Secretaries of State are being told that any outgoings which are not contributing towards one of Labour’s “priorities” must be cut as Rachel Reeves vows to wield “an iron fist against waste.” In letters sent by Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones, departments will be told to brace for “difficult” spending decisions in order to restore trust in the Government’s handling of the public finances. Every pound of departmental spending will be face a “line-by-line review” involving external finance experts from banks and think tanks in order to ensure it represents value for money, the Treasury said. The Chancellor will on Tuesday launch the next round of Government spending, and is expected to warn departments that they “cannot operate in a business-as-usual way when reviewing their budgets for the coming years”. She will insist that areas focused on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s “plan for change”, which includes targets to improve living standards across the country and build 1.5 million homes, must be prioritised. Ms Reeves said: “By totally rewiring how the Government spends money we will be able to deliver our plan for change and focus on what matters for working people. “The previous government allowed millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money to go to waste on poor value for money projects. We will not tolerate it; I said I would have an iron grip on the public finances and that means taking an iron fist against waste. “By reforming our public services, we will ensure they are up to scratch for modern day demands, saving money and delivering better services for people across the country. That’s why we will inspect every pound of Government spend, so that it goes to the right places and we put an end to all waste.” Under the Treasury’s plans, departments will ensure budgets are scrutinised by “challenge panels” of external experts including former senior management of Lloyd’s Banking Group, Barclays Bank and the Co-operative Group. These panels, which will also involve think tanks, academics and the private sector, will advise on which spending “is or isn’t necessary”, the ministry said. The Treasury said work has already begun, with an evaluation of the £6.5 million spent on a scheme that placed social workers in schools finding “no evidence of positive impact on social care outcomes”. “Departments will be advised that where spending is not contributing to a priority, it should be stopped,” it said. “Although some of these decisions will be difficult, the Chancellor is clear that the public must have trust in the Government that it is rooting out waste and that their taxes are being spent on their priorities.” Ms Reeves had already announced efficiency and productivity savings of 2% across departments in her autumn budget as she seeks to put the public finances on a firmer footing. In a speech in east London, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden hinted at a further squeeze. “At the Budget the Chancellor demanded efficiency and productivity savings of 2% across departments – and there will be more to come,” he said. “As we launch the next phase of the spending review at its heart must be reform of the state in order to do a better job for the public.”
BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 9, 2024-- Smartsheet (NYSE:SMAR) (“Smartsheet” or the “Company”), the AI enhanced enterprise grade work management platform, today announced that Smartsheet shareholders overwhelmingly approved the Merger Proposal for the Company’s proposed acquisition by funds managed by Blackstone and Vista Equity Partners. This approval satisfies the shareholder vote condition for the consummation of the acquisition, originally announced in September 2024. In addition, shareholders also voted in favor of the executive compensation plan related to the acquisition, further validating their support for the Company's leadership and strategic direction. Smartsheet will disclose the final vote results on a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Following the approval of the Merger Proposal, the acquisition remains subject to other customary closing conditions, including certain regulatory approvals that are proceeding in the normal course. Assuming the satisfaction of necessary closing conditions, the acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of Smartsheet’s fiscal year ending January 31, 2025, or shortly thereafter. About Smartsheet Smartsheet is the modern enterprise work management platform trusted by millions of people at companies across the globe, including over 85% of the 2024 Fortune 500 companies. The category pioneer and market leader, Smartsheet delivers powerful solutions fueling performance and driving the next wave of innovation. Visit www.smartsheet.com to learn more. Forward-Looking Statements This communication may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, among other things, statements regarding the ability of the parties to complete the proposed transaction and the expected timing of completion of the proposed transaction; the prospective performance and outlook of Smartsheet’s business, performance and opportunities; as well as any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. When used in this communication, or any other documents, words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “objective,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “strategy,” “target,” and similar expressions should be considered forward-looking statements made in good faith by Smartsheet, as applicable, and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management at the time that these statements were prepared and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause Smartsheet’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to: (i) the risk that the proposed transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all; (ii) the possibility that competing offers or acquisition proposals for Smartsheet will be made; (iii) the possibility that any of the various conditions to the consummation of the proposed transaction may not be satisfied or waived, including the failure to receive any required regulatory approvals from any applicable governmental entities; (iv) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, including in circumstances that would require Smartsheet to pay a termination fee or other expenses; (v) the effect of the pendency of the proposed transaction on Smartsheet’s ability to retain and hire key personnel, its ability to maintain relationships with its customers, suppliers and others with whom it does business, its business generally or its stock price; (vi) risks related to diverting management’s attention from Smartsheet’s ongoing business operations or the loss of one or more members of the management team; (vii) the risk that shareholder litigation in connection