
Police hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's masked killer after 'brazen, targeted' attack on NYC street NEW YORK (AP) — UnitedHealthcare’s CEO has been shot and killed in what police say is a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding its investor conference. The shooting rattled the city and set off a massive dragnet hours before the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting. Police say 50-year-old Brian Thompson was shot around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch says the shooter appeared to be “lying in wait for several minutes” before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire. Police have not yet established a motive. UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the US but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected. The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's chief executive on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk Wednesday became a mystery that riveted the nation. Police say it was a targeted killing. Thompson was 50. He had worked at the company for 20 years and had run health care giant UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s insurance business since 2021. It provides health coverage for more than 49 million Americans and brought in $281 billion in revenue last year. Thompson's $10.2 million annual compensation made him one of the company’s highest-paid executives. Hegseth fights to save Pentagon nomination as sources say Trump considers DeSantis WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s Pentagon pick, is fighting to hold on to his Cabinet nomination amid growing questions about his personal conduct as the president-elect’s team considers alternatives, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. But Hegseth says, “We’re not backing down one bit." The Trump transition team is concerned about Hegseth’s path to Senate confirmation and is actively looking at potential replacements, according to a person familiar with the matter. Hegseth is under pressure as senators weigh a series of allegations that have surfaced against him. Beyond DeSantis, there have been discussions about shifting Michael Waltz, who was named by Trump as his national security adviser, to the Defense Department Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on medical treatments for transgender minors WASHINGTON (AP) — Hearing a high-profile culture-war clash, the Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed likely to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices’ decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which bathrooms they can use. The case is being weighed by a conservative-dominated court after a presidential election in which Donald Trump and his allies promised to roll back protections for transgender people. The Biden administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer warned a decision favorable to Tennessee also could be used to justify nationwide restrictions on transgender healthcare for minors. Peter Navarro served prison time related to Jan. 6. Now Trump is bringing him back as an adviser WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is bringing Peter Navarro back to the White House for his second administration. Trump announced Wednesday on Truth Social that Navarro will serve as a senior counselor for trade and manufacturing. He was a trade adviser in Trump's first term. Navarro served four months in prison after being held in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump also chose Daniel Driscoll as Army secretary, Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator and Adam Boehler as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs. Israeli strikes on a Gaza tent camp kill at least 21 people, hospital says KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — A Palestinian health official said Wednesday that at least 21 people were killed in Israeli strikes on a camp housing displaced people in Gaza. The Israeli military said it struck senior Hamas militants. The strikes hit in the Muwasi area, a sprawling coastal camp housing hundreds of thousands of displaced people. It came after Israeli forces struck targets in other areas of Gaza. According to Palestinian medics, strikes in central Gaza killed eight people, including four children. The war in Gaza is nearly 14 months old and showing no end in sight, despite international efforts to revive negotiations toward a ceasefire. South Korean President Yoon's martial law declaration raises questions over his political future SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning martial law declaration lasted just hours, but experts say it raised serious questions about his ability to govern for the remaining 2 1/2 years of his term. The opposition-controlled parliament overturned the edict, and his rivals on Wednesday took steps to impeach him. Yoon's move baffled many experts. One analyst called his action “political suicide.” Yoon’s political fate may depend on whether a large number of people in coming days take to the streets to push for his ouster. Yoon hasn't commented on the impeachment bid. But the political instability he unleashed could make it more difficult for his government to nurse a decaying economy. French lawmakers vote to oust prime minister in the first successful no-confidence vote since 1962 PARIS (AP) — France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers have joined together to vote on a no-confidence motion prompted by budget disputes that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet to resign. The National Assembly approved the motion by 331 votes. A minimum of 288 were needed. President Emmanuel Macron insisted he will serve the rest of his term until 2027. However, he will need to appoint a new prime minister for the second time after July’s legislative elections led to a deeply divided parliament. Macron will address the French on Thursday evening, his office said, without providing details. Barnier is expected to formally resign by then. White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered the new details Wednesday about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that a number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow. Harris found success with women who have cats, but Trump got the dog owner vote: AP VoteCast WASHINGTON (AP) — The lead-up to the 2024 election was all about cat owners. But in the end, the dogs had their day. Donald Trump won more than half of voters who own either cats or dogs, and he had with a big assist from dog owners. That's according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. Dog owners were much more likely to support Trump over Kamala Harris. Cat owners were evenly split between the two candidates. Harris did end up decisively winning support from women who own a cat but no dog. Past comments by Trump's running mate, JD Vance, about “childless cat ladies” briefly became a campaign issue.
