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aaajili15 Eagles look to clinch NFC East title while Cowboys hope to play spoilerStock market today: Wall Street hits more records following a just-right jobs reportBROOMFIELD, Colo. , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) today reported results for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 ended October 31, 2024 , provided season pass sales results for the 2024/2025 season, updated fiscal 2025 net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. guidance and reaffirmed fiscal 2025 Resort Reported EBITDA guidance, announced capital investment plans for calendar year 2025, declared a dividend payable in January 2025 , and announced first quarter share repurchases. Highlights Commenting on the Company's fiscal 2025 first quarter results, Kirsten Lynch , Chief Executive Officer, said, "Our first fiscal quarter historically operates at a loss, given that our North American and European mountain resorts are generally not open for ski season. The quarter's results were driven by winter operations in Australia and summer activities in North America , including sightseeing, dining, retail, lodging, and administrative expenses. "Resort Reported EBITDA was consistent with the prior year, driven by growth in our North American summer business from increased activities spending and lodging results. This growth was offset by a decline in Resort Reported EBITDA of $9 million compared to the prior year from our Australian resorts due to record low snowfall and lower demand, cost inflation, the inclusion of Crans-Montana, and approximately $2.7 million of one-time costs related to the two-year resource efficiency transformation plan and $0.9 million of acquisition and integration related expenses." Regarding the Company's resource efficiency transformation plan, Lynch said, "Vail Resorts continues to make progress on its two-year resource efficiency transformation plan, which was announced in our September 2024 earnings. The two-year Resource Efficiency Transformation Plan is designed to improve organizational effectiveness and scale for operating leverage as the Company grows globally. Through scaled operations, global shared services, and expanded workforce management, the Company expects $100 million in annualized cost efficiencies by the end of its 2026 fiscal year. We will provide updates as significant milestones are achieved." Turning to season pass results, Lynch said, "Our season pass sales highlight the compelling value proposition of our pass products and our commitment to continually investing in the guest experience at our resorts. Over the last four years, pass product sales for the 2024/2025 North American ski season have grown 59% in units and 47% in sales dollars. For the upcoming 2024/2025 North American ski season, pass product sales through December 3, 2024 decreased approximately 2% in units and increased approximately 4% in sales dollars as compared to the period in the prior year through December 4, 2023 . This year's results benefited from an 8% price increase, partially offset by unit growth among lower priced Epic Day Pass products. Pass product sales are adjusted to eliminate the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates by applying an exchange rate of $0.71 between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar in both periods for Whistler Blackcomb pass sales. For the period between September 21, 2024 and December 3, 2024 , pass product sales trends improved relative to pass product sales through September 20, 2024 , with unit growth of approximately 1% and sales dollars growth of approximately 7% as compared to the period in the prior year from September 23, 2023 through December 4, 2023 , due to expected renewal strength, which we believe reflects delayed decision making. "Our North American pass sales highlight strong loyalty with growth among renewing pass holders across all geographies. For the full selling season, the Company acquired a substantial number of new pass holders, however the absolute number of new guests was smaller compared to the prior year, driving the overall unit decline for the full selling season. New pass holders come from lapsed guests, prior year lift ticket guests, and new guests to our database. The Company achieved growth from lapsed guests, who previously purchased a pass or lift ticket but did not buy a pass or lift ticket in the previous season. The decline in new pass holders compared to the prior year was driven by fewer guests who purchased lift tickets in the past season and from guests who are completely new to our database, which we believe was impacted by last season's challenging weather and industry normalization. Epic Day Pass products achieved unit growth driven by the strength in renewing pass holders. We expect to have approximately 2.3 million guests committed to our 42 North American, Australian, and European resorts in advance of the season in non-refundable advance commitment products this year, which are expected to generate over $975 million of revenue and account for approximately 75% of all skier visits (excluding complimentary visits)." Lynch continued, "Heading into the 2024/2025 ski season, we are encouraged by our strong base of committed guests, providing meaningful stability for our Company. Additionally, early season conditions have allowed us to open some resorts earlier than anticipated, including Whistler Blackcomb, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, and Stevens Pass. Early season conditions have also enabled our Rockies resorts to open with significantly improved terrain relative to the prior year, including the opening of the legendary back bowls at Vail Mountain opening the earliest since 2018. Our resorts in the East are experiencing typical seasonal variability for this point in the year, with all resorts planned to open ahead of the holidays. We are continuing to hire for the winter season, and are on track with our staffing plans and have achieved a strong return rate of our frontline employees from the prior season. Lodging bookings at our U.S. resorts for the upcoming season are consistent with last year. At Whistler Blackcomb, lodging bookings for the full season are lagging prior year levels, which may reflect delayed decision making following challenging conditions in the prior year." Operating Results A more complete discussion of our operating results can be found within the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of the Company's Form 10-Q for the first fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2024 , which was filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The following are segment highlights: Mountain Segment Lodging Segment Resort - Combination of Mountain and Lodging Segments Real Estate Segment Total Performance Outlook The Company's Resort Reported EBITDA guidance for the year ending July 31, 2025 is unchanged from the prior guidance provided on September 26, 2024 . The Company is updating its guidance for net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc., which it now expects to be between $240 million and $316 million , up from the prior guidance range of $224 million to $300 million . The primary difference is due to a $17 million increase from the gain on sale of real property related to the resolution of the October 2023 Eagle County District Court final ruling and valuation regarding the Town of Vail's condemnation of the Company's East Vail property that was planned for Vail Resorts' incremental affordable workforce housing project, a transaction that has been recorded as Real Estate Reported EBITDA. Additionally, the guidance is updated to include a decrease in expected interest expense of approximately $2 million which assumes that interest rates remain at current levels for the remainder of fiscal 2025. These changes have no impact on expected Resort Reported EBITDA. The Company continues to expect Resort Reported EBITDA for fiscal 2025 to be between $838 million and $894 million , including