with the proposed transaction may result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; (viii) Smartsheet’s ability to achieve future growth and sustain its growth rate; (ix) Smartsheet’s ability to attract and retain talent; (x) Smartsheet’s ability to attract and retain customers (including government customers) and increase sales to its customers; (xi) Smartsheet’s ability to develop and release new products and services and to scale its platform; (xii) Smartsheet’s ability to increase adoption of its platform through its self-service model; (xiii) Smartsheet’s ability to maintain and grow its relationships with channel and strategic partners; (xiv) the highly competitive and rapidly evolving market in which it participates; (xv) Smartsheet’s ability to identify targets for, execute on, or realize the benefits of, potential acquisitions; and (xvi) its international expansion strategies. Further information on risks that could affect Smartsheet’s results is included in its filings with the SEC, including its most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, and any current reports on Form 8-K that it may file from time to time. Should any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could differ materially from expectations. Except as required by applicable law, Smartsheet assumes no obligation to, and does not currently intend to, update or supplement any such forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information, future events, changes in its expectations or other circumstances that exist after the date of this communication. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209789684/en/ CONTACT: Investor Relations Contact Aaron Turner investorrelations@smartsheet.com Media Contact FGS Global Smartsheet@FGSGlobal.com KEYWORD: WASHINGTON UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DATA MANAGEMENT APPS/APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY OTHER TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE FINANCE SOURCE: Smartsheet Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/09/2024 04:27 PM/DISC: 12/09/2024 04:27 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209789684/en
The awards ceremony, in association with the University of South Wales, will celebrate health and care providers across the region. The finalists for the Carer in the Home Award have been revealed. A team of personal assistants at Helping Hands Support have been nominated for the award for helping a former patient feel valued and supported after a hospital stay. The patient, initially hesitant about receiving care, commended the team for listening to their needs and wishes and has resumed social activities and hobbies, improving their quality of life. Andrew Debnam, a well-regarded professional in the home sector, has also been nominated for the award. Known for his calm demeanour and ability to create a peaceful environment, Mr Debnam has been working in the sector for several years. His expertise in community access and managing difficult situations has been acknowledged, along with his ability to maintain a settled atmosphere. Jason Inskip, a dedicated carer who has supported a now 32-year-old man since he was eight or nine, has been nominated for the award. The man, who has a unique bond with Mr Inskip, refuses to go with anyone else. He has been recognised for his exceptional commitment, having been a personal assistant for 24 to 25 years.
The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has eased its fund management rules to make it more attractive for fund managers to set up shop at Gift IFSC. The Fund Management Entity (FME) rules allow retail schemes, non-retail schemes (alternative investment funds), investment trusts and portfolio management services. As on March 31, 2024, there were 104 FMEs registered with IFSCA, with 92 non-retail ones. The minimum corpus for schemes has been reduced from $5 million to $3 million. For open-ended schemes, the investment activities may commence upon achieving a corpus of $1 million and the minimum corpus of $3 million may be achieved within 12 months. The minimum investment amount for PMS has been reduced to $75,000 from $150,000. Clients under PMS are also permitted to transfer their funds in a designated broking account which may be then managed by the FME under PMS, subject to certain safeguards. The valuation of a scheme’s assets by an independent service provider is exempted for fund of funds if the underlying fund has already been valued. The requirement to appoint key managerial personnel with the prior nod of IFSCA is done away with. FMEs may open branch or representative offices in other jurisdictions without prior approval from IFSCA for marketing their offerings and client service. “The recent amendments by IFSCA are a significant step towards aligning GIFT IFSC with global financial hubs. The reduction in minimum corpus requirements, flexibility in PMS investments, and relaxed regulatory norms will not only attract new fund managers but also provide existing players with the operational agility needed to scale efficiently,” said Jaiman Patel, Partner, EY India. For non-retail schemes, the contribution by the fund management entity (FME) and its associates in a scheme, currently restricted at 10 per cent, is permitted up to 100 per cent, provided the FME and its associates that invests in the scheme and their ultimate beneficiary owners are persons not resident in India. Such schemes will not invest more than one-third of their corpus in a single company and its associates. The valuation of a non-retail scheme’s assets by an independent service provider is exempted for fund of funds scheme if the underlying fund has been valued by an independent service provider. The criteria of five years of experience in managing assets of $200 million and 25,000 investors may be evaluated by considering the experience of FME, its holding company or their subsidiaries. The requirement of listing of close-ended retail schemes on recognized stock exchanges is made optional if minimum amount of investment by each investor in the scheme is at least $10,000. Single company and single sector restrictions in a retail scheme will not apply to fund of funds scheme. The cap of investment in single company by a sectoral, thematic or index scheme will be linked to the weightage of that company in the representative index that such scheme intends to benchmark with or 15 per cent, whichever is higher. CommentsThe anticipation in the cryptocurrency market toward January is rising. Ripple's XRP is still on its outstanding rise, and many indicators hint at meteoric flight soon. There are two underdog contenders set to get along quite well in the next bull run: Fantom (FTM) and DTX Exchange (DTX). Many things in this article that will be discussed are about the digital currency hype and current performance reviews, which excite investors about the upcoming New Year. XRP Is Building on Regulatory Wins, Stablecoin Momentum, and Market Tailwinds to Charge Toward the $4 Threshold In December 2024, the XRP price surged to new heights and has continued surging until now. XRP, which is at around $2.20 as of the 21st of December, is up 93% in the past month. Ripple (XRP) currently ranks as the fourth-largest cryptocurrency according to market capitalization, behind Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT), respectively. The launch of Ripple's stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD), has added a boost to XRP's positive momentum, leading to increased trading volumes. However, the analysts are quite bullish on XRP's prospects, even estimating price targets as high as $20 for the near term. More modest forecasts put XRP at around $4 by January, a huge upside from current levels. Bitcoin has given XRP a boost, and it has broken through resistance, which is one reason analysts are calling for a run to $4. Technicals, on the other hand, are looking good, with a possible break above $2.60. Regulatory optimism with the SEC and Ripple’s wins over the SEC are also giving investors confidence, whales are accumulating big time, and the overall market is bullish, so those are some of the reasons why XRP is expecting big gains in the coming months. Fantom (FTM) Speeds Ahead Thanks to Sonic Upgrade Although it may not have been the most obvious candidate for the crypto race, Fantom (FTM) surged above 40% just ahead of its Sonic upgrade. The new name and Sonic main net are expected to boost Fantom's performance, including between-the-nodes speed and cost efficiency. According to the recent chart, FTM has been on a strong upward move for the past month, from around $0.68 in late November to a high of $1.40 in early December and then back down to $0.96 by December 20. Despite the pullback, the overall trend is still up. FTM has found a support zone between $0.90 to $1.00 and the previous high of $1.40 is the key resistance level everyone is watching. If FTM breaks above that, the following targets could go even higher, up to $1.60 or more. Plus, its RSI has gone into overbought territory during this move, so there is demand. Although it’s off the recent high, these indicators say FTM is set up for more upside if it can get back up and above its nearby resistance. DTX Exchange Is Bridging Traditional Markets and Crypto with Lightning-Fast Trades and Massive Presale Success Ripple (XRP) and Fantom (FTM) are in the headlines already, but in a hush-hush way, DTX Exchange (DTX) can be a game-changer in the crypto space: six stages into presale. DTX raised a whopping $10.4 million token value at $0.12. DTX Exchange has a different approach to crypto trading. It is the first crypto-native platform with stock, today's forex, ETFs, and over 100,000 currency pairs. DTX Exchange links more bits of the traditional world with the crypto world. Alongside that, investors can leverage up to 1000x with multi-high-liquidity trading opportunities. It is a rapid expansion of the DTX ecosystem, which has been added to over 300,000 wallet addresses already known. The VulcanX blockchain reported an outstanding 100,000 transactions per second during its test net, which guarantees users very high speeds and efficiency. The DTX governance rights and profit-sharing plan feature most for investors. Token holders can affect future products, and more significant holders can participate in the Rebate Program to enjoy the benefits of the platform's successes. Conclusion The new year brings a lot of anticipation for the state of the cryptocurrency market in January 2025. Ripple's XRP continues to surge as indicators are on their way to mark a $4 price level, in addition to Fantom's FTM getting traction with its Sonic upgrade. DTX Exchange (DTX) is also looking good for an underdog with its creativity in the trade and precise presale performance. Therefore, with this legal clarity for Ripple, the technological developments for Fantom, and the new money-earning features introduced by DTX, such cryptocurrencies promise to move heaven and earth with the next bull run. Always do your research concerning this volatile and yet rewarding arena, as investors do. Find out more at the DTX Website , grab presale tokens , or join the DTX Community on Telegram . Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.
Barbara Graham’s life and death received plenty of attention in the 1950s, but she is about to return to the spotlight, courtesy of a new book, “Trial by Ambush” by author and former O.J. Simpson prosecutor Marcia Clark . In 1953, a group of criminals used Graham to get a Burbank widow named Mabel Monahan to open her door so they could follow Graham in and rob her of a supposed stash of money. Things quickly went awry, and Monahan was killed. One of the men involved testified to the police but soon disappeared and was likely murdered by his colleagues; another took advantage of the situation and told the police a version of the story in which he tried to stop the violence and save the woman (in reality, he was likely the killer). SEE ALSO : Sign up for our free Book Pages newsletter about bestsellers, authors and more That man, Jack True, pinned much of the blame on Graham, who’d had a troubled life from almost the beginning but who had never committed a violent crime. While two other men were also tried and sent to their deaths for participating (True barely served time), all the headlines were reserved for Graham as the media tripped over themselves to convict this alleged ice-cold Jezebel in the press before the jury even had their say. But the police and prosecution weren’t taking any chances and they went after Graham with all available legal tools and some that were illegal – they hid evidence and witnesses, lied to judges and pressured a woman in prison to seduce Graham and then get her to hire a man (who actually worked for law enforcement) to provide a fake alibi. They used Graham’s willingness to go along with the scheme as evidence that she was guilty, distorting and lying about what really happened. After being vilified and then convicted, Graham was executed. But her image was partly rehabilitated a few years later when Susan Hayward won an Oscar for portraying her in the melodrama, “I Want to Live!” But while Graham’s story has been told over and over, Clark, who worked as a public defender before becoming a prosecutor, saw that the story of the trial – with the media sensationalism and misogyny as well as the police and prosecutors’ misogyny and misbehavior – had never been fully examined. Clark, who knows a thing or two about headline-grabbing trials as a prosecutor in the Simpson murder trial, saw a chance to “write something with current-day resonance in terms of the issues raised for society, the media and our criminal justice system.” Clark spoke by video recently about Graham and why her story still matters. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q. You’ve lived through the media circus. How much had it changed from this case to the O.J. Simpson trial and how much has it changed since? Is this still relevant today? We’re more aware of it but it’s still there. The media fell into lockstep, all of them vilifying Barbara as though they spoke with one voice, calling her a coldhearted evil temptress, which was incongruous given that she was a misdemeanor fringey player who had no violence in her background whatsoever. So even though I have thought, “Thank all the gods there was no Twitter, Instagram and TikTok when I was working on the O.J. case,” with social media and podcasters there would’ve been opposing points of view, which was especially true in Barbara’s case. The multiplicity of outlets today encourages dissenting voices. So there’s a plus to today’s craziness. Q. Based on the law at the time, Graham was likely guilty because she was at the scene of the crime. What do you make of the woman who swore under oath that Barbara was home fighting with her husband? I think the neighbor was being truthful in terms of what she believed had happened. She probably heard them fighting so many nights that it wasn’t very hard for her to be confused. The press covered this young woman in a wheelchair like she was an angel and the jury seemed to fall in love with her. Had Barbara not already been so screwed over by the ambush that occurred in the case, it might’ve won her the case. Q. So Graham went to her death because of a miscarriage of justice by the police and prosecutors. But she might have gone free with a mistaken alibi, which would also have been a miscarriage of justice. Is there a difference? That would have been less upsetting. It is a miscarriage of justice in the sense that Barbara should not be allowed to be completely acquitted. We have a felony murder rule and California is now in the process of refining our understanding of the liability that a defendant should have for being involved in a felony where a homicide occurs. Back in the day, if you were involved it doesn’t matter whether you meant to kill or not, even if it was an accident, everybody’s on the hook for murder. Nowadays, if you are the getaway driver or the lookout and didn’t furnish weapons or know people were armed then you couldn’t anticipate that a murder could happen. so you are liable for the felony but not the murder. I think that’s appropriate. The person should do some time but not be liable for murder. Barbara went to the house as the lure to get this elderly woman, Mabel Monahan, to open the door. Since she left her gun in her bag in the car, then you’d be able to argue under the modern law that she should only be responsible for the felony. Back then, the only defense she had was alibi. If you’re there, you’re done. Today, I would be arguing vigorously that she should not be held liable as a major participant who acted with reckless indifference. SEE ALSO : Nearly 66 years after a notorious killing spree, ‘Starkweather’ aims to find the truth Q. Why did you feel compelled to go after these long-dead prosecutors for their behavior, some of which was illegal but some which was legal although probably unethical? Reading those transcripts and the way that the case was handled made me so upset that I had to stand up and walk away multiple times. They hid evidence. I can easily imagine that there was a cowboy attitude in the DA’s office then, to get ’em at all costs, to put the notch in your belt. That’s why they went after Barbara as they did, because she was the jewel in the crown. You don’t get laurels for convicting the two thugs sitting next to her. So I think there is value in standing back to look at what we now see as malfeasance, but back then probably was accepted as the mission of the prosecutor. I also think it’s good to step back years later and look at what’s moral, what’s ethical. Prosecutors have enormous power. With this book, it’s like I’m holding up a big red flag saying, “Think about what you’re doing. You know what’s right.” Q. What do you hope people take away from the case? All of the malfeasance in this case was truly upsetting, but it could happen today. It does happen today. We really do need to be aware of that. We also need to be aware of confirmation bias and groupthink – the police need to stand back and look logically and rationally at what the evidence is and what the circumstances are of all players, and not be sucked into the hive mind. But so do the prosecutors because they are the next layer. The prosecutor has to be logical and rational about what the evidence does and does not show and not just go blindly forth. Look at what you’re not seeing, look for what is not there as well as what is there. The most important thing is to see both sides and search for the truth. More: On Dec. 20, Clark will appear on the free SCNG Premium Virtual Series “Bookish” discussing “Trial by Ambush.”
It’s nearing Saturday, so it’s time for another round of picks against the spread. Last week was a second straight 5-5 week after the Vols caved late to spoil a possible winning week. That mark puts my season record at 61-57-2 for the season. As usual, I’m going with the lines over at DraftKings Sportsbook . And now, on with this week’s picks. WAKE FOREST +25 at Miami This line has shifted Miami’s way since early in the week. Not sure why. Yeah, Wake stinks, but they can still score points, and I am completely in show me mode with Miami’s extremely underperforming defense. The Canes get theirs on offense, probably reach the mid-40s at least. But another pain in the ass day from the defense sends Miami to Syracuse with still just one loss on the resume, but still way too many questions on Lance Guidry’s side of the ball. UConn at SYRACUSE +10.5 Speaking of the Cuse, I like where their game is at right now. They won by 8 as 10-point dogs at Cal last weekend. They get it done as a double-digit favorite on Saturday before the Canes come to town. Indiana at OHIO STATE -12 Call this one a gut feeling. I think the Hoosiers are finally about to find out what it’s like to play one of the best teams in college football this year, and it’s going to be a rude awakening. Will Howard and the passing game have a day in Columbus. UTEP +42 at Tennessee The Vols are coming off a deflating loss to Georgia and UTEP’s coach came over from Austin Peay, who gave the Vols fits last season. Too many points here. COLORADO -2.5 at Kansas Both teams are playing well lately, but I’m all in on the Buffaloes right now. They’re on a path to the Big 12 title and CFP, and they keep it rolling this week against the Jayhawks. Ole Miss at FLORIDA +11 The Gators are playing far better football lately, and I think that plus the Swamp creates a challenging environment for the Rebels. Don’t know who wins, but this is competitive. MISSOURI -7.5 at Mississippi State I’m surprised this isn’t more, with Brady Cook set to play. The Bulldogs are absolutely atrocious. Tigers by double digits. ALABAMA -13.5 at Oklahoma The Sooners are an absolute mess, and the Crimson Tide have hit their stride late in the season. This won’t end up close. USC at UCLA; OVER 51.5 points I know USC has had some QB troubles, but man, this game has gone over this mark every year since 2017. There’s just something about this rivalry that screams points, so I’ll go over here. TEXAS A&M -2,5 at Auburn I really think Vegas is trying to tell me something here. I also wonder how focused the Aggies are this week, with Mike Elko even having a slip up by saying focused on Texas instead of Auburn. That said, I think A&M’s offense does just enough to win this game by at least a field goal. Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details. (Remember to wager responsibly. I am not responsible for your choices. These are simply how I see things playing out.)Sobeys parent Empire sticks with bet on full-service stores despite discount trend
None
Germany to tighten criminal law as people-smuggling ‘action plan’ agreed with UKRaiders will start O'Connell at quarterback when they visit the ChiefsWest Ham stun Newcastle to ease pressure on Lopetegui
Apple Nears Switch to In-House Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Chip for iPhone, Smart HomeBy Augusta Saraiva | Bloomberg US household wealth rose to a fresh record in the third quarter, fueled by a stock-market rally ahead of the presidential election. Household net worth increased nearly $4.8 trillion, or 2.9% from the prior quarter, to $168.8 trillion, a Federal Reserve report showed Thursday. The value of Americans’ equity holdings rose $3.8 trillion. The value of real estate eased by almost $200 billion after sizable advances in the first half of the year. In the third quarter, investors benefited from a stock-market rally in anticipation of interest-rate cuts from the Fed and that Donald Trump would return to the White House next year. Since his victory in the Nov. 5 election, the S&P 500 has climbed to new highs amid expectations that the president-elect will enact pro-business policies. Households have been the main driver behind robust economic growth in recent years, as healthy balance sheets and strong wage growth have supported resilient consumer spending. That said, economists generally expect a moderation in demand against a backdrop of still-elevated borrowing costs and a higher cost of living. The Fed’s report showed that consumers increased their borrowing at a faster pace last quarter, while business borrowing cooled. Business debt outstanding increased at a 3% annualized rate, while consumer non-mortgage credit rose at a 2.5% pace. Mortgage debt climbed 3.1% for a second quarter. In the public sector, state and local government debt grew at a slower rate. Household liquidity picked up to a record. Deposits held by households and nonprofit organizations, which includes savings and checking accounts and money market funds, rose by $379.5 billion to $18.9 trillion.
Wander Franco's sex abuse trial has been postponed 5 months PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — The trial against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking, has been postponed until June 2, 2025. Dominican judge Yacaira Veras postponed the hearing Thursday at the request of prosecutors because of the absence of several key witnesses in the case. Franco’s lawyers asked the court to reconsider the postponement, arguing Franco must report to spring training in mid-February. The judge replied that Franco is obligated to continue with the trial schedule and his conditional release from detainment. Rape investigation that Swedish media say focused on Kylian Mbappé has been closed STOCKHOLM (AP) — Swedish prosecutors say they have dropped a rape investigation that was launched in connection with soccer star Kylian Mbappé’s visit to Stockholm in October. In a statement, lead investigator Marina Chirakova says there is not enough evidence to continue the investigation into the allegation at a hotel. Prosecutors never publicly named the suspect in the investigation but some Swedish media reported it was Mbappé. The Real Madrid striker visited Stockholm in October during a break in the Spanish league. At the time, Mbappé’s legal team dismissed those reports as false. 2034 World Cup visitors will live in 'a bubble' and not see real life, Saudi rights activist says LONDON (AP) — A Saudi human rights activist says soccer fans visiting Saudi Arabia for the 2034 World Cup will live in a “bubble” that doesn't reflect real life there. Lina al-Hathloul is a London-based activist whose sister was jailed in Saudi Arabia then banned from travel after campaigning to end a ban on women driving. When FIFA confirmed the kingdom as the 2034 tournament host on Wednesday its president Gianni Infantino acknowledged “the world will be watching” for positive social change. Al-Hathloul says western people “will be very safe” at the World Cup but "will see a bubble of what Saudi Arabia is.” Chelsea teenager Marc Guiu scores twice in 3-1 win over Astana in Conference League A youthful Chelsea lineup made the most of a long trip to Kazakhstan by beating Astana 3-1 to stay perfect in the UEFA Conference League. Eighteen-year-old Marc Guiu struck twice within five minutes early in the first half in freezing conditions in the Kazakh capital. Renato Veiga, who is 21, headed home the third off a corner. Chelsea has 15 points atop the standings of the third-tier competition with one more game to play in the league phase. More games including those in the second-tier Europa League were scheduled later Thursday. Among them unbeaten Manchester United is at Viktoria Plzen while Rangers host Tottenham. Travis Hunter, the 2-way standout for Colorado, is the AP college football player of the year BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado two-way standout Travis Hunter is The Associated Press college football player of the year. Hunter received 26 of the 43 votes from a panel of AP Top 25 voters. Boise State tailback Ashton Jeanty finished second with 16 votes, and Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo received one vote. A throwback player who rarely left the field, Hunter had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as a receiver. He had four interceptions and 11 passes defensed as a shutdown corner. Hunter helped the the 20th-ranked Buffaloes to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the Alamo Bowl against BYU. North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick's deal ahead of introductory news conference North Carolina’s trustees have approved terms of the deal to hire Bill Belichick as the Tar Heels’ new football coach. The board met Thursday morning to sign off on the agreement, announced Wednesday night by the school as a five-year deal. Specific terms of that deal have yet to be released. The school is set to hold its introductory news conference for the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Thursday afternoon. Belichick has never coached in college football. Indian teen Gukesh Dommaraju becomes the youngest chess world champion after beating Chinese rival NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has become the youngest chess world champion after beating the defending champion Ding Liren of China. Dommaraju, 18, secured 7.5 points against 6.5 of his Chinese rival in Thursday's game which was played in Singapore. He has surpassed the achievement of Russia’s Garry Kasparov who won the title at the age of 22. Dommaraju is now also the second Indian to win the title after five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand. The Indian teen prodigy has long been considered a rising star in the chess world after he became a chess grandmaster at 12. He had entered the match as the youngest-ever challenger to the world crown after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year. Raiders player Charles Snowden facing misdemeanor DUI charge after Las Vegas arrest LAS VEGAS (AP) — Las Vegas Raiders football player Charles Snowden was arrested in Las Vegas on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence and released from custody. The NFL, the Raiders and Snowden’s attorneys acknowledged Thursday the 26-year-old first-year defensive end was arrested early Tuesday. He faces a scheduled court date in April. It’s not clear yet whether the arrest will affect Snowden’s status with the team. He has played every game this season, and the Raiders' next game is at home on Monday. Commissioner Roger Goodell can impose a three-game suspension without pay for a first violation of the league's alcohol abuse policy. Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15-year deal NEW YORK (AP) — Juan Soto will be introduced by the New York Mets at Citi Field, a day after his record $765 million, 15-year contract was finalized. Soto chose the Mets’ offer on Sunday, deciding to leave the Yankees after helping them reach the World Series in his only season in the Bronx. The 26-year-old’s contract value eclipsed Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers last December. Its length topped Fernando Tatis Jr.’s $340 million, 14-year agreement with San Diego that runs through 2034. Team claims NASCAR rescinded approval to buy new charter unless federal antitrust suit is dropped CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A new court filing says NASCAR rejected Front Row Motorsports’ agreement to purchase a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing unless the team and 23XI Racing dropped their federal antitrust lawsuit against the stock car series. Front Row and 23XI rejected NASCAR's new revenue sharing agreement and have gone to court. NASCAR now says it will move forward in 2025 with 32 chartered teams and eight open spots, with offers on charters for Front Row and 23XI rescinded and the SHR charters in limbo.SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Brock Purdy threw one short pass in the open portion of practice for the San Francisco 49ers as he remains slowed by an injury to his throwing shoulder that has already forced him to miss a game. Purdy spent the bulk of the session of Wednesday's practice open to reporters as either a spectator or executing handoffs outside of one short pass to Jordan Mason. Purdy hurt his shoulder during a loss to Seattle on Nov. 17. He tried to throw at practice last Thursday but had soreness in his right shoulder and shut it down. He missed a loss to Green Bay but was able to do some light throwing on Monday. His status for this week remains in doubt as the Niners (5-6) prepare to visit Buffalo on Sunday night. Purdy isn't the only key player for San Francisco dealing with injuries. Left tackle Trent Williams and defensive end Nick Bosa remain sidelined at practice Wednesday after missing last week's game. Williams was using a scooter to get around the locker room as he deals with a left ankle injury. Bosa has been out with injuries to his left hip and oblique. Bosa said the week off helped him make progress and that he hopes to be able to take part in individual drills later in the week. Bosa wouldn't rule out being able to play on Sunday. "It’s feeling a lot better,” Bosa said. “Still need to get better before I’m ready to go. This week will be big and I’ll know a lot more in the next couple of days.” Running back Christian McCaffrey has been able to play, but isn't back to the form that helped him win AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 after missing the first eight games this season with Achilles tendinitis. McCaffrey has 149 yards rushing in three games back with his 3.5 yards per carry down significantly from last season's mark of 5.4. But he is confident he will be able to get back to his usual level of play. “When you lose and maybe you don’t jump out on the stat sheet, your failures are highlighted,” he said. “I’m happy I’m out here playing football and I just know with time it will come.” Coach Kyle Shanahan said he has liked what he has seen from McCaffrey, adding that there hasn't been much room to run in recent weeks. But Shanahan said it takes time to get back to speed after McCaffrey had almost no practice time for nine months. “Guys who miss offseasons and miss training camp, usually it takes them a little bit of time at the beginning of the year to get back into how they were the year before, let alone missing half the season also on top of that,” Shanahan said. “I think Christian’s doing a hell of a job. But to just think him coming back in Week 8 with not being able to do anything for the last nine months or whatever it is, and to think he’s just going to be in MVP form is a very unrealistic expectation.” NOTES: LB Dre Greenlaw took part in his first practice since tearing his Achilles tendon in the Super Bowl. Greenlaw will likely need a couple of weeks of practice before being able to play. ... LB Fred Warner said he has been dealing with a fracture in his ankle since Week 4 and is doing his best to manage the pain as he plays through it. ... CB Deommodore Lenoir didn't practice after banging knees on Sunday. His status for this week remains in question. ... DT Jordan Elliott (concussion), OL Aaron Banks (concussion) and LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee) also didn't practice. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Forging Digital Pathways: The Visionary Work of Bangar Raju Cherukuri in Web Innovation 12-12-2024 08:02 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/0bc966e7ab8fa37e00e65869a75d7799.png As a Senior .Net Web Developer with several years of experience, Bangar Raju Cherukuri has made a name for himself as a trailblazer in creating public-facing online applications that are highly scalable, high-traffic, and high-performing. He has a broad understanding of both front-end and back-end technologies, and his work always shows a strong ability to use cloud services, contemporary frameworks, and web development best practices. In an era defined by digital transformation, Cherukuri exemplifies professionalism, efficiency, and innovation in every project he undertakes. Focused on advancing deep learning, cloud computing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and web development, Cherukuri has contributed extensively to academic and professional communities. His work has been featured in reputable journals and conferences, with his academic and professional profiles accessible on platforms such as LinkedIn [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/raju-cherukuri-5610641b/ ], Google Scholar [ https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=amIMrIEAAAAJ&hl=en ], ResearchGate [ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bangar-Raju-Cherukuri ], Academia [ https://independent.academia.edu/RajuCherukuri2 ], SSRN, NPM, and ORCID. Driving Innovation in Web Development Cherukuri's career demonstrates his ability to navigate complex environments, particularly in the public sector. His expertise in technologies such as the .NET ecosystem, Angular, RESTful APIs, SQL Server, and Entity Framework has enabled him to deliver reliable, enterprise-level applications serving thousands of users efficiently and securely. A master of addressing regulatory and compliance challenges, Cherukuri has led initiatives that reduced operational overhead and enhanced user experiences. By transitioning organizations from outdated manual processes to in-house, tailored solutions, he has not only cut costs but also empowered agencies with greater flexibility and control. Transformative Solutions for Complex Challenges Over the years, Cherukuri has conceptualized and implemented applications that automate workflows, streamline approvals, and optimize data submissions. His contributions have revolutionized processes for stakeholders, enabling seamless delivery of critical services. For example: * Empowering Agencies: Cherukuri led projects that transitioned agencies from expensive third-party tools to internally managed platforms. These solutions enhanced transparency and accessibility, saving costs and time. * Data Integration: By implementing robust ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes and integrating with cloud services like Azure, Cherukuri ensured data accuracy and efficiency. This resulted in better resource allocation, timely approvals, and seamless workflows. These initiatives highlight Cherukuri's ability to turn technical challenges into opportunities for efficiency and growth. Championing Open-Source and Accessibility Cherukuri's dedication to innovation extends to the broader tech community through his contributions to open-source projects. These libraries, designed primarily for Angular applications, have enhanced usability, security, and accessibility in web development: * ngrj-Multilingual: Simplifies text translation for multilingual Angular apps. * ngx-local-storage-manager: Provides secure, type-safe local and session storage management. * ngx-translatekit: Streamlines internationalization for global audiences. * ngxj-http-cache: Enhances data retrieval performance using IndexedDB. * ngx-angular-a11y: Promotes accessibility compliance through ARIA standards. These libraries, collectively downloaded hundreds of times, reflect Cherukuri's commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering innovation within the development community. Thought Leadership and Peer Recognition Cherukuri is not just a developer but a thought leader and active participant in shaping the future of technology. As a Senior Member of IEEE and a Fellow Member of ISCSITR, he contributes to the advancement of industry standards and practices. His role as an industry expert jury member for the 2024 Globee Awards for Technology, where he evaluated over 50 nominations, underscores his credibility and domain expertise. In addition, Cherukuri has reviewed more than 50 research articles, helping uphold high standards in technology research and application. Research Contributions to Emerging Trends Cherukuri has authored impactful publications on cutting-edge topics such as edge computing, federated learning, AI-driven security solutions, and scalable backend architectures. These works, published in journals and presented at prestigious conferences, provide actionable insights into addressing modern technological challenges. From optimizing microservices architectures to implementing serverless computing for scalable solutions, his research bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical application, guiding both academics and industry practitioners. Building High-Performing Teams Leadership has been a cornerstone of Cherukuri's career. Whether mentoring junior developers or guiding seasoned professionals, he fosters collaboration and innovation. His leadership style emphasizes clear communication, meticulous planning, and fostering creative problem-solving. Notable accomplishments include implementing strategies to mitigate downtime during high-traffic periods and enhancing user experiences through mobile-friendly management tools. These efforts have resulted in improved efficiency, heightened user trust, and tangible business outcomes. Vision, Mission, and Foundations Cherukuri's educational foundation includes a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and a Diploma in Advanced Computing, combining theoretical knowledge with decades of practical expertise. His mission is to develop solutions that embody high standards, innovation, and inclusivity, ultimately shaping a better digital world. Guided by global best practices, he seeks to tackle challenges with creative thinking and groundbreaking strategies. The career of Bangar Raju Cherukuri is a perfect example of how technical prowess, inspirational leadership, and community involvement can coexist together. Cherukuri keeps pushing the boundaries of what is feasible in contemporary web development and digital transformation, from his practical code contributions and architectural designs to his academic writings and leadership in the international technology community. He will continue to be at the vanguard of influencing how technology will develop for governments, corporations, and users worldwide thanks to his unwavering dedication to innovation. Media Contact Company Name: CB Herald Contact Person: Ray Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=forging-digital-pathways-the-visionary-work-of-bangar-raju-cherukuri-in-web-innovation ] Country: United States Website: http://cbherald.com This release was published on openPR.