Plug Power: Trending Positive, But The Momentum Is Tenuous
AP News Summary at 7:26 p.m. EST
None
I tried the one-touch rule to organise my home. Here's what happened
Nobel laureates urge strong AI regulation
Middle East latest: Israeli strikes kill a hospital director in Lebanon and wound 9 medics in GazaFirst treatment in 50 years for serious asthma attacks is ‘game-changer’
Find the perfect iron for all your clothing needs in our exclusive sale on Amazo. Say goodbye to wrinkles and hello to perfectly pressed clothes with these high-quality irons, suitable for all fabrics. Ironing just got easier with our collection of high-performance irons. Whether you prefer steam irons, dry irons, or multipurpose models, we’ve got you covered. With sleek designs and user-friendly controls, these irons combine performance with style. 1. Havells Dry Iron The Havells Dry Iron Dazzle offers powerful performance with 1100 watts of heating capacity. It features German technology that ensures uniform heat distribution for effortless ironing. The plastic non-stick coated soleplate glides smoothly over fabrics, preventing any damage or sticking. This lightweight and compact iron is perfect for everyday use, offering convenience and efficiency. With a 2-year manufacturer warranty, it provides long-term reliability. Image Source: Amazon.in Order Now Key Features: 2. Wipro Elato Heavyweight Dry Iron Equipped with an anti-bacterial German Weilburger dual-coated soleplate, it ensures smooth gliding and prevents fabric damage. Featuring five different heat modes, this iron allows for versatile usage across various fabric types, ensuring wrinkle-free clothes in one shot. The iron’s ergonomic design and quick heat-up feature make ironing effortless. With a 2-year warranty, the Wipro Elato GD203 promises durability and long-lasting performance. Ideal for everyday ironing, this model helps you achieve perfectly pressed clothes with ease Image Source: Amazon.in Order Now Key Features: 3. Usha EI Armor Dry Iron The Usha EI Armor 1100 Watts Dry Iron is designed for efficient and powerful ironing, making it a great choice for daily use. Featuring a premium black Weilburger soleplate, it ensures smooth gliding over all fabric types, reducing the risk of fabric burns and sticking. The plastic body ensures a lightweight design, while its ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip for extended use. Available in a sleek purple color, this dry iron is perfect for achieving wrinkle-free clothes in no time. Image Source: Amazon.in Order Now Key Features: 4. Orient Electric Fabrijoy Dry Iron The Orient Electric Fabrijoy 1000 Watt Dry Iron is a highly efficient and stylish iron designed to offer quick and effective ironing for your clothes. It features a 5-level safety mechanism, providing extra protection during use. With a 2-year replacement warranty, this iron offers long-lasting performance and reliability. The compact design, along with its user-friendly features, makes it ideal for daily use, ensuring wrinkle-free clothes in no time. Image Source: Amazon.in Order Now Key Features: Conclusion: Upgrade your ironing game with our versatile and efficient irons. Say goodbye to wrinkles and hello to perfectly polished clothes. Shop now on Amazon and enjoy amazing discounts on high-quality irons built to make your life easier and your wardrobe flawless. Disclaimer: The above mentioned article is a sponsored feature. This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of IDPL, and IDPL claims no responsibility whatsoever. Stay informed on all the latest news , real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in india news and world News on Zee News.
