Stock market today: Rising tech stocks pull Wall Street to another record
Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Goes Surfing After Massive WinFormer President Jimmy Carter , who devoted his life after the presidency to humanitarian efforts, died Sunday at 100. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work in finding peaceful solutions to international conflicts, advancing democracy and human rights, and promoting social and economic development. For more than 35 years, Carter and wife Rosalynn volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, joining “Habitat builds” in the United States and abroad. They also founded the Carter Center , committing to human rights and to alleviating human suffering. Jimmy Carter, a peanut farmer from Georgia, served one term in the White House before losing the 1980 presidential election to Ronald Reagan. Carter served as a naval officer before entering politics he was elected governor of Georgia in 1970. Here are a few of the former president’s memorable quotes. On war and peace “War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each other's children. The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices.” – Nobel lecture on Dec. 10, 2002, after winning the Nobel Peace Prize On government watchdogs “Thoughtful criticism and close scrutiny of all government officials by the press and the public are an important part of our democratic society.” – Presidential farewell address on Jan. 14, 1981 Peacemaker, not policeman “We have no desire to be the world's policeman. But America does want to be the world's peacemaker.” – 1979 State of the Union address On marijuana decriminalization "Penalties against possession of a drug should not be more damaging to an individual than the use of the drug itself; and where they are, they should be changed. Nowhere is this more clear than in the laws against possession of marijuana in private for personal use. We can, and should, continue to discourage the use of marijuana, but this can be done without defining the smoker as a criminal." – 1977 message to Congress about drug abuse On Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo “Since 2001, the U.S. government has abandoned its role as a champion of human rights and has perpetrated terrible and illegal abuses in prisons in Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo, sent prisoners secretly to other nations to be tortured, denied the applicability of the Geneva Convention restraints, and severely restricted time-honored civil liberties within our own country. Certain political leaders of other nations, who are inclined to perpetrate human rights abuses to quiet dissenting voices and were previously restrained by positive influence from Washington, now feel free to emulate or exceed the abuses approved by American leaders.” – 2007 book, "Beyond the White House: Waging Peace, Fighting Disease, Building Hope" On human rights “I realize that violence is not more prevalent today than in previous periods of human history, but there is a difference. We have seen visionary standards adopted by the global community that espouse peace and human rights, and the globalization of information ensures that the violation of these principles of nonviolence by a powerful and admired democracy tends to resonate throughout the world community. We should have advanced much further in the realization of women's rights, given these international commitments to peace and the rule of law.” – 2014 book, "A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power" On children and gun violence “Every day in the United States, seventeen children are killed by gunfire. That’s about 6,000 children each year who are killed by guns, as compared, for example, with about 3,000 a year who died at the height of the polio epidemic of the 1950s. We rose up as a society to fight against polio. Why do we not act more forcefully to halt today’s even greater scourge?” – 1997 book, "Sources of Strength: Meditations on Scripture for a Living Faith" On drugs and the justice system "I don't think there's any doubt that the drug culture has shaped at least one major change, and that is the treatment of prisoners. When I was governor, I competed with other progressive Southern governors in who could reduce our prison population the most. ... But now, with the increase of the drug culture, politicians brag about how many prisons they’ve built. We have a massive increase in prison occupancy, and the punishment for drug use has become the pre-eminent basis for overloading our courts and prisons." – 2007 Rolling Stone interviewPHOENIX — A $1.6 million donation of brand-new Nike Kyrie Irving basketball shoes is helping athletes from Title I schools across the Valley step into success. Assistance League of Phoenix CEO Aimee Runyon said the nonprofit, which serves about 15,000 K-8 students annually through its Operation School Bell program, faced a challenge with this donation— half the shoes were too big for their typical recipients. That’s when Runyon’s 16-year-old son offered a creative solution. He suggested to donate the larger shoes to Title I high school basketball teams. Since then, more than 750 pairs of shoes have been distributed to student-athletes. On Friday, players from Desert Edge High School in Goodyear received their pairs. Thanks to this donation, athletes now have not only the right shoes for the game but also a boost of confidence. Watch a special delivery to athletes at Desert Edge High School and learn more about the initiative in the player above.
