
ESMT INVESTOR ALERT: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC Announces that EngageSmart, Inc. Investors with Substantial Losses Have Opportunity to Lead Class Action Lawsuit
Mick’s Fiji Tours has pledged over $5000 worth of sponsorship for the Vatulele Sevens tournament. This initiative aims to enhance facilities that not only support athletes but enrich the entire community. Micks Fiji Tours owner Sitiveni Nawaqa revealed this during the official launch at their Nadi office yesterday. He said the two-day event would be from December 19-20 at the Vatulele District School, is not just a celebration of rugby, it is a profound testament to the spirit of community, resilience, and the incredible potential of the young athletes. “Rugby is more than a sport; it is a unifying force that brings people together, ignites passion, and fosters teamwork,” Nawaqa said. “At its core, grassroots rugby holds the power to mould the future of our society. We believe that by investing in our youths and nurturing their talents, we can unlock a pathway to character development, and lifelong friendships.” Nawaqa who has maternal links to Ekubu Village, Nadroda, reiterated his commitment by supporting not just the game of rugby but the very foundation which it is built on, their villages and communities. “As a proud sponsor, we are excited that our investment will be directed towards upgrading village infrastructure. “We recognise that strong and resilient communities provide the best environment for sports to thrive. We want to ensure that our local infrastructure reflects the heart and ambition of the Vatulele people.” Tournament director Filipe Qionikorolevu said funds from the event would assist in improving facilities in schools, sports fields, and youth training programmes. “We create safe and accessible spaces for our children and future athletes to hone their skills and grow. We hope that these upgrades will encourage participation not just in rugby, but in all forms of sport and community engagement.” The rugby men’s winner takes home $5000, runner up $2000, and losing semifinalists $500 each. The women’s netball winner gets $1000 and runner up $500. Treasurer Asesela Naborisi said: “Together, we can build a legacy. A legacy that shows them that with hardwork, commitment, and teamwork, there are no limits to what they can achieve. “Let us support each other, celebrate our talents, and invest in a brighter future.” Other sponsors include Kele Na Mahi Flyer, Vatulele Island Beach Estates, Goodman Fielder, Coca-Cola, Shop 2 Save, and Creative Box Graphix. Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fjScholz says ‘integrated’ Syrian refugees ‘welcome’ to stay in Germany
Samsung has shocked the tech world by significantly reducing the price of its flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra just weeks after its launch. This unexpected move has ignited a frenzy among smartphone enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike. But what’s behind this sudden price drop, and is the S24 Ultra now the ultimate smartphone deal? In an unprecedented turn of events, Samsung has announced a major price reduction for its top-of-the-line Galaxy S24 Ultra. This price slash comes as a surprise, considering the device was launched only recently to critical acclaim and strong initial sales. The move has sent ripples through the tech industry, with many speculating about the reasons behind Samsung’s decision and its potential impact on the smartphone market. This article delves deep into the details of this unexpected price drop, exploring the possible motivations behind it, the implications for consumers, and whether the Galaxy S24 Ultra now represents the best value proposition in the premium smartphone segment. The Price Drop: How Much Are We Talking? While the exact amount of the price reduction varies depending on the region and retailer, reports suggest that the Galaxy S24 Ultra is now available for hundreds of dollars less than its original launch price. This significant discount makes the device considerably more accessible to a wider range of consumers who may have been previously deterred by its premium price tag. Why the Sudden Price Cut? Samsung has not officially disclosed the reasons behind this unexpected price reduction. However, several factors could be at play: What Does This Mean for Consumers? For consumers, this price drop is undoubtedly good news. It presents an opportunity to own a cutting-edge smartphone with premium features at a more affordable price. The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts impressive specifications, including a powerful processor, a stunning display, a versatile camera system, and a long-lasting battery. With the price reduction, it becomes a compelling option for those seeking the best Android experience without breaking the bank. Is the S24 Ultra Now the Best Smartphone Deal? The price cut certainly makes the Galaxy S24 Ultra a more attractive proposition. However, whether it’s the “best” deal depends on individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of what the S24 Ultra offers: My Experience: I’ve always been an Android user, and I’ve owned several