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mnl168 vip registration Gautam Adani reacted to the recent allegations pertaining to a bribery case in the US and said that every attack has made the group stronger. Jaipur: The Adani Group Chairman, Gautam Adani on Saturday spoke out on the recent allegations faced by him and other executives after being linked to an alleged bribery case in the US, saying that every attack has made the group stronger, and every obstacle becomes a stepping stone for a more resilient Adani Group. Speaking at the 51st India Gem and Jewellery Awards in Jaipur, the Adani Group Chairman said, "Less than two weeks back, we faced a set of allegations from the US about compliance practices at Adani Green Energy. This is not the first time we have faced such challenges. What I can tell you is that every attack makes us stronger, and every obstacle becomes a stepping stone for a more resilient Adani Group." "The fact is that despite a lot of the vested reporting, no one from the Adani side has been charged with any violation of the FCPA or any conspiracy to obstruct justice," the Adani Group Chairman added. The Adani Group Chairman also reflected on the consistent allegations made against his companies, including the attempt made by US short seller Hindenburg. "January last year, just as we were getting ready to launch our Follow-on Public Offering. We faced a short-selling attack initiated from abroad. This was not a typical financial strike; it was a double hit--targeting our financial stability and pulling us into a political controversy," he said. "But even in the face of such adversity, our commitment to our principles remained strong. After successfully raising 20,000 crore rupees from India's largest-ever FPO, we made the extraordinary decision to return the proceeds. We then further demonstrated our resilience by raising capital from several international sources and proactively reducing our Debt to EBITDA ratio to below 2.5 times, an unmatched metric in the global infrastructure space," he added. Gautam Adani stated that the company's all-time record financial results in the same year showcased its commitment to operational excellence. "Our all-time record financial results in the same year showcased our commitment to operational excellence. Not a single Indian or foreign credit rating agency downgraded us. Finally, the Supreme Court of India's affirmation of our actions validated our approach," he said. Gautam Adani also mentioned the 2010 controversy when the company made a move to invest in a coal mine in Australia. "The resistance from NGOs was huge and lasted almost a decade. In fact, it was so intense that we ended up funding the entire project of 10 billion dollars with our own equity. While we now have a world class operating mine in Australia and it could be seen as a great sign of our resilience, the fact is that 100% equity funding took away over 30 billion dollars of debt financing from our green energy projects," he recollected. Gautam Adani further added that he had come to accept that the roadblocks were the price of pioneering. "I have come to accept that the roadblocks we face are the price of pioneering. The more bold your dreams, the more the world will scrutinize you. But it is precisely in that scrutiny that you must find the courage to rise, to challenge the status quo, and to build a path where none exists. To pioneer is to embrace the unknown, to break limits, and to believe in your vision even when the world cannot yet see it," he asserted. In his speech the Adani Group chairman gave the audience three guiding thoughts, "First, embrace technology and sustainability as the twin pillars of progress.... Second, empower and uplift the skilled workforce at the heart of our transformation.... And finally, the future belongs to our youth. The younger generation brings fresh ideas, unshakeable energy, and a willingness to disrupt the old ways of thinking. We must nurture them." "Let us create an India where the wisdom of tradition, and the promise of innovation come together to challenge the status quo. And let us move forward with confidence to create a future where India's gems illuminate the world with their brilliance," Gautam Adani concluded. Stay informed on all the latest news , real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in india news and world News on Zee News.Should You Buy Palantir After Its 280% Gain This Year? Wall Street Says This.The recently retired Andy Murray is going to team up with longtime rival Novak Djokovic as his coach, they both announced Saturday, with plans to prepare for — and work together through — the Australian Open in January. It was a stunning bit of news as tennis moves toward its offseason , a pairing of two of the most successful and popular players in the sport, both of whom are sometimes referred to as members of a so-called Big Four that also included Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal . Djokovic is a 24-time Grand Slam champion who has spent more weeks at No. 1 than any other player in tennis history. Murray won three major trophies and two Olympic singles gold medals and finished 2016 atop the ATP rankings. He ended his playing career after the Paris Summer Games in August. Both men are 37 and were born a week apart in May 1987. They started facing each other as juniors and wound up meeting 36 times as professionals, with Djokovic holding a 25-11 advantage. “We played each other since we were boys — 25 years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. They called us game-changers, risk-takers, history-makers,” Djokovic posted on social media over photos and videos from some of their matches. “I thought our story may be over. Turns out, it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome on board, Coach — Andy Murray.” Djokovic's 2024 season is over, and it was not up to his usual, high standards. He didn't win a Grand Slam trophy ; his only title, though, was meaningful to him: a gold medal for Serbia in singles at the Summer Games. Djokovic has been without a full-time coach since splitting in March from Goran Ivanisevic. “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the offseason, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open," Murray said in a statement released by his management team. "I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.” Their head-to-head series on tour includes an 11-8 lead for Djokovic in finals, and 8-2 at Grand Slam tournaments. Djokovic beat Murray four times in the Australian Open final alone — in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016. Two of the most important victories of Murray's career came with Djokovic on the other side of the net. One was in the 2012 U.S. Open final , when Murray claimed his first Grand Slam title. The other was in the 2013 Wimbledon final , when Murray became the first British man in 77 years to win the singles championship at the All England Club. Next year's Australian Open starts on Jan. 12. ___ AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis Howard Fendrich, The Associated Press

NoneNFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke to congressional leaders Monday about the ongoing security issue of drones on game days, a person with knowledge of the meeting told The Associated Press. The person, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because the discussions weren't publicized, said Goodell also joined Washington Commanders controlling owner Josh Harris in a series of meetings concerning the RFK stadium proposal and other league matters. Unapproved drones have become a problem for various sports leagues. There was a stoppage during the AFC championship game in Baltimore last January because a drone violated the restricted airspace. Another game in Baltimore in November 2023 was delayed twice because of a drone. The NFL said there were 2,845 drone flights into restricted air space during games in 2023. That number was up from 2,537 in 2022. The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits drones from flying within 3 nautical miles — about 3.45 miles — of stadiums during major sporting events with a seating capacity of 30,000 or more. The ban starts one hour before the scheduled time of a game or event and extends until one hour after it ends. The FAA banned drones within a radius of 30 nautical miles — about 35 miles — of Allegiant Stadium for the Super Bowl last February.RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The very close election for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat heads next to a hand recount even as election officials announced a machine recount of over 5.5 million ballots resulted in no margin change between the candidates. The statewide machine recount — in which ballots were run again through tabulators — that wrapped up this week showed Democratic