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Shane Bieber says bonds led to re-signing with Guardians after he missed '24 following elbow surgeryTopline President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers have investigated one of his top advisers, Boris Epshteyn, over claims he sought payments from aspiring staffers in exchange for promoting them to Trump, according to multiple reports —allegations denied by Epshteyn, a longtime aide who has clashed with other members of the president-elect’s orbit. Key Facts Who Else Has Epshteyn Feuded With? Epshteyn has reportedly clashed with key Trump allies in recent weeks, including Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent, transition team co-chair Howard Lutnick and billionaire Trump backer and informal adviser Elon Musk. Multiple outlets reported Musk has raised concerns about Epshteyn’s sway over Trump, and the two had a verbal altercation at Mar-A-Lago earlier this month, according to CNN and The Washington Post. CNN also reported Bessent was among those Epshteyn sought payment from, and the two also had an argument in the lobby of Mar-A-Lago last week, with Epshteyn raising his voice at Bessent. Lutnick reportedly tried to stop Ephsteyn from joining a recent transition team meeting at Mar-A-Lago, prompting Epshteyn to physically push Lutnick out of the way to enter the room, according to two unnamed sources familiar with the incident and cited by The Post, though a third unnamed source said Epshteyn simply brushed by Lutnick. Both declined to comment to The Post . A source close to them told the paper they “have been working closely together in assisting President Trump in putting together the greatest administration in American history.” Who Is Boris Epshteyn? A lawyer by training who was born in Russia and raised in the U.S., Epshteyn has been a figure in Trump’s orbit since his 2016 campaign, once described by Steve Bannon as Trump’s “wartime consigliere.” He was a key player in promoting Trump’s false claims that the 2020 electron was stolen from him and was charged in Arizona for his role in attempting to reverse Trump’s loss in the state. He pleaded not guilty in the case in June. Epshteyn served a stint as a special assistant to the president in 2017 and has since remained loyal to Trump, appearing alongside him in court in his New York hush money trial and reportedly overseeing some of Trump’s defense attorneys—in some cases clashing with Trump’s other lawyers. Since Trump’s victory, Epshteyn has reportedly advised him on cabinet picks, including advocating for former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., as Trump’s initial pick for attorney general, according to CNN and The Post. Epshteyn’s Georgetown Advisory firm received $53,500 per month in payments for communications and legal consulting services from the Trump campaign this year, according to campaign finance records cited by CNN. Further Reading Giuliani Disbarred In D.C.: Here Are All The Other Ex-Trump Lawyers Now Facing Legal Consequences (Forbes) Trump’s Cabinet And Key Jobs: Trump Rounds Out Nominees—As RFK Jr., Hegseth Face Controversies (Forbes) Trump Allies—Including Giuliani And Mark Meadows—Will Face Arizona Criminal Trial In Jan. 2026 (Forbes)The semiconductor industry, renowned for its impressive growth over past decades, is rallying on the back of artificial intelligence (AI) advancements. Though economic slowdowns raise concerns, the demand for cutting-edge devices continues to boost the need for more sophisticated chips. A recent IDC report forecasts a 15% expansion in the semiconductor market by 2025, driven by AI. This development could present a prime opportunity for investors, especially in stocks like Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Micron Technology (MU), which have seen a dip in their stock values despite healthy revenue growth in the data center sector. AMD, which has seen a significant increase in its server CPU market share, anticipates a surge in demand for its GPUs within data centers. This promising demand outlook resonates with Wall Street’s optimistic predictions for AMD’s stock, which currently trades significantly below its peak. The company forecasts that the market for AI accelerators will grow substantially, suggesting a long-term growth trajectory. Meanwhile, Micron Technology, a leader in memory and storage solutions, has enjoyed a notable recovery since 2022. Despite recent market fluctuations, Micron’s sales to data centers have soared, particularly with their high-bandwidth memory outperforming expectations. The company remains optimistic about returning to record revenue by 2025, but unknown variables in demand make future predictions challenging. Both AMD and Micron present tantalizing prospects for 2025, yet AMD’s consistent growth positions it as a potentially safer bet for investors aiming to capitalize on Wall Street’s bullish outlook. Why the Semiconductor Boom Driven by AI Presents Unmatched Opportunities The semiconductor industry is poised for an