Samsung Galaxy phones in the past. While I initially hesitated to purchase the S24 Ultra due to its high price, this recent discount made it impossible to resist. I’ve been using the phone for a few days now, and I’m blown away by its performance and camera capabilities . The zoom is incredible, and the low-light photography is a significant step up from my previous phone. Should You Buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra Now? If you’re in the market for a premium Android smartphone, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is undoubtedly worth considering, especially at its new lower price. However, it’s crucial to weigh your options and consider your specific requirements. Here’s who should consider buying the S24 Ultra: However, the S24 Ultra might not be the best choice if: The Impact on the Smartphone Market Samsung’s decision to slash the price of the Galaxy S24 Ultra could have broader implications for the smartphone market. The unexpected price reduction of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has created an exciting opportunity for consumers to own a top-tier smartphone at a more accessible price. While the motivations behind this move remain unclear, it highlights the intense competition in the smartphone market and the constant pressure on manufacturers to adapt and innovate. Ultimately, the decision of whether to purchase the S24 Ultra rests with individual consumers. By carefully considering their needs and priorities, buyers can determine if this powerful and feature-rich device is the right fit for them.None
Aidan O'Connell shows in loss to Chiefs that he is the Raiders' QB for the rest of seasonDrones, planes or UFOs? Americans abuzz over mysterious New Jersey sightings
NEWCASTLE, England (AP) — Newcastle’s winning run in the English Premier League came to an abrupt end when goals from Thomas Souček and Aaron Wan-Bissaka gave West Ham a surprise 2-0 win at St. James’ Park on Monday. The Hammers rose into 14th place and the pressure on coach Julen Lopetegui was eased. The London club has been inconsistent all season and Monday’s win was just its fourth in 12 league games. West Ham was worth the win in the end but the three points came courtesy of slack defending by the home side. Emerson whipped in an out-swinging corner after 10 minutes and, with Newcastle defenders rooted to the spot, Souček stole in to nod home the opener. Then eight minutes into the second half, captain Jarrod Bowen found Wan-Bissaka in the penalty box and he was left unchallenged and had time to fire an angled drive past Nick Pope. Newcastle brought on Harvey Barnes, and then Callum Wilson returned from a long-term back injury to make his first appearance of the season but to no avail. The defeat ended a three-game winning streak for Newcastle and left the Saudi Arabia-owned club in ninth place, four points outside the top four. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer The Associated PressFreeman grand slam ball to be auctioned
A family of killer whales has made a rare trip into waters off downtown Vancouver for what an expert says was likely a "grocery shopping" hunt for harbour seals. Video shared on social media by False Creek Ferries shows the whales cruising past highrise towers at the entrance to False Creek on Sunday. Andrew Trites, director of the University of British Columbia's marine mammal research unit, has identified the whales as a family group of transient orcas consisting of a mother and her three offspring. He says it's the first time the 26-year-old mother, known as T35A, has shown up in downtown Vancouver with her children aged six, 11 and 14. Trites says the well documented family has previously been seen by marine researchers from Alaska to the Strait of Juan de Fuca south of Vancouver Island. He attributes the pod's surprising downtown appearance to seals also changing their habits as they hide from orcas, forcing killer whales to hunt in backwater areas like False Creek. Trites says the video shows the whales moving quietly like "ghosts" to avoid alerting their prey. Killer whales have previously been spotted in False Creek, including in 2019, and in 2010 a grey whale swam all the way to the end of the inlet, near Science World.Drones, planes or UFOs? Americans abuzz over mysterious New Jersey sightingsEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants organization got exactly what it deserved in getting blown out by Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Giants were embarrassed in Sunday's 30-7 loss , taunted by Mayfield after a touchdown run just before halftime. And then they saw their fans walk out on them again when the Bucs extended their lead to 30-0 and sent New York (2-9) to its sixth straight loss. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Please enable JavaScript to read this content. At a consultative forum that brought together lobbyists in the trade and retail sectors, the Retail Trade Association of Kenya (Retrak) chief executive Wambui Mbarire raised the question: Whom are we selling to when we export Kenyan goods? The premise is that whenever local goods are exported, Kenyans in those markets are the ones expected to consume them. She, however, opined that this is not always the case. Giving an example of Choco Primo, a product manufactured by Trufoods Ltd, a local firm and Cadbury produced by a British multinational, she said the chances of Kenyans picking the former off the shelf are higher compared to a foreigner. “The owner of Tuskys used to tell me that the reason he won’t sell out his business is because he wanted to open a branch in Nigeria or Ethiopia and stock Kenyan goods in those countries,” she said. This was to enable Kenyans in those countries to buy the items and introduce the products to the locals who will appreciate the quality hence growing its demand. Tuskys however collapsed after the death of the founder. “These are the things people pack in their suitcases when they are travelling back,” she said. For Ms Mbarire, the best bet in growing exports is to target Kenyans in those markets. “I feel we need to look inward more so that we strengthen the entire value chain. How do we ensure, to begin with, that a Kenyan knows it is a Kenyan product and starts interacting with it before we say we can now export?” she posed. She said this way, local products will be promoted by Kenyans in foreign markets. “So that when we take these products in markets which we have agreements with, Kenyans who stay in those economies will buy and circulate, boost demand and create a larger export market,” said Ms Mbarire. Ms Mbarire’s theory may be right considering the challenges many Kenyans living overseas face when looking for Kenyan products or any that might taste similar to those back home. “Just curious, watu mko USA which sausages are you buying that taste similar na ile ya Kenya’s farmers’ choice’ (Just curious, those who are in the US, which sausages are you buying that tastes similar to those by Kenya’s Farmers Choice)?” reads a recent post on Lets Cook Kenyan Meals, a social media group where Kenyans share food-related ideas. The US, which Kenyan products have access to through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) and an EPA (Economic Partnership Agreements) that is negotiating, is the country where most Kenyans immigrate. This figure stood at 157,000 according to 2020 data from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The United Kingdom (UK) has 139,000 Kenyan migrants, 34,000 in Uganda, 29,000 in Canada, 25,000 in Mozambique, another 25,000 in Australia, 24,000 in Tanzania, 20,000 in South Africa, 17,000 in Germany and 10,000 in South Sudan. According to the 2024 Economic Survey Report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), in 2023, export earnings grew by 15.4 per cent to Sh1.007 trillion. Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter The report states that the net effect was the narrowing of the trade balance from a deficit of Sh1.617 trillion in 2022 to a deficit of Sh1.604 trillion in 2023. Tea exports increased from 551,804 tonnes in 2022 to 564,545 tonnes in 2023. The amount of coffee and unroasted beans exported stood at 48,858 tonnes in 2023 a slight increase from 48,301 tonnes in 2022. The amount of exported meals and flours of wheat shot to 27,209 tonnes in 2023 from 2,559 tonnes in 2022. The report breaks down the performance of domestic exports from 2019 to 2023 which shows an increase in volumes for most commodities. It details that the volume of exported horticultural products increased by 168,900 tonnes to 772,700 tonnes in 2023 reflecting a 28.0 percentage increase. “Other major export commodities that recorded increases in export volumes included cement, edible products and preparation, salt, iron and steel, essential oils, and tea which rose by 39.1 per cent, 35.9 per cent, 22.5 per cent, 18.8 per cent, 16.8 per cent and 2.3 per cent, respectively,” the report says. The report adds: “Soda ash and titanium ores and concentrates exhibited the highest decline in export volumes from 284,700 tonnes and 424,900 tonnes in 2022 to 216,200 tonnes and 293,100 tonnes in 2023, respectively.” State Department for Industry Principal Secretary Dr Juma Mukhwana notes that if Kenya is to export more, then there is also a need to produce more. “This is why the government is determined to expand manufacturing from the current 7.3 per cent to 20 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030,” he noted. Dr Mukhwana said the State Department of Trade has done its part in opening up markets for Kenya through negotiations of the EPAs with economies such as the UK, European Union and the US. “But are we making products that will be accepted in those markets?” he poses. “Sometimes it becomes difficult for a Kenyan to make a product that will easily sell within the European Union (EU). Some of these issues become capacity building (issues) that we need to address.” The PS said Kenya has the necessary skilled workforce and physical infrastructure to grow its manufacturing, adding these opportunities and players should work in tandem. “So that we do not open up a European Union market, and we look at the data three years later down the line and the exports have not grown,” he said. “We agree we have new markets. The issue we need answers to is where are these products (for exports) going to come from?”
