
Live: HECS indexation changes to wipe $3b from student debt pass parliament
UBEC, NTI train school teachers on attitudinal change
TIRANA, Albania — Albanian opposition lawmakers and their supporters blocked the capital’s main streets for hours Tuesday accusing the government of corruption and demanding it be replaced by a technocratic caretaker Cabinet until 2025 parliamentary elections. Hundreds of activists blocked traffic at Tirana’s main intersections accusing the of corruption, manipulating earlier elections and usurping the powers of the judiciary. Led by lawmakers, opposition supporters — some coming from other cities — were involved in sporadic clashes with anti-riot police trying to clear the streets. Others sat down in the street or tried to push police officers away. “Rama go away,” was a call repeated by protesters in many places. Hundreds of police officers were deployed to protect government buildings and keep streets clear for traffic and preserve order. They used water guns mounted on trucks to keep protesters away from City Hall and Wilson Square, and tear gas in at least in one case. The conservative Democratic Party and its supporters in an opposition coalition also have been holding protests over the arrests of their leader Sali Berisha and , saying the charges are politically motivated. “The Albanians’ revolt and civil disobedience cannot be stopped,” said the Democrats’ Secretary-General Flamur Noka, the most senior leader while Berisha is under house arrest. As Noka was addressing journalists, he stopped speaking out of respect when a prayer was heard from the new Muslim mosque nearby. Albania’s 2.4 million population is more than half Muslim. They live peacefully alongside Catholic and Orthodox Christians and other smaller religious communities. The protest ended after three hours with the opposition leaders pledging to continue with rallies all around the country. Related Articles Albania holds parliamentary elections next spring, which Rama’s Socialists are poised to win, according to polls, partly because the opposition is divided. The United States and the European Union have urged the opposition to resume dialogue with the government, saying violence won’t help the country integrate into the 27-nation European Union. In October, Tirana started discussions with the bloc on how the country aligns with EU stances on the rule of law, the functioning of democratic institutions and the fight against corruption. Albania aims to join the bloc by 2030, according to Rama.
Recently, the government responded to the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide. It adopted most of the recommendations designed to better support defence personnel. It comes four years after other defence news hit the headlines. The Afghanistan Inquiry Report (most commonly known as the Brereton report ) detailed credible evidence of 39 murders of Afghan civilians and prisoners by (or at the instigation of) Australian Special Forces members. The inquiry’s findings rightly sent shockwaves through Australia’s military and Australian society as a whole. Such actions are clearly at odds with the expectations of the Australian Defence Force and the vast majority of Australians. Understandably, most of the public focus since then has been on the question of accountability. The report, however, also looked at how soldiers can be supported to make better decisions. One way the report proposed was to strengthen military ethics training and education. This could not only lead to sound actions, but has the knock-on effect of contributing to protecting soldier’s mental health , the focus of the royal commission. This training has been improved in recent years, but we can do better. Read more: The government's response to the royal commission into veteran suicide gets a lot right – but makes a couple of missteps What did training look like? Military ethics should be regarded as a core skill that requires regular updates and reinforcement to remain effective. The Brereton report noted examining the training and education Australian Defence Force personnel receive was key to understanding how soldiers operate. In the case of Special Forces units, they operate with a very flat structure. Life-and-death decisions in extreme and ambiguous situations are often made by the most junior people in the unit. Despite this, ethics education aimed at dealing with complexity and ambiguity was focused almost exclusively on leaders with rank, known as officers. They were largely absent from the events focused on in the report. For everyone else, including soldiers, training was largely limited to very specific legal guidance. This training was roundly criticised by those on the receiving end in the Brereton report. They said it was confusing and didn’t reflect real operational experience. The report recommended military ethics training should draw on the experiences of military personnel “from the same services and country as themselves” so they understand how and why the “good guys” can also do bad things. But to make this effective, it needs to be taken outside of the traditional classroom environment to make it both realistic and relevant. Genuine educational opportunities must be available to everyone so they can explore situations that are not black and white or do not easily lend themselves to straightforward answers. What improvements have been made? As detailed in the recent