exhilarating transformation sparked by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). With a projected market expansion of 15% by 2025, as reported by IDC, AI is set to redefine the landscape while offering exceptional investment prospects. This article explores new dimensions that could shape the industry’s future, including innovations, opportunities, and strategic insights. Emerging Trends and Innovations The semiconductor sector is experiencing groundbreaking innovations, particularly in AI-specific chip design. Companies like Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Micron Technology are leading this charge with their focus on developing high-performance chips for AI applications. AMD’s strategic investment in GPU technology gears up to power more robust and efficient AI processors, while Micron’s advancements in high-bandwidth memory are setting new benchmarks in data handling capabilities. Investment Opportunities and Predictions For investors keen to enter the semiconductor market, the dip in stock values of key players like AMD and Micron Technology presents an attractive entry point. Analysts remain optimistic about these stocks, with a consensus on AMD’s continued growth driven by increased demand for GPUs in data centers. Predictions indicate a substantial rise in AI accelerator market share, hinting at AMD’s long-term growth potential. Similarly, Micron aims to recover to record revenue levels by 2025, powered by innovations in memory and storage solutions critical for AI and machine learning processes. However, potential investors should remain cautious due to possible demand fluctuations that could impact projections. Market Analysis and Strategic Insights The semiconductor market’s future hinges on its ability to adapt to AI’s evolving needs. Key insights suggest focusing on AI-driven demand could be the linchpin for sustained growth. Data center sales illustrate a robust demand for high-performance computing solutions, underlining the importance of developing chips optimized for AI tasks. Challenges and Limitations While the industry’s growth outlook is promising, challenges such as supply chain disruptions and fluctuating demand could impede progress. The reliance on rare materials and international market conditions also pose logistical and operational challenges that stakeholders must navigate to maintain momentum. Concluding Thoughts The semiconductor industry’s trajectory is closely tied to AI innovations, offering promising yet complex prospects for businesses and investors alike. Embracing AI’s potential, particularly through strategic investments in companies like AMD and Micron Technology, could prove transformative. As the sector evolves, staying informed and agile will be essential for capitalizing on the nascent opportunities in this rapidly advancing field. Learn more about semiconductor trends at IDC and explore investment opportunities through AMD and Micron Technology .
Pedestrian, 40s, rushed to hospital in serious condition after victim of hit-and-run in Dublin as witness appeal madeCardinals' feel-good month comes to a screeching halt after a head-scratching loss to SeahawksManchester City's crisis continued with a 2-0 defeat away to Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Pep Guardiola's old club Barcelona beat Borussia Dortmund to clinch a spot in the knockout stage of Europe's elite club competition. Arsenal, AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Lille, Feyenoord and Stuttgart were also victorious, but City's latest loss in a miserable run will dominate the headlines. The 2023 European champions succumbed in Turin as Dusan Vlahovic put Juventus ahead early in the second half when goalkeeper Ederson was unable to keep out his header. Ilkay Gundogan was denied an equaliser by a fine Michele Di Gregorio save, before Weston McKennie made it 2-0 with a fine acrobatic finish in the 75th minute. The result leaves Juventus on 11 points with two games left, a tally that is expected to be enough to guarantee them at least a place in the knockout phase play-offs. City, meanwhile, have now won just once in 10 in all competitions, with seven defeats in that time. With just eight points, they currently sit 22nd in the standings, in which the top 24 advance to the knockouts. Their next game will be crucial, as they travel to a Paris Saint-Germain side who sit a point beneath Guardiola's men. "We have to get points, we'll go to Paris to try and do that and the same goes for the final match at home (to Club Brugge)," Guardiola told Amazon Prime in Italy. Barcelona are second in the standings with 15 points, behind only Liverpool, after beating Dortmund 3-2 in a thriller in Germany, with Ferran Torres their hero. Raphinha fired Barca ahead with his 17th goal of the season, early in a remarkable second half. Serhou Guirassy equalised with a penalty on the hour mark, but substitute Torres put Barca back in front on 75 minutes, converting the loose ball after Fermin Lopez's shot was saved. Guirassy scored again for a quick