approximately $27 million of cost efficiencies and an estimated $15 million in one-time costs related to the multi-year resource efficiency transformation plan, and an estimated $1 million of acquisition and integration related expenses specific to Crans-Montana. As compared to fiscal 2024, the fiscal 2025 guidance includes the assumed benefit of a return to normal weather conditions after the challenging conditions in fiscal 2024, more than offset by a return to normal operating costs and the impact of the continued industry normalization, impacting demand. Additionally, the guidance reflects the negative impact from the record low snowfall and related shortened season in Australia in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, which negatively impacted demand and resulted in a $9 million decline of Resort Reported EBITDA compared to the prior year period. After considering these items, we expect Resort Reported EBITDA to grow from price increases and ancillary spending, the resource efficiency transformation plan, and the addition of Crans-Montana for the full year. The guidance also assumes (1) a continuation of the current economic environment, (2) normal weather conditions for the 2024/2025 North American and European ski season and the 2025 Australian ski season, and (3) the foreign currency exchange rates as of our original fiscal 2025 guidance issued September 26, 2024 . Foreign currency exchange rates have experienced recent volatility. Relative to the current guidance, if the currency exchange rates as of yesterday, December 8, 2024 of $0.71 between the Canadian Dollar and U.S. Dollar related to the operations of Whistler Blackcomb in Canada , $0.64 between the Australian Dollar and U.S. Dollar related to the operations of Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham in Australia , and $1.14 between the Swiss Franc and U.S. Dollar related to the operations of Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana in Switzerland were to continue for the remainder of the fiscal year, the Company expects this would have an impact on fiscal 2025 guidance of approximately negative $5 million for Resort Reported EBITDA. The following table reflects the forecasted guidance range for the Company's fiscal year ending July 31, 2025 for Total Reported EBITDA (after stock-based compensation expense) and reconciles net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. guidance to such Total Reported EBITDA guidance. Fiscal 2025 Guidance (In thousands) For the Year Ending July 31, 2025 (6) Low End High End Range Range Net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. $ 240,000 $ 316,000 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 23,000 17,000 Net income 263,000 333,000 Provision for income taxes (1) 91,000 115,000 Income before income taxes 354,000 448,000 Depreciation and amortization 295,000 279,000 Interest expense, net 174,000 166,000 Other (2) 21,000 13,000 Total Reported EBITDA $ 844,000 $ 906,000 Mountain Reported EBITDA (3) $ 818,000 $ 872,000 Lodging Reported EBITDA (4) 16,000 26,000 Resort Reported EBITDA (5) 838,000 894,000 Real Estate Reported EBITDA 6,000 12,000 Total Reported EBITDA $ 844,000 $ 906,000 (1) The provision for income taxes may be impacted by excess tax benefits primarily resulting from vesting and exercises of equity awards. Our estimated provision for income taxes does not include the impact, if any, of unknown future exercises of employee equity awards, which could have a material impact given that a significant portion of our awards may be in-the-money depending on the current value of the stock price. (2) Our guidance includes certain forward looking known changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration based solely on the passage of time and resulting impact on present value. Guidance excludes any forward looking change based upon, among other things, financial projections including long-term growth rates for Park City, which such change may be material. Separately, the intercompany loan associated with the Whistler Blackcomb transaction requires foreign currency remeasurement to Canadian dollars, the functional currency of Whistler Blackcomb. Our guidance excludes any forward looking change related to foreign currency gains or losses on the intercompany loans, which such change may be material. Additionally, our guidance excludes the impact of any future sales or disposals of land or other assets which are contingent upon future approvals or other outcomes. (3) Mountain Reported EBITDA also includes approximately $25 million of stock-based compensation. (4) Lodging Reported EBITDA also includes approximately $4 million of stock-based compensation. (5) The Company provides Reported EBITDA ranges for the Mountain and Lodging segments, as well as for the two combined. The low and high of the expected ranges provided for the Mountain and Lodging segments, while possible, do not sum to the high or low end of the Resort Reported EBITDA range provided because we do not expect or assume that we will hit the low or high end of both ranges. (6) Guidance estimates are predicated on an exchange rate of $0.74 between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar, related to the operations of Whistler Blackcomb in Canada; an exchange rate of $0.67 between the Australian dollar and U.S. dollar, related to the operations of our Australian ski areas; and an exchange rate of $1.18 between the Swiss franc and U.S. dollar, related to the operations of Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana in Switzerland. Liquidity and Return of Capital As of October 31, 2024 , the Company's total liquidity as measured by total cash plus revolver availability was approximately $1,024 million . This includes $404 million of cash on hand, $407 million of U.S. revolver availability under the Vail Holdings Credit Agreement, and $213 million of revolver availability under the Whistler Credit Agreement. As of October 31, 2024 , the Company's Net Debt was 2.8 times its trailing twelve months Total Reported EBITDA. Regarding the return of capital to shareholders, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $2.22 per share of Vail Resorts' common stock payable on January 9, 2025 to shareholders of record as of December 26 , 2024. In addition, the Company repurchased approximately 0.1 million shares during the quarter at an average price of approximately $174 for a total of $20 million . The Company has 1.6 million shares remaining under its authorization for share repurchases. Commenting on capital allocation, Lynch said, "We will continue to be disciplined stewards of our shareholders' capital, prioritizing investments in our guest and employee experience, high-return capital projects, strategic acquisition opportunities, and returning capital to our shareholders. The Company has a strong balance sheet and remains focused on returning capital to shareholders while always prioritizing the long-term value of our shares." Capital Investments Vail Resorts is committed to enhancing the guest experience and supporting the Company's growth strategies through significant capital investments. For calendar year 2025, the Company plans to invest approximately $198 million to $203 million in core capital, before $45 million of growth capital investments at its European resorts, including $41 million at Andermatt-Sedrun and $4 million at Crans-Montana, and $6 million of real estate related capital projects to complete multi-year transformational investments at the key base area portals of Breckenridge Peak 8 and Keystone River Run, and planning investments to support the development of the West Lionshead area into a fourth base village at Vail Mountain. Including European growth capital investments, and real estate related capital, the Company plans to invest approximately $249 million to $254 million in calendar year 2025. Projects in the calendar year 2025 capital plan described herein remain subject to approvals. In calendar year 2025, the Company will embark on two multi-year transformational investment plans