report of the Afghanistan Inquiry Implementation Oversight Panel, the Australian Defence Force has made important changes in response to the recommendations of the Brereton report. It published an ethics doctrine for all members of the ADF. There’s also been extensive development and implementation of a coherent and consistent ADF-wide ethics education and training curriculum, which reflects the content of the ethics doctrine. Some of this learning takes place in small groups dealing with different scenarios. Other content is taught in modules, explaining ethics theory with case studies. This replaces the earlier ad hoc measures that were in place. In many respects, the ADF now reflects international best practice in this regard. But this training can be made more practical. It can also be better incorporated so considering ethical implications becomes second nature. It can be, and should be, embedded into the very bloodstream of the ADF. Ethics through simulation The ADF is one of the largest users of simulation-based training in Australia. This can be relatively simple, like simulators for infantry shooting training. It can also be highly sophisticated, including simulating operating advanced weapons systems, like the F35 Joint Strike Fighter. There is potential to leverage this for ethics education and training in a way that avoids it becoming another form of “add-on” mandatory training. For example, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can simulate high-stakes scenarios, allowing personnel to practice applying ethical principles in realistic, pressure-filled situations. Research has shown the effectiveness of immersive simulation training in saving lives and reducing injury in the mining sector by a remarkable 65%. These techniques are now being employed for firefighter training . It’s also been trialled in medicine with promising results. Interactive decision-making tools can generate adaptive scenarios that change and evolve based on a trainee’s choices. This enhances personalised learning. Gamified ethics training , through serious games, engages learners while providing real-time feedback and analytics to track decision-making patterns. These technologies can simulate diverse locations and cultures. The cost of procuring them has also steadily declined in recent years, making them more accessible. Of course it will be necessary to proceed in a responsible way and build a comprehensive evidence base. Considerations in the use of these tools, such as avoiding psychological harm, must be properly managed and be backed by careful and thorough research. But this is an investment well worth making. The Brereton report made it uncomfortably clear just how painful military ethical failure can be.
Barilla and Meals on Wheels America Unite for Connection Kitchen Food Truck to Help End the Wait TM for Seniors Hoping to Receive Nutritious Meals and Meaningful Connection NORTHBROOK, Ill. , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Barilla, the world's leading pasta maker, believes in the joy of food for a better life and knows that the most joyful meals aren't enjoyed alone. That's why this holiday season, the pasta company is on a mission to spread joy and combat loneliness through its first signature giving event, the Barilla Connection Kitchen food truck. This year Barilla America, which is headquartered in Northbrook Illinois , is partnering with Meals on Wheels America to help End the Wait TM for seniors who struggle with hunger and isolation. Across the country, local Meals on Wheels programs serve nutritious meals and meaningful connections to seniors in their communities, but limited funding and volunteers force one in three programs to keep a waitlist. Through the Connection Kitchen program, Barilla is helping bring to life a new plan to End the Wait TM for millions of seniors who need Meals on Wheels. In addition to helping to inspire and recruit volunteers for Meals on Wheels Chicago and programs across the country, Barilla is supporting national efforts to End the Wait by donating $250,000 to Meals on Wheels America. Launching during the holiday giving season, the Connection Kitchen pop-up food truck will take to the streets of Chicago to serve delectable pasta dishes, spreading warmth and joy, with a suggestion to sign up to volunteer with Meals on Wheels Chicago while enjoying their pasta. The food truck will be stationed at the Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago on Friday, December 6 th from 12pm-3pm CT and at Oakbrook Center on Saturday, December 7 th from 11am-5pm CT . All pasta will be served free of charge to the public with the centralized mission to spread awareness of important connections and joy this holiday season. "At Barilla, we know the most joyful meals are meant to be shared," said Laura Birk , Vice President of Human Resources, Barilla America. "In fact, research we recently conducted in collaboration with the University of Minnesota showed that 60% of individuals acknowledged eating alone more often over the past two years. That said, people who embraced sharing meals with others on a weekly basis experienced notable improvement in their mental well-being. What better way to spread this joy of food than by helping Meals on Wheels Chicago connect people within the local community?" Barilla's head Chef Lorenzo Boni curated the Connection Kitchen menu to ignite the holiday spirit. At the