WASHINGTON — A top White House official said Wednesday at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations were impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that the number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could grow. The U.S. believes the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. She added that Biden was briefed on the findings and the White House “made it a priority for the federal government to do everything it can to get to the bottom this.” The Chinese embassy in Washington rejected the accusations that it was responsible for the hack Tuesday after the U.S. federal authorities issued new guidance. “The U.S. needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. The embassy did not immediately respond to messages Wednesday. White House officials believe the hacking was regionally targeted and the focus was on very senior government officials. Federal authorities confirmed in October that hackers linked to China of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, along with people associated with Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. The number of countries impacted by the hack is currently believed to be in the “low, couple dozen,” according to a senior administration official. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under rules set by the White House, said they believed the hacks started at least a year or two ago. The released Tuesday are largely technical in nature, urging encryption, centralization and consistent monitoring to deter cyber intrusions. If implemented, the security precautions could help disrupt the operation, dubbed Salt Typhoon, and make it harder for China or any other nation to mount a similar attack in the future, experts say. Neuberger pointed to efforts made to beef up cybersecurity in the rail, aviation, energy and other sectors following . “So, to prevent ongoing Salt Typhoon type intrusions by China, we believe we need to apply a similar minimum cybersecurity practice,” Neuberger said. The cyberattack by a gang of criminal hackers on the critical U.S. pipeline, which delivers about 45% of the fuel used along the Eastern Seaboard, sent ripple effects across the economy, highlighting cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the nation’s aging energy infrastructure. Colonial confirmed it paid $4.4 million to the gang of hackers who broke into its computer systems as it scrambled to get the nation's fuel pipeline back online.EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Jonathan Greenard was gassed, gasping for breath and gulping some water late in the game on Minnesota's sideline, having chased around Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray to the point of sheer exhaustion after fighting through an illness all week. The Cardinals faced fourth down in those closing seconds on Sunday , trailing by one, and Greenard needed a break. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell let defensive coordinator Brian Flores see the formation the Cardinals sent out and deftly called timeout. The Vikings badly wanted Greenard, who'd been battling an illness all week, back in the game. “'You ready to go? You ready to go? You ready to go?'” O'Connell asked, smiling later as he reflected on his eagerness and the rarity of using a timeout to give a defensive player a rest. “No doubt, he was going back on the field and going to have a really impactful snap.” Greenard and the rest of the pass rush put enough heat on Murray to force a hurried throw that Shaquill Griffin intercepted to seal a 23-22 comeback victory that stretched Minnesota's winning streak to five. “He’s playing some high-level football. I don’t know where we’re at with postseason accolades, but he should be in the conversation for a number of those,” Flores said. “I feel like I say this every week: We’re lucky to have him.” Greenard is tied for fourth in the NFL with 32 pressures, according to Sportradar tracking. He's also tied for fourth in the league with 10 sacks. “He’s always popping off the tape, no matter what week it is,” teammate Harrison Smith said. “Especially in crunch time.” Those basic statistics only begin to show the impact Greenard has made on the Vikings, who made him their top priority in free agency this year once it was clear Danielle Hunter priced himself out of the plan. Greenard has not only blossomed into one of the league's most effective edge rushers after four injury-limited seasons with Houston, but he has also been a major part of Minnesota's success against the ground attack to the tune of an NFL-leading average allowance of 81.3 rushing yards per game. “The underrated part is just the all-down aspect of the physicality, setting edges, playing blocks and making some plays at or behind the line of scrimmage that set up his chances to then rush the passer,” O'Connell said. “He’s played a ton. We’re trying to be aware of just how much he’s played and see if