Title: Act of Kindness: Rolls-Royce Owner Donates Entire Tip after Being HitTitle: New Hero Kong Kong'er Joins King of Glory S38 Season! A Diverse Range of Content Unveiled in the New Season
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Front Row Motorsports, one of two teams suing NASCAR in federal court, accused the stock car series Thursday of rejecting the planned purchase of a valuable charter unless the lawsuit was dropped. Front Row made the claim in a court filing and said it involved its proposed purchase of the charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. Front Row said the series would only approve it if Front Row and 23XI Racing dropped their court case. “Specifically, NASCAR informed us that it would not approve the (charter) transfer unless we agreed to drop our current antitrust lawsuit against them,” Jerry Freeze, general manager of Front Row, said in an affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court of Western North Carolina. The two teams in September refused to sign NASCAR's “take-it-or-leave-it” final offer on a new revenue sharing agreement. All other 13 teams signed the deal. Front Row and 23XI balked and are now in court. 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan has said he took the fight to court on behalf of all teams competing in the top motorsports series in the United States. NASCAR has argued that the two teams simply do not like the terms of the final charter agreement and asked for the lawsuit be dismissed. Earlier this week, the suit was transferred to a different judge than the one who heard the first round of arguments and ruled against the two teams in their request for a temporary injunction to be recognized in 2025 as chartered teams as the case proceeds. The latest filing is heavily redacted as it lays out alleged retaliatory actions by NASCAR the teams say have caused irreparable harm. Both Front Row and 23XI want to expand from two full-time cars to three, and have agreements with SHR to purchase one charter each as SHR goes from four cars to one for 2025. The teams can still compete next season but would have to do so as “open” teams that don't have the same protections or financial gains that come from holding a charter. Freeze claimed in the affidavit that Front Row signed a purchase agreement with SHR in April and NASCAR President Steve Phelps told Freeze in September the deal had been approved. But when Front Row submitted the paperwork last month, NASCAR began asking for additional information. A Dec. 4 request from NASCAR was “primarily related to our ongoing lawsuit with NASCAR,” Freeze said. “NASCAR informed us on December 5, 2024, that it objected to the transfer and would not approve it, in contrast to the previous oral approval for the transfer confirmed by Phelps before we filed the lawsuit,” Freeze said. “NASCAR made it clear that the reason it was now changing course and objecting to the transfer is because NASCAR is insisting that we drop the lawsuit and antitrust claims against it as a condition of being approved.” A second affidavit from Steve Lauletta, the president of 23XI Racing, claims NASCAR accused 23XI and Front Row of manufacturing “new circumstances” in a renewed motion for an injunction and of a “coordinated effort behind the scenes.” “This is completely false,” Lauletta said. Front Row is owned by businessman Bob Jenkins, while 23XI is owned by retired NBA Hall of Famer Jordan, three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and longtime Jordan adviser Curtis Polk. NASCAR had been operating with 36 chartered teams and four open spots since the charter agreement began in 2016. NASCAR now says it will move forward in 2025 with 32 chartered teams and eight open spots, with offers on charters for Front Row and 23XI rescinded and the SHR charters in limbo. The teams contend they must be chartered under some of their contractual agreements with current sponsors and drivers, and competing next year as open teams will cause significant losses. “23XI exists to compete at the highest level of stock car racing, striving to become the best team it can be. But that ambition can only be pursued within NASCAR, which has monopolized the market as the sole top-tier circuit for stock car racing,” Lauletta said. "Our efforts to expand – purchasing more cars and increasing our presence on the track – are integral to achieving this goal. “It is not hypocritical to operate within the only system available while striving for excellence and contending for championships,” he continued. “It is a necessity because NASCAR’s monopoly leaves 23XI no alternative circuit, no different terms, and no other viable avenue to compete at this level.” AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
In conclusion, the partnership between Amazon and Intuit represents a significant step forward in supporting the financial health and growth of small businesses. By combining their strengths and expertise, these two industry giants are empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools and resources they need to succeed in today's competitive business environment. As the collaboration unfolds, it is clear that small businesses stand to benefit greatly from this innovative partnership.