LONDON , NEW YORK , and SYDNEY , Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DAZN , a world-leading sports entertainment platform, has today announced an agreement to acquire Foxtel Group (' Foxtel ') from its majority shareholder News Corp and minority shareholder Telstra at an enterprise value of US$2.2 billion , subject to regulatory approval. The acquisition establishes DAZN as a leader in sports entertainment in Australia – a highly attractive sports market – while also expanding DAZN's global footprint and enhancing the group's standing as the global home of sport. The addition of Foxtel to DAZN brings the Group's pro-forma revenues towards US$6 billion and provides the additional content, expertise, and expansion opportunities to accelerate DAZN's growth trajectory. Foxtel is one of Australia's leading media companies, with 4.7 million subscribers, who will benefit from DAZN's extensive portfolio of sports content, platform technology, and global reach. From its beginnings as Australia's original pay-TV innovator, Foxtel has evolved to become a digital and streaming leader in sports and entertainment and the proposed transaction positions Foxtel for continued expansion as a digital-first, streaming-focused business. Foxtel will maintain its local character, led by the CEO, Patrick Delany , and his world-class management team. DAZN, a sports streaming platform with a truly global reach, is committed to growing the global audience for domestic Australian sports across the 200 territories in which it is available. Under the terms of the transaction, News Corp and Telstra will become minority shareholders in DAZN, enabling them to retain an interest in Foxtel. Shay Segev , Chief Executive Officer of DAZN, said: "Australians watch more sport than any other country in the world, which makes this deal an incredibly exciting opportunity for DAZN to enter a key market, marking another step in our long-term strategy to become the global home of sport. Foxtel is a successful business that has undergone a remarkable digital transformation in recent years, and we are confident that our global reach and relentless pursuit of innovation will continue to drive the business forward and ensure long-term success. "We are committed to supporting and investing in Foxtel's television and streaming services, across both sports and entertainment, using our world-leading technology to further enhance the viewing experience for customers. We are also committed to using our global reach to export Australia's most popular sports to new markets around the world, and we will continue to promote women's and under-represented sports. "We're looking forward to working closely with Patrick Delany and his team, as well as News Corp and Telstra as shareholders in DAZN, to realise our ambitious vision for the future of sport entertainment." Siobhan McKenna , the Chairman of Foxtel , said the agreement with DAZN was international recognition of the transformation of Foxtel from an incumbent pay TV operator to a sports and entertainment digital and streaming leader. "Over the last seven years the Foxtel team, with the strong support of News, have achieved an extraordinary turnaround in an intensely competitive environment." Foxtel Group CEO, Patrick Delany , said: "Today's announcement is a natural evolution for the Foxtel Group, having reinvented the company over the past five years as Australia's most dynamic technology-led streaming company. "Kayo and Foxtel provide Australian sports fans with access to the best Australian and international sport and shows, including AFL, NRL and Cricket with 4.7 million subscribers. "We are excited by DAZN's commitment to the Australian market. They are experts in the sports media business and can play a significant role in supporting Foxtel as the business grows its streaming capabilities, bringing a bigger and better service to customers across entertainment, news and sport. They are a perfect match for us as we look toward this next era of growth. "We have been grateful for the support of News Corp while we reimagined the future of Foxtel. In 2019, when we merged Foxtel and Fox Sports we had many people questioning our future. "After launching Kayo later in 2019 and BINGE in 2020, today we are the largest Australian-based streamer of sport and entertainment, we have stabilised our Foxtel base and launched Hubbl to help consumers find all the streamed content they love all in one place. This wouldn't have been possible without the support and encouragement of News Corp." NOTES TO EDITORS About DAZN As a world-leading sports entertainment platform, DAZN streams over 90,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide. DAZN is the home of European football, women's football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, LALIGA, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN. DAZN partners with leading pay-TV operators, ISPs and Telcos worldwide to maximise sports exposure to a broad audience. Its partners include Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Sky, Movistar, Telenet, Vodafone, and many more. DAZN is a global, privately-owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 3,000 employees. The Group generated $3.2bn in revenue in 2023, having grown its annual revenues by over 50% on average from 2020 to 2023, through diverse revenue streams comprising subscriptions, advertising, sponsorship, and transactional. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit www.dazngroup.com . About Foxtel The Foxtel Group is one of Australia's leading media companies with 4.7 million subscribers. Its businesses include subscription television, streaming, sports production and advertising. The Foxtel Group is owned 65% by News Corp and 35% by Telstra. The Foxtel Group's diversified business includes Fox Sports, Australia's leading sports production company, famous for live sports and shows with the best commentators and personalities. It is also the home of local and global entertainment content and continues to be the partner of choice for the widest range of sports and international content providers based on established, long-term relationships, growing streaming audiences, and position as the largest Australian-based subscription television company. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dazn-advances-global-expansion-with-acquisition-of-foxtel-a-leading-australian-sports-and-entertainment-media-group-302337994.html SOURCE DAZN