline), and Geography (Europe) Key Companies Covered ALD SA, Allane SE, Arval Service Lease, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Central Contract S.O.T Ltd., Central UK Vehicle Leasing Ltd., Deutsche Leasing AG, ExpatRide International Inc., Groupe BPCE, King and Mayr GmbH and Co. KG, LocautoRent S.p.A., Mercedes Benz Group AG, Millennium Leasing sp zoo, PKO Bank Polski, Porsche Automobil Holding SE, PSA Automobiles SA, Rivervale Cars Ltd., Sofina SA, and Stellantis NV Regions Covered Europe Region Outlook 1. Europe - Europe is estimated to contribute 100%. To the growth of the global market. The Vehicle Leasing Market in Europe report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels from 2017 to 2027. The UK vehicle leasing market is experiencing significant growth due to increased customer awareness and the high demand for passenger cars. This trend is driving the market forward, with car leasing becoming an increasingly popular choice for financing vehicles. The percentage share of car leasing is projected to increase during the forecast period. Additionally, the expansion of the e-commerce sector in the UK is contributing to the market's growth, as more businesses opt for leasing solutions to manage their fleet operations efficiently. For more insights on Europe's significant contribution along with the market share of rest of the regions and countries - Download a FREE Sample Segmentation Overview Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: The European vehicle leasing market is experiencing significant growth due to the cost-effective nature of leasing cars compared to buying them. Factors such as urbanization and increased Internet penetration are driving awareness about car leasing. Leasing offers customers the flexibility to upgrade to new models and purchase the vehicle at lease end. Car manufacturers, like AB Volvo with Care by Volvo, offer subscription-based leasing programs to boost revenue and brand penetration. The demand for SUVs, hatchbacks, and sedans in Europe is fueling growth in the passenger car segment. Customers' preference for convenience, safety, and modern technologies in vehicles is driving the adoption of advanced features and electrification. These trends, coupled with industry advancements, encourage customers to lease cars, leading to market expansion in Europe's passenger car segment during the forecast period. Research Analysis The European vehicle leasing market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the shift towards electric and hybrid electric vehicles. E-commerce platforms are increasingly becoming popular channels for buyers to lease new cars, enabling a seamless and convenient experience. Big data and blockchain technology are transforming the industry by providing insights into customer preferences and streamlining lease contracts. The tourism industry and smart cities are major sectors adopting vehicle leasing for their fleet needs. Automobile leasing companies offer a range of options from commuter cars to buses, recreational vehicles, and utility trailers. Car equipment rental is another growing segment, allowing lessees to customize their vehicles. The residual value of leased vehicles is a key consideration for both sellers and buyers, making the role of a leasing company crucial in determining fair market value. Rapid urbanization and the need for new vehicles continue to fuel the demand for leasing solutions. Market Overview The European vehicle leasing market is experiencing significant growth, driven by various factors including the rise of electric vehicles, e-commerce, and smart cities. Electric cars and hybrid electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular due to awareness among consumers about air pollution and emission norms. The tourism industry and commuters are embracing on-demand mobility solutions, leading to increased demand for lease cars. Big data, IoT technology, machine learning, and blockchain are transforming the industry by providing verified data in real-time, enabling predictive maintenance and efficient transportation systems. Leasing companies offer finance leasing, long-term leasing, and gap insurance to cater to the diverse needs of buyers. The market also includes utility trailers, buses, recreational vehicles, and car equipment rental. Rapid urbanization, busy lifestyles, and population demand have led to the adoption of efficient transportation systems and the reduction of traffic congestion. The used car industry is also benefiting from the growth of the leasing market. Additional fees, carbon emissions, and climate change are becoming important considerations for both sellers and buyers. Leasing companies are focusing on customer service, providing diagnostic services for vehicles, and leveraging technology to enhance the leasing experience. The future of the vehicle leasing market in Europe looks promising, with continued innovation and the integration of technology to meet the evolving needs of consumers. Start exploring market insights by Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio 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. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vehicle-leasing-market-in-europe-100-growth-driven-by-europe-report-highlights-ais-impact-on-market-trends---technavio-302328863.html SOURCE Technavio
Zhang Anda fired his third career 147 and Stuart Bingham dredged up an improbable 6-5 win over Mark Williams amid “unplayable” accusations on an incident-packed day at the UK Snooker Championship in York. Zhang made his maximum in the fourth frame of his eventual 6-3 win over Chinese compatriot Lei Peifan, just hours after Judd Trump and Neil Robertson had blasted the table conditions following Trump’s win over the Australian by the same score. Bingham then extended the evening’s drama by recovering from a 5-2 deficit to beat Welshman Williams, despite a howler at the start of the 10th frame of the match when he somehow contrived to pot the black from his own break-off shot. The Maximum Man! 💪 Zhang Anda completes the 208th professional 147. His third, and the sixth of the season. | — WST (@WeAreWST) Zhang, whose maximum was described as “perfect” by Eurosport commentator Ronnie O’Sullivan, will pocket at least a share of the tournament’s £15,000 highest break prize, eclipsing the 146 achieved by Zhao Xintong in the qualifying rounds. His brilliant break was in sharp contrast to the struggle faced by Trump in the opening stages of his clash with Robertson, a three-time UK winner who had battled through two rounds of qualifying after falling out of the world’s top 16. Trump belatedly found his form with consecutive breaks of 73, 126 and 67 helping him reel off five straight frames that kept alive his hopes of winning the prestigious title for the first time since 2011. Asked in his post-match interview if they were the worst conditions in which he had played, Trump said: “I’ve played in some bad conditions, but that was close. “It’s disappointing as it seems to be the bigger events. It was very heavy all the time. I’ve always struggled here because the tables are so heavy. “Hopefully they can change them. All the players have been struggling – hopefully they can do something about it.” Robertson, who made himself a heavy favourite to progress into the last 16 before a missed red on the cusp of extending his lead to 4-1 changed the course of the match, was equally scathing of the environment. “That was as tough as I’d ever played on,” said the Australian, a former three-time winner. “It was as unplayable as it gets in professional conditions. “Being such a tough sport anyway it can make either player look stupid.” Bingham’s early woe against Williams put even Trump’s travails into perspective as the 2015 world champion fashioned a top break of just 26 as he headed to the interval trailing 3-1. And despite falling further behind at 5-2, Bingham somehow managed to summon enough momentum to force a decider against the stuttering Williams, surviving even his break-off blunder before taking his first chance in the decider to book his place in the last 16. Earlier, veteran John Higgins rolled back the years as he completed a 6-0 whitewash of China’s He Guoqiang, who was making his Barbican debut. Scotsman Higgins, a four-time world champion, signalled his intent with early breaks of 110 and 92 before further extending his advantage into the interval. Two more half-century runs saw the 49-year-old comfortably into the last 16. “I am very pleased. The first two frames I knew it would be a tough game for him,” Higgins told BBC Sport. “It is a great atmosphere, I was nervous as well, but I got off to a decent start and I just put the pressure on him. “When I play like that, I feel like I am a match for anyone.”Pembina Pipeline Corporation Announces 2025 Guidance and Provides Business UpdateLNG Energy Group Reiterates Value Proposition and Announces Financing and Process to Review Strategic Initiatives
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