we can give him some spurts here and there where we can kind of keep his play count where we want it, but at the same time he’s one of our best players. As I like to call him, he’s the closer.” Never was that nickname more evident than against the Cardinals. Pushed wide on his rush by left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., Greenard stabbed at Murray with his left hand to graze just enough of the ball to poke it loose. Murray fell on it to maintain possession, but the sack put the Cardinals in an uphill third-and-13 play. This time, Greenard deftly slid to the inside to keep full vision on one of the NFL’s most elusive quarterbacks. Pressure by Patrick Jones prompted Murray to take off as he barely avoided another sack, and Greenard was in ideal position to minimize the scramble. Once Murray hesitated to try to juke him and approaching cornerback Byron Murphy for more yardage, Greenard caught up and corralled him — inbounds, forcing the Cardinals to burn another timeout — for a 3-yard gain. Afterward, Greenard drew a straight line from those plays back to his offseason training. “If your tongue ain’t on the ground after your workouts, I feel like you’re not doing enough, especially the guys on the quarterbacks,” Greenard said. With the U.S. Bank Stadium crowd roaring, Greenard doubled over and asked to be subbed out. “I just wanted to show that I’m running my tail off to that football. It just so happened that he cut back and I was like, ‘Oh, perfect,'” Greenard said. “That was tough.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLThe 38-year-old recalled meeting the US president-elect with her former England captain husband Wayne when their family was living in the US during Sunday’s episode. Discussing her encounter, she told her fellow campmates: “When we lived in America, we got invited to the White House for Christmas and we went in to meet Donald Trump. There’s nowhere for Dean and Coleen to run as they face Absolute Carnage... 🐀 Find out how they get on when #ImACeleb continues, tonight at 9pm! pic.twitter.com/yNevokq030 — I'm A Celebrity... (@imacelebrity) November 24, 2024 “And so we walked in and we had to get the official photograph taken in front of the Christmas tree. “So Donald Trump said to his son ‘See? Told you, all the soccer players get the good-looking girls’. “And I told my mum, I was like ‘dirty bastard’.” She also revealed that Mr Trump wanted Wayne to “go over to teach his son to play football”. Afterwards, McFly star Danny Jones asked her: “Is he that orange?”, to which she confirmed: “He was very orange.” Sunday’s episode also saw Rooney compete in a Bushtucker Trial a day after her her husband Wayne encouraged viewers to vote for her to do a challenge in a social media post. The former England footballer said he was “proud” of how she was doing in the Australian jungle but said he and their boys would “love” to see her do a trial. The couple, who first met at school and began dating aged 16, share four sons, Kai Wayne, Klay Anthony, Kit Joseph and Cass Mac. Ahead of competing in the Absolute Carnage trial, she said: “I’m a bit scared of the unknown but I’m excited for my boys back home just to see me do something. “Hopefully I’m going to do well, I’m going to try my best.” The trial saw her trapped in a box in the back of a car which was filled with cockroaches, crickets, giant mealworms and rats. Her fellow campmate, BBC Radio 1 presenter Dean McCullough, had to rummage through a garage area which was filled with creepy crawlies to find tools which he would pass to Rooney so she could unlock the stars in the box. The pair worked together to win nine stars for camp, with hosts Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly branding Rooney as “very calm, very quiet, you just got on with it”. Liverpool-born Rooney replied: “That is my way of coping, silence, the silent treatment.” Maura reveals why she went on Love Island... Let’s hope all toothbrushes are safe in the Jungle 🪥 #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/oH8qizoKTK — I'm A Celebrity... (@imacelebrity) November 24, 2024 Elsewhere, Love Island star Maura Higgins recalled to Jones and Loose Women panellist Jane Moore that she went into the ITV dating show “like a bull in a china shop” after being so angry with her ex-boyfriend before entering the villa. She explained that she had been in a relationship when she got the offer for the show and decided to check her partner’s phone and was unimpressed with what she found. “When he went to the gym the next day I got his toothbrush and I filmed myself scrubbing in the verges, he had a dentist appointment that day,” she said. Jones said you “don’t want to mess with Maura” while Moore described her as “fierce”. It was revealed at the end of the episode that McCullough will take on another challenge during Monday’s episode. I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! continues at 9pm on ITV1, STV and ITVX.