Associate Justice Allison Riggs with a 734-vote lead over Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin, who is a Court of Appeals judge. Most county election boards reported minor vote changes from the machine recount requested by Griffin. But State Board of Elections data showed the post-recount lead exactly the same as what Riggs held after all 100 counties fully completed their ballot canvass in November. Griffin led Riggs by about 10,000 votes on election night, but that lead dwindled and flipped to Riggs as tens of thousands of qualifying provisional and absentee ballots were added to the totals through the canvass. Griffin, who already has pending election protests challenging the validity of more than 60,000 ballots counted statewide, has asked for a partial hand-to-eye recount, which county boards will start Wednesday or Thursday. The partial hand recount applies to ballots in 3% of the voting sites in all 100 counties, chosen at random Tuesday by the state board. Once the partial recount is complete, a statewide hand recount would be ordered if the sample results differ enough from the machine recount that the result would be reversed if the difference were extrapolated to all ballots. Riggs, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2023 and now seeks an eight-year term, again claimed victory Tuesday. In a campaign news release, spokesperson Embry Owen said Griffin “needs to immediately concede – losing candidates must respect the will of voters and not needlessly waste state resources.” Riggs is one of two Democrats on the seven-member court. Through attorneys, Griffin has challenged ballots that he says may not qualify for several reasons and cast doubt on the election result. Among them: voter registration records of some voters casting ballots lack driver's license or partial Social Security numbers, and overseas voters never living in North Carolina may run afoul of state residency requirements. State and county boards are considering the protests. Griffin's attorneys on Monday asked the state board to accelerate the matters before it and make a final ruling early next week. "Our priority remains ensuring that every legal vote is counted and that the public can trust the integrity of this election,” state Republican Party spokesperson Matt Mercer said in a news release. Final rulings by the state board can be appealed to state court. Joining Griffin in protests are three Republican legislative candidates who still trailed narrowly in their respective races after the machine recounts. The Supreme Court race and two of these three legislative races have not been called by The Associated Press. The key pending legislative race is for a House seat covering Granville County and parts of Vance County. Republican Rep. Frank Sossamon trails Democratic challenger Bryan Cohn by 228 votes, down from 233 votes before the recount. Sossamon also asked for a partial hard recount in his race, which was to begin Tuesday. Should Cohn win, Republicans will fall one seat short of the 72 needed in the 120-member House to retain its veto-proof majority — giving more leverage to Democratic Gov.-elect Josh Stein in 2025. Senate Republicans already have won 30 of the 50 seats needed to retain its supermajority in their chamber. The AP on Tuesday did call another legislative race not subject to a protest, as Mecklenburg County GOP Rep. Tricia Cotham won her reelection bid over Democrat Nicole Sidman. A machine recount showed Cotham ahead of Sidman by 213 votes, compared to 216 after the county canvass. Cotham’s switch from the Democrats to the Republicans in April 2023 secured the Republicans' 72-seat veto-proof majority so that Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s vetoes could be overridden by relying solely on GOP lawmakers. Cotham had already claimed victory weeks ago. Sidman said Tuesday in a written statement: "After a fair vote and a recount following established procedure, I accept the result in my race. In the interest of respecting the will of North Carolina's voters, I urge all candidates to accept the results in their races as well.”

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EPFO Board okays redemption policy for ETFs to boost earnings for members

UnitedHealthcare Shooting Suspect Has Outburst Before Hearing On Move To New York

DALLAS — Delta and United became the most profitable U.S. airlines by targeting premium customers while also winning back a significant share of travelers on a tight budget. That is squeezing smaller low-fare carriers like Spirit Airlines , which recently filed for bankruptcy protection. Some travel-industry experts think Spirit’s troubles indicate that travelers on a budget will be left with fewer choices and higher prices. Other discount airlines are on much better financial footing than Spirit, but they too are lagging far behind the full-service airlines when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic . Most industry experts think Frontier Airlines and other so-called ultra-low-cost carriers will fill the vacuum if Spirit shrinks , and that there is still plenty of competition to prevent prices from spiking. Spirit Airlines lost more than $2.2 billion since the start of 2020. Frontier has not reported a full-year profit since 2019, though that slump might end this year. Allegiant Air’s parent company is still profitable, but less so than before the pandemic. Those kind of numbers led United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby to declare recently that low-cost carriers were using “a fundamentally flawed business model” and customers hate flying on them. Kirby’s touchdown dance might turn out to be premature, but many analysts are wary about the near-term prospects for budget airlines, which charge cheaper fares but more fees than the big airlines. A traveler speaks with a Spirit Airlines agent May 24 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day in Atlanta. Low-cost airlines grew in the last two decades by undercutting big carriers on ticket prices, thanks in large part to lower costs, including hiring younger workers who were paid less than their counterparts at Delta Air Lines, United and American Airlines . Wages soared across the industry in the past two years, however, narrowing that cost advantage. The big airlines rolled out and refined their no-frills, “basic economy” tickets to compete directly with Spirit, Frontier and other budget carriers for the most price-sensitive travelers. The budget airlines became less efficient at using planes and people. As their growth slowed, they wound up with more of both than they needed. In 2019, Spirit planes were in the air an average of 12.3 hours every day. By this summer, the planes spent an average of two more hours each day sitting on the ground, where they don't make money. Spirit's costs per mile jumped 32% between 2019 and 2023. Another issue is that airlines added too many flights. Budget airlines and Southwest Airlines were among the worst offenders, but full-service airlines piled on. To make up for a drop in business travel, the big carriers added more flights on domestic leisure routes. The result: Too many seats on flights into popular tourist destinations such as Florida and Las Vegas, which drove down prices, especially for economy-class tickets. Rows of seats are shown Sept. 26 on a retrofitted Southwest Airlines jet at Love Field in Dallas. Low-cost airlines are responding by following the old adage that if you can't beat them, join them. That means going premium, following the rapidly growing household wealth among upper-income people. The top one-fifth of U.S. households by income added $35 trillion in wealth since 2019 and holds nearly nine times the wealth of the middle fifth, according to the Federal Reserve . Frontier Airlines organized its fares into four bundles in May, with buyers of higher-priced tickets getting extras such as priority boarding, more legroom and checked bags. The airline dropped ticket-change or cancellation fees except for the cheapest bundle. Spirit followed in August with similar changes, blocking middle seats and charging passengers more for the comfort of aisle and window seats. Spirit Airlines CEO Ted Christie received a $3.8 million retention bonus a week before the Florida-based carrier filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Christie will retain the bonus if he remains with the company for another year. The airline's stock has dropped over 90% this year. It has faced challenges including a blocked $3.8 billion merger with JetBlue and failed talks with Frontier. The pandemic disrupted Spirit's operations and travel patterns, reducing its daily aircraft utilization and increasing costs. Demand has shifted to full-service airlines as higher-income travelers vacation more, while inflation impacts lower-income consumers. JetBlue Airways , which