What starts as a clash of egos and culinary skills soon evolves into a complex and compelling relationship, characterized by a delicate balance of sweetness and torment. As Li Jia and Zhang Wei navigate the turbulent waters of their intertwined destinies, they must confront their own inner demons and overcome the obstacles that threaten to tear them apart.Rockstar Games, the renowned developer behind the popular Grand Theft Auto series, has recently stirred up controversy with its request for the scriptwriter of the upcoming GTA 6 to handle LGBT+ themes with a lighter touch. The statement made during a creative meeting sparked debates and discussions across the gaming community and beyond, as concerns about censorship, representation, and artistic freedom collided.
In conclusion, Gan Wei's steadfast support of Jia Yueting and her unwavering commitment to their marriage exemplify the power of love, loyalty, and resilience. Despite the difficulties they have faced, Gan Wei has no regrets about marrying Jia Yueting and would choose the same path again if given the chance. Their relationship serves as a reminder that true love transcends adversity and that with dedication and perseverance, any challenge can be overcome. Gan Wei's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of love.From a 10-year-old to a Muppet to a president-elect, NYSE bell-ringers range from famous to obscureBeyond the individual accolades, the collective effort of the entire team was essential in achieving success in Week 15 of the Premier League. Each player contributed their skills and determination, working together to overcome challenges and secure important victories. The cohesion and unity displayed on the field reflected the team's commitment to excellence and their desire to compete at the highest level.Moving forward, it remains to be seen how the team will respond to Mbappe's call to unity. Will they rally together and emerge stronger from this internal strife? Or will the divisions within the team prove too deep to mend?
In the wake of the announcement of the formation of a new government, the main opposition party has emerged as a vocal critic of the proposed timeline for action. The opposition has raised concerns regarding the feasibility of the new government's immediate commencement of work, questioning the preparedness and efficiency of such an ambitious agenda. As the political landscape becomes increasingly polarized, it is essential to examine the arguments presented by the opposition and consider the implications of their skepticism.Asante Akyem North MP-Elect Criticizes Development Lapses Under PredecessorMeta donates $1 million to Trump inauguration as Zuckerberg mends fences
Dock’s Tavern in Sheffield Lake hosts Christmas pop-up barThe common murre, a large black-and-white seabird native to northern waters, has become far less common in Alaska over the past decade due to the impacts of climate change. A study published Thursday in Science reveals that a record-breaking marine heat wave in the northeast Pacific from 2014 to 2016 triggered a catastrophic population collapse, wiping out four million birds -- about half the species in the region. Strikingly, they have shown little signs of rebounding, suggesting long-term shifts in the food web that have locked the ecosystem into a troubling new equilibrium. "There's a lot of talk about declines of species that are tied to changes in temperature, but in this case, it was not a long term result," lead author Heather Renner of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge told AFP. "To our knowledge, this is the largest mortality event of any wildlife species reported during the modern era," she and her colleagues emphasized in their paper. The finding triggers "alarm bells," Renner said in an interview, as human-caused climate change makes heat waves more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting. With their dapper, tuxedoed look, common murres are sometimes called the "penguins of the north." Their slender wings power them across vast distances in search of food and make them expert divers. But even these hardy seabirds were no match for an unprecedented environmental catastrophe. The largest marine heat wave ever recorded began in the late fall of 2014, spanning a massive swath of the northeast Pacific Ocean from California to Alaska. It persisted for over two years, leaving devastation in its wake. During this time, some 62,000 emaciated murres washed ashore along the North American Pacific coastline -- dead or dying from starvation. Experts point to two key reasons for the bird deaths: elevated ocean temperatures reduced both the quality and quantity of phytoplankton, impacting fish like herring, sardines, and anchovies -- the mainstay of the murre diet. At the same time, warmer waters increased the energy demands of larger fish, such as salmon and Pacific cod, which compete with murres for the same prey. "We knew then it was a big deal, but unfortunately, we couldn't really quantify the effects," explained Renner. For years after the event, breeding colonies failed to produce chicks, complicating efforts to assess the full impact. Earlier estimates pegged the number of deaths at around a million, but a more robust analysis -- drawing on data from 13 murre colonies -- revealed the toll was four times higher. "It is just so much worse than we thought it was," Renner said of the new findings. The marine heat wave didn't just impact common murres. Pacific cod stocks collapsed, king salmon populations dwindled, and as many as 7,000 humpback whales perished. Yet the crisis created an uneven playing field: some species emerged unscathed, while others even thrived. Thick-billed murres, which often share nesting cliffs with common murres, were largely unaffected, possibly due to their more adaptable diet, Renner noted. For common murres, however, the fallout lingers. Despite nearly a decade since the heat wave, their numbers show no sign of bouncing back -- and the losses may well be permanent. Part of the reason lies in the long-term decline of some of their prey. Another factor is murres' survival strategy relies on numbers: they aggregate in massive colonies to protect their eggs from opportunistic predators like eagles and gulls. With their populations slashed, these birds have lost their critical safety buffer. Still, Renner offered a glimmer of hope. While addressing global warming is essential for curbing long-term climate change, conservation efforts can make a difference in the short term, she said. Removing invasive species like foxes and rats from murre nesting islands could also provide the beleaguered birds with a fighting chance.