equaliser, only for Torres to strike once more and win the game for Barca with five minutes left. Barcelona's tally leaves them, like Liverpool, ideally placed to finish in the top eight, which means direct progress to the last 16 without having to go through the play-offs. Arsenal are third in the standings on 13 points after easing to a 3-0 win over Monaco in London. Bukayo Saka scored twice, putting the Gunners ahead in the first half and making it 2-0 on 78 minutes as the hosts pounced on disastrous Monaco defending. Saka then turned provider for the late third, with substitute Kai Havertz credited with the final touch. Mikel Arteta's team are one of six sides on 13 points, with Lille also on that tally after edging Sturm Graz 3-2 in France thanks to a fine late winner from Hakon Haraldsson. Lille were 2-0 up through Osame Sahraoui and Mitchel Bakker, only for goals by Otar Kiteishvili and Mika Biereth to bring the Austrian champions back level. However, Icelandic midfielder Haraldsson secured Lille's fourth win of the campaign. Atletico eased to a 3-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava, with Antoine Griezmann scoring twice after Julian Alvarez had opened the scoring with an excellent strike. David Strelec pulled one back for the Slovaks, who are one of three teams already eliminated having lost six games out of six. The others are RB Leipzig and Young Boys. Milan defeated Red Star Belgrade 2-1 at San Siro with Tammy Abraham grabbing the winner three minutes from time. Rafael Leao had put Milan ahead only for Nemanja Radonjic to equalise for the Serbian side, who have lost five of their six games and are surely heading out. Benfica edged closer to a play-off spot with a 0-0 draw at home to Bologna of Italy, who have scored just one goal in six games and will go no further. Feyenoord stayed on course to go through after beating Sparta Prague 4-2 in Rotterdam, with Gernot Trauner, Igor Paixao, Anis Hadj Moussa and Santiago Gimenez netting their goals. Stuttgart kept alive their hopes of progress by coming from behind to beat Young Boys 5-1. Lukasz Lakomy put Young Boys ahead but Angelo Stiller levelled before Enzo Millot, Chris Fuehrich, Josha Vagnoman and Yannik Keitel all scored in the second half. The next round of Champions League games is scheduled for January 21 and 22, with the league phase concluding the following week. as/jc Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, sports, arts & entertainment, state legislature, CFD news, and more.
Charities to get £15m fund to use surplus or unwanted food from farms3 reasons to involve your kids in Small Business Saturday
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News Corp has announced a landmark agreement to sell Foxtel Group to global sports streaming platform DAZN for an enterprise value of $3.4 billion. The transaction, expected to close in the second half of fiscal year 2025, will see DAZN acquire 100 per cent of Foxtel, including Binge and Kayo Sports. As part of the deal, News Corp and Telstra will retain minority stakes in DAZN, with News Corp holding approximately six per cent and Telstra about three per cent. Foxtel’s sale has marked the end of an era, but DAZN committed to maintaining a local head office, local leadership and sports and entertainment production in Australia. CEO of Foxtel Group Patrick Delany, who will continue to lead the company, has said he was “excited to be joining the DAZN family”. “It means we will remain a proudly Australian-based business with local character, local management and local sports and entertainment production,” Mr Delany said. “DAZN’s ownership will provide us with access to global reach and the infrastructure and technology to support our continued transformation. “We are grateful to News Corp and Telstra for their unwavering support over the past 30 years. “With News Corp’s guidance and support, we have reinvented the Foxtel Group as a growth business with 4.7 million subscribers.” DAZN’s acquisition promises more international sports for Foxtel and Kayo subscribers and new opportunities to bring Australian sports to DAZN’s global audience. CEO of DAZN Shay Segev said the deal unlocked potential for both Australian sports and global streaming. “Australians watch more sport than any other country in the world, which makes this deal an incredibly exciting opportunity for DAZN to enter a key market,” he said. CEO of News Corp Robert Thomson described the transaction as a victory for shareholders, DAZN and sports fans. “Foxtel has been transformed into a genuine digital and streaming leader in Australia, and we believe DAZN is the right owner to take the business to the next level,” he said. “This transaction also allows News Corp to focus on our other growth pillars while benefiting from repayment of our shareholder loans and an improved credit profile.” The deal has been made subject to regulatory approvals.Trudeau says fall of Assad 'ends decades of brutal oppression' for Syria Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says a new chapter