Connection Kitchen, Chicagoans can choose from the following classic Italian recipes: "At Meals on Wheels America, we're thankful for Barilla's partnership helping us End the Wait, which is to ultimately ensure that every senior who needs Meals on Wheels, gets it," said Ellie Hollander , President and Chief Executive Officer at Meals on Wheels America. "As Barilla encourages those in their own backyard to support the local Meals on Wheels Chicago program, we hope this inspires others around the country to do the same by donating to and volunteering with the Meals on Wheels program in their own community." "This partnership encourages the local Chicago community to get involved and help the Meals on Wheels network End the Wait TM for the thousands of seniors in our community who face hunger and isolation each year," said Cory Morris , Director of Community Impact, Meals on Wheels Chicago. "In Chicago, 8 out of 10 seniors served by Meals on Wheels report that their delivery driver is their primary social contact, on any given day. With Barilla's help, we're raising awareness of this need for more volunteer resources in order to build more of these moments of connection." Over the years, Barilla has made significant contributions to a variety of nonprofits. Since 2010, the global Barilla Group has donated 50,000 tons of product and over 60 million euros to support communities worldwide. In the US, Barilla also works closely with organizations like the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Feeding America, and Food Bank for New York City – to name just a few – to feed people across the United States . This partnership is yet another step in Barilla's mission of the joy of food for a better life. To join Barilla and Meals on Wheels America in bringing meaningful connections to those who need it most through the mobile Connection Kitchen truck, visit BarillaConnectionKitchen.com . To learn more about Meals on Wheels volunteer opportunities visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/endthewait . About Barilla Group: Barilla is a family business, not listed on the Stock Exchange, chaired by the brothers Guido, Luca and Paolo Barilla. It was founded by their great-grandfather Pietro Barilla, who opened a bakery in Parma in 1877. Today, Barilla is renowned in Italy and around the world for the quality of its food products. With its brands – Barilla, Mulino Bianco, Pan di Stelle, Gran Cereale, Harrys, Pavesi, Wasa, Filiz, Yemina, Misko, Voiello, Academia Barilla, First, Catelli, Lancia, Splendor, Back To Nature and Pasta Evangelists – it advocates tasty, hearty and wholesome nutrition, inspired by the Mediterranean Diet and the Italian lifestyle. When Pietro opened his shop over 145 years ago, the main aim was to make good food. That principle has now become the Barilla way of doing business, with almost 9,000 people working for the company and a supply chain that shares its values and passion for quality. The Group's commitment is to offer people the joy that good, well-made food can bring them, produced with selected ingredients favouring those from responsible supply chains, to contribute to a better present and future. Since 1987, a historical archive has been collecting and preserving the company's over 145-year history, now a resource open to all via the portal-museum www.archiviostoricobarilla.com . For further information, visit: www.barillagroup.com ; Twitter: @barillagroup; LinkedIn: Barilla Group; Instagram: @barillapeople. About Barilla Group's Corporate Giving: Over the years, with the aim of supporting local communities, Barilla has supported and participated in numerous initiatives and projects that promote access to food for disadvantaged communities or those affected by natural disasters. At the same time, guided by its purpose "The joy of food for a better life," Barilla has established and strengthened relationships with charities, businesses, and nonprofit organizations, working alongside local authorities through partnerships, financial contributions, and product donations. About Meals on Wheels America: Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. By providing funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org . For further information contact: Media Contacts: Brook Kovanda Davis brooke.kovanda@barilla.com Kyle Sharick kyle.sharick@edelman.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eating-pasta-to-spread-joy-barilla-is-giving-back-by-bringing-connection-to-those-who-need-it-most-302316841.html SOURCE Barilla America, Inc.
Township program teaches kids about dirty socks and bugs
Which mattresses are best for cold sleepers? With so much of our lives spent in bed, we all must get a restful night’s sleep so we’re ready to start the day energized. While our bodies naturally cool down as we wind down, some sleep much colder than others. The right mattress can help cold sleepers stay warm and cozy throughout the night. Most mattresses target your sleep position and not your temperature, which makes shopping around tricky. This guide can help you understand what makes the right mattress for cold sleepers and everything you need to know to sleep well. Our top pick, the DreamCloud Premier Rest 16-inch Mattress , is designed to regulate temperature for a comfortable sleep. What to know before buying a mattress for cold sleepers Type Cold sleepers should look to any mattress containing foam or latex, as