Maharashtra Assembly Sees No Increase In Muslim Representation, With 10 MLAs The Same As 2019
KUWAIT CITY, Dec 07: Zain, Kuwait’s leading technology innovator, announced its platinum sponsorship of NEXUS—the largest technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship gathering of its kind. The three-day event was held at The Arena Kuwait, featuring participation from over 100 entities from the public and private sectors, under the patronage and presence of H.E. Minister of State for Telecommunications Affairs, Omar Al-Omar. Zain took part in the exhibition's opening ceremony, which was attended by officials, executives, and experts representing a wide range of vibrant industries. The company's support to this event aligns with its strategy to contribute to the national economy, emphasize the private sector's role in supporting the country’s digital transformation plans, accelerate the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and foster and empower Kuwaiti talent. ‘How Technology Shapes the Future’ During the event, a panel discussion titled, How AI, Data, and IoT Will Shape the Future, was held, joined by Hamad Al-Marzouq, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at Zain Kuwait; Abdullah Al-Ajmi, Acting Chairman of the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA); along with other experts. During the panel, Al-Marzouq highlighted Zain's leading role in digital transformation and how the company employs IoT and AI technologies to enhance customer experience and promote digital lifestyles. He also discussed some of Zain’s innovative solutions to integrate data analytics in smart city projects. He also discussed key projects in collaboration with government and private institutions to advance smart city initiatives and explored the opportunities that 5G and IoT technologies bring to Kuwait’s digital future. At the panel, Al-Marzouq said, “At Zain, we take pride in being pioneers in adopting AI solutions and new technologies. We extend our gratitude to CITRA for their role in supporting our initiatives and facilitating the necessary licenses for launching technologies such as 5G, data centers, and cloud services in the market.” He continued, “On the consumer side, we were the first to introduce AI-powered customer service solutions, such as our interactive smart platform, zBot, that we launched years ago. We also offer a comprehensive portfolio of IoT solutions that enrich our customers' smart home experiences.” Al-Marzouq added, “For the enterprise sector, we have numerous success stories where we empowered public and private sector entities to adopt the latest solutions such as 5G and 5G Advanced connectivity, and we’ve worked to enhance the smart city ecosystem by deploying 800,000 smart meters in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity and Water.” He further elaborated, “Our solid partnerships with global technology giants such as Microsoft, Amazon (AWS), Google Cloud, and others have strengthened our digital infrastructure to provide the best services and solutions for business clients in the Kuwaiti market, including large corporations, SMEs, and the public sector.” Al-Marzouq also highlighted a recent AI-driven platform Zain developed for enterprise clients, which helps track project progress using data-driven insights. Among the notable success stories was the partnership with the Kuwait Credit Bank to provide an engineering inspection platform using drones, significantly enhancing citizens' experiences. Discussing the significance of data, Al-Marzouq stated, “Data has become one of the most valuable resources today. At Zain, we recently launched the Zain Data Office, which assists us in making data-driven decisions. We harness the power of data to offer solutions that help overcome societal challenges and create exclusive offerings tailored to our customers' unique needs.” Zain had an engaging presence at NEXUS, showcasing its leading experience in digital transformation, support for Kuwaiti entrepreneurs, and the latest fintech solutions, through its dedicated booth and by sharing expertise during engaging panel discussions and specialized workshops throughout the three-day event. Exclusive bundles for SMEs During its participation at NEXUS, Zain launched all-new exclusive bundles tailored for SME customers. Designed specifically for startups, these packages include a variety of offerings from Zain's business portfolio, such as cloud solutions, 5G services, IoT, 5G connectivity, and more. These new plans from Zain provide customized, integrated solutions specifically designed for SMEs, helping them manage and operate their businesses seamlessly. The plans are cost-effective by bundling several services at a competitive price, with flexibility to customize and add-on as needed, ensuring small businesses have the tools and support needed for success and sustainable growth. The bundles target SMEs looking to enhance operational efficiency, providing reliable, fast 5G internet connectivity, hosted collaboration services, access to the latest productivity tools, high-level security, and flexible payment options. Alongside the new plans, Zain’s booth featured a notable contribution from FOO, Zain’s fintech partner, showcasing cutting-edge fintech solutions for institutions, including digital wallets, digital banking, banking-as-a-service, cloud-as-a-service, payment solutions, digital transformation enablement, and more. Fostering growth for entrepreneurs During the event, Haya Al-Mana, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Expert at Zain Kuwait, took part in a panel titled Ecosystem Builders and Enablers. She highlighted Zain's innovation strategy, which aims to support entrepreneurs and empower startups by providing world-class mentorship and acceleration resources. Al-Mana spoke about Zain's role in providing resources and mentorship to new entrepreneurs through its award-winning tech startup