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Nick Saban not with Alabama head football coach Kalen DeBoer’s Crimson Tide for ReliaQuest Bowl practices | Sporting NewsUnder fire health secretary Neil Gray told to 'come clean' after it emerged he took an official limo to movie bash He has already faced scrutiny over his use of the limo to attend football games Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport By TOM GORDON DEPUTY SCOTTISH POLITICAL EDITOR Published: 14:51 EST, 26 November 2024 | Updated: 14:51 EST, 26 November 2024 e-mail View comments Neil Gray has been told to ‘come clean’ about why he took an official limo to and from a film premiere after it emerged the SNP’s Culture Secretary attended the glitzy bash as well. The Scottish Tories have said the Health Secretary’s claim that he went to the star-studded event on ‘ministerial duties’ beggared belief given Angus Robertson - who holds the culture brief - was already there. Deputy Tory leader Rachael Hamilton said it appeared Mr Gray was simply ‘on a jolly’. The Mail previously revealed that Mr Gray - also under fire for taking ministerial cars to football games - was chauffeured to the opening night of the Edinburgh Film Festival. He and wife Karlie posed for photographs at the Cameo cinema on August 15 when it staged the UK premiere of The Outrun, which Mr Gray previously said he ‘cannot wait to see’. Neil Gray and his wife Karlie attended the opening gala world premiere of "The Outrun" during the Edinburgh International Festival in August Mr Gray attended the glitzy bash despite the fact culture secretary Angus Robertson was already at the premiere, with critics saying Mr Gray appeared to have simply been 'on a jolly' Official records state Mr Gray met representatives of film quango Screen Scotland at a ‘reception’ and discussed ‘culture’, even though it is not part of his health brief. They also say that Mr Gray was chauffeured from his office at St Andrews House to a ‘personal address’ and from there to the cinema. The Government last night refused to say if Mr Gray was driven home to pick up his wife before they attended the premiere together. The Tories said he appeared to have been acting more like a film fan - again at taxpayers’ expense. Ms Hamilton said: ‘Neil Gray needs to come clean on why he thought it was appropriate for him to attend this event. ‘Given Angus Robertson as Culture Secretary was already at the premiere, the Health Secretary appears to have simply been on a jolly. ‘His continued defence of using the ministerial limo to enjoy his favourite hobbies beggars belief. ‘Neil Gray has taken the taxpayer for a ride far too often. He must be upfront about these trips - including whether a family member was driven to and from the film premiere - otherwise the scandal engulfing him rightly won’t go away.’ The Airdrie and Shotts MSP took family members and a guest to five of the eight football matches he was recently criticised for attending. The Government said Mr Gray was undertaking ‘ministerial duties’ and it was not unusual for ministers to attend sporting and cultural events. But Mr Robertson’s presence at the premiere arguably made Mr Gray superfluous. The Culture Secretary met the film’s star, Saoirse Ronan, as well as the Film Festival’s director Paul Ridd and its chair Andrew McDonald. Mr Gray has faced intense scrutiny for being driven to football matches in an official limo Unlike Mr Gray, he was driven directly from St Andrews House to the cinema, not via any personal address. Mr Gray was accused earlier this month of using taxpayer-funded cars to indulge his love of football after being driven to eight games, half involving his favourite team, Aberdeen. He apologised to parliament for having ‘given the impression of acting more as a fan and less as a minister’. In December, Mr Gray took to social media to promote The Outrun - which is set in Orkney, where he grew up - saying ‘Cannot wait to see this!’ and ‘Cannot wait!’ The Government refused to say if Mr Gray’s wife also used the limo to and from the premiere or why Mr Gray needed to attend when Mr Robertson was already there. A spokeswoman said: ‘Ministers attend sporting and cultural events as part of their Ministerial duties.’ The Film Festival declined to comment. SNP Share or comment on this article: Under fire health secretary Neil Gray told to 'come clean' after it emerged he took an official limo to movie bash e-mail Add commentThe starts may not look like locks at first, but they should come through in Week 13. Conversely, I’ve included some players who might otherwise seem like safe plays to avoid as well. Quarterbacks Start: Sam Darnold, Vikings vs Cardinals Darnold had a rough patch a few weeks ago, but he’s back in good form, putting up five combined TDs in his past two games. Even against the Bears top-notch pass defense last week, Darnold threw for a season-high 330 yards to go along with his two scores. His opponent this week, the Cardinals, have a decent secondary, but they pale in comparison to Chicago’s. Other locks: —Jalen Hurts at Ravens —Baker Mayfield at Panthers —CJ Stroud at Jaguars —Justin Herbert at Falcons Avoid: Jared Goff, Lions vs Bears Goff doesn’t force the ball through the air if he doesn’t have to and he would be remiss to do so against a top rated Bears secondary that will be looking to vindicate themselves after giving up some big plays to Sam Darnold last week. He’s also got the best 1 and 2 punch in football in his backfield. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are a force and they’ll likely have a much easier time finding holes in Chicago’s run defense than Goff will in the passing game. Running backs Start: Chuba Hubbard, Panthers vs Buccaneers Hubbard fantasy owners were anxious last week, upon hearing the news that rookie running back Jonathon Brooks would be seeing his first game action this season. Fears were assuaged when Brooks only got two carries the entire game for 7 yards. Brooks’ carries could increase as he gets more comfortable in the offense, but Hubbard should have at least one more week as the starter in Carolina. It will come against a Buccaneers run defense that is a top-10 matchup for opposing runners in Week 13. Other locks: —Bucky Irving at Panthers —Jonathan Taylor at Patriots —Josh Jacobs vs Dolphins —Tyrone Tracy Jr., at Cowboys Avoid: James Conner, Cardinals at Vikings The Week 11 bye didn’t do Conner any favors as he only ran for 8 yards on seven carries in his Week 12 return. He was able to salvage his day through the air, catching five passes for 41 yards, but it was an underwhelming game from a fantasy perspective against the Seattle run defense. He’ll face a Vikings defense that ranks as a top-two run stopper going into Week 13 — Conner only gained 25 combined yards against Detroit’s top-three run defense in Week 2. Trey Benson is also gaining steam in the Arizona offense. It’s best to fade Conner this week, if you have that luxury. Wide receivers Start: DJ Moore, Bears at Lions Moore is finally starting to make waves again in fantasy, after slumping from Weeks 6 to 10. He’s had his best two-game stint of the season thus far in Weeks 11 and 12 though, going for a season-high 119 combined yards and a score in the latter game. New offensive coordinator Thomas Jones has sparked the offense and Moore has been a prime beneficiary. The Bears will have fits trying to run at the Lions’ stout run defense, so they could attack them through the air. Moore is a prime contender to keep up his recent run in Week 13. Other locks: —Ladd McConkey at Falcons —Puka Nacua at Saints —Jaxon Smith-Njigba at Jets —Jakobi Meyers at Chiefs Avoid: Quentin Johnston, Chargers vs Ravens Johnston is the definition of boom or bust, either scoring double-digit fantasy points or gaining fewer than 25 yards in nearly every game he’s appeared in this season. On “Monday Night Football,” he had zero catches on five targets. Johnston has a great matchup this week, but there’s no guarantee he’ll capitalize on it. Johnston is anything but a lock this week. Tight ends Start: Luke Schoonmaker, Cowboys vs Giants Schoonmaker had three catches for 55 yards and a score against Washington in a thrilling game. Schoonmaker provided another dependable option to QB Cooper Rush. Jake Ferguson is still in concussion protocol and it’s a short week as Dallas is playing on Thanksgiving, so Schoonmaker is likely to start once again. With CeeDee Lamb nursing nagging injuries as well, look for Rush to lean heavily on Schoonmaker this week. Other locks: —Jonnu Smith at Packers —Trey McBride at Vikings —Taysom Hill vs Rams —Dallas Goedert at Ravens Avoid: Sam LaPorta, Lions vs Bears LaPorta just can’t find any consistency in the Detroit offense, going weeks between decent fantasy outings at times. He had just three catches for 19 yards in Week 12 after missing Week 11 with a shoulder injury and things aren’t looking up for him this week as the Lions are playing a stalwart Chicago defense on short rest. Look for the Lions to go run heavy this week, taking the onus off LaPorta and the rest of the Lions receiving group. ___ This column was provided to The Associated Press by RosterWatch, .