In the wake of Liu Yang's resignation, the financial accounting department faces the challenge of finding a worthy successor to fill his shoes. The legacy he leaves behind serves as a reminder of the importance of dedicated and passionate educators in shaping the minds of future generations.As New York City prosecutors worked Thursday to bring murder charges against Luigi Mangione in the brazen killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , supporters of the suspect are donating tens of thousands of dollars for a defense fund established for him, leaving law enforcement officials worried Mangione is being turned into a martyr. Several online defense funds have been created for Mangione by anonymous people, including one on the crowdfunding website GiveSendGo that as of Thursday afternoon had raised over $50,000. The GiveSendGo defense fund for the 26-year-old Mangione was established by an anonymous group calling itself "The December 4th Legal Committee," apparently in reference to the day Mangione allegedly ambushed and gunned down Thompson in Midtown Manhattan as the executive walked to his company's shareholders conference at the New York Hilton hotel. "We are not here to celebrate violence, but we do believe in the constitutional right to fair legal representation," the anonymous group said in a statement. The crowdfunding campaign prompted donations from more than 1,500 anonymous donors across the country, many of them leaving messages of support for Mangione, including one person who called themselves "A frustrated citizen" and thanked Mangione for "sparking the awareness and thought across this sleeping nation." The GiveSendGo fund for Mangione appeared to be briefly taken down before it was restored on Thursday. GiveSendGo did not immediately respond to ABC News' requests for comment. Other crowdfunding sites such as GoFundMe have also taken down campaigns soliciting donations for Mangione's defense. "GoFundMe's Terms of Service prohibit fundraisers for the legal defense of violent crimes," the crowdfunding website said in a statement. "The fundraisers have been removed from our platform and all donors have been refunded." Amazon and Etsy have removed from their websites merchandise featuring Mangione, including T-shirts and tote bags reading "Free Luigi" and the phrase "Deny, Defend, Depose," words police said were etched in the shell casings discovered at the scene of Thompson's homicide. "Celebrating this conduct is abhorrent to me. It's deeply disturbing," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg told ABC News senior investigative reporter Aaron Katersky in an interview Wednesday night. "And what I would say to members of the public, people who as you described are celebrating this and maybe contemplating other action, that we will be vigilant and we will hold people accountable. We are at the ready." Prosecutors at the Manhattan district attorney's office have begun presenting evidence to a grand jury as they work to try to secure an indictment against Mangione, sources told ABC News on Thursday. Mangione's attorney, Thomas Dickey of Altoona, Pennsylvania, where Mangione was arrested Monday following a five-day manhunt, said his client is presumed innocent and will plead not guilty to any charges filed against him. Mangione is contesting extradition to New York. Asked about people contributing to Mangione defense funds that have popped up, Dickey said, "People are entitled to their opinion and, like I said, if you're an American and you believe in the American criminal justice system, you have to presume him to be innocent and none of us would want anything other than that if that were us in their shoes. So, I'm glad he had some support." But law enforcement officials have expressed concern that Mangione is being turned into a martyr. Someone this week pasted "wanted posters" outside the New York Stock Exchange naming other executives. A bulletin released Wednesday by the Delaware Valley Intelligence Center, a multi-agency law enforcement intelligence-sharing network based in Philadelphia, included a photo of a banner hanging from an overpass reading, "Deny, Defend, Depose." "Many social media users have outright advocated for the continued killings of CEOs with some aiming to spread fear by posting 'hit lists,'" the bulletin, obtained by ABC News, reads. Meanwhile, New York Police Department investigators continue to build a murder case against Mangione, who is being held in Pennsylvania on charges stemming from his arrest there, including illegal possession of ghost gun and fraudulent identification. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the charges in Pennsylvania. On Wednesday, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that the three shell casings recovered at the scene of Thompson's shooting matched the gun found in Mangione possession when he was arrested. She also confirmed that Mangione's fingerprints were recovered from a water bottle and the wrapper of a granola bar found near the crime scene.EschCollection Listen below or on the go on Apple Podcasts and Spotify . CFPB says banks must cap fees at $5 . (0:15) Wholesale inflation heats up . (1:20) Nvidia loses Supreme Court decision on shareholder suit. (3:28) This is an abridged transcript of the podcast. Our top story so far: Major U.S. banks will have to put a limit on overdraft fees, according to a final rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Banks and credit unions can still charge overdraft fees, according to a final rule from the CFPB, but must cap them at $5 or charge depositors a fee that covers their expenses and losses. The latest measure, to take effect on October 1, 2025, could save customers $5 billion annually and was part of the campaign against junk fees by the Biden administration. The new rule applies to banks and credit unions that have at least $10 billion in assets. Previously, customers were charged $35 on average when they overdrew their bank accounts. The CFPB has been leading an effort to curb junk fees, with multiple banks beginning to reduce or eliminate overdraft and non-sufficient fund fees. However, despite such initiatives in place, consumers still paid more than $5.8 billion in reported overdraft and NSF fees last year. But the latest rule, proposed in January, has been met with criticism from banks and Republican lawmakers. With Republicans set to take over Congress and President-Elect Donald Trump expected to appoint a new CFPB head, the future of the rule is unclear. Looking to the economy, inflation is still in the spotlight—this time wholesale—and it’s still on the high side. The November Producer Price Index rose +0.4% , topping the +0.3% consensus estimate and accelerating from +0.3% in October, which was revised from +0.2%. That pushed the annual rate to 3% vs. the 2.6% consensus and +2.9% prior. The October number was revised up from +2.4%. The core PPI number, which excludes food and energy, rose +0.2%, slowing from +0.3% in October and matching the consensus estimate. But the annual rate came in at 3.4%, hotter than the +3.2% consensus and unchanged from the previous month, which was revised up from +3.1%. Some 80% of the increase in goods prices comes from the food index, which increased 3.1% M/M. Prices of eggs surged 54.6%. Vegetables, fruits, processed foods and poultry also saw increases. But while the headline number gave pause, things look more dovish given the components that feed into the core PCE, the Fed’s favorite inflation gauge. Pantheon Macro economist Samuel Tombs revised his expectation for November core PCE to +0.13% from 0.2% after the PPI. He added, "The foundations are in place for core PCE inflation to fall further next year, though the new administration will snatch defeat from the jaws of victory if they press ahead with higher import tariffs and deportations." In today’s trading, action is choppy, with rates edging up and a little profit-taking after the Nasdaq Composite (COMP.IND) closed above 20,000 for the first time in history. Clark Bellin, president of Bellwether Wealth, says: "The stock market is trading at record highs amid a bullish combination of expectations of lower interest rates, continued earnings strength, and the possibility of additional tax cuts." "Just because stocks are at record highs does not by itself mean that a pullback is imminent. We are staying invested despite elevated valuations." As Frank Sinatra, who was born on this day in 1915, might say, the place to be a part of it is still New York, New York, as far as equities are concerned. Among active stocks, the Supreme Court rejected an appeal by Nvidia ( NVDA ) looking to avoid a securities fraud lawsuit by stockholders, who alleged that the company misled investors about how much of its sales relied on the cryptocurrency market. According to Reuters, the judges, who heard arguments in the case on Nov. 13, decided not to give a decision on the underlying legal dispute and instead dismissed Nvidia's appeal of a lower court's decision, which allowed the 2018 class action to go ahead. Shares of Warner Bros. Discovery ( WBD ) are among the best performing in the S&P. The company said it will implement a new corporate structure , under which the namesake will serve as the parent for two core operating divisions: Global Linear Networks