accelerator, Zain Great Idea (ZGI). She also discussed the challenges startups face in the tech space and how to overcome them to achieve sustainable growth, as well as Zain's efforts to foster innovation and inclusion, especially for women in entrepreneurship. Zain's booth featured participation from three Kuwaiti entrepreneurs from the finalists of the ZGI program, which recently concluded its global acceleration phase in Silicon Valley in the U.S. The participants included Faisal Tawfiqi and Fahad Alzuabi from USim— the seamless internet roaming app, Abdullah Albusairi from EYON— the Arab live streaming platform, and Abdullah Shaban from Mawqif— the ultimate parking app. They highlighted their competitive services to visitors and shared their experiences from the ZGI program. NEXUS featured the first-of-its-kind startup challenge, where 100 startups competed for six major awards totaling KWD 30,000, including a grand prize of KWD 10,000. Three startups from the current ZGI cohort participated in the competition: Ghaneema Al-Mutawa, Yousur Al-Mutawa, and Yasmeen Al-Kandari from Seeds Academy; Mohammed Al-Kandari and Khaled Ibrahim from Caliery; and Abdulrahman Al-Fneisan from ADWAA. They presented their pioneering ideas and business models to the judging panel and audience. Partnership with "Raha" On the sidelines of the exhibition, Zain announced a collaboration with Raha, the rapidly growing logistics technology company in Kuwait. Through this collaboration, Raha’s subsidiary, Smooth Logistics, will support Zain’s logistics operations, leveraging its expertise in advanced AI-powered robotics and automation solutions, considered to be among the best in their class in the logistics industry. The partnership was announced in the presence of Ahmad Al-Habib, Outbound Department Manager in the Channels Division at Zain Kuwait, and Saleh Al-Tunaib, co-founder and CEO of Raha. Smooth Logistics will provide support in managing Zain's logistics operations, including transporting, storing, and shipping products and orders, following the highest standards of quality and efficiency, and utilizing AI-powered robotic solutions in its state-of-the-art facilities in Kuwait.The Brooklyn Nets are gearing up for the future, having stockpiled a staggering 31 draft picks over the next seven years, including 15 first-round picks and 16 second-round picks. This impressive haul positions the franchise to build a sustainable foundation or use their draft capital for potential blockbuster trades. Ever since dismantling the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving era, the Nets have shifted their focus to long-term planning, taking calculated steps to ensure flexibility and growth. Under the leadership of GM Sean Marks, the Nets have executed one of the most impressive rebuild strategies in recent NBA history. The decision to part ways with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving was a pivotal moment for the franchise. While the duo brought star power to Brooklyn, their tenure failed to deliver the championship aspirations many had hoped for. The subsequent trades involving Durant to the Phoenix Suns and Irving to the Dallas Mavericks yielded significant draft capital, signaling a new direction for the team. These trades alone brought in multiple first-round and second-round picks, helping lay the groundwork for the Nets’ rebuild. Since the Durant-Irving breakup, the Nets have been highly strategic in their approach to the trade market. Recent trades, such as the Dennis Schroder trade to the Warriors and the Dorian-Finney Smith trade to the Lakers , added six second-round picks to their already massive collection. Moves like these demonstrate the Nets’ commitment to accumulating assets that can either be used to draft and develop young talent or serve as valuable currency in future transactions. Notably, the Mikal Bridges trade has also played a significant role in boosting the Nets’ draft stock. The Suns’ and Knicks’ picks tied to Bridges have contributed four first-round selections to Brooklyn’s war chest. Additionally, trades involving other key players, such as James Harden and Royce O’Neale, have added further layers to their pick stockpile. By amassing 31 picks, the Nets have positioned themselves as one of the most flexible teams in the league. With 15 first-round picks, they have ample opportunity to draft elite talent or package picks in deals to land an established star when the right opportunity arises. The 16 second-round picks provide additional depth, giving the team access to overlooked prospects or trade sweeteners to seal deals. The Nets’ ability to remain under the luxury tax bracket is another key element of their strategy. By offloading contracts and creating cap space, the franchise has the financial flexibility to pursue high-impact moves in free agency while continuing to maximize their draft assets. The future for the Nets is loaded with possibilities. With 15 first-round picks, they can draft and develop a core of young players, creating a sustainable contender over time. Alternatively, the front office could bundle picks to acquire a superstar, transforming Brooklyn into an immediate powerhouse. The sheer number of assets they hold ensures they have a seat at the table for any major trade discussions in the coming years. The Brooklyn Nets’ accumulation of 31 draft picks over the next seven years is a testament to their strategic vision and adaptability. After the Durant-Irving era, the team has pivoted to a forward-looking approach that prioritizes flexibility and long-term success. With their war chest of picks, the Nets are well-equipped to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the NBA, whether through drafting, trading, or free agency. The future in Brooklyn looks brighter than ever, as the Nets aim to reestablish themselves as one of the league’s most formidable franchises. This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.