began flying more than 20 years ago as a low-cost carrier but with amenities, is digging out from years of steady losses. Under new CEO Joanna Geraghty, the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline, JetBlue is cutting unprofitable routes, bolstering core markets that include the Northeast and Florida, and delaying deliveries of $3 billion worth of new planes. Starting next year, Southwest Airlines will toss out a half-century tradition of “open seating” — passengers picking their own seat after boarding the plane. Executives say extensive surveying showed 80% of customers preferred an assigned seat, and that's especially true with coveted business travelers. More crowded planes also might be pushing passengers to spend more to escape a middle seat in the back of the plane. A Frontier Airlines jet takes off July 5, 2022, from Denver International Airport in Denver. In other parts of the world, budget carriers are doing just fine. They bounced back from the pandemic just like their more highbrow competitors. Some industry experts say low-cost carriers in Asia and Europe have always attracted a more diverse mix of passengers, while in the U.S., affluent and middle-class travelers look down their noses at low-cost carriers. Jamie Baker, an analyst for JPMorgan, says he has many college friends who work in London and fly Irish airline Ryanair all the time, but he hardly knows anyone who has ever been on a Spirit or Frontier plane. A small plane tows a banner April 13, 2016, over Flint Bishop International Airport as part of ceremonies marking Allegiant Air joining the airport. Delta CEO Ed Bastian is less dismissive of the “lower-end carriers” in the U.S. than United's Kirby. "I don’t see that segment ever disappearing,” Bastian said after Spirit’s bankruptcy filing. “I think there’s a market for it.” At the same time, he said the upscale moves by ultra-low-cost carriers are having no effect on his airline. Delta targets upscale travelers but also introduced basic-economy fares a decade ago, when discounters emerged as a growing threat to poach some of Delta's customers. “Just calling yourself a premium carrier and actually being a premium carrier are two totally different things,” Bastian said “It's not the size of the seat or how much room you have; it's the overall experience.” As frequent flyers know, air travel isn't cheap. With the summer months in full swing, demand for air travel is expected to reach record numbers in 2024 as airlines continue to recover after the COVID-19 pandemic. Luckily for those who are looking for ways to save on travel , one way to cut costs on your next vacation may be in finding the right places to fly in and out of. FinanceBuzz looked at average domestic airfares from the 45 busiest airports in the U.S. to learn which airports are best for travelers on a budget, as well as which ones to avoid if you are trying to travel affordably. Overall, the national average airfare cost decreased by 3.1% from 2022 to 2023 when adjusted for inflation (which translates to a 0.9% increase in non-adjusted dollars). The last time inflation-adjusted airfare costs dropped year-over-year was during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when it fell 18% between 2019 and 2020. Largely, this is good news for consumers who can spend less on airfare and have more room in their budget for hotels , restaurants, and other travel fees. In addition to earning rewards on airfare, most travel credit cards offer rewards for spending in these areas, which can offset overall vacation costs. For the third year in a row, Dulles International Airport (IAD) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) have the two highest average fares in the country. Flights from Dulles cost $488.40 on average in 2023, while flights from San Francisco cost $444.59. Some silver lining for travelers who need to travel through Dulles: IAD is home to some of the best airport lounges in the country, including the recently-opened Capital One Lounge, available to Capital One Venture X or Venture Rewards credit card holders. With free food, drinks, and recharging stations, lounges can be one easy way to offset otherwise-expensive airport costs. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) has the third-highest average airfare in the country, with an average cost of $438.34. Last on our top-five list of the most expensive airports are Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). Average airfare from Charlotte cost $436.80 last year, while flights from Detroit had an average price tag of $427.05. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) was the biggest affordability winner over the last year, dropping prices by more than $18 on average. SEA jumped from 36th most-affordable place last year to 28th place this year — an increase of eight spots. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Portland International Airport (PDX) experienced similar jumps, rising by seven spots each. RDU went from 24th place in 2022 to 17th in 2023, while PDX went from 42nd to 35th. Two different airports fell by eight spots in our affordability rankings, tied for the biggest drop of the year. The average fare at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) rose by $18.66 year-over-year, which led SMF to go from 18th in last year's affordability rankings to 26th this year. Prices rose even more at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), going up by $19.64 on average from one year to the next. Consequently, STL fell from 21st to 29th place in terms of affordability. As you plan your travel, you'll find costs can vary widely at a single airport. With a little research and smart planning, you can find a deal at any airport. Here are a few tips to save on airfare: We looked at 2023 airfare data released by the U.S. Department of Transportation in May 2024 to compare domestic airfares by origin city. This report calculated average fares based on domestic itinerary fares. "Itinerary fares" consist of round-trip fares, unless only a one-way ticket was purchased. In that case, the one-way fare was used. Fares are based on total ticket value, including the price charged by the airline plus any additional taxes and fees levied at the time of purchase. Fares include only the price paid at booking and do not include fees for optional services like baggage fees. Averages also do not include frequent-flyer or "zero fares" or a few abnormally high reported fares. This stor y was produced by FinanceBuzz and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Based on Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the above chart shows inflation-adjusted average airline fares over the past 25 years. For this report, we compared domestic airfares from the 45 busiest airports in the U.S. using data published by the U.S. Department of Transportation . Orlando International Airport (MCO) had the lowest airfare cost in the country at $265.58 on average. Home to iconic theme parks like Universal Studios, Sea World, and most notably, Walt Disney World, Orlando is one of America's top tourist destinations. This is welcome news for those bracing for expensive park tickets and food prices at the House of Mouse. Beyond saving with a Disney credit card on park-related purchases, visitors can also maximize savings by using a credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve which offers an annual travel credit, or even using a 0% APR credit card if you don't want to pay for your entire vacation at once. Another Florida-based airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), has the second-lowest average airfare cost in the country — tickets here are only about $5 more expensive than Orlando's. Just a few dollars behind FLL is Las Vegas's Harry Reid International (LAS), where fares cost $272.15 on average. LAS is also the last airport on our list where average airfare costs are less than $300. Oakland International Airport (OAK) has the fourth-lowest average airfare costs in the country at $303.79. And the fifth-least expensive airport, Chicago Midway International (MDW), comes in at $308.27. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Rhode Island beats Bryant 35-21 to claim its first Coastal Athletic Association title

has just become ’s third consecutive critically acclaimed project for DC, but it’s his first creative output from his new DCU slate as co-head of DC Studios. Technically speaking, it’s the fifth celebrated project in a row since he oversaw Matt Reeves’ DC Elseworlds’ HBO series, , as well as the Sundance acquisition of . Gunn did not intend for his new animated series to launch the rebooted DC universe, but immediately following the ratings juggernaut that was season one, HBO Max, now Max, asked Gunn if he had another streaming series in him. He proceeded to write all seven episodes of on spec, and just as he was dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s, he was hired by Warner Bros. Discovery to shepherd the entire universe alongside his longtime friend and producer, Peter Safran. Thus, is first up to bat since the 7-episode series was already in motion. In late 2022, after turning in his scripts, Gunn knew that he needed to hire a showrunner while he and Safran conceived the rest of the DCU’s first chapter. That eight- to ten-year plan is now known as featuring a handful of films, TV series and games, including 2025’s , the DCU’s “true beginning.” All the while, , who co-created Max’s beloved animated series (2019), was helping Gunn bring to fruition. But as swamped as Gunn was with and various other tasks, Lorey is grateful that the filmmaker and studio co-chair was still able to be hands-on with , versus redirecting him to other parties. “To tell you the truth, it was one of the best experiences I’ve had. I didn’t have to go through anybody else. It was one-stop shopping,” Lorey tells . Gunn adds: “[Going through multiple people] can be a pain in the ass. Honestly, [working directly] was something good that I got from Marvel. There was a very clear back and forth [with Marvel], and while there was sometimes arguing in the best of ways, it always led to something different. It wasn’t like people were taking sides. The politics of it was gone, and that’s the way that we did . It was me working together with Dean to create the best thing, and none of us had egos.” takes place shortly after season one, as Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) sidesteps the congressional ruling that she can no longer enlist human prisoners for A.R.G.U.S.’s dangerous missions by now using imprisoned monsters. As a result, Waller hands a new operation and team to Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo), the father of the fallen , who was murdered by Peacemaker/Christopher Smith (John Cena) in Gunn’s DC debut, (2021). Grillo’s older Flag will also play a key role in the upcoming film and second season of , all of which serves as an example of the kind of synergy that Gunn hopes to maintain between animation and live-action. As for the DCU’s upcoming live-action launch, Gunn is currently test-screening (2025), and he remains absolutely bullish about David Corenswet’s Superman/Clark Kent. “Honestly, from the bottom of my heart, David Corenswet is going to freak everyone out with how great he is,” Gun insists. “He is one of the best actors I’ve ever worked with, and he can do everything. The man is incredible.” Gunn has also just wrapped season two, and he’s excited about the deviation that’s coming the audience’s way in late 2025. “Season two of is also going to take people by surprise,” Gunn shares. “We take a very different route than the first season, and it’s a really magical story that people are going to be blown away by.” Below, during a conversation with , Gunn and Lorey also address the question surrounding what is and isn’t canon from the now-defunct DCEU, as well as a potential second season of . *** Well, it really wasn’t meant to be that. The main thing is that it was already written. ( ) HBO Max asked me to do another show after the success of , but I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do. Committing to a TV show is a big deal, so I just started playing with different ideas, and then I started writing on spec. I wrote all seven episodes in a few weeks, and then right around the time that I was finishing those scripts, I got hired as the co-head of DC Studios. So we were ready to go [with ]. I supervised production and shepherded it forward, but James was still very involved in every step. We sent him the voice records cut together, the animatics, everything, so James was very much a part of the whole process. I don’t know how he does it! Every time I dealt with , it was like Christmas for me. Taking on a project the size of is just crazy. It’s hard and stressful. But the [ ] guys were doing such amazing work, and the cast was so incredible. They just kept sending me one great thing after another, but I also really cared about it. The pieces that I care about, I really get into the nitty-gritty of them. Of course, I worked with the actors for the recording of everything, which is relatively simple. At the end of the day, there’s seven episodes and they aren’t long. So we recorded everybody doing everything at once, and it wasn’t that much time. Yeah, they’re light canon. is pretty straightforward, with the exception of the appearance by a certain group [the former DCEU’s Justice League] at the end. ( ) They don’t exist . But the rule is: if we mention [something from the past] in one of the new DCU shows [and movies], then it happened. So that’s the way we’re dealing with it. ( ) To tell you the truth, it was one of the best experiences I’ve had. Being the creator of the show, James’ notes were very clear and very specific. I also knew that once we did them, I didn’t have to go through anybody else. It was one-stop shopping. Yeah, [going through multiple people] can be a pain in the ass. Honestly, it was something good that I got from Marvel. Normally, when you work on a movie, it’s the director’s voice, the studio’s voice and the producers’ voice. Sometimes, it’s the production company, and oftentimes, all those things can really fight each other. And working with Marvel, it was me as a director and them as the producer/studio. So there was a very clear back and forth, and while there was sometimes arguing in the best of ways, it always led to something different. It wasn’t like people were taking sides. The politics of it was gone, and that’s the way that we did . It was me working together with Dean to create the best thing, and none of us had egos. I can’t do everything, so it’s about using my time as best I can. There’s a lot of things I have to turn over to the guys to do, and it’s about really putting my time where it needs to be. I’m a micromanager. When I’m doing a movie, I’m looking at every single thing. So it’s definitely been wearing, and honestly, I can’t do what I’ve been doing the past [however many years]. Well, I wouldn’t give away any state secrets, but I haven’t tried to grill James for anything about these characters. I’d mostly like to be surprised. I hope that James writes the next batch of stuff and that I can read it all in the same way that I did this past batch. So that’s how I’d like to find out unless I’m the one writing. Yeah, we’ve talked about all of these characters in live-action and how we would do them, if we did them, in live-action. I don’t want to give away any secrets, but we use some technology in that’s completely new in regards to this kind of stuff. So we would know exactly how to do GI Robot. Absolutely. 100 percent. That’s right. Everything is very consistent in terms of the politics of the world and where the world is at and what’s going on; who are the metahumans in power, who are the metahumans not in power; who are the power brokers, who are not the power brokers. So we see a glimpse of it here, but we see more of it in and . We took elements of what the DC Frankenstein has been as this mercenary. But we also took a lot of things from Mary Shelley’s original for both the Bride and for Frankenstein, and we put them together in a way that added some other interesting elements. But I love Mary Shelley’s , and part of the real fun for me was playing with that canon in the same way that we’re playing with the DC canon. And David Harbour’s performance adds a whole other dimension to our Frankenstein. Indira’s [Varma] Bride, too. The two of them are just incredible. Yeah, I found his backstory to be heartbreaking and touching and emotional in ways that you would never associate with Weasel. It was by far the most surprising backstory. Yeah, he does. He really does. He does me favors when I need him, and he’s amazing in his episode of . Linda Cardellini, who’s another one of my close friends who I’ve worked with a lot, is amazing as Weasel’s lawyer, Elizabeth [Bates], in episode four. So I have this group of people who never ever let me down, like Nathan Fillion. Gregg Henry, who’s amazing, is in this season. So there’s just a lot of really wonderful actors that I’ve formed bonds with, and because I know the ins and outs of what they can do, I use them as appropriately as I can. Yeah, we were able to do that. We got several together. We had Indira and Zoë [Chao] together. They were great fun to watch, and they were fangirling over each other. It was terrific. Who were the others? Grillo and Harbour. And Grillo and Maria [Bakalova]. That’s right. There are these couples throughout the show, and it was important to get the energy between them so that it didn’t read like your usual thing with one line, one line, one line, one line. We wanted to really have this conversationalist, back-and-forth energy, and Indira and Zoë added little things afterwards to really keep it alive and make it feel like it’s real. So it was important to us from the beginning to keep that naturalistic style. We’ve talked about it, yeah. I feel great. is an enormous bear of a movie. It’s completely different from this show in every way, but it’s very much fantastic as well. Honestly, from the bottom of my heart, David Corenswet is going to freak everyone out with how great he is. He is one of the best actors I’ve ever worked with, and he can do everything. The man is incredible. And then season two of is also going to take people by surprise. We take a very different route than the first season, and it’s a really magical story that people are going to be blown away by. Frank Grillo, of course, is a major part of that [and ], as his character, Rick Flag Sr., from . *** premieres December 5 on Max. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day More from The Hollywood ReporterCryptocurrency emerged as a success story and, never before has the demand for safe, reliable, and user-friendly storage methods been greater. This is what is actually talking about with the introduction of the – they are changing the way we think about digital currency storage. Having started through a more credit card-like design, high tech security, and stiff quantitative production standards, Tangem has found itself to be one of the go-to answers that the majority of people look for, trying to secure their digital assets. 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The Tangem Wallet Cards 2 Pack and the Tangem Wallet Cards 3 Pack among other Tangem variants offer professional customer service coupled with extensive expertise to ensure a hassle-free experience from purchase to setting up process. In the current crypto landscape, a Tangem wallet is not just for storage; it is an absolute must-have solution. It combines the assurance of security, ease of use, and portability, making it an essential tool for anyone who takes his or her digital investments seriously. Tangem offers you an incredibly handy wallet that is at the same time highly secure, a good provider of control and confidence when handling your cryptocurrency. Get the perfect digital security at The Crypto Merchant, your first destination for buying just the right Tangem Crypto wallet for you. From the varied choices in front of you, such as Tangem Wallet Cards 3 Pack and the Tangem 2.0 Wallet 3 Packs, you are sure to get that ideal Tangem wallet for you. Alexia is the author at Research Snipers covering all technology news including Google, Apple, Android, Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung News, and More.

Brisbane news live: PM condemns ‘another antisemitic attack’

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — SMU had an anxious morning awaiting word from the College Football Playoff committee. The Mustangs believed they had a strong enough resume to get into the 12-team field, highlighted by two wins over ranked teams. Even so, a loss to Clemson in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game was enough to spur trepidation; the committee could go with Alabama instead.Tweet Facebook Mail The federal government said it is closely looking into Commonwealth Bank 's move to charge their customers a $3 withdrawal fee. It comes the day after Australia's largest bank announced that from January 6, customers will be charged a fee for withdrawing cash over the counter at a branch, post office or over the phone. The fee won't apply to customers under the age of 18 or any ATM withdrawals.  READ MORE:  'Positive shift' as Aussies turn to zero-alcohol drinks over holidays The federal government said it is looking into Commonwealth Bank's "out-of-touch" move to charge their customers a $3 withdrawal fee. Commonwealth is forcing existing customers to move from their complete access accounts to new smart access accounts. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher today urged the bank to reverse the decision. "This type of charging and looking at $3 per transaction, I think, it's really hard, and particularly for those customers that have those types of accounts and want to go into the branches," she told ABC News Breakfast. "So we're having a close look at this ... I would really think that some goodwill here just before Christmas is for the CBA to have a think about the announcement that they made yesterday." READ MORE:  Home buyer battles neighbours swimming in her $1.29m backyard Commonwealth Bank isn't the only institution that charges customers a withdrawal fee. (iStock) Commonwealth Bank's retail banking services group executive Angus Sullivan defended the decision yesterday, saying it would only affect 10 per cent of their customers. "The last thing we want to do is upset our customers," he told Nine's A Current Affair . "We're doing as much as we can to support them with fee-free options, support, exemptions to make this change as manageable as possible. "But the reality is, there's also a cost associated with offering this service." Commonwealth Bank isn't the only institution that charges customers a withdrawal fee. ANZ, NAB and Bendigo Bank charge some of their customers fees ranging from 80 cents to $3.  DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The top Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, on Tuesday called on President Joe Biden to pardon some "working-class Americans" after drawing criticism for pardoning his own son, Hunter Biden. "During his final weeks in office, President Biden should exercise the high level of compassion he has consistently demonstrated throughout his life, including toward his son, and pardon on a case-by-case basis the working-class Americans in the federal prison system whose lives have been ruined by unjustly aggressive prosecutions for nonviolent offenses," Jeffries said in a statement. Biden, who leaves office on Jan. 20, for months had said he would not pardon his son, who was found guilty of lying about being addicted to illegal drugs while buying a gun and pleaded guilty to criminal charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes. The sweeping pardon also applied to any other crimes "he committed or may have committed" between Jan. 1, 2014 and Dec. 1, 2024. The president said he believed his son had been made the target of a politically motivated prosecution. Republicans including President-elect Donald Trump blasted the move, as did some Democrats who said it eroded trust in the judicial system. (Reporting by Gabriella Borter, additional reporting by Costas Pitas; Editing by Scott Malone and Caitlin Webber)

Michigan, Ohio State fight broken up with police pepper spray after Wolverines stun Buckeyes 13-10Victory Capital Management Inc. Sells 446 Shares of Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:FND)

A police constable has allegedly been stabbed while trying to stop a group of men . or signup to continue reading The constable is recovering in hospital, where he is reported to be in a stable condition, and police have arrested three men and charged the alleged attacker. Police went to at 12.30am on November 22 after receiving reports that five men were seen fighting. A hatchback was spotted driving away as police arrived and officers called in support from aviation command to follow the car, police said. Police allege four of the men were in the hatchback and a fifth left the area on foot. The pursuit ended quickly, after the hatchback hit a power pole, and four men allegedly ran from the car. The 34-year-old constable was trying to arrest a 20-year-old man when he was stabbed in the chest, police said. The 20-year-old was charged with wounding a police officer executing duty (reckless as to actual bodily harm), wounding person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, custody of a knife in a public place and assaulting a police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm. He was refused bail to appear in Blacktown Local Court on November 22. An 18-year-old and 21-year-old were also arrested and a crime scene has been established as the investigation continues. Police are searching for two other men spotted at the fight on Hill End Road. Anna Houlahan reports on crime and social issues affecting regional and remote Australia in her role as national crime reporter at Australian Community Media (ACM). She was ACM’s Trainee of the Year in 2023 and, aside from reporting on crime, has travelled the country as a journalist for Explore Travel Magazine. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au Anna Houlahan reports on crime and social issues affecting regional and remote Australia in her role as national crime reporter at Australian Community Media (ACM). She was ACM’s Trainee of the Year in 2023 and, aside from reporting on crime, has travelled the country as a journalist for Explore Travel Magazine. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. 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Advertisement AdvertisementThe Transportation Security Administration has some reminders for those heading to airports during the holidays. “People seem to forget some of the more common and routine steps that they need to take when packing for a flight or when they are going through a checkpoint, perhaps because they’re focused on being at their destination and not focusing on what needs to happen before getting there,” said TSA officer Christopher Kirchein of John F. Kennedy International Airport. “Travelers sometimes ignore the advice that we give them,” said TeaNeisha Barker, a TSA uniformed adviser. “We are providing guidance so that they get through the checkpoint as simply and conveniently as possible. Not every airport has the same technology, so listen to the guidance we are offering.” “Passengers forget that knives and other weapons are not allowed through our checkpoints. It’s shocking to see so many people with knives,” said TSA officer Aisha Hicks of Philadelphia International Airport. “Weapons of any kind are prohibited through a TSA checkpoint.” TSA officers shared this list of the common things that travelers forget and should remember when coming to a security checkpoint. Ten things that travelers need to remember when preparing to go through the security screening process: • Remember that you cannot bring bottles of water, energy drinks, juice, coffee, soda or any filled insulated reusable container through a security checkpoint. However, they can finish their beverage and bring the empty bottle or container with them. • Remember to bring your ID to the checkpoint. • Remember when TSA officers remind you to remove everything from your pockets that it does not only mean metallic items such as keys and mobile phones, but it means everything, including non-metallic items such as tissues, lip balm, breath mints, etc. • Remember that you cannot bring a firearm through a checkpoint. Instead, pack your unloaded firearm in a locked hard-sided case and declare it at your airline check-in counter and the airline will ensure it is transported in the belly of the plane where nobody has access to it. • Remember that you need to remove your shoes when getting screened and then end up barefoot on the floor. It’s probably a good idea to wear socks. • Remember that children 12 and under are allowed to travel through a TSA PreCheck screening lane with a parent who has TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass. In addition, don’t forget that children up to the age of 18 can also come into the TSA PreCheck lane with their parent if they are on the same airline reservation as their parent. • Remember that passengers that appear 12 and under or 75 and older do not need to remove their shoes and light jacket. • Remember, if you are putting a lock on your luggage, make sure it is a TSA compatible lock so that if TSA officers need to open your luggage, they can unlock it and relock it. If the lock is not TSA compliant, TSA officers who need to open your luggage will cut off the lock, rendering it useless. • Remember that you can bring medications through a security checkpoint, even liquid medication. Just let the TSA officer know that you have liquid medication with you so it can be screened separately. • Remember to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license sooner rather than later because REAL ID goes into effect on May 7.

Share Tweet Share Share Email Efficiency and sustainability have become key priorities. Traditional paper-based systems, once relied upon for managing receipts and expenses, are now being replaced by innovative digital solutions. One of the most transformative technologies to emerge in recent years is digital receipt management. This technology enables businesses and individuals to track and manage expenses effortlessly while promoting a paperless environment . What is Digital Receipt Management? Digital receipt management refers to the process of capturing, storing, and organizing receipts in digital formats. Instead of keeping physical receipts that can be easily lost or damaged, users can scan or photograph receipts and store them on digital platforms. These platforms not only secure the data but also provide features such as automatic categorization and seamless integration with accounting software. The rise of cloud computing, mobile apps, and AI-driven expense management tools has made digital receipt management an accessible and efficient solution for everyone, from freelancers to large corporations. The Benefits of Going Paperless with Digital Receipt Management Sustainability and Environmental Impact One of the most immediate advantages of adopting digital receipt management is the reduction in paper waste. By eliminating the need for physical receipts, businesses can significantly lower their environmental footprint. Additionally, going paperless helps reduce storage space needed for physical files, contributing to a more sustainable and organized workplace. Organization and Accessibility Physical receipts are prone to wear and tear, and often get misplaced, making it difficult to track expenses. With digital receipt management, receipts are stored securely in the cloud, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. This provides greater flexibility and convenience for users. Whether you’re traveling for business or working from home, you can easily retrieve receipts for tax purposes or expense reports without the hassle of searching through a pile of paper . Time-Saving and Efficiency Digital receipt management tools are designed to save time. Rather than manually entering receipt details, these tools can automatically extract key information such as date, amount, vendor name, and item description using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. This process eliminates the need for time-consuming data entry and reduces the likelihood of human error. Moreover, many platforms integrate with accounting software, streamlining the process of categorizing and reconciling expenses. As a result, both employees and accountants can focus on more valuable tasks, such as analyzing spending patterns or identifying cost-saving opportunities. Enhanced Security Digital receipts are typically encrypted and stored in secure cloud-based environments, which are far less vulnerable to theft or damage than physical receipts. Moreover, users can set up multi-factor authentication and backup systems, providing extra layers of security. This makes digital receipt management an ideal solution for businesses that need to safeguard sensitive financial information. Compliance and Tax Reporting Maintaining accurate and well-organized records is crucial for businesses to remain compliant with tax laws. Digital receipt management ensures that receipts are stored in an organized manner, making it easier to retrieve them during tax season. Most digital receipt management systems also allow users to store additional details like expense categories, making it easier to track tax-deductible items. With the automatic generation of reports, businesses can stay prepared for audits or any financial scrutiny. Key Features of Digital Receipt Management Systems Optical Character Recognition (OCR) OCR technology allows digital receipt management systems to scan receipts and automatically extract key information. This includes the date of purchase, the merchant’s name, the amount spent, and a breakdown of the items purchased. This eliminates manual data entry, making the expense tracking process faster and more accurate. Cloud Storage and Backup Most digital receipt management platforms utilize cloud storage to keep receipts safe and easily accessible. Cloud storage also enables automatic backups, ensuring that your data is never lost due to system crashes or accidental deletions. Expense Categorization Digital receipt management systems typically offer automatic categorization features. This allows users to sort receipts into predefined categories, such as travel, entertainment, office supplies, etc. This feature simplifies the task of tracking different types of expenses, ensuring that reports are accurate and ready for tax filing. Integration with Accounting Software One of the most powerful features of digital receipt management systems is integration with popular accounting software. By syncing with platforms like QuickBooks or Xero, users can automate the process of reconciling expenses. This integration eliminates the need for manual data entry, reducing the risk of errors and improving efficiency. Expense Reporting and Analytics Advanced digital receipt management tools provide robust reporting and analytics features. These tools allow businesses to generate detailed reports on their spending patterns, helping them make informed decisions about cost-cutting measures or budgeting. Customizable reports also enable businesses to track expenses according to specific criteria, such as department or project. How Digital Receipt Management Improves Business Efficiency Real-Time Expense Tracking With digital receipt management systems, businesses can track expenses in real-time. As soon as an expense is incurred, employees can scan and upload the receipt, ensuring that financial records are up-to-date. This also improves visibility, as managers can monitor spending trends as they happen, rather than relying on outdated, manually recorded data. Faster Reimbursement Process For businesses that require employees to submit receipts for reimbursement, digital receipt management significantly speeds up the process. Employees can submit receipts directly through a mobile app or desktop platform. Managers can then review, approve, and process reimbursements faster, eliminating the delays associated with physical paperwork. Improved Expense Reporting Accuracy By automating data capture and categorization, digital receipt management systems eliminate the possibility of human error. This leads to more accurate expense reports, reducing the likelihood of discrepancies or mistakes that could result in financial penalties or auditing issues. Seamless Collaboration and Communication Digital receipt management systems often feature collaboration tools, allowing teams to share receipts, notes, and reports. This makes it easier for employees to communicate with their managers or accountants, ensuring that any discrepancies or questions are resolved promptly. This leads to better team coordination and smoother financial operations. Choosing the Right Digital Receipt Management Solution When selecting a digital receipt management tool, businesses should consider the following factors: Ease of Use: The tool should be user-friendly, with intuitive interfaces and minimal learning curves. Security: Ensure the platform uses encryption and secure cloud storage to protect sensitive financial data. Integration: Choose a system that integrates seamlessly with your existing accounting software. Customer Support: A reliable support system is crucial, especially for businesses that rely heavily on these platforms for financial operations. Pricing: Digital receipt management solutions vary in cost, so it’s essential to select a solution that fits within your budget. Popular Digital Receipt Management Tools Several digital receipt management tools are currently popular in the market, offering various features to help businesses manage expenses: Expensify: A widely used platform that offers receipt scanning, automatic categorization, and integration with accounting software. Shoeboxed: Known for its ability to digitize receipts, invoices, and business cards, Shoeboxed is a great choice for small businesses and freelancers. Receipt Bank (now Dext): This platform offers advanced expense tracking features, including OCR technology and integration with major accounting software. Conclusion Digital receipt management is a game-changer. By adopting paperless expense tracking, businesses can not only streamline their operations but also contribute to environmental sustainability. The benefits of digital receipt management, including enhanced security, improved organization, and time-saving features, make it a must-have tool for businesses of all sizes. As more companies transition to paperless systems , the technology will continue to evolve, offering even greater functionality and integration options. Embracing digital receipt management is not just a trend; it’s a forward-thinking strategy for ensuring greater financial accuracy, efficiency, and sustainability in the modern workplace. Related Items: Digital Receipt Management , Tax Reporting , Tech for Paperless Expense Tracking Share Tweet Share Share Email CommentsWhen McLaren CEO Zak Brown first joined the Formula 1 team back in 2016, he admitted some surprise about what he found - and not in a good way. From the excitement about joining his favourite squad, the reality check of the 'chaos' he walked into was not an easy one to deal with. As he sits down exclusively with Autosport to reflect on his journey from that low point to get to where McLaren has become constructors’ champion, he admitted that the first impression was "a lot worse than I thought it was.” At the time, the struggles McLaren was facing with Honda were pretty clear to see – but the mistake that many made was thinking that its engine was its only deficit. For Brown, problems were everywhere. “I think we now know that wasn't even probably the biggest part of the issue,” added Brown, who saw problems with management, structure and sponsorship. “You had a revolving door in leadership and chaos at the board level, which has been well documented. “You had no adult supervision on the racing team and people. You've got leaders, but people need good leadership. “On-track sponsorship was at a record low and everything on the factory floor was a conspiracy theory. There was a lot of negativity. “We were way behind on development. I think there was almost an arrogance of ‘we are so good’ that we took our eye off of wind tunnels and CFDs. “So that's kind of what I walked into.” Making change Having spent the first part of his career as a sponsorship guru, Brown knew how to run a big business, but his switch to McLaren was the first time he had stepped into a management role with a racing team of such a scale. And being what he would even admit was a little bit wet behind the ears on that front meant he had to bat away any lack of self-confidence when it came to proving to the staff that he was in this for the long haul. “I'd been around racing," he said, "but actually standing up and talking to a racing team, when they're all staring at you, you could feel the: How long is this guy going to be around? “Everyone else had been around a year or two, and you could kind of feel that. So you had to portray confidence.” Brown says that the priority from day one was sorting out the senior figures, because if that was not right then everything else was doomed. “The first thing I did was change the leadership team, kind of one by one,” he said. “I didn't come in with that in mind, but I quickly identified this place needs new leadership. “Some people I hired I had worked with at JMI [the sponsorship agency founded by Brown]. Some people were brand new. And only one was an internal promotion, which was Laura [Bowden], now our CFO, because to have a great racing team, everything needs to fire on all cylinders, right? “If you're going to have great commercial success, it's got to have a huge fan base. You have got to have a great comms team to engage with the fans. You’ve got to sell sponsors to be able to hire the best people, to do a new wind tunnel. “It's not just have a great aerodynamic department. You've got to have that. But then there's everything that feeds into that.” While changes were taking place behind the scenes to give the Woking factory the management structure it needed, revolution was coming on track too. The Renault wake-up call At the end of 2017, Brown moved to end the Honda partnership and switch the squad to customer Renault engines for the 2018 season, in a change that actually proved to be an awakening moment for a team that had led itself to believe its chassis was as good as anybody else’s out there. Brown added: “That was a great wake up call, because I think everyone thought we were just bolting a new engine in and here we are. But it was actually, ‘we’ve changed that, it’s a little better, but we’ve still got some big issues’ So I think that was healthy.” What followed then were those challenging Covid 2020/2021 campaigns where off track Brown battled to shore up the finances that had left it risking collapse without the support of its shareholders. “We were definitely on the brink," said Brown. "We were paying all our bills, but we were months away, and not several months, from [shutting]. We knew we could make it through the year, but we were in a situation that if we didn't have a cash injection, we would have been at risk.” On track there was the unprecedented situation caused by the unique 2020/2021 campaigns of frozen car development where Brown felt the new team of Andreas Seidl and James Key had the good fortune to inherit a competitive package, and duly get the credit for the previous regime’s efforts. “Everyone kind of thought with the new people that had come in, Seidl, James Key ‘like, wow, look at what they've done in ‘21’ and it was actually the team before," said Brown. "So really the first time their collective work was seen was ’22.” A difficult start to that year, allied to problems Daniel Ricciardo faced, triggered concern for Brown. But the eureka moment for