and Streaming & Studios. The new structure is expected to "enhance clarity and focus." WBD said Global Linear Networks will focus on maximizing profitability and free cash flow to continue deleveraging, while Streaming & Studios will focus on driving growth and strong returns on increasing invested capital. Chinese electric vehicle maker NIO ( NIO ) CEO William Li said the company wants to improve efficiency and cost controls , even as it also looks to spark sales growth that is two years behind schedule. NIO has already trimmed its workforce and deferred long-term projects that were not expected to boost overall financial performance within three years. At an event in Shanghai, Li also noted that NIO will start production at its third factory in the second half of next year. NIO's new sales goal is to double sales in 2025 from the level seen in 2024. And Domino's Pizza ( DPZ ) will voluntarily transfer its stock exchange listing to the Nasdaq Global Select Market from the New York Stock Exchange, effective Dec. 31 after market close. The stock is expected to begin trading as a Nasdaq-listed security on January 2, retaining its current ticker symbol "DPZ." In other news of note, energy drink sales accelerated to 7.7% year-over-year for a four-week period of retail sales tracked by Nielsen that ended November 30. Monster Beverage ( MNST ) saw energy drink sales increase 3.6% Y/Y, while Celsius Holdings ( CELH ) saw its sales growth slow to 5.9%, and its market share retreated back to 8.8% after being as high as 9.7% in September. Notably, Monster Beverage saw a price/mix increase of 5.2% during the tracked period to offset a 1.6% drop in volume, while Celsius Holdings ( CELH ) saw its 10.1% volume growth help to offset a 4.1% decline in price/mix. Weighing in on the energy drink market, Evercore ISI analyst Robert Ottenstein said 2024 has to be considered the year of Red Bull. He highlighted that Red Bull’s dollar market share fell to 35% in 2023 from 36.9% in 2022, with most of the share losses going to Celsius, which saw its own share leap from 5.3% to 10.1%. But Red Bull was noted to have fought back hard this year with its Red Edition and Amber Edition sugar-free innovations, which ramped in June and then the Winter Edition sugar-free in October. "These line extensions not only blunted Celsius' growth, but also bit into Monster, which experienced share losses in 2023 and again in 2024 YTD," Ottenstein said. And in the Wall Street Research Corner, we haven’t looked at options for a while. BofA Securities analyst Arjun Goyal picked 10 overwriting candidates for investors worried about missing out on upside. Overwriting is a strategy of selling options on a stock on the assumption that they won’t be exercised. These plays within the Russell 1000 ( IWB ) may see at least a 6% gain by January 17, with a minimum premium of 5% and an underlying notional option volume of at least $5 million. “Overwriting outperforms a long-only position if the underlying stock declines, but if the stock rises, it can underperform if the call strike is not sufficiently high,” Goyal adds. Among the players are: Micron Technology ( MU ) – Strike price: 105; Call and dividend premium: 6.4%; Call away return: 8.5% United Airlines ( UAL ) – Strike: 97.5; Call and dividend premium: 6%; Call away return: 7.5% ARM ( ARM ) – Strike: 140; Call and dividend premium: 6.5%; Call away return: 6.8% Editor's Note: This article discusses one or more securities that do not trade on a major U.S. exchange. Please be aware of the risks associated with these stocks.Image via Getty For the first time in decades, the NFL has put its hard and fast schedule into a twist by flexing its first-ever Thursday Night game. One of the biggest changes from the regular NFL scheduling is that once it was set in stone, so to speak, it rarely moved. Until Thursday night games were recently set in stone, the NFL could swap games to respond to playoff implications and team performance; today, that is no longer the case. Why the Change? The Browns are just 3-8, while the Bengals are 4-7 this season. Meanwhile, the Broncos and Chargers, both are yet in the race for the playoff position, with a 6-5 record apiece and 7-3 respectively. Given more for each to play, the league decided to take the game and substitute it with one that also has a chance in the battle for the playoffs. This proves that the NFL is more concerned with maximizing the quality of games aired on prime time, especially given Thursday Night Football's additional hurdle of having to provide a short turnaround for teams. The Flex Rule Explanation The owners' vote was early May 2023 which was finalizing