Leader of California white supremacist group gets two years in prisonNorazibah Md Rabu BINTULU (Dec 14): Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) has identified 26 clinics in rural areas in Sarawak for medical equipment assistance with funds worth RM1.3 million, said Petronas Sarawak general manager Norazibah Md Rabu. Norazibah said this healthcare initiative reflected Petronas’ ongoing efforts and commitment towards improving clinic facilities in the rural areas. According to her, such an initiative had already benefitted six health clinics in Daro, Sebangan, Tanjung Manis, Machan, Nanga Tau, and Sebauh, Bintulu. “Sebauh Health Clinic has received medical supplies such as a blood pressure monitor, glucometer, portable pulse oximeter, adjustable neck collar, spine board, transcutaneous jaundice detector, fetal doppler, stethoscope, otoscope holder, and others, valued at RM53,000 in total,” she said. Norazibah made these remarks in her speech prior to the presentation of the medical aids – a joint initiative by the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Sarawak (Sabati) and Petronas, to a health clinic in Sebauh on Thursday. “As a company that is committed to community, education, and human capital development; Petronas is honoured to be given the opportunity to play a role in improving the living standards of the community. “The Petronas – Sabati collaboration has proven that the spirit of unity, commitment, and concern for the community can produce extraordinary impacts,” she said. Such collaboration with strategic partners, she said, aligned with Petronas’ Positive Social Impact programme that supported equal access to basic healthcare needs and improved the life of the rural communities. Norazibah, who represented the Malaysia LNG Group managing director cum chief executive officer Mohamed Syazwan Abdullah @ Laga Jenggi, was pleased to announce the Group’s additional allocation of RM50,000 as a sign of support towards the cause. “It is hoped that this contribution can be well-utilised to benefit the local community,” she said.
UCF coach Gus Malzahn reportedly resigning to take Florida State OC jobSNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has gone back on an announcement that he would be pursuing a dual mandate as an MSP and MP simultaneously. Mr Flynn, the MP for Aberdeen South, announced earlier in November that he would also run for the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine seat at the 2026 Holyrood election – a seat which is already held by SNP MSP Audrey Nicoll. It would mean that if he had won, his Holyrood and Westminster constituencies would overlap. Mr Flynn said he would remain an MP for Aberdeen South up until the next general election, and said he would not take two salaries despite working both jobs. He previously wrote in the Press & Journal newspaper that his reasons for wanting to become an MSP were because he did not “want to sit out the upcoming battles that our city, shire and country face in Holyrood”. Mr Flynn added: “In my mind, it is clear that we are at a crucial junction in our nation’s story. “As (Scotland’s First Minister) John Swinney rebuilds the SNP and refocuses his government, I feel that I can contribute towards the next chapter and help build the case for independence. “And, in doing so, I’ll aim to be as unashamed as always in putting Aberdeen and Scotland first.” However, on Thursday evening Mr Flynn announced he “got this one wrong” and would no longer be pursuing both jobs. He said: “Hands up, I’ve got this one wrong and won’t be pursuing a dual mandate. “My aim to save the public purse from unnecessary strain by potentially overlapping the role of an MP and an MSP for a short period until the next general election was genuine in its intent – but doing it for the right reasons doesn’t change the fact that I got it wrong. “My motivation and central belief remains that Holyrood, as the heart of Scottish democracy, is the democratic platform that will drive the route to an independent Scotland. “All of us in the independence movement share that common cause and want to be part of that story. “Alongside all SNP members, I now look forward to assessing the new candidate selection rules that my party will put in place.” It comes after Mr Flynn faced backlash and warnings over the move. On Thursday morning, public finance minister and SNP MSP Ivan McKee spoke on BBC Radio Scotland , where he praised his colleague’s talent, but cautioned against working both jobs. He said: “I think double-jobbing – working as an MP