In a bold move reshaping the consumer electronics landscape, Asia's SCG Far East (SCG) has acquired a majority stake in Maser Group, Africa's premier provider of high-quality, competitively priced consumer electronics. The deal, valued at $5 billion, fortifies Maser’s ambition to expand its influence globally and cements its role as a pioneering force in Africa's rapidly evolving tech market. Through this acquisition, SCG aims to bring its extensive experience and capital to help Maser scale its innovation-driven products across global markets, bringing new vigor to both African and Asian markets. CHECK OUT: Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with LEGIT. Enroll Now! “ Maser Group has been a true catalyst in transforming the African electronics sector, and this partnership gives us an incredible opportunity to further that innovation ,” stated Prateek Suri, CEO of Maser. “ SCG’s commitment to identifying and supporting dynamic entrepreneurs aligns perfectly with our vision. Together, we will accelerate our growth trajectory and enter a new phase of global impact .” Read also The intersection of technology and pilgrimage: An interview with Dr Abdullahi Ahmed Bappah Maser Group has long been a leader in Africa’s electronics sector, offering an innovative range of products that have gained traction across the continent and beyond. With roots that emphasize affordability without compromising quality, the brand has evolved into a symbol of modern African enterprise. By partnering with SCG, Maser now has the resources to pursue larger projects, further bolstered by the support of the influential Iloh family, known for their political and strategic insights that have shaped major business alliances across the continent. The acquisition is a milestone for both companies and highlights SCG’s goal to expand into untapped markets with high growth potential. The decision was not made lightly, as noted by SCG’s Head of M&A: “ Our criteria for identifying partners is straightforward: great management, great entrepreneurs, great people. Maser is the ideal partner with whom to grow together. Their innovative products have reshaped the African electronics market, turning it into a hub of digital innovation .” Read also Firm launches new phone brand, realme C61, targets young tech-hungry consumers This deal also sees the participation of key players from Series A and B funding rounds led by Innovation Group Asia Markets, whose support provided Maser with early-stage backing as it established its stronghold in Africa . Series C, finalized by SCG, positions Maser to benefit from SCG’s resources, expertise, and expansive distribution networks. PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng Needs Your Help! Take our Survey Now and See Improvements at LEGIT.NG Tomorrow With a growing middle class and increased demand for high-quality consumer electronics, Africa is fast becoming a lucrative market for technology-driven companies. Maser's commitment to offering affordable yet high-end products has resonated with a broad spectrum of consumers, making it a prime investment opportunity for SCG. “ From the start, our aim was to redefine the consumer electronics market by addressing local needs with global standards ,” Prateek Suri noted. “ SCG’s investment allows us to keep innovating while ensuring African consumers have access to cutting-edge products. The support from SCG is not only financial but strategic, as we will be leveraging their networks, operational efficiencies, and technological expertise to achieve a stronger, more impactful reach .” Read also Insuretech firm, Cubecover bridges access gap with affordable services SCG’s acquisition also aligns with its ambition to support the growing market potential in Africa, which has been largely untapped by international tech players. This partnership will facilitate shared technological advancements and the distribution of new, innovative products developed specifically for African consumers, catering to their preferences and needs. Under the terms of the acquisition, Prateek Suri will lead Maser’s global expansion efforts, backed by SCG’s resources. The Maser Group’s equity, retained by Suri, will be reinvested into large-cap ventures across Africa, allowing Maser to extend its portfolio to new markets and continue its mission of empowering African consumers through affordable technology . This strategy is expected to foster further economic growth on the continent, creating jobs and enhancing digital literacy. Maser’s growth is also deeply influenced by the guidance and support of the Iloh family, who bring a unique blend of political acumen and business insights to the table. Their backing has been instrumental in creating an environment conducive to the company’s ambitious expansion plans, ensuring that Maser remains agile in a competitive market. Read also CBN mandates banks to move to new FX trading platform, gives commencement date “ Our long-standing commitment to the African market has been the driving force behind our sustained growth ,” said Suri. “ We see this partnership as a springboard to scale operations and bring products to markets that were previously beyond our reach. The synergy with SCG allows us to blend African ingenuity with global best practices, crafting products that resonate on an international scale. ” With the acquisition finalized, SCG and Maser are poised to revolutionize Africa's consumer electronics industry and set a new benchmark for quality and innovation. Both companies are optimistic about the partnership’s potential to unlock unprecedented growth opportunities, bringing more products to African consumers while exploring