these two materials trap heat more than other options, particularly breathable innerspring mattresses. While trapping in heat is a turnoff for some sleepers, those who are cold embrace the warmth kept within. Hybrid mattresses are increasingly popular. They feature a combination of foam or latex and innerspring layers to provide a balance of comfort and support. The foam or latex layers are typically the uppermost layers and help regulate temperature. Firmness How soft or firm the right mattress is for you is influenced mainly by your sleep position and size. Those who sleep on their stomach should avoid a soft mattress so that they don’t sink into the bed and strain their spine, but they should also avoid an extra-firm mattress that doesn’t support their hips and shoulders. Side sleepers should be cradled by a softer mattress with a bit of resistance for their shoulders and head. Back sleepers find firmer options most comfortable. Heavier individuals should avoid softer mattresses as they can sink in and not receive the proper support. Conversely, slighter persons may enjoy less firm mattresses since they can cradle them. What to look for in a quality mattress for cold sleepers Gel foam For some people, gel foam is a much-desired feature; however, cold sleepers should avoid foam or hybrid mattresses incorporating gel foam. This is because the gel helps offset the heat trappings of foam by adding cooling technology, making the mattress a good choice for those who sleep warm, not cold. Motion transfer Most mattresses that include foam or latex are adept at lessening motion transfer, meaning that one person’s rustling or movement won’t disturb the other person in bed. What’s more, foam and latex options tend to be quiet. How much you can expect to spend on a mattress for cold sleepers Foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are pricier, especially those with multiple layers. Cold sleepers can expect to pay between $600 and $1,200 for a queen-size mattress. Mattress for cold sleepers FAQ How do I take care of my mattress? A. Investing in a mattress protector is wise, especially for a densely made mattress that traps heat. A mattress protector prevents dust, mites, and, in some cases, liquids from penetrating the mattress, which can cause an odor and lead to slow deterioration. Rotate your mattress every few months so it’s used evenly, especially if you have foam layers that may conform to your body. Does mattress size or thickness influence heat? A. Size and thickness don’t necessarily influence a mattress’s heat retention. Mattresses for cold sleepers come in all standard sizes. That choice should be made based on your size, available space and whether you sleep with a partner. Thickness ranges from around 6 to 14 inches. What’s the best mattress for cold sleepers to buy? Top mattress for cold sleepers DreamCloud Premier Rest 16-inch Mattress – Luxury Hybrid Memory Foam What you need to know: This high-quality, thick hybrid mattress has foam layers on top for a warm, cozy night’s sleep. What you’ll love: The innerspring base supports all sleep positions while foam layers hold in warmth. There’s no motion transfer or noise when moving. What you should consider: It may be too firm for petite individuals. Top mattress for cold sleepers for the money ZINUS 12 Inch Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress What you need to know: This mattress offers both comfort and support at a reasonable price. What you’ll love: It includes layers of low-toxin foam that help maintain the temperature as you sleep. It’s also infused with green tea extract, which helps to fight against unwelcome odors. What you should consider: While it does say it includes cooling gel, it’s still too hot for some people. Worth checking out GhostBed 3D Matrix Mattress What you need to know: This adaptable mattress adjusts to your shape and temperature to create the most comfortable sleeping experience. What you’ll love: It’s a hybrid mattress that cradles the body while still supporting the shoulders and hips and lacks motion transfer. The top layers provide warmth and comfort. What you should consider: It may be too soft for heavier individuals. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.None
NoneIt takes dedication to dream bigger | Paul Chiampa
US sanctions the founder of Georgia's ruling political party
DRESSED as sunflowers in yellow petals and green tutus, the six Dutchmen had been boozing since 5.30am in preparation for their Ally Pally initiation. Now, 3,500 bladdered darts fans — also in fancy dress — were bellowing at them: “Have you seen a flower down a pint?” Bottoms up went the beers, with Rotterdam corn trader Willem Alderliesten, 29, telling me: “It’s crazy here. We love it!” Amid the dark, gloomy days of winter a shining star has reappeared in the sporting firmament — the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. Long a hallowed British institution, darts was propelled into a different league last Christmas with the emergence of a bona fide superstar, Runcorn teenager Luke Littler . Now a bucket-list event, all 90,000 tickets for this year’s tournament sold out within 15 minutes in July. Even Prince Harry has been to the arrows — although that was back in 2014 when he was fun. Ed Sheeran (the real one, not a fancy dress stooge) came the week before Christmas, downing a pint when the crowd demanded it. The Tractor Boys fan was also