and allowing the league to flex Thursday night games. The rule hasn't been used in the last season. For Week 16, this sets up the first official application of the new rule-one that is aimed at making Thursday Night Football more competitive and maybe even a bit more appealing to viewers. Friday was the cut-off point for switching into Week 16, which explains why the league made the switch. This flexibility allows the NFL to ensure that its marquee matchups are played on the most visible stages, to the benefit of both fans and the league's overall business interest. Broncos vs. Chargers: A Rivalry Reignited The two teams faced each other last in Week 6 when the Chargers had won. This game should turn out to be a turning point in the campaigns of both teams as each side will strive to improve their playoff position. Also Read - Sauce Gardner’s Social Media Slip-Up: A Leaked DM and a Public Apology Browns vs. Bengals: Pushed to Sunday Instead, the Browns and Bengals will play on Sunday, December 22, at 1:00 p.m. ET. This game comes after the Bengals took the first meeting 21-14 in Week 7, a rematch that could be slightly more intriguing despite the current records.
Furthermore, Tencent Video is revamping its premium membership tiers, offering different packages tailored to the diverse needs and preferences of its subscribers. From basic plans with access to exclusive content to deluxe packages with additional benefits such as ad-free viewing and offline downloads, Tencent Video is providing a range of options to cater to varying budgets and viewing habits. This flexible approach to membership tiers reflects Tencent Video's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its subscribers and ensuring that everyone can find a plan that suits them.
Zhang Baizhi, a veteran actress known for her elegant and sophisticated demeanor, exuded a timeless beauty in the photo. Her classic features, including her flawless porcelain skin and graceful posture, highlighted her status as a true beauty icon in the Chinese entertainment industry. With her enigmatic smile and aura of poise, Zhang Baizhi effortlessly showcased her enduring allure, drawing admiration from fans and fellow celebrities alike.
The Boston Red Sox continued to rebuild their pitching staff, acquiring left-hander Jovani Morán on Tuesday from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for catcher and infielder Mickey Gasper. The 27-year-old Morán appeared in 79 games as a reliever for the Twins from 2021 to 2023, posting a 4.15 ERA, striking out 112 with 52 walks and holding opponents to a .208 batting average. He missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. He originally was chosen in the seventh round of the 2015 draft. In Gasper, the Twins are getting a 29-year-old who made his major league debut last season and appeared in 13 games with Boston. The switch-hitter was selected by the New York Yankees in the 27th round of the 2018 draft. He was picked by Boston in the minor league portion of the 2023 Rule 5 Draft. The Red Sox and Twins both currently have 39 players on their 40-man rosters. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlbLetter: Word of the Year - Polarization
The news of Wilcox temporarily taking over Ashworth's work has been met with mixed reactions from colleagues and readers alike. Some see it as a bold move that demonstrates the newspaper's commitment to upholding journalistic integrity, while others question the decision to replace a seasoned journalist like Ashworth with someone relatively new to the team. However, supporters of Wilcox point to his track record of breaking important stories and his dedication to serving the public interest as reasons to be optimistic about the newspaper's future under his leadership.After days of deliberation, the jury ultimately delivered a verdict of not guilty, much to the shock and outrage of many. The decision was met with protests and demonstrations outside the courthouse, with many expressing their disbelief and anger at what they saw as a miscarriage of justice. The case has reignited discussions on racial bias in the criminal justice system and the need for accountability in cases of police or military violence.
As a result of these safety concerns, several local governments and regulatory authorities have taken action to address the issue. Bans on specific models of electric vehicles with defective windshields have been implemented in various regions to prevent further accidents and ensure the safety of drivers and passengers. These bans have raised awareness about the importance of maintaining high safety standards in the production of electric vehicles.