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EXCLUSIVE: Small Caps Hit Records As Expert Says Russell 2000 'Still Very Discounted' Compared To S&P 500 - BenzingaShopping on Shein and Temu for holiday gifts? You're not the only one
felixmizioznikov Kimco Realty Corporation ( NYSE: KIM ) is up 23% year-to-date on a total return basis with investors also recently treated to a dividend hike. The retail REIT last declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of KIM either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. 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.
“Barbenheimer” was a phenomenon impossible to manufacture. But, more than a year later, that hasn’t stopped people from trying to make “Glicked” — or even “Babyratu” — happen. The counterprogramming of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” in July 2023 hit a nerve culturally and had the receipts to back it up. Unlike so many things that begin as memes, it transcended its online beginnings. Instead of an either-or, the two movies ultimately complemented and boosted one another at the box office. This combination of images shows promotional art for "Gladiator II," left, and "Wicked." And ever since, moviegoers, marketers and meme makers have been trying to recreate that moment, searching the movie release schedule for odd mashups and sending candidates off into the social media void. Most attempts have fizzled (sorry, “Saw Patrol” ). This weekend is perhaps the closest approximation yet as the Broadway musical adaptation “Wicked” opens Friday against the chest-thumping sword-and-sandals epic “Gladiator II.” Two big studio releases (Universal and Paramount), with one-name titles, opposite tones and aesthetics and big blockbuster energy — it was already halfway there before the name game began: “Wickiator,” “Wadiator,” “Gladwick” and even the eyebrow raising “Gladicked” have all been suggested. “'Glicked' rolls off the tongue a little bit more,” actor Fred Hechinger said at the New York screening of “Gladiator II” this week. “I think we should all band around ‘Glicked.’ It gets too confusing if you have four or five different names for it.” As with “Barbenheimer," as reductive as it might seem, “Glicked” also has the male/female divide that make the fan art extra silly. One is pink and bright and awash in sparkles, tulle, Broadway bangers and brand tie-ins; The other is all sweat and sand, blood and bulging muscles. Both films topped Fandango’s most anticipated holiday movie survey, where 65% of respondents said that they were interested in the “Glicked” double feature. Theaters big and small are also pulling out the stops with movie-themed tie-ins. B&B Theaters will have Roman guards tearing tickets at some locations and Maximus popcorn tubs. Marcus Theaters is doing Oz photo ops and friendship bracelet-making. Alamo Drafthouse is leaning into the singalong aspect (beware, though, not all theaters are embracing this) and the punny drinks like “Defying Gravi-Tea.” This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cynthia Erivo, left, and Ariana Grande in a scene from the film "Wicked." “Rather than it being in competition, I think they’re in conversation,” “Gladiator II” star Paul Mescal said. “This industry needs a shot in the arm. Those films gave it last year. We hope to do it this year.” And the hope is that audiences will flock to theaters to be part of this moment as well. It's a sorely needed influx of could-be blockbusters into a marketplace that's still at an 11% deficit from last year and down 27.2% from 2019, according to data from Comscore. “Competition is good for the marketplace. It’s good for consumers,” said Michael O'Leary, the president and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners. “Having two great movies coming out at the same time is simply a multiplier effect.” “Glicked” is currently tracking for a combined North American debut in the $165 million range, with “Wicked” forecast to earn around $100 million (up from the $80 million estimates a few weeks ago) and “Gladiator II” pegged for the $65 million range. “Barbenheimer” shattered its projections last July. Going into that weekend, “Barbie” had been pegged for $90 million and “Oppenheimer” around $40 million. Ultimately, they brought in a combined $244 million in that first outing, and nearly $2.4 billion by the end of their runs. It’s possible “Glicked” will exceed expectations, too. And it has the advantage of another behemoth coming close behind: “Moana 2,” which opens just five days later on the Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday. “Glickedana” triple feature anyone? This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Pedro