additional markets in Asia and beyond. “ Maser Group is not just a company; it is a testament to the dynamism and potential of the African market ,” stated SCG’s Head of M&A. “ Together, we will not only enhance the African technology landscape but will also open doors for collaboration between Asia and Africa, harnessing the strengths of both regions to deliver unrivaled value .” Read also Elon Musk launches ChatGPT rival, xAI, new company hits $50bn valuation after raising $5bn This acquisition marks a new era for Maser and SCG, solidifying their joint commitment to elevating African consumer electronics on the global stage. With Prateek Suri at the helm of its global expansion and SCG’s unwavering support, Maser Group is set to become a formidable force in the tech world, championing African innovation while setting new industry standards. PAY ATTENTION : Legit.ng Needs Your Opinion! That's your chance to change your favourite news media. Fill in a short questionnaire Source: Legit.ngCanoeist grateful for life paddling 6,000-mile loop
Fox News justice correspondent David Spunt reflects on the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter on ‘Fox News Live.’ With the passing of former President Jimmy Carter at 100, we may now take the full measure of the man. The 39th president's legacy is that of a role model for us all, regardless of party, ideology, world view or position in life. Quite simply, Jimmy Carter led a heroic life and, for many, represents everything that’s right about public service. His was a life well lived. I say this as a fellow Democrat who disagreed with Carter on his policies in the Middle East and in countries like Venezuela. But I say it not to criticize the former president, but rather to underscore his unbending commitment to principle, integrity and in unfailingly doing what he believed was the right thing. JIMMY CARTER REMEMBERED FOR HIS INTEGRITY AND DEVOTION TO HUMANITY Carter's life reads like a storybook. He was a military leader and hero, a successful farmer and businessman, and a governor who was a trendsetter on civil rights. He did all this while understanding the concerns of those now known as the ultra-MAGA voters in America. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment was winning the presidency in 1976 on a simple program of convincing the American people that he was an outsider, a fresh face and someone who, in his words, "would never lie to you." Jimmy Carter, Democratic presidential candidate, and his wife, Rosalynn, share a moment aboard his campaign plane His sole term in the White House saw a number of great successes as well as well-documented failures. He was most successful in the Middle East with the signing of the Camp David Accords. He gave back the Panama Canal and signed a nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia. His failures were most notably the economic crisis that spawned the term "stagflation," and, of course, the Iranian hostage crisis and botched rescue attempt. His term also saw an energy crisis that burdened Americans with sky-rocketing gas prices and long lines at the gas pumps. It is important also to know that Carter was a man of faith and God. He was private in his religious beliefs but also compassionate and committed in the most humble of ways possible. He taught Sunday School in his hometown of Plains, Ga., both before and after his presidency with little public notice or awareness. Carter’s marriage to Rosalynn was a model for us all. It was a partnership that lasted 77 years, apparently without stress or discord but with a joint commitment to the private and public values they both shared and a desire to advance their worldview and values. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION But it’s probably most important to note that Carter’s greatest accomplishment, after losing in a landslide to Ronald Reagan in 1980, was setting up the Carter Center, dedicated to promoting world peace. He was able to continue to work on the Israel-Palestinian crisis. He conducted peace negotiations around the world, helped to oversee contentious elections and political change as well as working to eliminate the scourge of highly infectious and contagious diseases. (L-R) Amy Carter, Rosalynn Carter, and Jimmy Carter pose for portraits in Plains, Georgia, during the fall 1976 presdiential campaign. (Guy DeLort/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images) This model of a post-presidency was and is something that set the stage for what others, including former President Bill Clinton, did post-presidency. After leaving the White House, Carter stimulated a period of extra-legal and judicial activism that produced both the presidential medal in 1999 and a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP But as I reflect on President Carter’s life, perhaps his final momentous decision, to go into hospice care in February of 2023, sends a powerful and profound message about end-of-life care and the decisions that we will all inevitably have to make. By embracing the final chapter in his life with such grace and dignity, former Carter did something that I thought was almost impossible: He raised his own stature and served as a role model for us all, while providing a degree of leadership and service that, I think it’s fair to say, is unmatched in American political and civic life. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM DOUG SCHOEN Douglas E. Schoen has more than 40 years of experience as a pollster and political consultant. He served as an adviser to President Bill Clinton and to the presidential campaign of Michael Bloomberg. Schoen is founder and partner of Schoen Cooperman Research.