at Park City Mountain and Vail Mountain. In addition to embarking on two multi-year transformational investment plans, the Company is planning significant investments across the guest experience in calendar year 2025, including: In addition to the investments planned for calendar year 2025, the Company is completing significant investments that will enhance the guest experience for the upcoming 2024/2025 North American and European ski season. As previously announced, the Company expects its capital plan for calendar year 2024 to be approximately $189 million to $194 million , excluding $13 million of incremental capital investments in premium fleet and fulfillment infrastructure to support the official launch of My Epic Gear for the 2024/2025 winter season at 12 destination and regional resorts across North America , $7 million of growth capital investments at Andermatt-Sedrun, $2 million of maintenance and $2 million of integration investments at Crans-Montana, and $3 million of reimbursable capital. Including these one-time investments, the Company's total capital plan for calendar year 2024 is now expected to be approximately $216 million to $221 million . Earnings Conference Call The Company will conduct a conference call today at 5:00 p.m. eastern time to discuss the financial results. The call will be webcast and can be accessed at www.vailresorts.com in the Investor Relations section, or dial (800) 579-2543 (U.S. and Canada ) or +1 (785) 424-1789 (international). The conference ID is MTNQ125. A replay of the conference call will be available two hours following the conclusion of the conference call through December 16, 2024 , at 11:59 p.m. eastern time . To access the replay, dial (800) 753-9146 (U.S. and Canada ) or +1 (402) 220-2705 (international). The conference call will also be archived at www.vailresorts.com . About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge , Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America ; Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland ; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia . We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America . Learn more about our company at www.VailResorts.com , or discover our resorts and pass options at www.EpicPass.com . Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements discussed in this press release and on the conference call, other than statements of historical information, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including the statements regarding fiscal 2025 performance and the assumptions related thereto, including, but not limited to, our expected net income and Resort Reported EBITDA; our expectations regarding our liquidity; expectations related to our season pass products; our expectations regarding our ancillary lines of business; capital investment projects; our calendar year 2025 capital plan; our expectations regarding our resource efficiency transformation plan; and the payment of dividends. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to risks related to a prolonged weakness in general economic conditions, including adverse effects on the overall travel and leisure related industries and our business and results of operations; risks associated with the effects of high or prolonged inflation, elevated interest rates and financial institution disruptions; unfavorable weather conditions or the impact of natural disasters or other unexpected events; the ultimate amount of refunds that we could be required to refund to our pass product holders for qualifying circumstances under our Epic Coverage program; the willingness or ability of our guests to travel due to terrorism, the uncertainty of military conflicts or public health emergencies, and the cost and availability of travel options and changing consumer preferences, discretionary spending habits; risks related to travel and airline disruptions, and other adverse impacts on the ability of our guests to travel; risks related to interruptions or disruptions of our information technology systems, data security or cyberattacks; risks related to our reliance on information technology, including our failure to maintain the integrity of our customer or employee data and our ability to adapt to technological developments or industry trends; our ability to acquire, develop and implement relevant technology offerings for customers and partners; the seasonality of our business combined with adverse events that may occur during our peak operating periods; competition in our mountain and lodging businesses or with other recreational and leisure activities; risks related to the high fixed cost structure of our business; our ability to fund resort capital expenditures, or accurately identify the need for, or anticipate the timing of certain capital expenditures; risks related to a disruption in our water supply that would impact our snowmaking capabilities and operations; our reliance on government permits or approvals for our use of public land or to make operational and capital improvements; risks related to resource efficiency transformation initiatives; risks related to federal, state, local and foreign government laws, rules and regulations, including environmental and health and safety laws and regulations; risks related to changes in security and privacy laws and regulations which could increase our operating costs and adversely affect our ability to market our products, properties and services effectively; potential failure to adapt to technological developments or industry trends regarding information technology; our ability to successfully launch and promote adoption of new products, technology, services and programs; risks related to our workforce, including increased labor costs, loss of key personnel and our ability to maintain adequate staffing, including hiring and retaining a sufficient seasonal workforce; our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses, including their integration into our internal controls and infrastructure; our ability to successfully navigate new markets, including Europe , or that acquired businesses may fail to perform in accordance with expectations; a deterioration in the quality or reputation of our brands, including our ability to protect our intellectual property and the risk of accidents at our mountain resorts; risks related to scrutiny and changing expectations regarding our environmental, social and governance practices and reporting; risks associated with international operations, including fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates where the Company has foreign currency exposure, primarily the Canadian and Australian dollars and the Swiss franc, as compared to the U.S. dollar; changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations, or adverse determinations by taxing authorities; risks related to our indebtedness and our ability to satisfy our debt service requirements under our outstanding debt including our unsecured senior notes, which could reduce our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures, future business opportunities and other purposes; a materially adverse change in our financial condition; adverse consequences of current or future litigation and legal claims; changes in accounting judgments and estimates, accounting principles, policies or guidelines; and other risks detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024 , which was filed on September 26, 2024 . All forward-looking statements attributable to us or any persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. All guidance and forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forecast or forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Statement Concerning Non-GAAP Financial Measures When reporting financial results, we use the terms Resort Reported EBITDA, Total Reported EBITDA, Resort EBITDA Margin, Net Debt and Net Real Estate Cash Flow, which are not financial measures under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). Resort Reported EBITDA, Total Reported EBITDA, Resort