serenaded with a raucous: “Ipswich get battered everywhere they go.” Organisers the Professional Darts Corporation tweeted: “Multi-platinum award-winning artist Ed Sheeran in the house — and he’s watching a window clean- er take on a caravan salesman. You can’t beat the darts.” So, dressed as a Christmas tree, clutching a 180 scorecard and giant foam hand, I trekked to Ally Pally to see if they’re right. Emerging from Wood Green Tube station at 11am, I joined the sloshed and surreal comet’s tail of humanity on the mile-long climb to the Palace. Lord Nelson, Donald Trump, the Toy Story cast, hordes of Mario Brothers, two Harry Potters and some Santas wove unsteadily through the genteel North London streets. With 90 minutes still to go before the darts afternoon session began, most seemed to have indulged in a morning session of their own. Opened as the “Palace of the People” in 1873, Ally Pally was once home to the BBC and hosted 1967’s 14 Hour Technicolor Dream, headlined by Pink Floyd. The LSD-soaked hippies watching must have thought they had witnessed the most far-out scenes ever seen on this North London hill. But that was before the darts. Entering the Palace’s Great Hall, I was greeted by a cacophonous Technicolor dream of my own. Thousands in the most ludicrous fancy dress and brandishing pitchers of frothy lager were belting out: “Stand up if you love the darts.” Everybody does. And then we all sing it again every few minutes throughout the session. It’s as if 500 stag and hen dos converged at a giant pub with quality darts a few feet away. The occasion is a potent mix of that most endearing of British traits — not taking ourselves too seriously — and our propensity for a roistering alcohol binge. Organisers expect as many as 250,000 pints to be sunk over the course of the 16-day tournament, which finishes on January 3. I’ve come as Captain Kirk for my 60th. What better way to celebrate your birthday? It’s now a firmly entrenched part of the festive calendar, and I met many family groups celebrating there. Retired City trader Rob Elston, from Orpington, Kent, and his children Richard, 31, Georgia , 28, Rianna, 23, and Sasha, 19, were all decked out in Star Trek costumes. Millwall fan Rob said: “I’ve come as Captain Kirk for my 60th. What better way to celebrate your birthday?” Inside the hall, there was a distinct fans’ hierarchy. Those people in the cheaper stands (around £55 a seat) continuously bantered with others who had managed to snaffle table seats (about £65 each). “Boring, boring tables,” was countered with “Feed the stands, let them know it’s Christmas, too” to the tune of Band Aid. Then there was the VIP seating area where, bizarrely, fancy dress is banned. Hospitality packages there begin at just under £400 a head. Two Michelin-starred chefs have conceived three-course meals and you can sip Taittinger champagne while listening to the banter in the cheap seats. When I visited, the only person ejected for misbehaviour was from the VIP seating. A security guard told me: “He was having a row with another table, then had a pop at our guys and got himself removed. What a waste of £400.” The table and stands — for once with one voice — serenaded the miscreant with chants of “W****r! W****r! W****r!” Then the hall echoed with another perennial darts singalong about the two footballing Toure brothers from the Ivory Coast, who played for Manchester City together. No one I spoke to at Ally Pally seemed to know why this footballing ditty has become part of the darts experience. In the bar area, sisters Lisa and Kairen Sotheron, from Colchester , Essex, gave me a rendition. In their Ninja Turtle outfits, they first chanted Yaya Toure’s name with their hands in the air, then as his brother Kolo’s name got an airing, their hands reached for the floor. Nurse Lisa, 44, told me: “I just love the atmosphere and the buzz. I’ve got a jug of beer and Kairen’s got a jug of vodka. And I actually like watching the darts.” Oh, yes, the darts. Sometimes it does feel like a giant beano with a sports event attached, rather than the other way round. I just love the atmosphere and the buzz I was once lucky enough to interview the late commentator Sid Waddell — a bard of darts, who did much to increase its popularity. He told me Ally Pally is “a cross between the Munich Beer Festival and Rome’s Colosseum when the Christians were on the menu. The crowd here are rock ’n’ roll. They are more important to the whole experience than any other sport. “Darts players need to be extroverts and big-headed. It’s a very aggressive and flashy sport.” Each match begins with a boxing-style walk-on, with players glad-handing their devoted fans. A good walk-on tune with some exuberant fist bumps and perhaps some provocative bottom-wiggling can win over the Pally. Nathan Aspinall’s walk-on to The Killers’ Mr Brightside is a sure-fire singalong, as is Joe Cullen’s Don’t Look Back In Anger by Oasis. With his long locks flowing, Ryan “Heavy Metal” Searle’s entrance to Black Sabbath’s Paranoid normally unleashes a few air guitarists in the crowd. Once on stage, the players are greeted by an incredible wall of noise, even when on the oche. There’s no Wimbledon-style “Quiet, please”. Each throw can be punctuated by roars and boos, the Toure song and banter between stands and tables. The best players seem to enter a Zen-like state, poker-faced. Then the crowd’s screams disappear, replaced by the regular thud of an arrow hitting the treble 20. Yet even the best pros can get the jitters. On his opening match at the Pally this year, Luke Littler admitted: “In the hours before the game, I was perfectly fine — then it was game on, and the bottom’s gone. It fell out. I didn’t know what to do with myself.” The players’ powers of arithmetic — charting routes to the favoured double 16 in nanoseconds — are astonishing and seemingly innate. Darts has come a long way since the first world championship in 1978 was televised on the BBC. Players sank pints and smoked on the oche, reflecting the sport’s birth in pubs and working men’s clubs. Killjoy governing body the British Darts Organisation banned booze in 1989, and the game drifted towards oblivion. Then, when top players engineered a breakaway from the BDO in 1992, the Professional Darts Corporation was born, with wily boxing and snooker promoter Barry Hearn eventually becoming chair. He ramped up the razzmatazz and in 2007 moved the championship, initially held at the Circus Tavern near the Dartford flyover in Kent, to the Ally Pally. So why is darts now more popular than ever? Dressed as a banana, Tom Arnold, 50, from West Malling, Kent, who works in sales, said: “It’s the Luke Littler effect — he’s given the whole thing a new lease of life and made it accessible to a new generation.” Littler, 17 — pipped by Luke Humphries in the final last year — is the reason thousands of kids unwrapped pristine dartboards on Christmas morning. It’s the Luke Littler effect — he’s given the whole thing a new lease of life and made it accessible to a new generation Only the Princess of Wales and Donald Trump had more Google searches in the UK in 2024. Littler is the spearhead of a sport going global. This year’s world championship began with dart players from 28 nations, including India, Japan, the Bahamas, South Africa and the Philippines. England had the most representatives with 26, followed by the Netherlands with 16. And Ally Pally is now a regular pilgrimage for darts fans from Germany, Belgium and Netherlands . Dressed in a blazer in the colours of the Dutch flag, Tom Beumer, 36, from Arnhem, told me: “We love the party, the beer and the fancy dress. The British create a crazy atmosphere but the Dutch are crazy, too.” There is even talk that the Saudis are interested in snaffling this most drunken of occasions. PDC supremo Barry Hearn said recently: “The Saudis asked me for darts and I asked them a simple question — ‘Can we have alcohol?’. “And they said no. I said, ‘Well then you can’t have the darts’.” This festive cocktail of elite sport and British silliness is safe for now.
Analysis: Protecting QBs from violent late hits like the one that leveled Trevor Lawrence isn't easy
Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on Wells Fargo . Looking at options history for Wells Fargo WFC we detected 10 trades. If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 50% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 40% with bearish. From the overall spotted trades, 4 are puts, for a total amount of $459,983 and 6, calls, for a total amount of $1,644,858. Projected Price Targets Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $70.0 to $105.0 for Wells Fargo during the past quarter. Insights into Volume & Open Interest Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Wells Fargo's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Wells Fargo's whale trades within a strike price range from $70.0 to $105.0 in the last 30 days. Wells Fargo Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days Biggest Options Spotted: Symbol PUT/CALL Trade Type Sentiment Exp. Date Ask Bid Price Strike Price Total Trade Price Open Interest Volume WFC CALL TRADE NEUTRAL 01/17/25 $2.62 $2.58 $2.6 $77.50 $1.0M 10.1K 4.1K WFC CALL SWEEP BULLISH 01/17/25 $1.65 $1.63 $1.65 $80.00 $430.2K 15.4K 2.6K WFC PUT SWEEP BULLISH 01/15/27 $9.25 $9.05 $9.05 $72.50 $161.9K 793 179 WFC PUT TRADE BEARISH 01/16/26 $30.15 $29.35 $29.97 $105.00 $149.8K 100 50 WFC PUT TRADE BULLISH 12/06/24 $5.1 $4.9 $4.92 $80.00 $98.4K 222 200 About Wells Fargo Wells Fargo is one of the largest banks in the United States, with approximately $1.9 trillion in balance sheet assets. The company has four primary segments: consumer banking, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, and wealth and investment management. It is almost entirely focused on the U.S. After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Wells Fargo, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance. Wells Fargo's Current Market Status Trading volume stands at 6,445,834, with WFC's price up by 1.14%, positioned at $75.68. RSI indicators show the stock to be may be overbought. Earnings announcement expected in 54 days. What Analysts Are Saying About Wells Fargo Over the past month, 2 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $79.5. Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. Click here for access .* An analyst from Citigroup has decided to maintain their Neutral rating on Wells Fargo, which currently sits at a price target of $82. * Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Evercore ISI Group keeps a Outperform rating on Wells Fargo with a target price of $77. Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Wells Fargo options trades with real-time alerts from Benzinga Pro . © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.