Pascal, left, and Paul Mescal in a scene from "Gladiator II." “These are 10 important days,” O'Leary said. “It’s going to show the moviegoing audience that there’s a lot of compelling stuff out there for them to see.” There are infinite caveats to the imperfect comparison to “Barbenheimer,” as well. “Wicked” is a “Part One.” Musicals carry their own baggage with moviegoers, even those based on wildly successful productions (ahem, “Cats”). “Gladiator II” got a head start and opened internationally last weekend. In fact, in the U.K. it played alongside “Paddington in Peru,” where that double was pegged “Gladdington.” “Gladiator” reviews, while positive, are a little more divided than the others. And neither directors Ridley Scott nor Jon M. Chu has the built-in box office cache that Christopher Nolan’s name alone carries at the moment. The new films also cost more than “Barbie” ($145 million) and “Oppenheimer” ($100 million). According to reports, “Gladiator II” had a $250 million price tag; “Wicked” reportedly cost $150 million to produce (and that does not include the cost of the second film, due next year). The narrative, though, has shifted away from “who will win the weekend.” Earlier this year, Chu told The Associated Press that he loves that this is a moment where “we can root for all movies all the time.” Close behind are a bevy of Christmas releases with double feature potential, but those feel a little more niche. There’s the remake of “Nosferatu,” the Nicole Kidman kink pic “Babygirl” and the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown.” The internet can’t even seem to decide on its angle for that batch of contenders, and none exactly screams blockbuster. Sometimes the joy is just in the game, however. Some are sticking with the one-name mashup (“Babyratu”); others are suggesting that the fact that two of the movies feature real-life exes (Timothée Chalamet and Lily-Rose Depp) is enough reason for a double feature. And getting people talking is half the battle. When in doubt, or lacking a catchy name, there’s always the default: “This is my Barbenheimer.” Associated Press journalist John Carucci and Film Writer Jake Coyle contributed reporting. Last summer, Malibu's iconic blonde faced off against Cillian Murphy and the hydrogen bomb in the unforgettable "Barbenheimer" double feature. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. 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World champion Kyren Wilson shrugged off a headache and concerns over the speed of the tables to sweep past Stephen Maguire 6-0 in the first round of the UK Championship. Wilson dominated what had been a scrappy afternoon session at the Barbican Centre in York to take a 4-0 lead – with neither player able to build a half-century break. After the interval Wilson – who has won two ranking titles already this season – finally found some rhythm as a run of 71 put him within a frame of victory. 6-0! 🤯 World Champ Kyren Wilson is into the second round of the @VictorianPlumb UK Championship after a whitewash victory over Stephen Maguire. #VPUKChampionship pic.twitter.com/faJR3EDbSF — WST (@WeAreWST) November 25, 2024 After Maguire, who won the 2004 UK Championship title, missed another chance to build a response, Wilson, already 27 in front, took the opportunity to clear up to the pink. Wilson, second in the current world standings, avoided becoming another seed to suffer an early exit with Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Selby both having failed to progress. “It was a strange match,” Wilson said afterwards to the BBC. “Early doors both of us were going into the pack, not really landing on a ball and having to play safe. “For me the table was so difficult to judge. I don’t know if that was what was wrong with Stephen today. “I felt if you were playing it slow, it was drifting to the right. “When you have to start hitting the balls a bit harder on these tables, the pockets are just so unforgiving that it makes the game harder. “I just had to stay composed. I felt amazing in my game, but it was not just quite clicking today.” Wilson also revealed he has been struggling with a headache. “I woke up with it again today,” he said. “Going out for the first frame, there is so much intensity, your heart is racing, the lights are quite different and it was so warm – I just felt like my head was going to explode. “So I had to get out of there and just take some more painkillers, but it is not too bad now.” Maguire, meanwhile, was downbeat after “one of the worst performances ever”. He said: “It was rubbish, nothing else I can say, just garbage. “It was a hard one to take. You just go home and see what the next day brings. “You can’t explain that. It was one of the worse performances ever. I am struggling to believe how bad that was.” WAKELIN BATTLES THROUGH! 