EBITDA Margin, Net Debt and Net Real Estate Cash Flow should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to, or substitute for, measures of financial performance or liquidity prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, we report segment Reported EBITDA (i.e. Mountain, Lodging and Real Estate), the measure of segment profit or loss required to be disclosed in accordance with GAAP. Accordingly, these measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies. Additionally, with respect to discussion of impacts from currency, the Company calculates the impact by applying current period foreign exchange rates to the prior period results, as the Company believes that comparing financial information using comparable foreign exchange rates is a more objective and useful measure of changes in operating performance. Reported EBITDA (and its counterpart for each of our segments) has been presented herein as a measure of the Company's performance. The Company believes that Reported EBITDA is an indicative measurement of the Company's operating performance, and is similar to performance metrics generally used by investors to evaluate other companies in the resort and lodging industries. The Company defines Resort EBITDA Margin as Resort Reported EBITDA divided by Resort net revenue. The Company believes Resort EBITDA Margin is an important measurement of operating performance. The Company believes that Net Debt is an important measurement of liquidity as it is an indicator of the Company's ability to obtain additional capital resources for its future cash needs. Additionally, the Company believes Net Real Estate Cash Flow is important as a cash flow indicator for its Real Estate segment. See the tables provided in this release for reconciliations of our measures of segment profitability and non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. Vail Resorts, Inc. Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 Net revenue: Mountain and Lodging services and other $ 187,050 $ 182,834 Mountain and Lodging retail and dining 73,162 71,442 Resort net revenue 260,212 254,276 Real Estate 63 4,289 Total net revenue 260,275 258,565 Segment operating expense: Mountain and Lodging operating expense 266,264 255,576 Mountain and Lodging retail and dining cost of products sold 28,947 31,295 General and administrative 106,857 108,025 Resort operating expense 402,068 394,896 Real Estate operating expense 1,491 5,181 Total segment operating expense 403,559 400,077 Other operating (expense) income: Depreciation and amortization (71,633) (66,728) Gain on sale of real property 16,506 6,285 Change in estimated fair value of contingent consideration (2,079) (3,057) Loss on disposal of fixed assets and other, net (1,529) (2,043) Loss from operations (202,019) (207,055) Mountain equity investment income, net 2,151

Pahalgam, Nov 26: In the heart of the picturesque Kullar village in Pahalgam, south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, a quiet yet urgent plea rises from the land. The farmers of this verdant stretch, known for its rich agricultural produce, are grappling with an existential crisis. A central source of irrigation, an essential canal, has been their breadwinner for generations. Without this vital source, the farmers fear their crops — and their futures – may wither away. The canal which once flowed, a promise of sustenance, has been in dilapidated conditions for months. This used to be a crucial lifeline for the farmers who grow rice, vegetables, and other crops in the area but now stands as a symbol of neglect. The water that once irrigated fields in a steady flow now trickles through cracks and has completely dried up at many places, rendering the farmers helpless. “We depend entirely on this canal for our crops to survive,” says Bilal Ahmad Raina, a farmer from Kullar. “Without it, we stand at the risk of losing everything. If immediate repairs are not made, we will be staring at an uncertain future.” Farmers from Kullar are used to the struggle of working with nature. They carefully nurture their fields, tilling and cultivating them. However, the increasingly unbearable crisis is giving them a real test of endurance. Their lush green fields had long been watered fields, and now they water nothing but dust. The previously nourishing soil slowly turns into mud. “The repair of the canal is not just a need but a question of survival,” says another farmer, Ghulam Muhammad. “Our families rely on the yields, and if the case of the water supply continues uninterrupted, we would be forced to give up farming. The authorities must intervene now.” The situation has become so severe that farmers are getting up to call for immediate intervention from the local administration and political leaders. They are appealing to Lieutenant Governor ManojSinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Agriculture Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar to take immediate action and restore the canal to its previous state of strength so that the farmers of Kullar can continue their work without fears of crop failure. The plea addressed to the authorities by the farmers underscores the need for prompt repairs, pointing out that delaying action would not only devastate their present livelihoods but also affect the broader agricultural community in the region. Kullar’s farmers say that the canal is something more than just a source of water: it symbolises hope, stability, and the promise of a bountiful harvest. “We are always willing to till the soil,” says ParveenAkhtar, a woman farmer in the village. “But we alone cannot do it. We need our leaders to conserve this canal. It is a cry for help from the heart of our village. We are desperate and hope our leaders will listen.” As the Kullar farmers together make a demand, they have hope that their voice will be heard. With proper support, the canal can be restored and the fields of Kullar, Pahalgam, can see proper harvest once again. Time is passing, and the time to start action is now. The farmers of Kullar do not want just water; they want a future. A future that will stay green and alive, so long as their very land, nourished through generations of love and care, stays alive. Will the officials heed the call and ensure that fields in Kullar will flourish? Only time will tell. For now, hope is the seed they are planting.Stock market today: Nvidia drags Wall Street from its records as oil and gold riseThe U.S. stock market posted another week of strong performance, with major large-cap indices such as the S&P 500, the Dow Jones and the Nasdaq 100 extending their record highs. Technology and consumer discretionary sectors led the gains, driven by several mega-cap tech giants – Apple Inc. AMZN , Amazon.com Inc. AMZN and Meta Platforms Inc. META – hitting new peaks. In November, the U.S. labor market showed robust signs of recovery, with nonfarm payrolls rising by 227,000, up sharply from an upwardly revised 36,000 in October and above expectations of 220,000. The unemployment rate inched up to 4.2%, as expected, while average hourly earnings slightly exceeded forecasts. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index revealed the most favorable overall conditions in seven months, bolstered by a significant rise in the current economic conditions subindex. Yet, the survey also highlighted growing concerns over inflation, with short-term inflation expectations rising. A relevant share of consumers reported advancing purchases of durable goods due to fears of accelerating inflation in the future. Bitcoin BTC/USD dominated economic and financial headlines, surging above $100,000 for the first time ever on Wednesday. What You Might Have Missed Stellantis CEO Departs Stellantis N.V. STLA ' Carlos Tavares exited, intensifying market concerns after a 50% value drop in 2024. Leadership uncertainty now threatens recovery, with analysts warning of escalating challenges in a highly competitive automotive industry landscape. Bitcoin Caution Advised A veteran trader urged caution on aggressive Bitcoin and equity longs amid rising market volatility. The warning highlights the importance of prudent risk management and strategic positioning in an unpredictable cryptocurrency landscape. Top Santa Stocks There are 10 S&P 500 stocks that historically excel in December's second half. These consistent performers leverage the Santa Rally effect, presenting investors with strong year-end opportunities for potential portfolio growth. Prominent Trader Drops Tesla Short A prominent trader exited his Tesla TSLA short position, citing a shift in fundamentals and Elon Musk 's evolving relationship with President-elect Donald Trump . Tesla shares are up 41% year-to-date, with analysts growing bullish. Powell On Bitcoin Fed Chair Jerome Powell likened Bitcoin to gold, describing it as virtual and digital. His remarks underline Bitcoin's growing status as a speculative asset and a store of value in the evolving financial ecosystem. Read Next: Strong November Jobs Report Could Signal Slower Interest Rate Cuts Ahead, Experts Say Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Essex Property Trust declares $2.45 dividend

NEW YORK (AP) — A slide for market superstar Nvidia helped pull U.S. stock indexes down from their records. The S&P 500 fell 0.6% Monday, coming off its 57th all-time high of the year so far. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite dropped 0.6% from its own record. Nvidia was the market’s heaviest weight after China said it’s probing the chip giant for potential antitrust violations. Stocks in Hong Kong jumped after top Chinese leaders agreed on a “moderately loose” monetary policy. Prices for oil and gold rose following the ouster of Syrian leader Bashar Assad. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. NEW YORK (AP) — A slide for market superstar Nvidia on Monday is helping to pull U.S. stock indexes down from their records. The S&P 500 fell by 0.3% in afternoon trading, coming off its 57th all-time high of the year so far. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 57 points, or 0.1%, as of 1:53 p.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite pulled back 0.3% from its own record. Nvidia's drop of 2.1% was by far the heaviest weight on the S&P 500 after China said it's investigating the company over suspected violations of Chinese anti-monopoly laws. Nvidia has skyrocketed to become one of Wall Street’s most valuable companies because its chips are driving much of the world’s move into artificial-intelligence technology. That gives its stock’s movements more sway on the S&P 500 than nearly every other. Nvidia's fall overshadowed gains in Hong Kong and for Chinese stocks trading in the United States on hopes that China will deliver more stimulus for the world's second-largest economy. Roughly half the stocks in the S&P 500 also rose. The week’s highlight for Wall Street will arrive midweek when the latest updates on inflation arrive. Economists expect Wednesday’s report to show the inflation that U.S. consumers are feeling remained stuck at roughly the same level last month. A separate report on Thursday, meanwhile, could show an acceleration in inflation at the wholesale level. They’re the last big pieces of data the Federal Reserve will get before its meeting next week on interest rates. The widespread expectation is still that the central bank will cut its main interest rate for the third time this year. The Fed has been easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high since September to offer more help for the slowing job market, after bringing inflation nearly all the way down to its 2% target. Lower interest rates can ease the brakes off the economy, but they can also offer more fuel for inflation. Expectations for a series of cuts from the Fed have been a major reason the S&P 500 has set so many all-time highs this year. On Wall Street, Interpublic Group rose 5.8% after rival Omnicom said it would buy the marketing and communications firm in an all-stock deal. The pair had a combined revenue of $25.6 billion last year. Omnicom, meanwhile, sank 9.3%. Macy’s climbed 1.5% after an activist investor, Barington Capital Group, called on the retailer to buy back at least $2 billion of its own stock over the next three years and make other moves to help boost its stock price. Super Micro Computer rose 4.6% after saying it got an extension that will keep its stock listed on the Nasdaq through Feb. 25, as it works to file its delayed annual report and other required financial statements. Earlier this month, the maker of servers used in artificial-intelligence technology said an investigation found no evidence of misconduct by its management or by the company’s board following the resignation of its public auditor . In the oil market, a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rallied 2% to $68.56 following the overthrow of Syrian leader Bashar Assad, who sought asylum in Moscow after rebels. Brent crude, the international standard, was mostly unchanged at $71.05. The price of gold also rose 1% amid the uncertainty created by the end of the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule. In stock markets abroad, the Hang Seng jumped 2.8% in Hong Kong after top Chinese leaders agreed on a “moderately loose” monetary policy for the world’s second-largest economy. That’s a shift away from a more cautious, “prudent” stance for the first time in 10 years. A major planning meeting later this week could also bring more stimulus for the Chinese economy. U.S.-listed stocks of several Chinese companies climbed, such as a 13.1% jump for electric-vehicle company Nio and a 9.1% rise for Alibaba Group. Stocks in Shanghai, though, were roughly flat. In Seoul, South Korea’s Kospi slumped 2.8% as the fallout continues from President Yoon Suk Yeol 's brief declaration of martial law last week in the midst of a budget dispute. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.19% from 4.15% late Friday. ___ AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed. Stan Choe, The Associated PressBrandel Chamblee and Todd Lewis discuss Scottie Scheffler's impressive showing during Round 2 of the Hero World Challenge, breaking down what has worked for the world No. 1 in The Bahamas. Brandel Chamblee and Todd Lewis discuss Tiger Woods' historic year in 2000, explaining how a run like that has yet to be replicated 24 years later. Grass League co-founder Jake Hoselton breaks down how the league works, including the notable pro players involved, how the league was created and what to look forward to with the Troon Access Grass League Championship. The Golf Central crew breaks down Max Homa's struggles during Round 2 of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, where the 34-year-old couldn't find his way at Gary Player Country Club. Brandel Chamblee and Todd Lewis break down Justin Thomas' Round 1 showing at the Hero World Challenge, discussing what the 15-time PGA Tour winner did well to start things off in The Bahamas. Todd Lewis and Brandel Chamblee analyze Scottie Scheffler's first-round 67 at the Hero World Challenge, and hear from the defending champion regarding his new putting grip and starting the new year strong. U.S. Ryder Cup pay has become a "hot-button topic" around the PGA Tour, and Brandel Chamblee calls out how this idea could "corrupt" the nature of Ryder Cup participation in an event that is all about "patriotism." Watch highlights from Round 1 of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, taking place at Gary Player Country Club in Sun City, South Africa. Justin Thomas speaks with Rex Hoggard about the birth of daughter Molly Grace and his renewed hopes for the new season after a rough 2024. Scottie Scheffler's the favorite at the Hero World Challenge as the top player in the world, defending champion, and runner-up from two years prior. Todd Lewis provides an update on his plan to play plenty of early golf. Golf Central takes a look back on the 2024 LPGA season, highlighting the top players, performances and moments -- and what it could all mean for the game moving forward.

The Miami Hurricanes, who once appeared to be a near-lock for the College Football Playoff, are not playing for a national title. Instead, they will play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando. That bowl berth against Iowa State is a let-down for fans with dreams of a sixth national title in their minds, as well as players hoping to compete for a championship. However, Miami’s trip to Orlando and the lead-up to it are still crucial periods for the Hurricanes for multiple reasons. First, it’s a chance for the program to achieve something it has not done in more than two decades: win 11 games. Although the 11th win won’t get them closer to a championship, it is a good sign of the program’s progress over Mario Cristobal’s tenure. It would also end UM’s five-game losing streak in bowls. “We’re not satisfied,” Cristobal said. “We want to win every single game. We won 10. We were close on the other two, but close isn’t good enough. We want progress. We’re hungry and driven to get better, and so that’s what our focus is on: to improving as a football program, to getting better, to moving into the postseason with an opportunity against a great football team like this and putting our best on the field.” There are signs the Hurricanes will show up at close to full strength for the bowl game. Running back Damien Martinez announced he was going to play, and star quarterback Cam Ward said in a video call posted on social media that he intends to play, as well. “We’re trying to win our first bowl game in 20 years,” Ward said in the video, mistaking the length of UM’s long bowl losing streak. “We’re going hard.” Playing in the bowl game also provides the opportunity for the Hurricanes to get in several practices between now and the game. That means Miami can develop its young players and prepare them for next season during both the practices and the bowl game itself. “It’s extremely valuable,” Cristobal said. “You really don’t have many opportunities throughout the course of the year — time is limited more and more each season with your student-athletes. I want to state this and be very clear: it’s very important, it’s ultra-important for the University of Miami to continue to develop and grow and progress by stressing the importance of offseason opportunities ... You learn a lot about your team and learn a lot about your people and your program when you head to the postseason.” Of course, there are potential negatives. Players can get hurt; Mark Fletcher Jr. suffered a foot injury in the Pinstripe Bowl last year that cost him all of spring practice. A poor performance can also potentially set the tone for next season, like how Florida State, fresh off a playoff snub last year, suffered a devastating loss against Georgia in the Orange Bowl and went on to a dismal 2-10 season this year. “This is the ending of ’24 and the beginning of ’25,” Cristobal said. “This is the last opportunity to be on the field and carry some momentum into the offseason. So it is, in essence, it is the most important game because it’s the next game. “There’s a lot of excitement in the form of opportunity for our guys. Our guys love to play football. The chance to play one more time with this special group — this is a special group of guys now. They’ve worked hard to really change the trajectory of the University of Miami, and they want to continue to elevate the status and the culture at the University of Miami. So certainly a ton to play for.” ____ Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP) — Gaston Martirena and Adrian Martinez scored first-half goals as Argentina's Racing won its first Copa Sudamericana championship by beating Brazil's Cruzeiro 3-1 in the final on Saturday. Martirena opened the scoring in the 15th minute and Martinez added a goal five minutes later to give “La Academia” its first international title since 1988 when it won the now defunct Supercopa Sudamericana. “Maravilla” Martinez scored 10 goals in 13 matches and finished as the top scorer in the competition. “We suffered until the last minute, but to be able to win a cup after so many years is a blessing,” Martinez said. “It's historic, it was a long time without being able to raise an international cup, we have a poor year in the league, but we were able to give the fans this satisfaction.” Roger Martinez sealed the victory with a goal in the 90th. Kaio Jorge scored in the 52nd for Cruzeiro. Racing, a team based in the city of Avellaneda, took the lead when Martirena, a Uruguayan right-back, sent in what appeared to be a cross from the right but the looping ball went over Cruzeiro goalkeeper Cassio and into the far corner of the net. Martinez doubled the lead with a shot from five meters. The game was played in Estadio General Pablo Rojas in Asuncion, Paraguay, where most of the 45,000 fans were supporting Racing. Copa Sudamericana is the second most prestigious club competition in South America behind the Copa Libertadores, and its first edition was in 2002. Racing is the first Argentinian team to win the competition since 2020 when Defensa y Justicia beat Lanus. The last two competitions were won by Ecuadorian teams. Brazilian teams Atletico Mineiro and Botafogo will play next weekend in the Copa Libertadores final in Buenos Aires, Argentina. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerEagles look to clinch NFC East title while Cowboys hope to play spoilerNYT Strands today — hints, spangram and answers for game #266 (Sunday, November 24 2024) - Tom's Guide

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From the Editor in Chief’s desk | December 7, 2024MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 9, 2024-- Hologic, Inc. (Nasdaq: HOLX) announced today that Martin Madaus has been elected to the Company’s Board of Directors, effective December 6, 2024. Dr. Madaus was also appointed to the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee effective December 6, 2024. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209400549/en/ Dr. Martin Madaus (Photo: Business Wire) Dr. Madaus, who has more than 30 years of diagnostics and life sciences industry experience, currently serves as an Operating Executive at the Carlyle Group, a global investment firm, which he joined in February 2019. Prior to joining the Carlyle Group, Dr. Madaus held the role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Inc., a diagnostics company that makes products and diagnostic testing equipment for blood testing. Dr. Madaus previously served as the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Milipore Corporation, a life sciences company serving the bioscience research and biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry, until its acquisition by Merck KGaA in 2010. “We’re delighted to welcome Martin to Hologic’s Board of Directors,” said Steve MacMillan, Hologic’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “With his deep industry, technical, business and international experiences, Martin represents yet another strong addition to our deep and experienced Board.” Dr. Madaus received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Munich in Germany and a Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine from the Veterinary School of Hanover in Germany. About Hologic, Inc. Hologic, Inc. is an innovative medical technology company primarily focused on improving women's health and well-being through early detection and treatment. For more information on Hologic, visit www.hologic.com . Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties, including statements about the Company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, and statements regarding the Company's Board of Directors. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by the Company as of this date and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to, the risk that the Company may not be able to attract and retain qualified Board members or executives. These risks are not exhaustive. Other factors that could adversely affect the Company's business and prospects are described in the filings made by the Company with the SEC. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements presented here to reflect any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based. SOURCE: Hologic, Inc. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209400549/en/ CONTACT: Investor Contact: Ryan Simon +1 858.410.8514 ryan.simon@hologic.comMedia Contact: Bridget Perry +1 508.263.8654 bridget.perry@hologic.com KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA MASSACHUSETTS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HEALTH MEDICAL DEVICES CONSUMER WOMEN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY GENERAL HEALTH BIOTECHNOLOGY SOURCE: Hologic, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/09/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/09/2024 04:05 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209400549/en

Melanie Turner has always been "a bit of a talker". or signup to continue reading And growing up in Adelaide, the Noongar woman also knew she wanted a career where she could help others. At first she thought medicine, entering graduate medical school in her 20s, but after a clinical stint in Townsville, she was drawn to the practice of psychiatry. "It was really understanding people and where they were from and how they were connected to each other and the impact of illness and the impact of addiction and impact of colonisation and separation," Dr Turner told AAP. "I went with a couple of clinicians to Palm Island and some more of the rural and remote areas while I was in Queensland and just found it kind of sat in my soul." Now South Australia's deputy chief psychiatrist and working part-time in her own practice as a child and adolescent specialist, Dr Turner's interests are increasingly on policy, legislation, advocacy and regulatory work. Via a Churchill Fellowship research grant, she has investigated crisis care models worldwide, visiting the United States, UK, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Focusing on non-hospital options, Dr Turner says she hopes her work will help expand crisis care away from having to attend an emergency department. "Different places in the world have different ways of offering that but they're all leaning towards a continuum of crisis care," she said. "I think that would really help lower the number of people waiting in an emergency department who generally don't get what they need because they're not really built for people in mental health crisis. "That's the vision that hopefully we can bring to Australia, that we have a continuum with a wider group of people offering different levels of intervention." Dr Turner said psychiatry can be fulfilling and enjoyable but it's an industry where people must also look after themselves. "Psychiatry is an amazing job to have to have and it is such a privilege to get to know people and work with people on a level that is so private and intimate and so brave of them," she said. "It is also on the flip side a hard job, it's a lot of work and a lot of dedication to the practice of psychiatry." Reflecting on her career, Dr Turner said she would not be where she is without the support of her peers and family. "People who do roles like I do would never be there if there weren't other people who were supportive and saw something in me they believed in before I even knew it was there," she said. "Truly, in these roles, you don't get there alone." 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. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement

Chris Cenac Jr., the top center in the Class of 2025 according to the ESPN100, has committed to play for the Houston Cougars. The five-star recruit announced his decision Tuesday via the Bleacher Report's B/R App. Cenac previously said he wouldn't make his decision until the spring, but his stock soared over the summer after his impressive play on the Puma Pro 16 circuit with Dallas-based YGC, vaulting him into the national top-10 rankings. The 6-foot-10 New Orleans native was reportedly choosing between LSU, Auburn, Arkansas, Baylor, Kentucky, Tennessee and others before making the decision to join Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson's team. "I just like the coaching staff a lot, I like their plan to develop me and I like coming into a winning program," Cenac told 247Sports. "I'm looking forward to producing and just helping them win more. But the main thing was development and them being able to get me better so I can be ready for that next level." Cenac's rating of .9978 by 247Sports Composite makes him the Cougars' highest-rated commit in the modern era, according to multiple outlets. "They see me as a four who can kind of play all over the court and do everything," Cenac told 247Sports. "I can get rebounds, push the ball, shoot and play all over the floor." With Cenac joining other Houston commits like five-star shooting guard Isaiah Harwell, four-star point guard Kingston Flemings and three-star wing Bryce Jackson, Houston's Class of 2025 is ranked No. 2 in the nation by 247Sports and ESPN. --Field Level MediaNone

In a world often painted in muted tones, Ashley Longshore enters like a firework display at a black-tie gala. She is one of the most audacious and unapologetic voices of pop art, a creator whose canvases sparkle as much as her electric personality. To meet her is to experience a whirlwind of charm, wit, and unfiltered bold brilliance — a true Queen of modern art with a rebel's streak. Newsweek spoke with the artist as she was about to display at Aqua Art Fair during Art Basel in Miami. "Well, first of all, just let me start by telling you, this is my first art fair. And I've been out there hustling for 30 years. As you know, they do not consider me a commercial artist, and I have not been allowed to participate in art fairs because they don't consider me a commercial artist," she revealed. The artist continued, "I'm like, I have three stories in a building in Soho. My rent's $50,000 a month. What do you mean I'm not a commercial artist? I've worked with, you know, Bergdorf Goodman, Gucci, Diane Von Furstenberg, Shisedo, I've done a global thing with f**king Maybelline. I'm not a commercial artist? No, the bottom line of this is I don't give up 50% to a f**king gallerist and I'm their worst nightmare. So, this whole thing is about financial independence. It's about art. It's about giving the middle finger to the f**king patriarchy. It's about capitalism. It's about the most American thing we could possibly do. And that's for somebody to tell us no - and to go out there and start our own f**king company. I am coming in so hot as a full blown, hot-blooded capitalism loving American f**king woman." Longshore's work, often likened to Warhol for its pop culture reverence, transcends mere homage. Her signature style juxtaposes iconic imagery — Audrey Hepburn swathed in graffiti, Ruth Bader Ginsburg crowned in florals — with biting wit and an unabashed love for maximalism. Yet, her work is not merely decorative; it is confrontational, feminist, and celebratory. It's art that dares to look you in the eye and wink. When asked to describe her work, Longshore said, "Bold, unapologetic, colorful, in your face, honest, provocative, hilarious." She continued about her work, sating, "You know, the thing that I love that I think the art world really doesn't appreciate, the fine art world, is - I'm of humor. And I can be in one part of my gallery and people come in and they're reading the text on some of my paintings, and, they're belly laughing. Some of these things that people really, really relate to. You know, they come in and they go, 'Oh my God, I was having a bad day and now I just feel great.' And I'm like, 'Well, honey, you can come into this world whenever you want.' The door is open for you, you know?" Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Longshore did not emerge from the rarified halls of art academia. Instead, her journey is one of grit, determination, and a brash spirit that would make even Cher blush. She marketed her art directly to collectors and embraced social media, turning her business into a multimillion-dollar empire. Longshore's ascension has been nothing short of meteoric. Her collectors include Blake Lively, Salma Hayek, and Penélope Cruz amongst many other A-list types. Nothing is stopping Longshore, who gave Newsweek a preview of some things to come from her. "There's some really, really big things happening. I'm doing a very exciting project with Shania Twain in Vegas. And I'm going to be opening a news space in New York that I'm very excited about. I'll be leaving my current space the end of March and I'm opening something really, really, really exciting." she revealed Yet, there is depth beneath the glitter. Longshore's commentary on consumerism, gender roles, and fame is as sharp as her rhinestone-studded nails. She is unafraid to poke fun at the very culture that celebrates her. "No, the world is terrifying, and I want to create an environment that brings me joy and happiness. I love color. I love outrageousness. I love to have a good time. I love dancing on tables. I love big dinner parties where I pick up the taps with my friends. I want to laugh. I want to dance. I want to laugh so hard that I pee in my pants. What people get when they walk into my world is me. They're buying my spirit a hundred percent," she stated. Longshore is not just an artist; she is a bold expression of creative energy. She doesn't speak, she roars, proving that art, like life, is best when it's experienced on full blast.In North Maharashtra, Mahayuti settles score of Lok Sabha election

Oracle Announces Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Financial ResultsStock market today: S&P 500 ends at record high as November jobs data fuels investor optimism1 2 Ranchi: Hoping to wrest Jharkhand from the Hemant Soren-led JMM govt, the BJP went to the polls with a strong strategy of showcasing cases of poor tribals losing their land to Bangladeshi land grabbers, in a move that eventually backfired with the entire campaign getting lost in translation on ground. And the result was JMM in its bastion of Santhal Pargana clinched all 18, but one seat with the help of its partners BJP got reduced from four seats in 2019 to one this time while the JMM bagged 11, Congress four and RJD two. Devendra Kunwar is the only BJP man in Santhal's Jarmundi seat. The idea was to examine how much of tribal land had changed hands from tribals over the past few decades and star BJP campaigner Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighting how JMM was becoming a stumbling block. Turns out, many tribals in the region, reeling under abject poverty were signing daan patras (tribal land is legally non-transferable) to hand over their non-saleable land to local Muslims to run a business and getting paid in return. Almost the entire Santhal Pargana region is governed by Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act of 1876 under which not even an inch of tribal land is transferable. This renders the tribals poor, especially when they are unable to practice farming. Under tacit local understanding they write off their land for a small price to local Muslim families and also get some money annually when it's the time to pay land revenue. Maharashtra Jharkhand Maharashtra Alliance View i Party View Seats: 288 Results Majority: 145 BJP+ 229 MVA 47 OTH 12 Results : 288 / 288 BJP+ WON Jharkhand Alliance View i Party View Seats: 81 Results Majority: 41 INDIA 56 NDA 24 OTH 1 Results : 81 / 81 INDIA WON Source: PValue As polls neared and campaigning got hectic, the narrative somewhere got lost in translation and turned out to be "ghuspethiyas" (infiltrators) crossing the Bangladesh border through West Bengal's Murshidabad and grabbing land, livelihoods and even Adivasi women. What followed next was a poll cry of –roti, beti and maati (vote to save employment options, daughters and land being grabbed by infiltrators) The ruling JMM-Congress combine countered saying BJP was spoiling communal harmony, creating a divide between locals and creating unnecessary fear when the reality was something else. "Himanta Biswa Sarma is quite an artist. There is always communal talk. We don't share a border with Bangladesh and the border in West Bengal is guarded by central forces," thundered CM Hemant Soren. The Muslims of Jharkhand, who are residents for decades and the tribals wondered each time a BJP leader came asking for a "ghuspetia". "This is laughable, they are trying to find out about ghuspetias. Are we infiltrators? The tribals and Muslim local residents are a happy lot. We even had the odd love marriages," said Asharful Sheikh who married Jharna Marandi, now pradhan of Nartanpur village As the date of election approached, the local BJP leaders dropped the "ghuspetias" angle in their campaign and soon, AJSU party, an ally of the NDA dropped infiltration from their manifesto. "Yaha ghuspetias wala baat nahi chalega," said Alamgir Alam, district president of Ajsu party in Pakur, who was overlooking the campaign for his party candidate Azhar Islam. He along with the BJP poll incharge denied infiltration being any issue. "Let the leaders talk about it for the national audience, we know the ground reality here," Alam added. The result was clear as the JMM led INDIA bloc routed the BJP from the 27 (JMM-21, Congress-6) of 28 ST seats. Former CM Champai Soren emerged as the only legislator of the saffron camp to be elected from ST reserved seat (Seraikela). The INDIA bloc's strong performance across the seats indicated that the BJP's politics did not resonate among the tribal electorate. Nalin Soren, the incumbent Dumka MP who represented Shikaripara (ST) assembly segment until this year's Lok Sabha election, claimed that the tribal electorate rejected the BJP's politics of communalism and hatred in this election. "Several factors resulted in a good show. While there was the benefit of the social welfare schemes such as Maiyya Samman and Savitri Bai Phule Yojana, there was considerable discontent among the electorate because the BJP led government at the Centre did not act on the Sarna Code. Today's results proved that the tribal community has rallied strongly behind Hemant Soren," he told TOI in Dumka.

Israel strikes kill 52 in Lebanon as Hezbollah targets south Israel