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In March, newly installed Social Security chief Martin O’Malley criticized that “shock our shared sense of equity and good conscience as Americans.” He promised to overhaul the Social Security Administration’s to claw back money that — including people who are living in poverty, are elderly, or have disabilities — were allegedly overpaid, as described by a KFF Health News and Cox Media Group investigation last year. “Innocent people can be badly hurt,” O’Malley said at the time. Nearly eight months since he and announced a series of policy changes, and with two months left in his term, O’Malley’s effort to fix the system has made inroads but remains a work in progress. For instance, one change, moving away from withholding 100% of people’s monthly Social Security benefits to recover alleged overpayments, has been a major improvement, say advocates for beneficiaries. “It is a tremendous change,” said Kate Lang of Justice in Aging, who called it “life-changing for many people.” The number of people from whom the Social Security Administration was withholding full monthly benefits to recoup money declined sharply — from about 46,000 in January to about 7,000 in September, the agency said. Asked to clarify whether those numbers and others provided for this article covered all programs administered by the agency, the SSA press office did not respond. Another potentially significant change — relieving beneficiaries of having to prove that an overpayment was not their fault — has not been implemented. The agency said it is working on that. Meanwhile, the agency seems to be looking to Congress to take the lead on a change some observers see as crucial: limiting how far back the government can reach to recover an alleged overpayment. Barbara Hubbell of Watkins Glen, New York, called the absence of a statute of limitations “despicable.” Hubbell said her mother was held liable for $43,000 because of an SSA error going back 19 years. “In what universe is that even legal?” Hubbell said. Paying down the overpayment balance left her mother “essentially penniless,” she added. In response to questions for this article, Social Security spokesperson Mark Hinkle said legislation is “the best and fastest way” to set a time limit. Establishing a statute of limitations was not among the policy changes O’Malley announced in his March congressional testimony. In an interview at the time, he said he expected an announcement on it “within the next couple few months.” It could probably be done by regulation, without an act of Congress, he said. Speaking generally, Hinkle said the agency has “made substantial progress on overpayments,” reducing the hardship they cause, and “continues to work diligently” to update policies. The agency is underfunded, he added, is at a near 50-year low in staffing, and could do better with more employees. The SSA did not respond to requests for an interview with O’Malley. O’Malley announced the policy changes after KFF Health News and Cox Media Group jointly published and broadcast on the damage overpayments and clawbacks have done to millions of beneficiaries. When O’Malley, a former Democratic governor of Maryland, presented his plans to three congressional committees in March, lawmakers greeted him with rare bipartisan praise. But the past several months have shown how hard it can be to turn around a federal bureaucracy that is massive, complex, deeply dysfunctional, and, as it says, understaffed. Now O’Malley’s time may be running out. Lang of Justice in Aging, among the advocacy groups that have been meeting with O’Malley and other Social Security officials, said she appreciates how much the commissioner has achieved in a short time. But she added that O’Malley has “not been interested in hearing about our feelings that things have fallen short.” One long-standing policy O’Malley set out to change involves the burden of proof. When the Social Security Administration alleges someone has been overpaid and demands the money back, the burden is on the beneficiary to prove they were not at fault. Cecilia Malone, 24, a beneficiary in Lithonia, Georgia, said she and her parents spent hundreds of hours trying to get errors corrected. “Why is the burden on us to ‘prove’ we weren’t overpaid?” Malone said. It can be exceedingly difficult for beneficiaries to appeal a decision. The alleged overpayments, which can reach tens of thousands of dollars or more, often span years. And people struggling just to survive may have extra difficulty producing financial records from long ago. What’s more, in letters demanding repayment, the government does not typically spell out its case against the beneficiary — making it hard to mount a defense. Testifying before House and Senate committees in March, O’Malley promised to shift the burden of proof. “That should be on the agency,” he said. The agency expects to finalize “guidance” on the subject “in the coming months,” Hinkle said. The agency points to reduced wait times and other improvements in a phone system known to leave beneficiaries on hold. “In September, we answered calls to our national 800 number in an average of 11 minutes — a tremendous improvement from 42 minutes one year ago,” Hinkle said. Still, in response to a nonrepresentative survey by KFF Health News and Cox Media Group focused on overpayments, about half of respondents who said they contacted the agency by phone since April rated that experience as “poor,” and few rated it “good” or “excellent.” The survey was sent to about 600 people who had contacted KFF Health News to since September 2023. Almost 200 people answered the survey in September and October of this year. Most of those who said they contacted the agency by mail since April rated their experience as “poor.” Jennifer Campbell, 60, a beneficiary in Nelsonville, Ohio, said in late October that she was still waiting for someone at the agency to follow up as described during a phone call in May. “VERY POOR customer service!!!!!” Campbell wrote. “Nearly impossible to get a hold of someone,” wrote Kathryn Duff of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who has been helping a disabled family member. Letters from SSA have left Duff mystified. One was postmarked July 9, 2024, but dated more than two years earlier. Another, dated Aug. 18, 2024, said her family member was overpaid $31,635.80 in benefits from the Supplemental Security Income program, which provides money to people with or other resources who are disabled, blind, or at least 65. But Duff said her relative never received SSI benefits. What’s more, for the dates in question, payments listed in the letter to back up the agency’s math didn’t come close to $31,635.80; they totaled about a quarter of that amount. Regarding the 100% clawbacks, O’Malley in March said it’s “unconscionable that someone would find themselves facing homelessness or unable to pay bills, because Social Security withheld their entire payment for recovery of an overpayment.” He said that, starting March 25, if a beneficiary doesn’t respond to a new overpayment notice, the agency would default to withholding 10%. The agency warned of “a short transition period.” That change wasn’t automated until June 25, Hinkle said. The number of people newly placed in full withholding plummeted from 6,771 in February to 51 in September, according to data the agency provided. SSA said it would notify recipients they could request reduced withholding if it was already clawing back more than 10% of their monthly checks. Nonetheless, dozens of beneficiaries or their family members told KFF Health News and Cox Media Group they hadn’t heard they could request reduced withholding. Among those who did ask, roughly half said their requests were approved. According to the SSA, there has been almost a 20% decline in the number of people facing clawbacks of more than 10% but less than 100% of their monthly checks — from 141,316 as of March 8 to 114,950 as of Oct. 25, agency spokesperson Nicole Tiggemann said. Meanwhile, the number of people from whom the agency was withholding exactly 10% soared more than fortyfold — from just over 5,000 to well over 200,000. And the number of beneficiaries having any partial benefits withheld to recover an overpayment increased from almost 600,000 to almost 785,000, according to data Tiggemann provided. Lorraine Anne Davis, 72, of Houston, said she hasn’t received her monthly Social Security payment since June due to an alleged overpayment. Her Medicare premium was being deducted from her monthly benefit, so she’s been left to pay that out-of-pocket. Davis said she’s going to need a kidney transplant and had been trying to save money for when she’d be unable to work. A letter from the SSA dated April 8, 2024, two weeks after the new 10% withholding policy was slated to take effect, said it had overpaid her $13,538 and demanded she pay it back within 30 days. Apparently, the SSA hadn’t accounted for a pension Davis receives from overseas; Davis said she disclosed it when she filed for benefits. In a letter to her dated June 29, the agency said that, under its new policy, it would change the withholding to only 10% if she asked. Davis said she asked by phone repeatedly, and to no avail. “Nobody seems to know what’s going on” and “no one seems to be able to help you,” Davis said. “You’re just held captive.” In October, the agency said she’d receive a payment — in March 2025. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.For the first time in 10 years, the MHSAA’s Representative Council will have a new president. Midland High athletic director, baseball coach and assistant principal Eric Albright will take over as the president of the Representative Council, which is the legislative body of the Michigan High School Athletics Association. Albright was elected at the MHSAA fall meeting on Dec. 6. Albright joined the Midland High faculty in 1997 and took over the Chemics baseball program in 2003. He became the Midland High athletic director in 2010. All but five members are elected by member schools, with four appointed by the Council to represent females and minorities. Grand Haven superintendent Scott Grimes completed his 10th and final term as president. Brighton athletic director John Thompson was elected as the Council vice president. Vic Michaels, the director of physical education and athletics for the Archdiocese of Detroit, was elected as secretary-treasurer. Westland John Glenn athletic director Jason Mallow was appointed for a second two-year term, while Plymouth-Canton superintendent Monica Merritt was appointed for a first two-year term. In the other action at the fall meeting, the Council approved a one-year delay in a baseball rule that required teams to submit pitch counts online beginning with the spring season. The Council delayed the requirement to allow teams and coaches more time to develop technology to comply. If you would like your local high school sports news delivered free to your inbox daily, click here and sign up for one of our local high school sports newsletters. Love reading about local sports? Don’t miss any of the excitement from the season ahead. Purchase your subscription now and get full access to every story on MLive!