Indian manufacturers see technology adoption as key to profitability, yet allocate less than 10% of budgetsStreeting argues there is ‘no freedom in addiction’ as MPs debate smoking banNone
Canadians face a fresh wave of scams as fraudsters seize on the Canada Post strike to try to trick victims out of their cash. The last few weeks have seen an “exponential” rise in attempted fraud, ranging from phishing emails to deepfake phone calls, says Octavia Howell, chief information security officer at Equifax Canada. “Any time there is a major political event, a major strike or anything like that, we’ll see an uptick,” she said in a phone interview. “Not only is there a Canada post strike ... it’s the holidays.” Scams related to parcels and deliveries typically tick up in step with online shopping orders this time of year, but the work stoppage at Canada Post has led to even more fraud attempts amid the confusion around shipments, Howell said. Comprehensive figures on the latest batch of scams are not yet available from Equifax Canada, but the credit bureau’s daily updates have marked the rise nonetheless. Rather than the roughly half-dozen daily consumer fraud reports of previous increases, Equifax Canada’s investigations team is filing up to “87 in one report in one day coming from the same IP addresses,” said Howell. She called the trend “insidious.” “We’re seeing exponential growth in the amount of scams that are actually happening ... because, one, holidays, and then two, people aren’t able to get their shipments out.” Mail carriers walked off the job on Nov. 15, halting deliveries of letters and packages at the start of the holiday shipping season. Canada Post cautions users that it never reaches out about a delivery via text or email unless it has been requested to. The Crown corporation has asked Canadians to be on guard for telltale signs of a phishing scam or fraud attempt, including poor grammar, imagery inconsistent with Canada Post logos and a tracking number at odds with its standard format. The Better Business Bureau similarly cautioned users when the strike kicked off. “Watch out for fake package delivery offers during Canada’s postal strike,” the non-profit said in a release last month. It advised potential victims to verify delivery services, avoid unsolicited shipment offers from little-known companies and check for accreditation by the bureau before selecting a service. It also noted that scammers may send false messages claiming to be from Canada Post or another carrier asking for payment for undelivered items or offering “priority service.” “Do not click on links in unsolicited emails or texts. Instead, visit the official website of the courier service for updates,” the bureau said. Canada Post recommends customers contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre if they receive a suspicious email, text or call related to the postal service.Pakistani authorities launch operation to clear Imran Khan supporters from the capital
Israel has agreed to a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon that will take effect at 4 a.m. Wednesday. Moments after U.S. President Joe Biden announced the ceasefire deal , which Israel's Cabinet approved late Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike slammed into the Lebanese capital. Residents of Beirut and its southern suburbs have endured the most intense day of Israeli strikes since the war began nearly 14 months ago, as Israel signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah before the ceasefire is set to take hold. At least 24 people have killed by Israeli strikes across Lebanon on Tuesday, according to local authorities. Hezbollah also fired rockets into Israel on Tuesday, triggering air raid sirens across the country’s north. An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza. Hezbollah began attacking Israel a day after Hamas’ attack. The fighting in Lebanon escalated into all-out war in September with massive Israeli airstrikes across the country and an Israeli ground invasion of the south. In Gaza, more than 44,000 people have been killed and more than 104,000 wounded in the nearly 14-month war between Israel and Hamas, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Here's the Latest: BEIRUT -- Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hezbollah, describing it as a crucial step toward stability, the return of displaced people to their homes and regional calm. Mikati made these comments in a statement issued just after U.S. President Joe announced the truce deal. Mikati said he discussed the ceasefire agreement with Biden by phone earlier Tuesday. The prime minister reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to implementing U.N. resolution 1701, strengthening the Lebanese army’s presence in the south, and cooperating with the U.N. peacekeeping force. He also called on Israel to fully comply with the ceasefire and withdraw from southern Lebanon in accordance the U.N. resolution. JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security Cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, clearing the way for the truce to take effect. Netanyahu’s office said the plan was approved by a 10-1 margin. The late-night vote came shortly before President Joe Biden was expected to announced details of the deal in Washington. Earlier, Netanyahu defended the ceasefire, saying Israel has inflicted heavy damage on Hezbollah and could now focus its efforts on Hamas militants in Gaza and his top security concern, Iran. Netanyahu vowed to strike Hezbollah hard if it violates the expected deal. WASHINGTON — Rep. Mike Waltz, President-elect Donald Trump’s designate to be national security adviser, credited Trump’s victory with helping bring the parties together toward a ceasefire in Lebanon. “Everyone is coming to the table because of President Trump,” he said in a post on X on Tuesday. “His resounding victory sent a clear message to the rest of the world that chaos won’t be tolerated. I’m glad to see concrete steps towards deescalation in the Middle East.” He added: “But let’s be clear: The Iran Regime is the root cause of the chaos & terror that has been unleashed across the region. We will not tolerate the status quo of their support for terrorism.” BEIRUT — Israeli jets targeted a building in a bustling commercial area of Beirut for the first time since the start of the 13-month war between Hezbollah and Israel. The strike on Hamra is around 400 meters (yards) from the country’s central bank. A separate strike hit the Mar Elias neighborhood in the country’s capital Tuesday. There was no immediate word on casualties from either strike, part of the biggest wave of attacks on the capital since the war started. Residents in central Beirut were seen fleeing after the Israeli army issued evacuation warnings for four targets in the city. Meanwhile, the Israeli army carried out airstrikes on at least 30 targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs Tuesday, including two strikes in the Jnah neighborhood near the Kuwaiti Embassy. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 13 people were injured in the strikes on the southern suburbs. BEIRUT — Hezbollah has said it accepts the ceasefire proposal with Israel, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state.” of Lebanon, he said. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Among the issues that may remain is an Israeli demand to reserve the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations under the emerging deal. The deal seeks to push Hezbollah and Israeli troops out of southern Lebanon. JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that he would recommend his Cabinet adopt a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, as Israeli warplanes struck across Lebanon, killing at least 23 people. The Israeli military also issued a flurry of evacuation warnings — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah down to the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. For the first time in the conflict, Israeli ground troops reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River, a focal point of the emerging deal. In a televised statement, Netanyahu said he would present the ceasefire to Cabinet ministers later on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting. Netanyahu said the vote was expected later Tuesday. It was not immediately clear when the ceasefire would go into effect, and the exact terms of the deal were not released. The deal does not affect Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, which shows no signs of ending. BEIRUT — Lebanon’s state media said Israeli strikes on Tuesday killed at least 10 people in Baalbek province the country’s east. At least three people were killed in the southern city of Tyre when Israel bombed a Palestinian refugee camp, said Mohammed Bikai, a representative of the Fatah group in the area. He said several more people were missing and at least three children were among the wounded. He said the sites struck inside the camp were “completely civilian places” and included a kitchen that was being used to cook food for displaced people. JERUSALEM — Dozens of Israeli protesters took to a major highway in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening to call for the return of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, as the country awaited news of a potential ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah. Protesters chanted “We are all hostages,” and “Deal now!” waving signs with faces of some of the roughly 100 hostages believed to be still held in Gaza, at least a third of whom are thought to be dead. Most of the other hostages Hamas captured in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack were released during a ceasefire last year. The prospect of a ceasefire deal in Lebanon has raised desperation among the relatives of captives still held in Gaza, who once hoped that the release of hostages from Gaza would be included. Instead of a comprehensive deal, the ceasefire on the table is instead narrowly confined to Lebanon. Dozens of Israelis were also demonstrating against the expected cease-fire, gathering outside Israel’s military headquarters in central Tel Aviv. One of the protesters, Yair Ansbacher, says the deal is merely a return to the failed 2006 U.N. resolution that was meant to uproot Hezbollah from the area. “Of course that didn’t happen,” he says. “This agreement is not worth the paper it is written on.” FIUGGI, Italy — Foreign ministers from the world’s industrialized countries said Tuesday they strongly supported an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and insisted that Israel comply with international law in its ongoing military operations in the region. At the end of their two-day summit, the ministers didn’t refer directly to the International Criminal Court and its recent arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister over crimes against humanity . Italy had put the ICC warrants on the official meeting agenda, even though the G7 was split on the issue. The U.S., Israel’s closest ally, isn’t a signatory to the court and has called the warrants “outrageous.” However, the EU’s chief diplomat Josep Borrell said all the other G7 countries were signatories and therefore obliged to respect the warrants. In the end, the final statement adopted by the ministers said Israel, in exercising its right to defend itself, “must fully comply with its obligations under international law in all circumstances, including international humanitarian law.” And it said all G7 members — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States – “reiterate our commitment to international humanitarian law and will comply with our respective obligations.” It stressed that “there can be no equivalence between the terrorist group Hamas and the State of Israel.” The ICC warrants say there's reason to believe Netanyahu used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid and intentionally targeted civilians in Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza — charges Israeli officials deny. BEIRUT — An Israeli strike on Tuesday levelled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded in Beirut, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. It was not immediately clear if anyone in particular was targeted, though Israel says its airstrikes target Hezbollah officials and assets. The Israeli military spokesman issued a flurry of evacuation warnings for many areas, including areas in Beirut that have not been targeted throughout the war, like the capital’s commercial Hamra district, where many people displaced by the war have been staying. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks in Lebanon during the final hours before a ceasefire is reached, sparked panic and sent residents fleeing in their cars to safer areas. In areas close to Hamra, families including women and children were seen running away toward the Mediterranean Sea’s beaches carrying their belongings. Traffic was completely gridlocked as people tried to get away, honking their car horns as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. The Israeli military also issued warnings for 20 more buildings in Beirut’s suburbs to evacuate before they too were struck — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah in the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. TEL AVIV, Israel — The independent civilian commission of inquiry into the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel has found Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly responsible for the failures leading up to the attack, alongside former defense ministers, the army chief and the heads of the security services. The civil commission presented its findings today after a four-month probe in which it heard some 120 witnesses. It was set up by relatives of victims of the Hamas attack, in response to the absence of any state probe. The commission determined that the Israeli government, its army and security services “failed in their primary mission of protecting the citizens of Israel.” It said Netanyahu was responsible for ignoring “repeated warnings” ahead of Oct. 7, 2023 for what it described as his appeasing approach over the years toward Hamas, and for “undermining all decision-making centers, including the cabinet and the National Security Council, in a way that prevented any serious discussion” on security issues. The commission further determined that the military and defense leaders bear blame for ignoring warnings from within the army, and for reducing the army’s presence along the Gaza border while relying excessively on technological means. On the day of the Hamas attack, the report says, the army’s response was both slow and lacking. The civil commission called for the immediate establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7 attack. Netanyahu has opposed launching a state commission of inquiry, arguing that such an investigation should begin only once the war is over. JERUSALEM -- The Israeli military says its ground troops have reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River — a focal point of the emerging ceasefire. In a statement Tuesday, the army said it had reached the Wadi Slouqi area in southern Lebanon and clashed with Hezbollah forces. Under a proposed ceasefire, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is some 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the Israeli border. The military says the clashes with Hezbollah took place on