and an MSP – isn’t sustainable. “I’ve got a full-time job as an MSP and a minister, I gave up work that I had, a consultancy and a directorship that I had that was paid work. “I didn’t need to give it up when I came into Parliament, (but) I recognised that this was a full-time job that needs a full-time commitment.” Asked if Mr Flynn should resign his Westminster seat – which overlaps with a portion of the constituency he was seeking at Holyrood – Mr McKee said: “I think Stephen’s got huge talent, he’s got a lot to offer to the party and the country in the years to come. “I think you’ll know that the SNP is one of the most democratic parties, where members can stand to challenge sitting MSPs, and that applies to all of us. “There was quite a number of those challenges in the last cycle, and that’s to be welcomed. “Stephen has got every right to stand in a vacant seat or challenge another sitting member, of course he can, but as I say, I think the idea that you can do both those jobs and give them due attention is not sustainable.” The Scottish Conservatives branded the move a “humiliating U-turn”. Deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: “This is a humiliating U-turn for Stephen Flynn. “His plans were typical of arrogant SNP politicians who think there should be one rule for them and another for everyone else. “However, even people in his own party saw right through his rank hypocrisy and made their feelings known. “The public deserve better than nationalists prioritising their own career options, rather than addressing what Scots are really concerned about.”
Supreme Court to consider whether Catholic group is exempt from religious taxes24 Hours in Police Custody is the most unsettling crime series on TVBy MEAD GRUVER and AMY BETH HANSON, Associated Press A judge on Monday rejected a request to block a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she is transgender. Monday’s ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player, who has played all season, to continue competing in the Mountain West Conference women’s championship scheduled for later this week in Las Vegas. The ruling comes after a lawsuit was filed by nine current players who are suing the Mountain West Conference to challenge the league’s policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. While some media have reported those and other details, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the school has a trans women’s volleyball player. The Associated Press is withholding the player’s name because she has not publicly commented on her gender identity. School officials also have declined an interview request with the player. Judge Crews referred to the athlete as an “alleged transgender” player in his ruling and noted that no defendant disputed that San Jose State rosters a transgender woman volleyball player. He said the players who filed the complaint could have sought relief much earlier, noting that the individual universities had acknowledged that not playing their games against San Jose State this season would result in a forfeit in league standings. He also said injunctions are meant to preserve the status quo. The conference policy regarding forfeiting for refusing to play against a team with a transgender player had been in effect since 2022 and the San Jose State player has been on the roster since 2022 – making that the status quo. The player competed at the college level three previous seasons, including two for San Jose State, drawing little attention. This season’s awareness of her identity led to an uproar among some players, pundits, parents and politicians in a political campaign year. The tournament starts Wednesday and continues Friday and Saturday. San Jose State is seeded second. The judge’s order maintains the seedings and pairings for the tournament. Several teams refused to play against San Jose State during the season, earning losses in the official standings. Boise State and Wyoming each had two forfeits while Utah State and Nevada both had one. Southern Utah, a member of the Western Athletic Conference, was first to cancel against San Jose State this year. Nevada’s players stated they “refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes,” without providing further details. Crews served as a magistrate judge in Colorado’s U.S. District Court for more than five years before President Joe Biden appointed him to serve as a federal judge in January of this year. Gruver reported from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Hanson from Helena, Montana.
The Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers both have won four in a row and eight of their last 10 games. One Pacific Division power will continue its ascent at the other's expense on Saturday afternoon when they meet in Edmonton. Ivan Barbashev scored his team-leading 14th goal of the season -- and the first in overtime of his career -- to lead Vegas to an inspiring 3-2 win in Winnipeg on Thursday night. Barbashev also had three assists in the Golden Knights' 4-2 victory over the Oilers on Nov. 6 and scored the lone goal in a 1-0 triumph over Edmonton on Dec. 3. Keegan Kolesar, who is from Brandon, Manitoba, scored in a homecoming of sorts to help Vegas complete its rally over Winnipeg an improve to 8-1-2 in its last 11 road games. "(We were) able to tie it up, then go down again, we stayed with it right to the very end," Kolesar said. "We didn't let it waver in any way in our play, played right to the whistle and we were able to come up two points." The Knights likely have goaltender Adin Hill to thank for that. Hill made 18 saves on Thursday night to improve to 11-2-2 in his last 15 starts. That includes turning aside 27 shots in the first encounter against the Oilers and all 28 he faced in the rematch earlier this month. Hill once again will be tasked with slowing down superstars Leon Draisaitl and captain Connor McDavid. Draisaitl scored a goal and set up three others while McDavid notched two assists in Edmonton's 7-1 romp over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday. To be fair, 13 of the Oilers' 18 skaters picked up at least one point in the lopsided victory. "Everyone was really good, but Leon really was at another level," Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch said of Draisaitl, who has 10 points (four goals, six assists) during a four-game point streak. "His two linemates really helped out, (Vasily Podkolzin) and (Kasperi) Kapanen. Those three have been playing well. But Leon in the last week or so has been on top of his game." McDavid hasn't been too shabby in his own right. The three-time Hart Trophy recipient also is riding a four-game points streak (two goals, seven assists) and has dented the scoresheet in 13 of his last 15 games. Edmonton could be without workhorse defenseman Evan Bouchard on Saturday after he exited with nearly 3 1/2 minutes remaining in the third period following a hard hit from rugged Ryan Hartman. Bouchard, who was in a vulnerable position, collided head-first with the net before crashing into the end boards. "We'll fly home and get it checked out," Knoblauch said. "Hopefully it's something minor." Per Daily Faceoff, Bouchard was seen sporting a "slight limp postgame and (had) soreness but otherwise seemed to avoid the worst of it." Bouchard has played in all 29 games this season and has missed just two contests in the previous three campaigns. This article first appeared on Field Level Media and was syndicated with permission.Tech billionaire and the newly appointed head of the US Department of Government Efficiency has called for a - in Britain. has endorsed a petition that calls for a new general election just months after the new cabinet moved in because of “going back on its promises”. The petition, which was given a X promotional boost by Musk on Sunday night, has gained more than 2 million signatures since it was created at the end of last week. It’s the latest red-flag-to-a-bull by the Space X founder, who has been coming for Sir Keir since he became PM. Showing support for the petition at the one million signature mark, Musk, owner of X, took to his social media platform to slag off the PM to his 206 million followers. He wrote: “The people of Britain have had enough of a tyrannical police state.” Musk’s comments followed his criticism of Tommy Robinson’s imprisonment. The Right wing extremist was jailed for 18 month for contempt of court in October, after he repeated false claims against a Syrian refugee. Musk called the UK a “tyrannical police state” when the petition clocked a million signatures, and said that “the people of Britain have had enough”. And while Musk has no shortage of supporters, it appears that at least some Brits have had enough of the American trying to stir the pot. “Right-wing oligarch Elon Musk is now trying to interfere in UK politics after buying the US election. He’s a threat to democracy everywhere. He’s now acting like trolls signing some online petition reflects Britain, despite Labour winning a few months ago in a landslide.” exclaimed on X user. Another said: “I genuinely hate Keir Starmer with every fibre of my being, but make no mistake, Musk is a hell of a lot worse.” A third person wrote: “I’m no fan of Keir Starmer but the way the right wing, backed and motivated by people like Musk, refuse to accept democracy should be a concern to everyone.” The signatories have to say they are UK citizens or residents and provide an email and postcode. But there is no other verification - risking the chance some of the signatories may actually be based abroad.British man, 69, fighting for his life after being struck by a tram while on holiday in Germany
Bad Axe: Wisconsin wary of rival Minnesota with bowl bid in perilNone