🔥 He beats Matt Selt 6-4 in a fragmented affair in York – he plays Kyren Wilson next. #VPUKChampionship | @Victorianplumb pic.twitter.com/7C2Fz0kAVi — WST (@WeAreWST) November 25, 2024 There was a closer contest on the other table, where Chris Wakelin battled past Matthew Selt 6-4 to secure his place in the last 16 against Wilson. Wakelin, the 15th seed, had been 2-0 down before making a break of 75 in the third frame, which was followed by 68 from Selt. The match remained a tight affair, with neither player able to craft another half-century as it was locked at 4-4. After Selt looked set in the ninth frame, a missed black to the bottom corner proved costly as Wakelin came from behind to win 65-55 – and take the lead for the first time. Further breaks of 31 and 32 – as well as being helped by a doubled yellow – left Selt needing snookers before Wakelin eventually clipped in the brown to secure a hard-earned victory. In Monday’s evening session, qualifier Michael Holt pulled off another upset with a 6-1 win over 10th seed Gary Wilson. Holt – who came through four preliminary rounds in Leicester to reach the main draw – dug in to build a 4-1 lead, which he extended with a superb 95 clearance. The seventh frame, though, proved a tense affair as both men failed to make the most of promising positions – Holt snookering himself after potting the brown with only three other colours left. The world number 98, though, then clipped in a long pink to seal a memorable victory, reaching the last 16 of the tournament for the first time since 1999. THE SILENT ASSASSIN IS THROUGH! 💪 Jak Jones defeats Luca Brecel in a tight decider to reach the Last 16! #VPUKChampionship | @Victorianplumb pic.twitter.com/AnHwkL2xyA — WST (@WeAreWST) November 25, 2024 On the other table, Welshman Jak Jones reeled off three successive frames to stun former world champion Luca Brecel 6-5. Brecel, who has struggled for form since winning the world title in 2023, led 42-0 in the decider, but a missed red allowed Jones his chance. And the 2024 world championship runner-up took it superbly, compiling a 66 break that left Brecel with too much to do as he moved into the last-16.PCN: Interest Rates And Inflation Likely To Pressure Bonds And Bond Funds
A pop-up spinning wheel offers the chance to win a coupon. Rotating captions warn that a less than $2 camouflage print balaclava and a $1.23 skeleton hand back scratcher are “Almost sold out.” A flame symbol indicates a $9.69 plush cat print hoodie is selling fast. A timed-down selection of discounted items adds to the sense of urgency. Welcome to the new online world of impulse buying, a place of guilty pleasures where the selection is vast, every day is Cyber Monday, and an instant dopamine hit is always just a click away. By all accounts, we’re living in an accelerating age for consumerism, one that Temu, which is owned by the Chinese e-commerce company PDD Holdings, and Shein, its fierce rival , supercharged with social media savvy and an interminable assortment of cheap goods, most shipped directly from merchants in China based on real-time demand. The business models of the two platforms, coupled with avalanches of digital or influencer advertising, have enabled them to give Western retailers a run for their money this holiday shopping season. Software company Salesforce said it expects roughly one in five online purchases in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada to be made through four online marketplaces based or founded in Asia: Shein, Temu, TikTok Shop — the e-commerce arm of video-sharing platform TikTok — and AliExpress. Analysts with Salesforce said they are expected to pull in roughly $160 billion in global sales outside of China. Most of the sales will go to Temu and Shein, a privately held company which is thought to lead the worldwide fast fashion market in revenue. Lisa Xiaoli Neville, a nonprofit manager who lives in Los Angeles, is sold on Shein. The bedroom of her home is stocked with jeans, shoes, press-on nails and other items from the ultra-fast fashion retailer, all of which she amassed after getting on the platform to buy a $2 pair of earrings she saw in a Facebook ad. Neville, 46, estimates she spends at least $75 a month on products from Shein. A $2 eggshell opener, a portable apple peeler and an apple corer, both costing less than $5, are among the quirky, single-use kitchen tools taking up drawer space. She acknowledges she doesn’t need them because she “doesn’t even cook like that.” Plus, she’s allergic to apples. “I won’t eat