the eastern end of the Litani, just a few kilometers (miles) from the border. It is one of the deepest places Israeli forces have reached in a nearly two-month ground operation. The military says soldiers destroyed rocket launchers and missiles and engaged in “close-quarters combat” with Hezbollah forces. The announcement came hours before Israel’s security Cabinet is expected to approve a ceasefire that would end nearly 14 months of fighting. BEIRUT — Israeli jets Tuesday struck at least six buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs Tuesday, including one that slammed near the country’s only airport. Large plumes of smoke could be seen around the airport near the Mediterranean coast, which has continued to function despite its location beside the densely populated suburbs where many of Hezbollah’s operations are based. The strikes come hours before Israel’s cabinet was scheduled to meet to discuss a proposal to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The proposal calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. There were no immediate reports of casualties from Tuesday’s airstrikes. FIUGGI, Italy — EU top diplomat Josep Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. (edited)None
Kyle Walters doesn’t believe losing a third consecutive Grey Cup means the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ roster should be blown up. The CFL club’s general manager told reporters at his year-end availability Tuesday that reaching a fifth straight championship game by overcoming lots of injuries was a big accomplishment. Even before Winnipeg’s recent 41-24 Grey Cup loss to the Toronto Argonauts, Walters said he was looking forward to next season. “I was excited for next year based on what I’m looking at, compared to years past, where we’ve got more young guys that have contributed that are under contract,” he said. “We’ve got more young players in the building. So, the idea of, ‘This is the end of the road. The team is in a free-for-all downward,’ I don’t think is accurate. “We have a good group of guys and we were in a one-point (Grey Cup) game with 10 minutes left ... before things went downhill.” The Blue Bombers started the season 0-4, moved to 2-6 and finished 11-7 to claim the West Division title. Star receiver Dalton Schoen, veteran linebacker Adam Bighill and backup quarterback Chris Streveler all suffered season-ending injuries and are pending free agents. Negotiating with the team’s 27 unsigned players could be impacted by moves across the league among coaches, personnel staff and players such as quarterbacks, Walters said. The Bombers have given permission for offensive coordinator Buck Pierce to speak to the B.C. Lions and Edmonton Elks about those teams’ vacant head-coaching jobs, he said. Walters also revealed the Ottawa Redblacks were given the go-ahead to talk to Richie Hall about their defensive coordinator vacancy. Hall was a Winnipeg defensive assistant this season after Jordan Younger took over from him as defensive coordinator. Walters said the Bombers received permission to speak to Lions offensive coordinator Jordan Maksymic in case Pierce leaves. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have already been given the OK to talk to Winnipeg assistant general managers Danny McManus and Ted Goveia about the Ticats’ GM opening. “You’re hesitant to have too much conversation with people who may not be in the organization next year, so it’s just been me and (head coach) Mike (O’Shea) in this moment huddled together and talking about next year,” Walters said. He said an NFL team had asked Tuesday morning to work out one Blue Bomber, but he didn’t reveal the player’s name in case he wasn’t aware of the request yet. The Blue Bombers won the Grey Cup in 2019 and ’21, but lost 28-24 to the Montreal Alouettes last year and 24-23 to Toronto in 2022. Winnipeg re-signed placekicker Sergio Castillo last week. Walters said he’d like to have deals done with three or four main players before the end of the year. The team has some up-and-coming young players inked for next year, and injuries gave others valuable experience on both sides of the ball, Walters said. Receivers such as rookie Ontaria Wilson (1,026 yards receiving in 18 games) and Keric Wheatfall (273 yards in seven games) are signed through next season. “The experience that they got was invaluable,” Walters said. Re-signing players who missed time because of injuries can get tricky. “Organizationally, can we approach (their agents) and say, ‘Well, your guy was hurt, he should come back for less money?’” Walters said. “Generally, they don’t view it like that. They view that they’ll be back 100 per cent.” One question mark is the backup to starting quarterback Zach Collaros, who suffered a deep cut to the index finger of his throwing hand late in the third quarter of the Grey Cup. Collaros got five stitches and numbing agent applied to his finger. He returned with a bandage on it, but admitted he had a hard time gripping the ball. “We’ll have to find out who our offensive coordinator is first,” Walters said when asked who might be Collaros’s backup. Terry Wilson, who briefly replaced Collaros in the Grey Cup, and Jake Dolegala are signed for next year.Three long days of counting in the General Election finished late on Monday night when the final two seats were declared in the constituency of Cavan-Monaghan. Fianna Fail was the clear winner of the election, securing 48 of the Dail parliament’s 174 seats. Sinn Fein took 39 and Fine Gael 38. Labour and the Social Democrats both won 11 seats; People Before Profit-Solidarity took three; Aontu secured two; and the Green Party retained only one of its 12 seats. Independents and others accounted for 21 seats. The return of a Fianna Fail/Fine Gael-led coalition is now highly likely. However, their combined seat total of 86 leaves them just short of the 88 needed for a majority in the Dail. While the two centrist parties that have dominated Irish politics for a century could look to strike a deal with one of the Dail’s smaller centre-left parties, such as the Social Democrats or Labour, a more straightforward route to a majority could be achieved by securing the support of several independent TDs. For Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and current taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, wooing like-minded independents would be likely to involve fewer policy concessions, and financial commitments, than would be required to convince another party to join the government benches. Longford-Westmeath independent TD Kevin “Boxer” Moran, who served in a Fine Gael-led minority government between 2017 and 2020, expressed his willingness to listen to offers to join the new coalition in Dublin. “Look, my door’s open,” he told RTE. “Someone knocks, I’m always there to open it.” Marian Harkin, an independent TD for Sligo-Leitrim, expressed her desire to participate in government as she noted that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were within “shouting distance” of an overall majority. “That means they will be looking for support, and I certainly will be one of those people who will be speaking to them and talking to them and negotiating with them, and I’m looking forward to doing that, because that was the reason that I ran in the first place,” she said. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats and Irish Labour Party both appear cautious about the prospect of an alliance with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. They will no doubt be mindful of the experience of the Green Party, the junior partner in the last mandate. The Greens experienced near wipeout in the election, retaining only one of their 12 seats. Sinn Fein appears to currently have no realistic route to government, given Fianna Fail and Fine Gael’s ongoing refusal to share power with the party. Despite the odds being stacked against her party, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald contacted the leaders of the Social Democrats and Labour on Monday to discuss options. Earlier, Fianna Fail deputy leader and outgoing Finance Minister Jack Chambers predicted that a new coalition government would not be in place before Christmas. Mr Chambers said planned talks about forming an administration required “time and space” to ensure that any new government will be “coherent and stable”. After an inconclusive outcome to the 2020 election, it took five months for Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens to strike the last coalition deal. Mr Chambers said he did not believe it would take that long this time, as he noted the Covid-19 pandemic was a factor in 2020, but he also made clear it would not be a swift process. He said he agreed with analysis that there was no prospect of a deal before Christmas. “I don’t expect a government to be formed in mid-December, when the Dail is due to meet on December 18, probably a Ceann Comhairle (speaker) can be elected, and there’ll have to be time and space taken to make sure we can form a coherent, stable government,” he told RTE. “I don’t think it should take five months like it did the last time – Covid obviously complicated that. But I think all political parties need to take the time to see what’s possible and try and form a stable government for the Irish people.” Fine Gael minister of state Peter Burke said members of his parliamentary party would have to meet to consider their options before giving Mr Harris a mandate to negotiate a new programme for government with Fianna Fail. “It’s important that we have a strong, stable, viable government, whatever form that may be, to ensure that we can meet the challenges of our society, meet the challenges in terms of the economic changes that are potentially going to happen,” he told RTE. Despite being set to emerge with the most seats, it has not been all good news for Fianna Fail. The party’s outgoing Health Minister Stephen Donnelly became one of the biggest casualties of the election when he lost his seat in Wicklow in the early hours of Monday morning. Mr Donnelly was always predicted to face a fight in the constituency after boundary changes saw it reduced from five to four seats. If it is to be a reprise of the Fianna Fail/Fine Gael governing partnership of the last mandate, one of the major questions is around the position of taoiseach and whether the parties will once again take turns to hold the Irish premiership during the lifetime of the new government. The outcome in 2020 saw the parties enter a coalition on the basis that the holder of the premier position would be exchanged midway through the term. Fianna Fail leader Mr Martin took the role for the first half of the mandate, with Leo Varadkar taking over in December 2022. Current Fine Gael leader Mr Harris succeeded Mr Varadkar as taoiseach when he resigned from the role earlier this year. However, this time Fianna Fail has significantly increased its seat lead over Fine Gael, compared with the last election when there were only three seats between the parties. The size of the disparity in party numbers is likely to draw focus on the rotating taoiseach arrangement, raising questions as to whether it will be re-run in the next coalition and, if it is, on what terms. On Sunday, Simon Coveney, a former deputy leader of Fine Gael, said a coalition that did not repeat the rotating taoiseach arrangement in some fashion would be a “difficult proposition” for his party. Meanwhile, Fine Gael minister Paschal Donohoe said he would be making the case for Mr Harris to have another opportunity to serve as taoiseach. On Monday, Mr Chambers said while his party would expect to lead the government it would approach the issue of rotating the taoiseach’s role on the basis of “mutual respect” with Fine Gael. “I think the context of discussions and negotiations will be driven by mutual respect, and that’s the glue that will drive a programme for government and that’s the context in which we’ll engage,” he said. On Monday, Labour leader Ivana Bacik reiterated her party’s determination to forge an alliance with fellow centre-left parties with the intention of having a unified approach to the prospect of entering government. Asked if Labour was prepared to go into government with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on its own, she told RTE: “No, not at this stage. We are absolutely not willing to do that. “We want to ensure there’s the largest number of TDs who share our vision and our values who want to deliver change on the same basis that we do.” The Social Democrats have been non-committal about any potential arrangement with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, and have restated a series of red lines they would need to achieve before considering taking a place in government. Leader Holly Cairns, who gave birth to a daughter on polling day on Friday, said in a statement: “The party is in a very strong position to play an important role in the next Dail. In what position, government or opposition, remains to be seen.” Fianna Fail secured the most first preference votes in Friday’s proportional representation election, taking 21.9% to Fine Gael’s 20.8%. Sinn Fein came in third on 19%. While Sinn Fein’s vote share represented a marked improvement on its disappointing showing in June’s local elections in Ireland, it is still significantly down on the 24.5% poll-topping share it secured in the 2020 general election. The final breakdown of first preferences also flipped the result of Friday night’s exit poll, which suggested Sinn Fein was in front on 21.1%, with Fine Gael on 21% and Fianna Fail on 19.5%.
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EPR Properties ( NYSE:EPR – Get Free Report ) declared a dec 24 dividend on Thursday, December 12th, RTT News reports. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of 0.285 per share by the real estate investment trust on Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a dividend yield of 7.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 31st. EPR Properties has increased its dividend payment by an average of 29.6% annually over the last three years. EPR Properties has a dividend payout ratio of 125.7% meaning the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Equities analysts expect EPR Properties to earn $4.78 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $3.42 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 71.5%. EPR Properties Stock Down 0.6 % Shares of NYSE EPR opened at $43.90 on Friday. EPR Properties has a 1 year low of $39.65 and a 1 year high of $50.26. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $45.16 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $45.29. The company has a market cap of $3.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.00 and a beta of 1.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 7.81 and a quick ratio of 7.81. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth View Our Latest Analysis on EPR About EPR Properties ( Get Free Report ) EPR Properties (NYSE:EPR) is the leading diversified experiential net lease real estate investment trust (REIT), specializing in select enduring experiential properties in the real estate industry. We focus on real estate venues that create value by facilitating out of home leisure and recreation experiences where consumers choose to spend their discretionary time and money. See Also Receive News & Ratings for EPR Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EPR Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .