NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees slugger Aaron Judge wins his second AL MVP award after leading MLB with 58 home runs. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!The player in question, a rising star known for his exceptional skills and versatility on the field, has caught the attention of both the pharmaceutical company and Real Madrid's management. While the details of the potential transfer remain confidential, sources close to the situation suggest that negotiations are already underway, with the pharmaceutical company keen on securing the player's services for their own team.
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Beyond the financial success, Mr. Lee's venture into mushroom cultivation also had a positive environmental impact. By repurposing waste wood and straw, he not only reduced the amount of materials going to landfills but also contributed to soil health through the production of nutrient-rich compost. Additionally, the cultivation of mushrooms helped to sequester carbon dioxide and promote biodiversity, enhancing the overall sustainability of his business.
HeartSciences Provides Business Update and Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results
Looking ahead, Liverpool will take the positives from their performance against Manchester City and use it as motivation for future matches. Klopp will likely analyze the areas where his team can improve and work on fine-tuning their tactics and execution. With the depth and quality of their squad, Liverpool remain a force to be reckoned with and will continue to push for success in both the domestic league and European competitions.
Skobalj shot 6 of 8 from the field, including 4 for 6 from 3-point range, and went 3 for 3 from the line for the Flames (4-2). Jordan Mason scored 18 points, going 5 of 8 from the floor, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and 7 for 8 from the line. Tyem Freeman had 13 points and went 4 of 5 from the field (3 for 4 from 3-point range). The Explorers (4-2) were led in scoring by Deuce Jones, who finished with 21 points, four assists and two steals. Daeshon Shepherd added 15 points, two steals and two blocks for La Salle. Andres Marrero also had 15 points. UIC led 48-39 at halftime, with Skobalj racking up 13 points. UIC pulled away with a 7-0 run in the second half to extend its lead to 22 points. Ahmad Henderson II led the way with a team-high 10 second-half points for UIC. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .(Bloomberg) — Weeks before Donald Trump returns to the White House, China’s factories are expanding production abroad and growing their customer base outside the US as they gird for new levies from the self-proclaimed “tariff man.” A sports gear maker is completing a new plant in Vietnam, hoping to dodge any new trade measures directed at made-in-China goods. A hat manufacturer plans to sell more to Europeans. And a metal castings company may turn its attention back to the Chinese market despite the slowing economy. But factory bosses also acknowledged that their attempts to Trump-proof their businesses are vulnerable to the whims of his trade policies, underscoring growing anxiety even before the president-elect takes office. Bloomberg News reporters spoke with factory managers and executives across China to find out how they’re preparing for a second trade war with a Trump-led US. Some asked that their names and those of their companies and customers not be published so they could speak openly about their plans. Home Sweet Home Company: Dawang Metals Products: Metal castings Customers: Major industrial equipment manufacturers US exposure: About 50% of sales Facing potential US tariffs, the company is looking to sell more of its products elsewhere, including at home. “We do mainly exports now because the profit returns abroad were better. But now if the situation abroad is not good, we can turn our focus back to the very reliable Chinese customers that have large order capacity,” said Heather Kuang, vice president of Dawang Metals. The company has no plans to move production as the manufacturing process is energy intensive and requires raw materials from China, such as metals and foundry sand, underscoring the limits to Trump’s plan to use steep tariffs to entice companies to set up shop and create jobs in the US. Instead, any additional tariffs on Chinese goods might end up hurting the competitiveness of US companies that rely on them for inputs. China produces about half of the world’s metal castings, more than the next eight countries’ output combined, according to 2020 data compiled by the World Foundry Organization. “If there are tariffs, the cost will definitely be transferred to the American people,” Kuang said. “US companies’ own production will likely have to decrease as well as there is no way to afford such a high cost. They will have trouble selling the products because competitors will be able to offer cheaper prices.” But selling at home may mean thinner margins. Fierce price competition has weighed on manufacturers’ earnings in the last few years. Planning for President Vance Company: Chemical and health product maker Products: Vitamins, amino acids and resin Customers: Global beauty, energy, chemical and food companies US exposure: Less than 20% of exports The company lost market share during the first trade war, when it maintained prices and left US importers to shoulder the tariff burden. This time around, it’s constructing a new factory in Eastern Europe, hoping imports from there won’t be tariffed — or at least not as highly. The chemical manufacturer is planning not just for the next four years but for the coming decade due to the possibility of vice president-elect JD Vance carrying Trump’s torch after 2028, according to a company executive responsible for investment and development. The firm is considering moving production to the US, as Trump has threatened universal tariffs of 10% to 20% that would apply to his products even if they’re made outside China. He’s also worried that the US will use anti-dumping probes as weapons in the trade war, and is prepared to sell more to Southeast Asia and South America in the event of high US tariffs on his products. The company representative said setting up factories in the US could be a “win-win” as it creates jobs in the country while helping the company maintain access to the US market. But he’d rather not to, calling China the most efficient place to produce. Selling to Europe Company: Superb International Products: Hats, scarves and gloves Customers: Major retailers in the US and Europe US exposure: 30-35% of exports Anticipation of Trump’s return has already hurt orders, said Howard Yuan, business manager at Superb International, which makes clothing accessories in eastern China. “We have some US customers who used to order 10,000 or 20,000 pieces and are now reducing that to half because they don’t know what will happen,” Yuan said, adding that his company makes $20 million in annual revenue. The factory has a two-month lead time on hats, meaning that when products ordered now arrive at a US port — where imports are assessed for tariffs — Trump will have been inaugurated. With that raising the risk of encountering levies of a still unknown magnitude, the company is turning its focus to other customers. “American clients are tough in this environment and there are too many variables, so we have to pay more attention to our European customers,” he said. The decrease in orders contrasts with front-loading seen in other sectors, where US importers stockpile raw materials and goods before any new trade measures kick in. Hats, however, are a seasonal business. The company has cut production while it waits for customers to place orders based on what’s in fashion. Brand Building Company: Yunbang Technology Products: Stage lighting Customers: Direct to end users through online marketplaces US exposure: 65% of sales The Guangzhou-based company started in the stage lighting business in 2015 supplying to international brands, mainly from the US. In the lead-up to the last trade war, Yunbang felt the urgency to build up its own brand to expand its overseas market. After three years of investing in research and development, Yunbang launched its self-owned stage lighting brand Shehds in 2018. Now, it’s betting its proprietary technology and rapid product launch pace will help it navigate tariff rises and maintain stable prices to its retail and corporate customers. It’s posted annual sales growth of more than 100% in the past three years, with its own brand contributing 95% of sales. It’s been top seller in the stage lighting category in major online marketplaces including Amazon and Ebay. “With control of technology, innovation and brand building, I think we have full confidence to keep the growth momentum in the global market amid trade policy changes,” said Cheng Li, the company’s sales director. “We need to have bargaining power even when an uncertain market environment is normalized.” Cheng said the lighting maker has made plans based on worst-case scenarios including a 60% tariff. He’s confident the company would be able to reduce costs with further supply-chain optimization and digitalization. The US is still its biggest market, but Cheng said Yunbang is now accelerating expansion in other markets including Europe and Southeast Asia. China in recent years has ramped up lending to the industrial sector to help companies such as Yunbang move up the value chain, though some of that lending is now tapering off. Offshoring to Survive Company: Outdoor sports equipment maker Products: Kayaks and paddle boards, among others Customers: Large retail chains US exposure: Less than 20% of sales The year after Trump kicked off his first trade war in 2018, the factory’s owner planned to build a plant in Vietnam. Construction is expected to be complete next year, initially producing for Europe but eventually the US as well. “We have tools to fight against the tariffs,” said Stanley Sun, a sales manager. The company now sells about $5 million of goods in the US, mainly through retailers and online marketplaces. But while the country accounts for less than 20% of the company’s sales, Sun said he’s concerned that the other markets will adopt the same kind of protectionist policy that Trump has threatened to intensify. “Every European major country like France, Germany, Italy and Netherlands, there are going to be really far right wing in the future,” Sun predicted. “Those countries are going to isolate more than ever, which means they’ll come up with policies that protect their domestic industries too.” “We’re looking for the best and we’re prepared for the worst.”
Can the U.S. Capitalize on Europe's Clean Tech Missteps?Christmas Day is one of the most violent days of the year and most common for breaches of family violence intervention orders in Victoria, new police data shows. “While Christmas is a time to get together and celebrate, we know it’s not always the case for some families, as perpetrators use the time together to control or harm family members,” Family Violence Command Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway said. Victoria Police figures show family violence incidents spike about 33 per cent on Christmas Day. On December 25 last year, police recorded 91 order breach offences and 79 assaults. For the month of December 2023, police logged 8668 family violence incidents across the state. “Whether it’s perpetrators breaching orders by either attending the victim’s home or using technology to make contact or committing assault – the behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Ms Callaway said. “This festive season we will also continue to conduct proactive patrols and checks to let perpetrators know they won’t get away with it.” Organisations such as Safe Steps can be called or emailed 24/7. It runs an online direct message service from 9am to midnight. No to Violence runs a men’s referral service. “If you are concerned that your behaviour is putting the safety of family members at risk there are services to call who can help you to change,” Ms Callaway said. “Maybe making that call is the best gift you can give your family this Christmas.” GET HELP Safe Steps • 1800 015 188 • safesteps@safesteps.org.au • Web chat available on weekdays from 9am – midnight, at safesteps.org.au/chat Men’s referral service • Operated by No to Violence • 1300 766 491 Originally published as Family violence spikes 33 per cent on Christmas Day in Victoria
So, what can be done to break free from the grip of weight memory and prevent weight rebound? The key lies in adopting sustainable lifestyle changes that address the underlying factors contributing to weight gain. This may include establishing healthy eating habits, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress effectively, and seeking support from healthcare professionals or weight management programs.
In addition to the luxury car, Li Xiang and Wang Siling are said to be staying in a lavish mansion in London, complete with all the amenities and comforts one could desire. The spacious living quarters provide a serene retreat for the duo as they prepare for the upcoming driver's license test, with ample space for relaxation and bonding moments.
Inaki Williams: Ghana striker elated with his goal for Athletic Club against VillarrealMidday Review: Shanghai Composite Index opens higher but falls back, up 1.58%; Total turnover in both markets exceeds 1.5 trillion RMB
We will soon put 2024 in the history books, and what a year it was for the stock market. So far, the S&P 500 index has reached a new all-time high a whopping 50 times. There are multiple reasons for the rise, like a resilient economy and expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep lowering interest rates. However, perhaps the largest reason is artificial intelligence (AI) enthusiasm. Some believe that the stock market is in a bubble, or at least overextended, and there are definitely stocks that appear overvalued. However, the AI market is massive and expanding quickly, as shown below. The AI market could more than quadruple 2024 revenues by 2030, so companies (and investors) are scrambling for a piece of it. AI covers a lot of different applications, one of which is voice recognition technology. This tech communicates with people conversationally and has many applications. One of the leading companies in the field is SoundHound AI ( SOUN 12.60% ) , whose stock has rocketed 578% in 2024 as of this writing. Will this continue in 2025? SoundHound's market opportunity The financial implications of conversational speech recognition are gigantic. Order-taking at drive-thru restaurants and automated customer service will save companies vast sums of money on employee costs. Well-known companies like White Castle, Papa John's , Applebee's, and many more are testing or deploying SoundHound's tech. SoundHound just reported that Torchy's Tacos rolled out the tech at their locations. Automotive is another massive market using SoundHound. The tech accesses a vast database to answer questions like "What's the most scenic route?" "What will the weather be like in Detroit this weekend?" or "Where is a nearby Italian restaurant, and what is the fastest way to get there?" This is a significant advancement from the days of "call so and so" and "play music." I believe that voice recognition tech like this will soon be the standard at drive-thrus and automobiles. Statista predicts the market will more than double by 2030, as you can see below. Revenue is growing faster than the market for SoundHound. Is SoundHound stock a buy now? SoundHound reported an 89% year-over-year increase in revenue to $25 million in the third quarter. It also expanded its customer base significantly in 2024. The company expects sales of $82 million to $85 million for 2024, potentially doubling sales with $165 million as the guidance midpoint of 2025. The revenue growth is incredible; however, investors should note that the company is not profitable and does not produce positive cash flow from operations. This makes the stock riskier than profitable companies. SoundHound's valuation is in question after its recent epic run that saw the stock soar 171% over the past 30 days. The company trades for 33 times its potential $165 million in sales for 2025 based on its $5.5 billion market cap at the time of this writing. That is quite high for any company, let alone one that isn't profitable. Analysts put an average price target on SoundHound of $8.07, well below the current price of $14.62. I am enthusiastic about SoundHound's future and was recently high on the stock; however, investors should consider waiting for a pullback after this run.It has been quite a week across the world. South Korea’s president placed the country under martial law but was rebuffed by parliament, which is now taking steps to impeach him. In France, the prime minister and his government received a vote of no confidence for the first time in more than 60 years. These seemingly disparate events do have a common underlying theme: a crisis of democratic institutions. On the face of it, South Korea is an amazing success story. Its economy boomed by more than 5% for five consecutive decades, a record matched by only one other place on the planet: Taiwan. South Korea today is richer than Japan in terms of gross domestic product per person. And yet it has been roiled by deep polarization and vicious political battles. The backdrop for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law announcement was 21⁄2 years of deadlock between the liberal opposition and the conservative president. The opposition accused him of using the government’s powers to attack his opponents and the media. He accused the opposition of misusing its powers by trying to impeach members of his administration. The feud will probably end with his own impeachment.