apples. It will kill me,” Neville said, laughing. “But I still want the coring thing.” Shein, now based in Singapore, uses some of the same web design features as Temu’s, such as pop-up coupons and ads, to persuade shoppers to keep clicking, but it appears a bit more restrained in its approach. Shein primarily targets young women through partnerships with social media influencers. Searching the company's name on video platforms turns up creators promoting Shein's Black Friday sales event and displaying the dozens of of trendy clothes and accessories they got for comparatively little money. But the Shein-focused content also includes videos of TikTokers saying they're embarrassed to admit they shopped there and critics lashing out at fans for not taking into account the environmental harms or potential labor abuses associated with products that are churned out and shipped worldwide at a speedy pace. Neville has already picked out holiday gifts for family and friends from the site. Most of the products in her online cart cost under $10, including graphic T-shirts she intends to buy for her son and jeans and loafers for her daughter. All told, she plans to spend about $200 on gifts, significantly less than $500 she used to shell out at other stores in prior years. “The visuals just make you want to spend more money,” she said, referring to the clothes on Shein's site. “They're very cheap and everything is just so cute.” Unlike Shein, Temu's appeal cuts across age groups and gender. The platform is the world’s second most-visited online shopping site, software company Similarweb reported in September. Customers go there looking for practical items like doormats and silly products like a whiskey flask shaped like a vintage cellphone from the 1990s. Temu advertised Black Friday bargains for some items at upwards of 70% off the recommended retail price. Making a purchase can quickly result in receiving dozens of emails offering free giveaways. The caveat: customers have to buy more products. Despite their rise, Temu and Shein have proven particularly ripe for pushback. Last year, a coalition of unnamed brands and organizations launched a campaign to oppose Shein in Washington. U.S. lawmakers also have raised the possibility that Temu is allowing goods made with forced labor to enter the country. More recently, the Biden administration put forward rules that would crack down on a trade rule known as the de minimis exception, which has allowed a lot of cheap products to come into the U.S. duty-free. President-elect Donald Trump is expected to slap high tariffs on goods from China, a move that would likely raise prices across the retail world. Both Shein and Temu have set up warehouses in the U.S. to speed up delivery times and help them better compete with Amazon, which is trying to erode their price advantage through a new storefront that also ships products directly from China.Biden gives life in prison to 37 of 40 federal death row inmates before Trump can resume executions WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row. He's converting their punishments to life imprisonment just weeks before Donald Trump, an outspoken proponent of expanding capital punishment, takes office. Biden says the commutations are consistent with a pause on executions put in place by his administration in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. Biden said he couldn't allow a new administration to resume executions. Trump will be sworn into office on Jan. 20. The president-elect has talked subjecting drug dealers and human smugglers to the death penalty. House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Ethics Committee has accused Matt Gaetz of “regularly” paying for sex, including once with a 17-year-old girl, and purchasing and using illicit drugs as a member of Congress. The 37-page report was released Monday by the bipartisan panel after a nearly four-year investigation that helped sink his nomination for attorney general. The report includes explicit details of sex-filled parties and vacations that Gaetz took part in while representing Florida in the House. Congressional investigators concluded that he violated multiple state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office. Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing and he filed a lawsuit Monday trying to block the report’s release. Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to murder and weapons charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO's death NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare has pleaded not guilty to murder and terror charges in a state case that will run parallel to his federal prosecution. The Manhattan district attorney formally charged Luigi Mangione last week with multiple counts of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism. Mangione's attorney complained during a brief hearing Monday that statements coming from New York’s mayor would make it tough for him to receive a fair trial. Mangione was shackled and seated in a Manhattan court when he leaned over to a microphone to enter his not guilty plea. Man faces murder charges in the death of a woman who was lit on fire in New York City subway A man is facing murder charges in New York City for allegedly setting a woman on fire inside a subway train and then watching her die after she was engulfed in flames. Police on Monday said the man, identified as 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, had been taken into custody as a person of interest in the case hours after the woman died. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Jeff Carter said he is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally after he had been previously removed in 2018. Transit police apprehended the man hours after the fatal fire. Middle East latest: Defense minister acknowledges Israel killed Hamas leader Israel’s defense minister has confirmed that Israel assassinated Hamas’ top leader last summer and is threatening to take similar action against the leadership of the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. The comments by Israel Katz appeared to mark the first time that Israel has acknowledged killing Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an explosion in Iran in July. Israel was widely believed to be behind the blast and leaders have previously hinted at its involvement. In a speech Monday, Katz said the Houthis would meet a similar fate as the other members of an Iranian-led alliance in the region, including Haniyeh. He also noted that Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, helped topple Syria’s Bashar Assad and destroyed Iran’s anti-aircraft systems. Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — First it was Canada, then the Panama Canal. Now, Donald Trump again wants Greenland. The president-elect is renewing calls he made during his first term for the U.S. to buy Greenland, the ice-covered semi-autonomous Danish territory. That's added to the list of allied countries he’s picking fights with, even before taking office on Jan. 20. Greenland insists it's not for sale and Trump's initial calls to purchase it in 2019 came to nothing. But his latest suggestion comes after the president-elect suggested the U.S. could retake control of the Panama Canal and that Canadians wanted their county to become the 51st U.S. state. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. Magdeburg mourns Christmas market attack victims as fears swirl of deeper German social divisions MAGDEBURG, Germany (AP) — Mourners are laying flowers near the scene of the deadly Christmas market attack as investigators puzzle over the motive of the suspect and his previous encounters with authorities are scrutinized. At the same time there are fears that the rampage could deepen divisions in German society. A church a short walk from the scene of the attack has become a central place of mourning since the suspect drove a car into the busy market on Friday evening and killed five people. Authorities have identified the suspect as a Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006 and had received permanent residency. They say he doesn't fit the usual profile of perpetrators of extremist attacks. How faith communities can be welcoming of believers with disabilities this holiday season and beyond This holiday season, some religious congregations across the U.S. are holding events designed to be accommodating to and inclusive of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They range from a “Calm Christmas” in West Virginia to an inclusive Hanukkah in New Jersey. Many disabled people, advocates and families want more houses of worship to know that there are ways to fully incorporate and welcome people with these and other disabilities and their families — and not just during the holidays but year round. Tennessee and Auburn remain 1-2 in AP Top 25 poll featuring 10 SEC teams Tennessee and Auburn remained Nos. 1-2 atop The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll. They were the headliners among the Southeastern Conference's haul of 10 ranked teams. Iowa State, Duke and Alabama rounded out the top five. Kentucky had the week's biggest fall, sliding six spots to No. 10 after a loss to Ohio State. Mississippi State, Arkansas, Illinois and Baylor rejoined the poll after stints in the rankings earlier this season. They replaced Memphis, Dayton, Michigan and Clemson. The Big 12 and Big Ten were tied for second with five teams each in the AP Top 25.Is ‘Glicked’ the new ‘Barbenheimer’? ‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator II’ collide in theaters
41 bag first class as Salem varsity graduates 499he had an incredible initiative that left very excited and knowing his origins as part of an African race and the star also revealed that he is very happy to know his roots. said Vini and immediately came the response of a controversial character, but who is from the UFC: the Cameroonian Ngannou's message to Vinicius The Cameroonian is one of the men who is always in the eye of the storm with his boxing or fights, but also with his controversies, although on this occasion the African left a message to when it was revealed the African roots of the footballer. Ngannou is the sporting standard bearer of Cameroon When the best years of the Cameroon national team are behind them, when Samuel Eto'o was the standard-bearer, the most recognized sportsman of the African nation is Francis Ngannou and it is well known that he is a great soccer fan and wants Vinicius with the jersey of his country, something impossible, but he tried. However, Ngannou cannot be blamed for trying. But Vinicius is not the only football star who traces his ancestry to Cameroon and is adored by Ngannou.Russia, which initially denied the presence of North Korean troops on its soil, has finally acknowledged their deployment. During a press conference at the BRICS summit on the 24th of last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin indirectly confirmed reports of North Korean troop dispatches by saying, "What we do with North Korea is our business." Additionally, on the 1st, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed gratitude to North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui in Moscow, highlighting the "very close relationship" between Russian and North Korean special services. With North Korea's involvement on the Russian battlefield now clear, the international community warns of the potential risks this development brings. North Korea has reportedly dispatched around 15,000 troops to Russia, seeking to secure vast amounts of foreign currency and advanced military technology in exchange for their soldiers' lives. The Kim regime aims to acquire everything from stealth fighters and advanced missiles to reconnaissance satellites and even nuclear submarines, all in pursuit of modernizing North Korea's military. This deployment may also have been deemed essential for responding jointly with Russia to the United States and South Korea, and ultimately, Kim Jong Un is looking to sustain his regime through Russian support. While the Kim regime demands loyalty and sacrifices from the troops dispatched, the reality is far bleaker. Many of the North Korean soldiers on Russian battlefields are from the so-called "Jangmadang generation," raised amid economic hardship and a reliance on markets, with little to no government assistance. These young people, forcibly conscripted, now find themselves in a foreign land, risking their lives in a war that's not their own. There is significant discontent among these soldiers. Reports indicate that the North Korean government receives about $2,000 per month per soldier sent to Russia, yet this money goes directly to Kim Jong Un. If this compensation were used to support their families, it might inspire some willingness to fight. But given that all their earnings are pocketed by Kim Jong Un, what incentive do they have to risk their lives sincerely? The reality for North Korean soldiers on the Russian front is one of unending fatigue, isolation in a foreign land, and a brutal fight for survival. The Kim regime forces them to "serve the country," yet this is simply a means of ensuring their own survival. Now, these soldiers face a momentous opportunity to break free from the exploitation disguised as patriotism and choose a path toward personal freedom. Choosing Freedom Over Loyalty to Kim Jong Un For the North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia, this foreign battlefield presents an unprecedented opportunity to escape the oppressive regime and seek a new life. They are not mere pawns for Kim Jong Un; as individuals, they can think freely and choose a life where they take control of their own destinies. The future promised by Kim Jong Un offers nothing but a perilous battlefield abroad. Moreover, it's known that Kim's regime has forcibly relocated the families of deployed soldiers to remote mountain areas to keep the deployment secret. Only by leaving behind this injustice and choosing