Dean McCullough ‘looks fuming’ as Ant McPartlin takes another swipe at him after fans spot I’m A Celeb feud
PAY ATTENTION: Got a Minute? Complete Our Quick Survey About Legit.ng Today! Bolivia said Tuesday it had signed a $1 billion deal with China's CBC, a subsidiary of the world's largest lithium battery producer CATL, to build two lithium carbonate production plants in the country's southwest. Bolivia's state-owned Bolivia Lithium Deposits (YLB) said the plants -- one with an annual capacity of 10,000 tons of lithium carbonate and the other of 25,000 - would be situated in the vast Uyuni salt flats. Lithium, nicknamed "white gold," is a key component in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and mobile phones. Bolivia claims to have the world's largest lithium deposits. President Luis Arce, who presided over Tuesday's signing ceremony, said it paved the way for Bolivia to become "a very important player in determining the international price of lithium." The deal follows an earlier agreement reached last year between Russia's Uranium One Group and YLB to build a $970 million lithium extraction facility, also in Uyuni. Read also Indonesia rejects Apple's $100 million investment offer PAY ATTENTION : Standing out in social media world? Easy! "Mastering Storytelling for Social Media" workshop by Legit.ng. Join Us Live! Both deals have yet to be approved by Bolivia's parliament. Arce announced that negotiations were underway with China's Citic Guoan Group for a third contract. "We hope to close that deal as soon as possible," he said. Source: AFPAt seminars and forums, one of the most frequent questions I encounter is: What traits set business leaders like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Jack Welch, Ratan Tata, and Richard Branson apart from the rest? While I haven’t had the privilege of working directly with these global icons, I’ve engaged with several global gurus who have collaborated with these entrepreneurs. Their valuable insights have provided clarity into this question. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to closely associate with some of Sri Lanka’s most successful entrepreneurs, including working with them at the board level. Through these experiences, I’ve observed shared traits among Sri Lanka’s top business leaders—visionaries such as Harry Jayawardena, Aban Pestonjee, Sumal Perera, the late Merril J. Fernando, Sohil Captain and Chandra Schaffter. A few of these legends candidly shared their experiences during the famous FT-ICCSL-CIMA Fireside Chat in 2018, offering profound lessons on business leadership and perseverance. These leaders exhibit qualities that not only set them apart from regular entrepreneurs but also empower them to leave a lasting legacy—transforming their enterprises while positively impacting the communities they serve. Just as political leaders rise and fall in Sri Lanka, businesses and their founders face similar challenges. The companies that endure owe their longevity to strong, visionary leadership. These business leaders combine foresight, motivation, and key abilities to achieve results. They not only secure their companies’ success but also reshape industries, set benchmarks, and make a meaningful societal impact. Here are my five key traits that I believe are common to Sri Lanka’s most successful entrepreneurs: Strong entrepreneurs possess the ability to foresee opportunities and craft a compelling vision. Many of them have transformed their enterprises into global brands/businesses by focusing on sustainable, long-term growth rather than short-term gains. Business leaders like Mrs. Aban Pestonjee and Merril J. Fernando have built their brands around the unwavering values they believed in, which they’ve seamlessly integrated into their business models. Their success demonstrates how a clear vision, aligned with strong principles, can redefine industries and set new standards. Resilience in the face of challenges is a defining trait of exceptional entrepreneurs. They adapt, pivot, and persevere through setbacks, turning obstacles into opportunities. For instance, Access Engineering, led by Sumal Perera, has repeatedly navigated significant hurdles in the construction and property sectors through innovative strategies and unyielding determination. Harry Jayawardena, known for his pragmatic outlook, often reminded me of the importance of action over complaint, famously saying, “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness, so get on with it.” This mindset exemplifies the resilience and proactive approach that characterise successful leadership, inspiring teams to forge ahead regardless of adversity. Remaining relevant requires continuous evolution. Sri Lankan entrepreneurs like Mrs. Aban Pestonjee have embraced change, adopted new technologies, and introduced locally manufactured products tailored to the specific needs of local consumers. This adaptability has been instrumental in transforming industries such as retail, setting benchmarks for others to follow. Similarly, bold risk-taking is another defining characteristic of successful leaders. Visionaries like Harry Jayawardena have taken calculated risks, blending courage with informed decision-making to drive their ventures forward. Additionally, Chandra Schaffter played a pioneering role in establishing Janashakthi Insurance, Sri Lanka’s first major life insurance company. His efforts ensured not only the company’s survival through challenging times but also its enduring presence within his family’s stewardship, cementing a legacy in Sri Lanka’s insurance sector. Consistently delivering quality builds trust and fosters long-term brand loyalty. Merril J. Fernando transformed the global tea industry with his commitment to single-origin, high-quality tea and ethical sourcing practices, setting new benchmarks for authenticity and sustainability. Similarly, entrepreneurs like Sumal Perera have focused on customer-centric strategies, customising their offerings to address real market needs while fostering innovation. Beyond profitability, these leaders emphasise creating positive social impact. Initiatives like the MJF Foundation showcase a deep commitment to community development, while the socially responsible practices of MAS Holdings and Brandix highlight the role of sustainable and responsible business operations. Sohli Captain, in particular, embodied this spirit through his visionary leadership and dedication to philanthropy. His countless acts of service reflect an unwavering commitment to uplifting communities, contributing to national progress, and leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and generosity. Progressive entrepreneurs recognise the immense value of empowering and nurturing their teams. They create environments where talent is encouraged to thrive, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and tangible results; organisations like MAS and Brandix exemplify this approach. They have built enterprises that not only excel in cultivating strong talent pools but also actively uplift the lives of their employees and the communities they serve. The defining feature of these individuals isn’t just financial success—it’s their ability to inspire, change, innovate, and create lasting value. Their journeys are a testament to the fact that entrepreneurship is about more than building businesses; it’s about shaping a better future for their enterprises, for their employees, communities, and society as a whole. In a country where mediocrity often seems like the safest choice, the key to standing out lies in taking the road less travelled. By venturing into uncharted territories, these entrepreneurs saw what others haven’t and achieved what others cannot. This is the defining difference between an average businessman and a visionary entrepreneur who has built globally recognised brands and transformed their industries. References: https://www.facebook.com/dailyft/videos/fireside-chat/288600545060947/ https://mobile.twitter.com/MohamedNasheed/status/1822926467673542893 https://www.dailymirror.lk/features/Business-should-not-be-limited-to-making-boatloads-of-money-Prof-Ulrich/185-149001
LIMASSOL, Cyprus, Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Forex trading is one of the most dynamic sectors in the world financial landscape, and thus it needs the most reliable, fast, and innovative platform service provision. Exness has taken the lead in this group of service providers by making available tools that allow traders to operate with high levels of precision and efficiency. It has thus introduced a new benchmark to the industry that focuses on advanced technology and user-friendly experiences for both seasoned professionals and newbies. Where most provide just the basics, this one goes that extra mile through the provision of some sophisticated and advanced trading features that really step up every analysis and execution trading aspect. Such innovative dedication helps build not just traders' confidence but also the platform's standing as a Forex market leader. Cutting-Edge Technology in Forex Trading Global trading requires interfaces as fast as the changes in currency pairs. Built on cutting-edge infrastructure, the platform ensures the fastest execution speeds and rock-solid stability—all these critical qualities for traders who need to be able to act on opportunities without delay, especially in volatile conditions. Arguably, the most prominent one is the provision of real-time data and, hence, insight-driven decision-making, which would not otherwise be possible without such advanced technology in the first place—not leaving anything to guess for the trader and making him competitive. The tools offered are not only designed for precision but are also customizable, allowing users to adapt them to their specific trading styles and strategies. Moreover, the platform's focus on user experience ensures that even complex tools are accessible and straightforward to use. This accessibility enables traders at all levels to harness the power of advanced analytics and execute their trades effectively. Advanced Platform Features Tailored for Professionals A trading terminal may serve different trading styles, whether the one who prefers short-term trading and quick market moves or believes in long-term strategies, because it has features to cater to these needs. It combines analytical tools with practical functionalities, allowing traders to stay organized and efficient. Additionally, the terminal integrates features like customizable layouts and advanced reporting tools, which help traders refine their approach over time. This adaptability makes it an indispensable resource for those seeking a professional-grade trading experience. The Role of The Apps in Streamlining Trading One of the most significant tools available on the platform is MetaTrader5. Recognized globally for its robust capabilities, it allows traders to analyze markets in-depth, develop strategies, and execute trades with unparalleled accuracy. High-featured software, more advanced chart drawing tools, technical indicators, multi-timeframe analysis The MT5 app also supports algorithmic trading—this is particularly useful for traders wanting to automate their strategies. It offers automated systems testing and implementation, thereby enabling systems to execute without the trader being physically present in front of the system at the time of market execution. Integration of this platform with the broker offers an enriched feel where performance meets innovation. MetaTrader5 is much more than a trading interface; it is rather a dynamic and flexible trading software for the fluctuations of the forex markets. Offering it in the roster reiterates the dedication to arming traders with the best tools available. Innovation That Drives Success The app's commitment to being innovative is seen in continuously developing tools that reflect the changing needs of traders as the industry is technology-oriented if one is to stay ahead, not just to adopt but actively shape new trends. This platform does so by investing in advanced solutions that work to simplify the trade process while enhancing accuracy. Whether it's automated systems or risk management supporting tools, focus remains on providing the trader everything he needs to succeed. In addition to that, there are trader communities providing educational help and insight sharing. By that kind of cooperation, it would be ensured that users would not only enhance their skills but also gain confidence in engaging with even complex markets. Why This Platform Stands Out In a crowded market of trading platforms, this one has distinguished itself as the most user-friendly choice on the market today. It makes use of MetaTrader5 and trades through the trading terminal available to bring the best features to the fingertips of the traders and improve their overall performance. Unlike platforms that merely focus on offering basic functionalities, this one prioritizes a holistic trading experience. From ensuring stability during high-volatility events to offering tools that support strategic growth, every aspect is designed to add value. This provides a very reliable and advanced trading solution for the traders demanding power and adaptability. It ensures that it stays ahead into the future of the ever-evolving currency trading industry while empowering its users to confidently achieve their set goals. Nina Ivkova, nina.ivkova@exness.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dc6f9a32-a901-45d9-ad60-414a81f7242f © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Each week, Benzinga’s Stock Whisper Index uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the surface and deserve attention . Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest. Read Also: EXCLUSIVE: Top 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro In October 2024 — Where Do Tesla, Nvidia, Apple, DJT Stock Rank? Here's a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending Dec. 20: D-Wave Quantum QBTS : The company was one of several quantum computing stocks that continued to see strong interest from readers during the week. The stocks traded higher on the week after news from Google that its Willow quantum chip made a breakthrough in quantum computing. The breakthrough of Willow has investors looking for quantum computing companies that could benefit as more eyes are on the sector heading into 2025. Analysts are taking notice as well with Craig Hallum maintaining a Buy rating and raising the price target from $2.50 to $9, Benchmark maintaining a Buy rating and raising the price target from $3 to $8 and Roth MKM maintaining a Buy rating and raising the price target from $3 to $7. The stock was up significantly over the last five days, as shown on the Benzinga Pro chart below . The stock is up over 800% year-to-date in 2024. Quantum Computing QUBT : Similar to D-Wave, Quantum Computing is one of the handful of stocks seeing increasingly more attention from readers thanks to soaring interest in the quantum computing space. The company recently announced a prime contract from NASA for imaging and data processing support that will use the company's Dirac-3 entropy quantum optimization machine. Quantum Computing said the contract could lead to additional deals if successful. The company has also announced a share offering to strengthen its financial position. The stock was up significantly over the past week. Shares are up over 1,800% year-to-date in 2024. SoundHound AI SOUN : The voice AI company returns to the Stock Whisper Index for a second time in December. The company recently highlighted its awards and recognition it has received in the conversational AI market. A partnership with Church's Texas Chicken for voice AI drive-thru ordering solutions has also put the company into the spotlight as it continues to help restaurants reduce wait times, streamline operations and improve costs with its AI offerings. When SoundHound last appeared in the Stock Whisper Index, the company's AI Smart Ordering system was highlighted. The company’s AI-powered restaurant solutions are in use at more than 10,000 locations around the world, with the technology helping with phone, kiosk, drive-thru and headset ordering systems. The company also recently said its Amelia conversational AI agent has handled over 100,000 customer calls in 2024, helping with operational efficiency for customers. The stock has also been mentioned as a potential short squeeze with 13.6% of the float short according to Benzinga Pro data. Hear more about SoundHound from the company's CEO Mike Zagorsek in an exclusive interview with Benzinga here. MercadoLibre Inc MELI : The Latin American e-commerce company saw strong interest from readers without any major news from the company. The stock may have fallen on concerns of Brazilian stocks due to lower valuations for its currency. The 2024 election and questions about international relations may also have sent shares of Latin American stocks lower in recent weeks. MercadoLibre reported third-quarter financial results in November with earnings per share missing analyst estimates and revenue beating analyst estimates for an eighth straight quarter. Several analysts maintained bullish ratings on the stock, but lowered price targets after the recent financial results. Burlington Stores BURL : The discount apparel retailer saw increased interest from readers during the week, which comes after third-quarter financial results were reported in late November. The company saw revenue up 11% year-over-year in the quarter, but the revenue figure missed analyst estimates. The company cited warmer weather as a reason for comparable sales being lower than expected. Management was optimistic that the fourth quarter would see strong growth. The majority of analysts raised their price targets on the stock after the quarterly financial report. Stay tuned for next week’s report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and top market-moving stories here. Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here: November 29 December 6 December 13 Read Next: Quantum Computing, Rigetti, D-Wave Skyrocket Up To 300% In 5 Sessions After Google Unveils Willow Chip, But Analysts Urge Caution: ‘Not Every TikTok Guitarist Is The Next Taylor Swift’ © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Justus McNair's midcourt 3-pointer at the buzzer gives Valparaiso a 76-73 win over Western MichiganThe average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. eased this week, though it remains near 7% after mostly rising in recent weeks. The rate slipped to 6.81% from 6.84% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Wednesday. That’s still down from a year ago, when the rate averaged 7.22%. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners seeking to refinance their home loan to a lower rate, rose this week. The average rate climbed to 6.1% from 6.02% last week. A year ago, it averaged 6.56%, Freddie Mac said. Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, including the yield on U.S. 10-year Treasury bonds, which lenders use as a guide to price home loans. The yield, which mostly hovered around 4.4% last week and was below 3.70% in September, has eased this week. It was at 4.23% at midday Wednesday. Elevated mortgage rates and rising home prices have kept homeownership out of reach of many would-be homebuyers. U.S. home sales are on track for their worst year since 1995. “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage moved down this week, but not by much,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Potential homebuyers are also waiting on the sidelines, causing demand to be lackluster. Despite the low sales activity, inventory has only modestly improved and remains dramatically undersupplied.” Mortgage rates slid to just above 6% in September following the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut its main interest rate for the first time in more than four years. While the central bank doesn’t set mortgage rates, its actions and the trajectory of inflation influence the moves in the 10-year Treasury yield. The central bank’s policy pivot is expected to eventually clear a path for mortgage rates to generally go lower. But that could change if the next administration’s policies send inflation into overdrive again. September’s pullback in mortgage rates helped drive a pickup in sales of previously occupied U.S. homes last month, and likely helped give a boost to demand early last month. The National Association of Realtor’s pending home sales index rose 2% in October from the previous month, its third straight monthly increase, the trade group said Wednesday. Pending transactions were up 5.4% compared to October last year. A lag of a month or two usually exists between when a contract is signed and when the home sale is finalized, which makes pending home sales a bellwether for future completed home sales. Still, because mortgage rates have mostly kept rising in recent weeks, that could dampen sales this month and next in what's already typically a slow season for the housing market. “Though mortgage rates are likely to decline in the coming weeks, the dip will be too little and too late to boost home sales in December,” said Ralph McLaughlin, senior economist at Realtor.com. Forecasting the trajectory of mortgage rates is difficult, given that rates are influenced by many factors, from government spending and the economy, to geopolitical tensions and stock and bond market gyrations. Economists predict that mortgage rates will remain volatile this year, but generally forecast them to hover around 6% in 2025.
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Morgan Rogers looked to have given Unai Emery’s side another famous win when he slammed a loose ball home at the death, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano ruled Diego Carlos to have fouled Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and the goal was chalked off. It was a disappointment for Villa, who remain unbeaten at home in their debut Champions League campaign and are still in contention to qualify automatically for the last 16. A very controversial finish at Villa Park 😲 Morgan Rogers' late goal is ruled out for a foul on Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and the match ends 0-0 ❌ 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/MyYL5Vdy3r — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024 Emiliano Martinez had earlier displayed why he was named the best goalkeeper in the world as his wonder save kept his side level in the second half. The Argentina international paraded his two Yashin Trophies on the pitch before kick-off at Villa Park and then showed why he won back-to-back FIFA awards when he denied Francisco Conceicao. Before Rogers’ moment of drama in the fourth minute of added time, the closest Villa came to scoring was in the first half when Lucas Digne’s free-kick hit the crossbar. But a draw was a fair result which leaves Villa out of the top eight on goal difference and Juventus down in 19th. Before the game Emery called Juventus one of the “best teams in the world, historically and now”, but this was an Italian side down to the bare bones. Only 14 outfield players made the trip from Turin, with striker Dusan Vlahovic among those who stayed behind. The opening 30 minutes were forgettable before the game opened up. Ollie Watkins, still chasing his first Champions League goal, had Villa’s first presentable chance as he lashed an effort straight at Di Gregorio. Matty Cash then had a vicious effort from the resulting corner which was blocked by Federico Gatti and started a counter-attack which ended in Juventus striker Timothy Weah. Villa came closest to breaking the deadlock at the end of the first half when Digne’s 20-yard free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar and went over. Martinez then produced his brilliant save just after the hour. A corner made its way through to the far post where Conceicao was primed to head in at the far post, but Martinez sprawled himself across goal to scoop the ball away. How has he kept that one out?! 🤯 Emi Martinez with an INCREDIBLE save to keep it goalless at Villa Park ⛔️ 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/OkcWHB7YIk — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024 Replays showed most of the ball went over the line, but the Argentinian got there with millimetres to spare. At the other end another fine goal-line block denied John McGinn as Manuel Locatelli got his foot in the way with Di Gregorio beaten. The game looked to be petering out until a last-gasp free-kick saw Rogers slam home, but whistle-happy official Gil Manzano halted the celebrations by ruling the goal out.Aston Villa had a stoppage-time goal disallowed as they drew 0-0 with Juventus in the Champions League. Morgan Rogers looked to have given Unai Emery’s side another famous win when he slammed a loose ball home at the death, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano ruled Diego Carlos to have fouled Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and the goal was chalked off. It was a disappointment for Villa, who remain unbeaten at home in their debut Champions League campaign and are still in contention to qualify automatically for the last 16. A very controversial finish at Villa Park 😲 Morgan Rogers' late goal is ruled out for a foul on Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and the match ends 0-0 ❌ 📺 & — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) Emiliano Martinez had earlier displayed why he was named the best goalkeeper in the world as his wonder save kept his side level in the second half. The Argentina international paraded his two Yashin Trophies on the pitch before kick-off at Villa Park and then showed why he won back-to-back FIFA awards when he denied Francisco Conceicao. Before Rogers’ moment of drama in the fourth minute of added time, the closest Villa came to scoring was in the first half when Lucas Digne’s free-kick hit the crossbar. But a draw was a fair result which leaves Villa out of the top eight on goal difference and Juventus down in 19th. Before the game Emery called Juventus one of the “best teams in the world, historically and now”, but this was an Italian side down to the bare bones. Only 14 outfield players made the trip from Turin, with striker Dusan Vlahovic among those who stayed behind. The opening 30 minutes were forgettable before the game opened up. Ollie Watkins, still chasing his first Champions League goal, had Villa’s first presentable chance as he lashed an effort straight at Di Gregorio. Matty Cash then had a vicious effort from the resulting corner which was blocked by Federico Gatti and started a counter-attack which ended in Juventus striker Timothy Weah. Villa came closest to breaking the deadlock at the end of the first half when Digne’s 20-yard free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar and went over. Martinez then produced his brilliant save just after the hour. A corner made its way through to the far post where Conceicao was primed to head in at the far post, but Martinez sprawled himself across goal to scoop the ball away. How has he kept that one out?! 🤯 Emi Martinez with an INCREDIBLE save to keep it goalless at Villa Park ⛔️ 📺 & — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) Replays showed most of the ball went over the line, but the Argentinian got there with millimetres to spare. At the other end another fine goal-line block denied John McGinn as Manuel Locatelli got his foot in the way with Di Gregorio beaten. The game looked to be petering out until a last-gasp free-kick saw Rogers slam home, but whistle-happy official Gil Manzano halted the celebrations by ruling the goal out.First-ever athlete and fan-owned network boasts 2,200 Fan Owners and 70+ superstar athlete investors and partners by the likes of Chris Paul , Travis Kelce , Dwayne Wade , Chiney Ogwumike, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard , Natasha Cloud , Alysha Clark , Carmelo Anthony , and many more LOS ANGELES , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PlayersTV , the first athlete and fan-owned media company, today announced the acquisition of Cloud Media Center , an AI-driven sports adtech and media distribution company. This strategic year-end move boosts PlayersTV's reach to a total of 500 million monthly ad impressions, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in athlete-driven lifestyle entertainment while broadening its ability to connect with advertiser and inventory networks. PlayersTV empowers athletes to control their narratives while giving brands access to engagement opportunities with an expansive global audience. It is known for its groundbreaking athlete-fan ownership model, supported by more than 70 high-profile athlete investors and partners across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and MLB, and a community of more than 2,200 Fan Owners (shareholders in the company). The network features high-profile athletes, including Travis Kelce , Chris Paul , Damian Lillard , Dwyane Wade , Chiney Ogwumike, Carmelo Anthony , Allen Iverson , Natasha Cloud , Kyrie Irving, Ken Griffey, Jr. , Vernon Davis , Austin Ekeler , DeAndre Jordan , CJ McCollum, AJ Andrews, Angel McCoughtry , Alysha Clark , and more. PlayersTV currently reaches more than 300 million households via OTT and CTV via DirecTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Philo . Its proprietary ad network called Players360 generates an additional 500 million monthly ad impressions. Through the acquisition of Cloud Media Center, PlayersTV now owns technologies responsible for more than 1 billion combined monthly ad impressions. "This is a transformative moment for PlayersTV and the future of sports media," said Deron Guidrey , co-founder of PlayersTV. "The acquisition of Cloud Media Center catapults us into a new era of innovation, expanding our reach to an astounding 500 million monthly ad impressions. With cutting-edge AI technology now at the core of our operations, we are setting the gold standard for athlete-driven media, revolutionizing how athletes connect with fans and how brands engage with audiences worldwide. This is more than an acquisition, it's a declaration of our vision to lead the global sports media industry." PlayersTV Co-founder Collin Castellaw added, "This acquisition is a monumental step forward for our organization. By integrating Cloud Media Center's AI-driven tech we're significantly expanding our reach while revolutionizing how athletes and sports content is created, distributed and consumed. This is an exciting time for our company and the future of athlete media and sports media." Cloud Media Center's innovative platform brings state-of-the-art AI technology to PlayersTV, enabling more precise audience targeting, dynamic content distribution, and scalable adtech. With this acquisition, PlayersTV is poised to deliver highly personalized and impactful content experiences, meeting the growing demand for athlete-centered stories and authentic fan connections. About PlayersTV PlayersTV is the first-ever athlete-owned media network and content provider. As the premier athlete lifestyle content destination, PlayersTV empowers athletes to own their stories while engaging fans with authentic and meaningful connections, bridging the worlds of sports, lifestyle, and entertainment. PlayersTV's 24/7 channel can be found on DirecTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Philo . See more at https://playerstv.com/ . About Cloud Media Center Cloud Media Center (CMC), based in Ponte Vedra, FL , sells digital advertising inventory through a cloud-based, analytically driven distribution platform that seamlessly connects advertisers with content providers and publishers. The result maximizes collaboration — unleashing next-level ad campaign synergies. CMC's next-gen platform and best-in-class dashboards — built by next-generation premier developers — provide AI-based microtargeting on the frontend, and real-time, easy-to-understand analytics on the back end. Content producers, advertisers, and publishers will have all the tools and data needed to optimize campaigns — and do it with speed and granular accuracy. Visit the CMC website at https://cloudmc.us/ . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/playerstv-acquires-cloud-media-center-integrates-sports-ai-ad-technology-to-surpass-1b-monthly-impressions-302337699.html SOURCE PlayersTV"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 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By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER WASHINGTON (AP) — One year after the Jan. 6, 2021 , U.S. Capitol attack, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department was committed to holding accountable all perpetrators “at any level” for “the assault on our democracy.” That bold declaration won’t apply to at least one person: Donald Trump. Special counsel Jack Smith’s move on Monday to abandon the federal election interference case against Trump means jurors will likely never decide whether the president-elect is criminally responsible for his attempts to cling to power after losing the 2020 campaign. The decision to walk away from the election charges and the separate classified documents case against Trump marks an abrupt end of the Justice Department’s unprecedented legal effort that once threatened his liberty but appears only to have galvanized his supporters. The abandonment of the cases accusing Trump of endangering American democracy and national security does away with the most serious legal threats he was facing as he returns to the White House. It was the culmination of a monthslong defense effort to delay the proceedings at every step and use the criminal allegations to Trump’s political advantage, putting the final word in the hands of voters instead of jurors. “We always knew that the rich and powerful had an advantage, but I don’t think we would have ever believed that somebody could walk away from everything,” said Stephen Saltzburg, a George Washington University law professor and former Justice Department official. “If there ever was a Teflon defendant, that’s Donald Trump.” While prosecutors left the door open to the possibility that federal charges could be re-filed against Trump after he leaves office, that seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Trump’s presidential victory has thrown into question the future of the two state criminal cases against him in New York and Georgia. Trump was supposed to be sentenced on Tuesday after his conviction on 34 felony counts in his New York hush money case , but it’s possible the sentencing could be delayed until after Trump leaves office, and the defense is pushing to dismiss the case altogether. Smith’s team stressed that their decision to abandon the federal cases was not a reflection of the merit of the charges, but an acknowledgement that they could not move forward under longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Trump’s presidential victory set “at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: On the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law,” prosecutors wrote in court papers. The move just weeks after Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the immense personal stake Trump had in the campaign in which he turned his legal woes into a political rallying cry. Trump accused prosecutors of bringing the charges in a bid to keep him out of the White House, and he promised revenge on his perceived enemies if he won a second term. “If Donald J. Trump had lost an election, he may very well have spent the rest of his life in prison,” Vice President-elect JD Vance, wrote in a social media post on Monday. “These prosecutions were always political. Now it’s time to ensure what happened to President Trump never happens in this country again.” After the Jan. 6 attack by Trump supporters that left more than 100 police officers injured, Republican leader Mitch McConnell and several other Republicans who voted to acquit Trump during his Senate impeachment trial said it was up to the justice system to hold Trump accountable. The Jan. 6 case brought last year in Washington alleged an increasingly desperate criminal conspiracy to subvert the will of voters after Trump’s 2020 loss, accusing Trump of using the angry mob of supporters that attacked the Capitol as “a tool” in his campaign to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence and obstruct the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory. Hundreds of Jan. 6 rioters — many of whom have said they felt called to Washington by Trump — have pleaded guilty or been convicted by juries of federal charges at the same courthouse where Trump was supposed to stand trial last year. As the trial date neared, officials at the courthouse that sits within view of the Capitol were busy making plans for the crush of reporters expected to cover the historic case. But Trump’s argument that he enjoyed absolute immunity from prosecution quickly tied up the case in appeals all the way up to the Supreme Court. The high court ruled in July that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution , and sent the case back to the trial court to decide which allegations could move forward. But the case was dismissed before the trial court could get a chance to do so. Related Articles National Politics | Trump team says Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal brokered by Biden is actually Trump’s win National Politics | After delay, Trump signs agreement with Biden White House to begin formal transition handoff National Politics | Rudy Giuliani in a courtroom outburst accuses judge in assets case of being unfair, drawing a rebuke National Politics | With Trump as president, can TikTok in the US survive? National Politics | Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump’s promised crackdown on immigration The other indictment brought in Florida accused Trump of improperly storing at his Mar-a-Lago estate sensitive documents on nuclear capabilities, enlisting aides and lawyers to help him hide records demanded by investigators and cavalierly showing off a Pentagon “plan of attack” and classified map. But U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case in July on grounds that Smith was illegally appointed . Smith appealed to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but abandoned that appeal on Monday. Smith’s team said it would continue its fight in the appeals court to revive charges against Trump’s two co-defendants because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” In New York, jurors spent weeks last spring hearing evidence in a state case alleging a Trump scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex. New York prosecutors recently expressed openness to delaying sentencing until after Trump’s second term, while Trump’s lawyers are fighting to have the conviction dismissed altogether. In Georgia, a trial while Trump is in office seems unlikely in a state case charging him and more than a dozen others with conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state. The case has been on hold since an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. Associated Press reporter Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed.The luck of Suaalii: Broken wrist ruled out and could face Ireland
‘Wicked’ Movie Fires Up Debate Over Taking Photos of Theater Screen: “Intolerable Behavior”
Shield AI and Palantir Technologies Deepen Strategic Partnership and Announce Deployment of Warp SpeedNBC Sports’ EA Sports Madden NFL Cast Set to Merge Videogame and Live Broadcast Worlds For many years, , has been for NFL broadcasts look more like EA Sports’ videogames through tools like the Skycam and next-gen virtual graphics. On Saturday, Gaudelli and the NBC Sports team will go beyond the talk and start to walk with the first ever EA Sports exclusively on Peacock. “We’re going to produce this alt-cast for the avid game player,” says Gaudelli, who produced with John Madden in the booth for the final seven years of his storied career. “There are millions and millions of fans, and I think we have to really serve them in this game and try to find that perfect blend between the videogame and the real game, and merge them together. So, the short answer is, enthusiasts are our target audience.” The first-of-its-kind live football experience blending videogame elements and live action will stream live exclusively on Peacock for the Houston Texans-Kansas City Chiefs game (1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21). NBC Sports Group has collaborated with EA Sports and Genius Sports to create an immersive, data-powered live football experience that “injects ’s unique brand elements as animated overlays,” according to NBC. The live stream will also feature a dedicated commentary team of experts calling the game from a custom-designed studio at NBC Sports’ Stamford, CT, headquarters, and will be produced independently from the main broadcast with and calling the shots from Stamford. Featuring live EA SPORTS graphics, route trees, play cards and player ratings, the will transform football strategy, information, and IQ for viewers. It’s all being driven by the NFL’s Next Gen Stats platform and GeniusIQ Genius Sports’ next generation data and AI platform that combines real-time data insights with fully branded animations to deliver an immersive viewing experience. In preparation for Saturday’s production, Greenberg, Butler, and the rest of the talent and production team performed rehearsals on the past two NBC broadcasts (Chargers-Chiefs on Dec. 8, and Seahawks-Packers on Dec. 15). Gaudelli says that the Genius Sports team elevated its contribution to the broadcast each week by adding additional elements. “We started out with the route trails,” he says. “Then we had the icons for the X factors and the superstar players. Then we added the buttons that you would see if you were playing the game on an Xbox. We’ve got the personnel packages for offense and defense on both sides of the screen as it is in the game. So the authenticity of the game has developed to a really good place right now, and I think all the fans are going to sink their teeth into that and enjoy that on Saturday.” In the Control Room: Taking a Cue From Esports Greenberg and Butler will be calling at the front bench in Stamford spearheading the Madden NFL Cast with a dedicated production team. “It doesn’t differ at all that much in terms of positions because even in a traditional football production, you’re going to have people accounted for in the truck or control room for things like the 1st and Ten Line,” says Greenberg. “We’ll have our own graphics operators and score bar operator, plus our own AD, director, producer, and tape people building packages that will have features. We will also have some representatives from both EA and Genius there to support us. So it is a little bit of a fuller control room with some extra bodies, but it’s been awesome working with EA and Genius on this.” Butler is a veteran of EA’s competitive gaming division, providing him with a unique perspective as the broadcast looks to meld the worlds of esports and real sports. “One big thing is the picture-in-picture with the players on the screen,” he says. “I did a lot of FIFA and Madden [esports broadcasts] and you always see the two competitors on the screen [with POV cameras]. Since we’re targeting that Madden audience, we’re embracing that. So you’ll see Chad and Kurt on the screen almost all the time talking on the screen, which obviously isn’t part of a normal football broadcast. “The other big thing will be having the playbook up on the screen over the Skycam shot of the huddle – just like in the [videogame],” he continues. “It may seem like a small thing, but it’s so authentic to the Madden experience.” NBC Sports has erected a custom-designed studio for play-by-play caller , YouTuber and expert , former Pro Bowl wide receiver and “ratings adjuster” , and Ultimate Bowl Championship-winning player The set, which is located inside Studio 1 in Stamford, has been outfitted with a massive Sony LED display showing various angles of the game, the playbook from the videogame, and other live video feeds. The goal is to create a casual atmosphere similar to friends hanging out playing , so announcers will be sitting in lounge chairs watching the screen. The studio is outfitted with a Jib, a SteadiCam, two hard cameras, and two PTZs. “It’s cozier and more of a relaxed set than being in a booth,” says Benkert. “I’m really looking forward to seeing how visually it shows up on screen for people at home.” Benkert will utilize graphic overlays to discuss and predict play options, while Ochocinco — who frequently discussed his own rating in production meetings with John Madden — serves as a real-time player “ratings adjuster.” Meanwhile, Leverette will dive deeper into the action as only a pro can, primarily thoroughly replay analysis. Burmeister, who typically calls Big Ten football for NBC Sports, admits the experience will be dramatically different from a traditional booth. While he will have some of the standard tools — a program monitor, stats monitor, stats person, a spotter by his side — Benkert, Ochocino, and Leverette won’t be right next to him. “It’s quite a bit different,” he says. “I’m off to the corner by myself and... Chad and Kurt and Henry will be in front of me, to the right. We’ll have the giant projector screen in front of me to the left. So, I’ll be keeping an eye on my analysts and the screen in a different way than I would during ‘a normal broadcast’.” Gaudelli adds that the cadence of the announcers has been drastically different in rehearsals compared to a traditional broadcast where the play-by-play announcer is the dominant voice. Instead of Burmeister setting the scene before each play, Benkert and Ochocinco more often are offering up predictions and observations on the formations and personnel prior to the snap. “The cadence... has evolved where Kurt and Chad are really taking the lead,” he says. “Paul is making sure that all the I’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed, and really quizzing them about the game but [also] how it would manifest itself in the video game.” Benkert also believes the visual aids provided by the videogame overlays create a wholly different dynamic for analyzing plays. “Now that we’ve added in the X factors and the trails and the superstars and the buttons over people’s heads, it’s really easy to speak over the top of it in reference to what we’re seeing with our eyes,” he says. “[As opposed to] a normal broadcast where a nickel defender is blitzing and a lot of people at home don’t know what a nickel defender is if they’re not avid football fans. On this [broadcast though] I can say see the X factor right there, he’s coming off the edge. In my opinion it brings it more to the level of people watching it from home versus sometimes people get spoken over the top of with terminology and all that.”
First-ever athlete and fan-owned network boasts 2,200 Fan Owners and 70+ superstar athlete investors and partners by the likes of Chris Paul , Travis Kelce , Dwayne Wade , Chiney Ogwumike, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard , Natasha Cloud , Alysha Clark , Carmelo Anthony , and many more LOS ANGELES , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PlayersTV , the first athlete and fan-owned media company, today announced the acquisition of Cloud Media Center , an AI-driven sports adtech and media distribution company. This strategic year-end move boosts PlayersTV's reach to a total of 500 million monthly ad impressions, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in athlete-driven lifestyle entertainment while broadening its ability to connect with advertiser and inventory networks. PlayersTV empowers athletes to control their narratives while giving brands access to engagement opportunities with an expansive global audience. It is known for its groundbreaking athlete-fan ownership model, supported by more than 70 high-profile athlete investors and partners across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and MLB, and a community of more than 2,200 Fan Owners (shareholders in the company). The network features high-profile athletes, including Travis Kelce , Chris Paul , Damian Lillard , Dwyane Wade , Chiney Ogwumike, Carmelo Anthony , Allen Iverson , Natasha Cloud , Kyrie Irving, Ken Griffey, Jr. , Vernon Davis , Austin Ekeler , DeAndre Jordan , CJ McCollum, AJ Andrews, Angel McCoughtry , Alysha Clark , and more. PlayersTV currently reaches more than 300 million households via OTT and CTV via DirecTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Philo . Its proprietary ad network called Players360 generates an additional 500 million monthly ad impressions. Through the acquisition of Cloud Media Center, PlayersTV now owns technologies responsible for more than 1 billion combined monthly ad impressions. "This is a transformative moment for PlayersTV and the future of sports media," said Deron Guidrey , co-founder of PlayersTV. "The acquisition of Cloud Media Center catapults us into a new era of innovation, expanding our reach to an astounding 500 million monthly ad impressions. With cutting-edge AI technology now at the core of our operations, we are setting the gold standard for athlete-driven media, revolutionizing how athletes connect with fans and how brands engage with audiences worldwide. This is more than an acquisition, it's a declaration of our vision to lead the global sports media industry." PlayersTV Co-founder Collin Castellaw added, "This acquisition is a monumental step forward for our organization. By integrating Cloud Media Center's AI-driven tech we're significantly expanding our reach while revolutionizing how athletes and sports content is created, distributed and consumed. This is an exciting time for our company and the future of athlete media and sports media." Cloud Media Center's innovative platform brings state-of-the-art AI technology to PlayersTV, enabling more precise audience targeting, dynamic content distribution, and scalable adtech. With this acquisition, PlayersTV is poised to deliver highly personalized and impactful content experiences, meeting the growing demand for athlete-centered stories and authentic fan connections. About PlayersTV PlayersTV is the first-ever athlete-owned media network and content provider. As the premier athlete lifestyle content destination, PlayersTV empowers athletes to own their stories while engaging fans with authentic and meaningful connections, bridging the worlds of sports, lifestyle, and entertainment. PlayersTV's 24/7 channel can be found on DirecTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Philo . See more at https://playerstv.com/ . About Cloud Media Center Cloud Media Center (CMC), based in Ponte Vedra, FL , sells digital advertising inventory through a cloud-based, analytically driven distribution platform that seamlessly connects advertisers with content providers and publishers. The result maximizes collaboration — unleashing next-level ad campaign synergies. CMC's next-gen platform and best-in-class dashboards — built by next-generation premier developers — provide AI-based microtargeting on the frontend, and real-time, easy-to-understand analytics on the back end. Content producers, advertisers, and publishers will have all the tools and data needed to optimize campaigns — and do it with speed and granular accuracy. Visit the CMC website at https://cloudmc.us/ . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/playerstv-acquires-cloud-media-center-integrates-sports-ai-ad-technology-to-surpass-1b-monthly-impressions-302337699.html SOURCE PlayersTVTORONTO , Dec. 20, 2024 /CNW/ - Franklin Templeton Canada today announced the estimated December 2024 cash distributions and the annual reinvested distributions for its ETFs and ETF series of mutual funds available to Canadian investors. Estimated December 2024 Cash Distributions As detailed in the table below, unitholders of record as of December 31, 2024 , will receive a per-unit cash distribution payable in Canadian dollars on January 9, 2025 . Fund Name Ticker Type Estimated Cash Distribution Per Unit ($) Payment Frequency Franklin Core ETF Portfolio – ETF Series CBL Active 0.435559 Annually Franklin Conservative Income ETF Portfolio – ETF Series CNV Active 0.520239 Annually Franklin All-Equity ETF Portfolio – ETF Series EQY Active 0.237462 Annually Franklin Brandywine Global Sustainable Income Optimiser Fund – ETF Series FBGO Active 0.030534 Monthly Franklin ClearBridge Sustainable Global Infrastructure Income Fund – ETF Series FCII Active 0.023401 Monthly Franklin ClearBridge Sustainable International Growth Fund – ETF Series FCSI Active 0.153550 Annually Franklin Global Growth Fund – ETF Series FGGE Active 0.000000 Annually Franklin Canadian Government Bond Fund – ETF Series FGOV Active 0.074000 Monthly Franklin Canadian Ultra Short Term Bond Fund – ETF Series FHIS Active 0.063945 Monthly Franklin Innovation Fund – ETF Series FINO Active 0.000000 Annually Franklin FTSE U.S. Index ETF FLAM Passive 0.111888 Quarterly Franklin FTSE Canada All Cap Index ETF FLCD Passive 0.246693 Quarterly Franklin Canadian Corporate Bond Fund – ETF Series FLCI Active 0.064393 Monthly Franklin Canadian Core Plus Bond Fund – ETF Series FLCP Active 0.058611 Monthly Franklin Emerging Markets Equity Index ETF FLEM Passive 0.177597 Semi-Annually Franklin Global Core Bond Fund – ETF Series FLGA Active 0.037923 Monthly Franklin FTSE Japan Index ETF FLJA Passive 0.220823 Semi-Annually Franklin Canadian Short Term Bond Fund – ETF Series FLSD Active 0.054850 Monthly Franklin International Equity Index ETF FLUR Passive 0.235392 Semi-Annually Franklin U.S. Large Cap Multifactor Index ETF FLUS Smart Beta 0.187729 Quarterly Franklin Canadian Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF FLVC Passive 0.017539 Monthly Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF FLVI Passive 0.000000 Monthly Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF FLVU Passive 0.009336 Monthly Franklin Growth ETF Portfolio – ETF Series GRO Active 0.340805 Annually Estimated Annual Reinvested Distributions The estimated annual reinvested distributions, as applicable, will not be paid in cash but reinvested in additional units and reported as taxable distributions, with a corresponding increase in each unitholder's adjusted cost base of their units of the respective ETF. The additional ETF units will be immediately consolidated so that the number of units held by the unitholder, the outstanding units and the net asset value of the ETFs will not change as a result of the annual reinvested distribution. The annual reinvested distributions, as applicable, are expected to be capital gains in nature for each of the ETFs. As detailed in the table below, unitholders of record on December 31, 2024 , will receive a per-unit reinvested distribution payable in Canadian dollars on January 9, 2025 . Fund Name Ticker Type Estimated Annual Reinvested Distribution Per Unit ($) Franklin Core ETF Portfolio – ETF Series CBL Active 0.253823 Franklin Conservative Income ETF Portfolio – ETF Series CNV Active 0.000000 Franklin All-Equity ETF Portfolio – ETF Series EQY Active 0.050761 Franklin Brandywine Global Sustainable Income Optimiser Fund – ETF Series FBGO Active 0.000000 Franklin ClearBridge Sustainable Global Infrastructure Income Fund – ETF Series FCII Active 0.000000 Franklin ClearBridge Sustainable International Growth Fund – ETF Series FCSI Active 0.000000 Franklin Global Growth Fund – ETF Series FGGE Active 0.000000 Franklin Canadian Government Bond Fund – ETF Series FGOV Active 0.000000 Franklin Canadian Ultra Short Term Bond Fund – ETF Series FHIS Active 0.001143 Franklin Innovation Fund – ETF Series FINO Active 0.000000 Franklin FTSE U.S. Index ETF FLAM Passive 0.000000 Franklin FTSE Canada All Cap Index ETF FLCD Passive 0.000000 Franklin Canadian Corporate Bond Fund – ETF Series FLCI Active 0.000000 Franklin Canadian Core Plus Bond Fund – ETF Series FLCP Active 0.000000 Franklin Emerging Markets Equity Index ETF FLEM Passive 0.000000 Franklin Global Core Bond Fund – ETF Series FLGA Active 0.000000 Franklin FTSE Japan Index ETF FLJA Passive 0.000000 Franklin Canadian Short Term Bond Fund – ETF Series FLSD Active 0.000000 Franklin International Equity Index ETF FLUR Passive 0.105939 Franklin U.S. Large Cap Multifactor Index ETF FLUS Smart Beta 0.583352 Franklin Canadian Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF FLVC Passive 0.025433 Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF FLVI Passive 0.216455 Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF FLVU Passive 0.319060 Franklin Growth ETF Portfolio – ETF Series GRO Active 0.462281 If there are any changes to these year-end distribution amounts, the final amounts will be announced on December 31, 2024 . The actual taxable amounts of cash and reinvested distributions for 2024, including the tax characteristics of the distributions, will be reported to brokers through CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. in early 2025. Franklin Templeton's diverse and innovative ETF platform was built to provide better client outcomes for a range of market conditions and investment opportunities. The product suite offers active, smart beta and passive ETFs that span multiple asset classes and geographies. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.ca/etf . About Franklin Templeton Franklin Resources, Inc. BEN is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. In Canada, the company's subsidiary is Franklin Templeton Investments Corp., which operates as Franklin Templeton Canada . Franklin Templeton's mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,500 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California -based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over US$1.6 trillion (over CAN$2.2 trillion) in assets under management as of November 30, 2024. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.ca . Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investments in ETFs and ETF series. Investors should carefully consider an ETF's and ETF series' investment objectives and strategies, risks, fees and expenses before investing. The prospectus and ETF facts contain this and other information. Please read the prospectus and ETF facts carefully before investing. ETFs and ETF series trade like stocks, fluctuate in market value and may trade at prices above or below their net asset value. Brokerage commissions and ETF and ETF series expenses will reduce returns. ETFs and ETF series are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Copyright © 2024. Franklin Templeton. All rights reserved. SOURCE Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2024/20/c3078.html © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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