for Syria can begin that's free of terrorism and suffering for its people. In a social media post on X on Sunday, Trudeau said the fall of the Assad dictatorship "ends decades of brutal oppression. Canadian Press Dec 8, 2024 11:36 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Ottawa is urging Canadians to avoid all travel to Syria and to consider leaving the country if it's safe to do so. Opposition fighters celebrate as they burn down a military court in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Hussein Malla Listen to this article 00:01:12 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says a new chapter for Syria can begin that's free of terrorism and suffering for its people. In a social media post on X on Sunday, Trudeau said the fall of the Assad dictatorship "ends decades of brutal oppression." Syrian President Bashar Assad fled the country on Sunday and is now reported to be in Moscow, bringing to a dramatic close his nearly 14-year struggle to hold onto control as his country fragmented in a brutal civil war. The toppling of Assad comes after opposition forces entered the Syrian capital of Damascus, ending half a century of rule by his family. Trudeau said Canada is monitoring the transition closely, and he urged "order, stability, and respect for human rights." Ottawa is urging Canadians to avoid all travel to Syria and to consider leaving the country if it's safe to do so. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre told a news conference on Sunday that Assad "was a puppet for the tyrants of Tehran." "He has carried out genocides against the Sunni people in his own country, and now he appears to have been toppled," Poilievre said in Ottawa. Poilievre said it's unknown who will replace Assad, adding it isn't Canada's fight and that he doesn't believe Canada should get involved. "We should stand with our allies, including Israel, against the terrorists. We should focus on protecting our own country." Ottawa describes the security situation as volatile, and said the Damascus and Aleppo airports as well as some border crossings are closed. An updated travel advisory from the Canadian government warns people to avoid the Middle Eastern country due to what it calls "ongoing armed conflict, terrorism, criminality, arbitrary detention, torture and forced disappearance." Canada has urged its citizens to leave Syria since November 2011, and its embassy in Damascus suspended its operations in 2012. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 8, 2024. — With files from The Associated Press. The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More National News Nobel recipient Geoffrey Hinton wishes he thought of AI safety sooner Dec 8, 2024 10:42 AM Border control and tariffs: Quebec Premier François Legault meets Trump in Paris Dec 8, 2024 10:23 AM Understanding the science behind Hinton and Hopfield's Nobel Prize in physics Dec 8, 2024 8:12 AM Featured Flyer
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Hedge Funds Cut Nuclear Technology Exposure After ‘Hard’ RallyStocks drifted higher on Wall Street in midday trading Thursday, as gains in tech companies and retailers helped boost the market. The S&P 500 rose less than 0.1%. The benchmark index is coming off a three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 19 points, or 0.1%, as of 12:32 p.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq composite was up less than 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened after the Christmas holiday. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.9%, Intel was up 0.7% and Apple gained 0.4%. While tech stocks overall were in the green, some heavyweights were a drag on the market. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.2%. Meta Platforms fell 0.9%, Amazon was down 0.5%, and Netflix gave up 1.4%. Health care stocks also helped lift the market. CVS Health rose 1.9% and Walgreens Boots Alliance rose 3.3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 2.9%, Best Buy was up 2.1% and Dollar Tree gained 2.2%. U.S.-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.1% and 15.8%, respectively. The Japanese automakers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. Traders got a labor market update. U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week , though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labor Department reported. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.61% from 4.59% late Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar. Still, U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the U.S. market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up roughly 26% so far this year and remains near its most recent all-time high it set earlier this month — its latest of 57 record highs this year. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to next week, including updates on pending home sales and home prices, a report on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity. AP Business Writers Elaine Kurtenbach and Matt Ott contributed.