It's usually not difficult to find a compelling growth stock to step into. Choosing a growth stock you're confident holding onto for a decade or more, however, is a different story. Some story stocks just don't have enough proven potential for investors to make a long-term commitment to them. Are You Missing The Morning Scoop? Wake up with Breakfast news in your inbox every market day. Sign Up For Free » Still, investments that fit that bill are out there. If you can stomach the risk, these three stocks have the potential to be monster winners for investors who buy and hold for at least 10 years. Iovance Biotherapeutics Investing in drug companies can be a tricky business. If you dive in too early, you may learn the hard way that the potential miracle drug in development is actually a bust. If you wait too long, you could miss out on the bulk of a stock's gains. With that in mind, risk-tolerant investors should look at Iovance Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ: IOVA) while shares are still down more than 80% from their early 2021 peak. Such pullbacks aren't particularly unusual for the biopharma industry's younger names. Iovance soared when its flagship drug first started showing promise in clinical trials back in 2019 and 2020. Investors got a bit ahead of themselves though. The first regulatory approval of its cancer-fighting Amtagvi didn't materialize until February of this year. While the market rewarded the company for that accomplishment with a bounce in the share price, most of the bullish euphoria had already worn off by then. And most of the gains the stock booked earlier this year have since evaporated. But you can use the stock's current weakness to your advantage. While Amtagvi's FDA-approved uses may be relatively narrow in scope right now -- it is approved only for the treatment of certain types of solid tumors -- this T-cell therapy is a potential treatment for a much wider range of cancers. The drug is being tested in 12 other clinical trials at this time, and a handful of them are promising late-stage trials. But even without any future approvals, Iovance is already doing pretty well with Amtagvi. Last quarter's $58.6 million in revenue was a marked improvement on what was effectively inaugural revenue of $31.1 million in Q2, putting the company en route to a full-year top line of roughly $160 million. Sales next year are expected to rise to between $450 million and $475 million. That's just the beginning though. The analyst community is predicting revenue of more than $700 million in 2026, while research outfit GlobalData believes annual sales of Amtagvi could eclipse $1 billion by 2030. There are risks for investors to keep in mind, though. Chief among them is the massive amount of money Iovance is still losing despite strong initial demand for its flagship T-cell therapy. Although there's nothing unusual about early losses within the biopharma industry, there's no clear picture as to when the company will work its way out of the red and into the black. Even analysts don't anticipate an actual profit until 2027 at the earliest. Much can happen between now and then, so you want to carefully consider the size of any position in this stock. Amtagvi needs time to reach its proverbial cruising speed, so the challenge for investors will be having the patience to allow Iovance to make the most of the opportunity. Palo Alto Networks As long as there are internet-connected computers and networks, there will be criminals looking to digitally exploit them. Indeed, cybersecurity outfit Check Point Software reports that weekly cyberattacks surged a record-breaking 75% year over year during the third quarter, up from Q2's 30% increase. This problem isn't going away anytime soon, but Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) stands ready to answer the call. In simplest terms, Palo Alto helps enterprises of all shapes and sizes protect themselves from cybercrime and other types of digital disruption. From threat detection to malware defense to phishing protection to remote employee logins (and more), this company can meet almost any cybersecurity need. And it can do so with easy-to-use turnkey solutions that allow for a minimal number of user interfaces. That's one of the reasons why, in 2024, Palo Alto was once again ranked by technology market research outfit Gartner as a leader in the endpoint protection platform market. Moreover, for the eleventh year in a row, Gartner rated Palo Alto as a leader in the network firewall market. The company is good at what it does. This is evident in its fiscal results too. Not only has its revenue grown in every quarter for more than a decade, but its operating income and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) have grown almost as reliably. Then, there's the detail about this progress that isn't readily