him that things were not where they needed to be came at that year’s French Grand Prix when a much hyped upgrade package failed to deliver. Brown said: “It didn't work, and the response from the leadership, that was not what I expected. I thought we're in trouble now. So I had some pretty serious conversations.” Over the summer break, Brown dealt with the Ricciardo issue as the team and driver reached a deal to end their partnership at the end of the year. Brown also decided, after Seidl had come to him saying he had signed a contract to join Audi, to agree to an early exit so he could make the internal change he wanted: putting current team boss Andrea Stella in charge. “I could have gone [to Seidl], ‘no, hang out your contract’," said Brown. "But it was like, no, actually, congratulations, you can join tomorrow. “I'd actually wanted Andrea Stella to run the team before I made that decision, but he had originally turned it down [over the 2019/2020 winter]. He felt he wasn't ready, and that's the type of guy Andrea is. He’s not ego-driven.” Brown recalls his second more successful attempt to convince Stella to join once it became clear that Seidl would be moving on. “I went: ‘Andrea, I really need you'," added Brown. "He tells a funny story. I was calling, he was having an espresso, and he was like, I need another espresso! “He didn’t accept it on the first call. He was like, ‘let me think about this, it is a big ask.’ But ultimately, I got him over the line.” The Stella impact Brown tasked Stella with doing a root and branches review of the racing team to help shape it in a way that he felt would work best. And, while the Italian had not been willing to shake the tree in his previous capacity as an engineer, now he was in a different role. “I asked him to look at everything," said Brown. "He'd obviously been paying attention, and he's a guy who stays in his lane of authority. But now I was like: ‘I want you to have total authority.’ “We knew the start of '23 was going to be a mess. We made some changes. James Key and Tony Salter, left, and it empowered people like Pete Prodromou, who had been a bit sidelined. “We just put the right guys back in charge, because we didn't really make many new hires. We just restructured it. We then told the media: ‘We're going to have a terrible start to ’23.' And we were spot on! “Then there was the hard part. We were getting blasted by everyone, but our partners were hanging in there, because we'd been on a nice journey, and the shareholders were totally hanging in there. “They all wanted to know, what are you doing? You need to fix this! But I never felt that they weren't going to give me the opportunity.” That beginning of 2023 offered a disconnect between the results the team was delivering on track and the rapid rate of progress with upgrades that were taking place at the factory. Brown said: “We started to see a rate development. Then we had this weird dynamic of getting killed on the race track and publicly slaughtered, with a quiet confidence back at the factory. “I think what was good was we knew we were going to be bad in ‘23 and we called our shot. So it wasn't like we were scratching our head. We knew we weren't going to be good. “At this point, we had got plenty of sponsorship and there was a lot of belief in Andrea's leadership, and that leadership team were firing on all cylinders, right? Across finance, HR, comms, commercial. We were very united, and it made us stronger.” The final steps Confirmation of the upwards trajectory came at the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix, when a planned big upgrade did the job. “Andrea kind of called his shot at Austria, which was out of character for him,” added Brown. “He was like, ‘oh, that's going to be a big one.’ “We rolled it out on Lando's car. It was strong, but then afterwards we knew Lando was always good there, so was it him or was it the car? But then at Silverstone it was 'wow'.” From that moment on, McLaren has built on its form. Developments have worked and the progress has been steady so that when that Miami upgrade arrived in May this year, it catapulted the squad to the front. Brown thinks McLaren is now back to the kind of team that he originally fell in love in. “I think we're on our A-game now,” he said. “We've got the best sponsor portfolio on the grid. I think we have record revenues. We are profitable, which is a sign of the success we've had on track. “But we go racing for trophies, not for economics. I think we're back to the McLaren I knew, which was, 'oh did you see what McLaren did on track or off track.' And I put it all down to people at the end of the day. “We've all got great wind tunnels. We've all got great CFD. But it's the people that make the difference.” And the key focus for Brown now, as his squad celebrates that first F1 constructors’ title since 1998, is ensuring it doesn’t drop the ball now. “If you look at some of the other teams out there, that have got great technology, great drivers, and kind of slid backwards, I think it's because the culture's not where it needs to be,” he said. “My primary goal now is to bottle up what we have right now, add to it where I can, but not let anyone eat, as Andrea calls them, the poison biscuits – which is the politics internally, or the politics that people try and lob in. “It's easy to happen when we have a bad weekend or a weekend we could have done better, but the way Andrea is able to pick the team up and go 'don't go there' it is amazing. It's don't start blaming each other. We're a team. It's just kept us really solid.” In this article Jonathan Noble Formula 1 Be the first to know and subscribe for real-time news email updates on these topics Subscribe to news alertsWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — If last month's election wasn't painful enough for Florida Democrats, they're losing another state House seat after one of their members announced Monday that she's switching parties. State Rep. Susan Valdés, a former school board member who was reelected as a Democrat last month, said on X that she is “tired of being the party of protesting.” Valdés ran to be chairperson for her local county’s Democratic executive committee earlier this month. She won her current term by nearly 5 percentage points but can't run for reelection again because of term limits. Republicans have controlled the governor’s office and both branches of the Legislature since 1999. Valdés is serving her final two years before leaving office due to term limits. Republicans now have an 86-34 majority in the House. “I got into politics to be part of the party of progress,” Valdés wrote. “I know that I won’t agree with my fellow Republican House members on every issue, but I know that in their caucus, I will be welcomed and treated with respect.” House Speaker Daniel Perez reposted Valdés’ statement and welcomed her into the House, where Republicans have a supermajority of 86-34. House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell said she was surprised and disappointed by Valdés’ announcement. “It is sad that she has elevated her own aspirations above the needs of her district,” Driskell wrote in a statement on X.Saanich police are warning residents to stay vigilant as thieves and scammers will be out in full swing for the holiday season. When online shopping, the Saanch Police Department says to watch out for porch pirates and for those expecting deliveries to make sure to have a plan to safely receive them. Online shoppers are advised to watch for fraudsters posing as genuine sellers who post fake ads for items that do not exist. And for those heading to brick-and-mortar stores, shoppers should "never leave packages that can be seen in your vehicle. Make sure to lock them in your trunk," according to a news release. As giving is part of the holiday season for many, police urge donors to make sure they aren't donating to fake charities. "Charity/donation scams involve misleading or fraudulent solicitation for a donation to a charity, association, federation or religious cause. Refuse high-pressure requests for donations, ask for written information about the charity and do your own research. Remember to always ask for the charitable tax number and confirm their registration with the Canada Revenue Agency or by phone at 1-800-267-2384," noted the release. Additionally, gift exchange posts on social media feeds may seem like a fun activity where participants only have to send one gift and receive multiple in return, however, these exchanges often hide the fact that they are pyramid schemes, where only those at the top profit. "Holidays are a busy time for everyone. However, if you remember to slow down, take a breath, do a bit more research, or check in with someone you trust, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding fraud, and have a happier holiday," noted the release.