their path can they truly experience the value of freedom. One's life should not be wagered on hollow loyalty to Kim Jong Un. Returning to North Korea only means facing forced labor in mines and rural areas after a 10-year military service. Only in a free country can they unlock their potential and uphold their dignity. Choosing defection would also open a path for their families in North Korea to someday experience freedom and hope. The Courage to Defect: A Choice for Freedom and Peace Defection is not just an act of escaping North Korea's system; it's a courageous step toward a new future. Though it involves risks, defection offers freedom, peace, and security for one's future. One person's courageous choice can challenge the oppression and injustice of North Korea's regime, inspiring new possibilities for others. The international community stands ready to support North Korean soldiers who choose to defect, ensuring their safety and providing programs to help them adapt to a new environment. With vocational training, psychological counselling, and social integration support, defectors are empowered to start a new life. For North Korean soldiers on the Russian front, life itself is more important than loyalty to Kim Jong Un's regime. As someone who has chosen a free life, I urge you: "Choose your own life and leave Kim's regime in pursuit of true freedom and peace!" (The writer is World Institute for North Korea Studies Director Chung Eui-sung, a North Korean defector)Is he serious? Trump stirs unease with Panama, Greenland ploys
Percentages: FG .569, FT .607. 3-Point Goals: 9-18, .500 (Thomas 2-2, Watkins 2-3, Deng 2-4, Holt 1-1, Swinton 1-1, Davis 1-2, Bol Bowen 0-1, Crawford 0-1, Rozakeas 0-1, Jackson 0-2). Team Rebounds: 6. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 4 (Bol Bowen, Deng, Ewin, Holt). Turnovers: 11 (Jones 2, Bol Bowen, Davis, Deng, Ewin, Maluk, Mbatch, Swinton, Thomas, Watkins). Steals: 7 (Bol Bowen 2, Crawford, Davis, Jackson, Maluk, Swinton). Technical Fouls: Bol Bowen, 14:54 second. Percentages: FG .310, FT .690. 3-Point Goals: 3-24, .125 (Curry 1-2, Rivera 1-4, Guerengomba 1-6, Ndjigue 0-1, Watson 0-1, Worthy 0-2, Diggins 0-8). Team Rebounds: 8. Team Turnovers: 1. Blocked Shots: 1 (Rivera). Turnovers: 16 (Rivera 3, Worthy 3, Curry 2, Hankins-Sanford 2, Abdelgowad, Diggins, Guerengomba, Muhammad, Ndjigue, Watson). Steals: 7 (Ndjigue 3, Rivera 2, Abdelgowad, Diggins). Technical Fouls: None. .
Florida St. 92, UMass 59Olympian snowboarder Sophie Hediger was killed in an avalanche in her home country of Switzerland on Monday. Hediger, 26, was caught in an avalanche while "freeriding," also known as snowboarding on natural terrain in Arosa, both a town and a resort in eastern Switzerland, according to a from winter sports federation Swiss-Ski. "We are stunned and our thoughts are with Sophie's family, to whom we offer our deepest condolences," said Walter Reusser, CEO of Sport at Swiss-Ski. Hediger and another person were on a closed black diamond slope Monday afternoon when she was struck by the avalanche after leaving the closed slope, local police shared with The other person notified rescue services, who located Hediger buried in the avalanche field a couple hours later. She died at the scene of the accident after unsuccessful CPR attempts, ABC News reported. No additional information, or details about the incident will be released by Swiss-Ski at the request of Hediger's loved ones, Swiss-Ski said. Swiss-Ski has also requested the privacy of Hediger's family be respected. "For the Swiss-Ski family, the tragic death of Sophie Hediger cast a dark shadow over the Christmas days," Walter Reusser, alpine director for Swiss-Ski said in a statement. "We are immensely sad. We will keep a moving memory of Sophie." Arosa did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment on Tuesday. Hediger grew up in Horgen, a town in the canton of Zurich, but spent a lot of time in Arosa. "It was there that her life now ended tragically, brutally and far too soon, while she practiced freeriding, a hobby she loved very much," Swiss-Ski said. She obtained her first two places at World Cup podiums during the 2023-2024 season. he placed second in St. Moritz, Switzerland, in January, followed by third in Gudauri, Georgia, in February, ABC News reported. One of Hediger's "sports dreams" was to win a medal in the upcoming Ski Freestyle and Snowboard World Championships in Engadin, Switzerland, in March, Swiss-Ski said. Hediger also competed in the 2022 Olympics in Beijing in the women's snowboard cross and the mixed team snowboard cross, completing "another dream" with her participation in the games, according to ABC News.