apparent: Palo Alto Networks' profit margins are expanding too. Whether its software is sold to 100 customers or 1,000, the cost of coding and deploying it is about the same. That's the power of scale. The recurring revenue it books from subscription-based access to its tools doesn't hurt either. Palo Alto is positioned to capitalize on growth across the cybersecurity industry as analysts expect the company to deliver 14% top-line growth in its fiscal 2025 before accelerating to nearly 16% the following year. Wolfspeed Finally, add Wolfspeed (NYSE: WOLF) to your list of potential monster stocks that you may want to hold onto for the next 10 years. Unless you're an electrical engineer, the term "silicon carbide" probably won't mean much to you. It will in the foreseeable future, though, and Wolfspeed will have its time in the spotlight as a result. The layman's explanation: Nearly all electrically powered devices require the use of at least some silicon-based components. In the past, ordinary silicon was entirely good enough to meet the needs of the technology of the times. Things are changing, though. Thanks to dramatic improvements in other technologies, the silicon of yesteryear is no longer power-efficient enough, nor capable of efficiently handling the higher voltages needed by heavy-duty equipment like electric vehicles or data center power platforms. Enter Wolfspeed, which has mastered (and patented) the art and science of adding carbon to silicon to make the material more efficient as well as capable of handling higher electrical loads. While its potential uses are vast, silicon carbide's most practical application today is on the heavy machinery and industrial front. Wolfspeed's technology is increasingly found in electric vehicles as part of their powertrains as well as within their charging apparatuses, leading to 80% less power loss than most commonly used battery/inversion/motor combinations currently suffer. You'll also find its tech inside a growing number of construction vehicles, agricultural machinery, and even locomotives. At the other end of the size scale, you'll find its silicon carbide inside the chips and components attached to circuit boards in HVAC equipment and data center power supplies, where its offerings can achieve up to 99% energy efficiency at half the size of ordinary silicon. Although the benefits of silicon carbide are clear, not every would-be customer is consistently on board with Wolfspeed's products. After its revenue rose by 24% in fiscal 2023 (ended June 2023) growth came to a near-halt in fiscal 2024, extending a pattern of top-line inconsistency that's been frustrating investors for over a decade. Wolfspeed is reporting steep losses as a result. The analyst community doesn't see net profitability returning until fiscal 2027 when the next generation of EVs hits the roads and when the company finally puts several restructuring charges and significant capital expenditures in the rearview mirror. All this strategic maneuvering and spending is a big reason shareholders have experienced a wild roller coaster ride. If you can stomach the continued volatility, however, this stock is worth it. Analysts expect Wolfspeed to report 44% sales growth in fiscal 2026, which the company itself believes will be enough to produce breakeven operating cash flow. And management believes the company can swing back to EBITDA profitability during the second half of this year, en route to the return to profitability in fiscal 2027. And longer term, Global Market Insights believes the world's silicon carbide market is likely to grow at a compound annual rate of more than 30% through 2032. But most of this growth is only set to materialize in the latter half of this timeframe when the technology becomes industry-standard. Owning this high potential stock means living with above-average near-term risk. Investors have to remain focused on how well this silicon carbide leader can navigate the industry's long-term potential. The market should start rewarding Wolfspeed's progress toward profitability in the meantime. Should you invest $1,000 in Palo Alto Networks right now? Before you buy stock in Palo Alto Networks, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now... and Palo Alto Networks wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $872,947 !* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of December 2, 2024 James Brumley has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Iovance Biotherapeutics and Wolfspeed. The Motley Fool recommends Gartner and Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy . 3 Monster Stocks to Hold for the Next 10 Years was originally published by The Motley FoolElon Musk gains $70B after Trump’s victory, now worth almost $350B
Herro leads Heat over Rockets in game marred by fight and ejections in final minuteNone