This Timberwolves roster is different than the one from a year ago. That much is obvious in games, as Karl-Anthony Towns’ consistent scoring and general size is missed, as is the playmaking and ball security of guys like Kyle Anderson and Jordan McLaughlin. ADVERTISEMENT But their absences have been felt in the locker room, as well. Towns was a consistent source of positivity for the team. Anderson was one of the loudest vocal leaders. The latter can be especially difficult to replace, especially because it can be uncomfortable to speak up when things are going poorly and something needs to change. That was the position Anthony Edwards has found himself in early this season. Edwards has been praised for his leadership through his first four years on Minnesota’s roster. Mostly, that all came via positivity and example. Edwards can be coached hard, which gave the greenlight for the coaches to treat everyone else the same way. Edwards was also quick to credit his teammates around him for their contributions to the cause, and was eager and willing to spend time with and talk to anyone on the roster, players No. 1-15. He’ll also stand up for any of his teammates if the occasion ever arises. That’s why he has been so beloved in the locker room and why he was viewed as such a leader, even at his young age. ADVERTISEMENT But with Anderson’s departure, Edwards was now tasked with leading even through choppy waters. And the waves have been rather large through the first quarter of the season. Minnesota’s defense has fallen off a cliff in comparison to where it was a year ago. After never even as many as three consecutive games during the 2023-24 regular season, the Wolves endured a four-game losing skid earlier this week. At that point, words were exchanged, both publicly and privately. A halftime hash out during Minnesota’s loss Wednesday to Sacramento got the conversation rolling. Mike Conley got the dialogue started, but all indications are that Edwards was a healthy participant. Edwards noted it’s difficult to know what to say in those times. “Because you look at everybody, and everybody got a different agenda. It’s like, ‘What the (heck) am I supposed to say?’ You know what I mean?” Edwards said. “I’m trying to get better in that aspect, figure out what the hell to say to get everybody on the same agenda, because everybody right now is on different agendas. I think that’s one of the main culprits of why we’re losing, because everybody out there got their own agenda. I guess their imagination of what’s supposed to be going on, and what’s really happening.” Nickeil Alexander-Walker told reporters at Friday’s shootaround that this is the most vocal Edwards has ever been. And while the intention of everyone’s messages are pure, “sometimes it’s not always worded the right way.” ADVERTISEMENT “I think we’ve crossed that line of, ‘Man, I feel like you’re not hearing the message.’ It’s tough to be called out, because you start to feel like, ‘OK, are you saying I’m the reason?’ No one wants to be at fault,” Alexander-Walker said. “But at the end of the day, I definitely think that guys are open to hearing it better. And I think it just came from a stand point of, at a point and time in the conversation, there was a comeback. It was going back and forth now, as opposed to receiving it (and saying), ‘OK, I got you.’ That’s how it’s going to be. It’s very rare that someone is just going to be able to be called out and not have anything to say. “It’s human nature to be defensive, at the end of the day. But kind of remembering what we’re here for, and if I’m being called out, chances are I’ve got to look in the mirror and be better.” It’s a delicate dance. There has to be an environment rooted in accountability, but you also have to be sure not to lose teammates, as Jimmy Butler was criticized for doing during his short stint in Minnesota a few years ago. ADVERTISEMENT And while it’s never ideal for a team to be living through a stretch of basketball the quality of which falls significantly short of the expectation, these stretches will likely lead to growth for Edwards, if not on the court, then in the locker room. You can’t steer a ship to a title if you don’t know how to navigate turbulent tides. Day by day, loss by loss, Edwards is learning how to spin the wheel. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .
Special counsel David Weiss's office on Monday appeared to push back on President Joe Biden 's claim that its prosecutions of Hunter Biden were politically motivated , calling such allegations "baseless." In a court filing challenging Hunter Biden's request to have the California indictment against him dismissed in light of his father's Sunday night pardon , Weiss noted that a number of judges had already rejected the younger Biden’s claims of vindictive prosecution. In a statement announcing the "full and unconditional" pardon, the president said "I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted," referring to the cases brought by Weiss that led to a guilty verdict on gun-related charges in Delaware and Hunter Biden's guilty plea on tax and fraud charges in California. "I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice," Biden said. In the court filing , Weiss's office did not directly mention the president's statement, but noted that Hunter Biden filed eight motions to dismiss the California indictment "making every conceivable argument for why it should be dismissed, all of which were determined to be meritless." "Of note, the defendant argued that the indictment was a product of vindictive and selective prosecution. The Court rejected that claim finding that '[a]s the Court stated at the hearing, Defendant filed his motion without any evidence.' And there was none and never has been any evidence of vindictive or selective prosecution in this case," the filing said. It noted that Hunter Biden "made similar baseless accusations" in the Delaware case, which were rejected by that judge as well. Three appeals court panels also rejected Hunter Biden's arguments, the filing said. "In total, eleven (11) different Article III judges appointed by six (6) different presidents, including his father, considered and rejected the defendant’s claims, including his claims for selective and vindictive prosecution," the filing said. In filings Sunday night, Hunter Biden's attorney Abbe Lowell argued the presidential pardon “requires an automatic dismissal of the Indictment" against his client. Weiss argued in the California filing and a separate filing in Delaware that courts typically "do not dismiss indictments when pardons are granted.” "The Government does not challenge that the defendant has been the recipient of an act of mercy. That does not mean the grand jury’s decision to charge him, based on a finding of probable cause, should be wiped away as if it never occurred," the Delaware filing said. "It also does not mean that his charges should be wiped away because the defendant falsely claimed that the charges were the result of some improper motive or selective prosecution. No court has agreed with the defendant on these baseless claims, and his request to dismiss the indictment finds no support in the law," it added. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Lowell responded to Weiss's filing late Monday and argued the judge has the right — and reason — to dismiss the underlying indictment. "Mr. Biden has not been sentenced and no judgment has been entered in this case. Because no judgment has been or will be entered in this case, the appropriate resolution is to dismiss the Indictment while noting that is due to a pardon," Lowell wrote. Hunter Biden had been scheduled to be sentenced in both cases later this month.Townsquare Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. ( NYSE:FND – Free Report ) in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor acquired 1,827 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $227,000. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of FND. Blue Trust Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Floor & Decor by 242.0% in the third quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 277 shares of the company’s stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 196 shares during the last quarter. Chris Bulman Inc bought a new position in shares of Floor & Decor in the second quarter worth about $30,000. J.Safra Asset Management Corp lifted its position in shares of Floor & Decor by 630.5% during the second quarter. J.Safra Asset Management Corp now owns 431 shares of the company’s stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 372 shares in the last quarter. UMB Bank n.a. grew its stake in shares of Floor & Decor by 37.8% during the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 715 shares of the company’s stock valued at $89,000 after purchasing an additional 196 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CWM LLC increased its holdings in shares of Floor & Decor by 15.8% in the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,289 shares of the company’s stock valued at $160,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares in the last quarter. Floor & Decor Stock Performance FND stock opened at $109.92 on Friday. Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. has a 1-year low of $89.06 and a 1-year high of $135.67. The company has a current ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 0.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. The firm has a market cap of $11.79 billion, a PE ratio of 61.07, a P/E/G ratio of 14.13 and a beta of 1.82. The business’s 50-day moving average price is $108.62 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $107.52. Analysts Set New Price Targets FND has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Wedbush reiterated an “outperform” rating and issued a $110.00 price objective on shares of Floor & Decor in a research report on Friday, October 25th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on Floor & Decor from $95.00 to $105.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a report on Monday, October 28th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on Floor & Decor from $97.50 to $100.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, November 4th. Mizuho lifted their price target on shares of Floor & Decor from $98.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 31st. Finally, Telsey Advisory Group reissued a “market perform” rating and set a $95.00 price target on shares of Floor & Decor in a research note on Monday, November 11th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $104.37. Get Our Latest Research Report on Floor & Decor Floor & Decor Profile ( Free Report ) Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc together with its subsidiaries, operates as a multi-channel specialty retailer of hard surface flooring and related accessories, and commercial surfaces seller in Georgia. The company offers tile, wood, laminate, vinyl, and natural stone flooring products, as well as decorative accessories, wall tiles, and installation materials and tools; and vanities, shower doors, bath accessories, faucets, sinks, custom countertops, bathroom mirrors, and bathroom lighting. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FND? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. ( NYSE:FND – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Floor & Decor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Floor & Decor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Falcons feeling the pressure at .500 as Cousins' interceptions put spotlight on downturn for offense
Townsquare Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. ( NYSE:AIT – Free Report ) in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 1,015 shares of the industrial products company’s stock, valued at approximately $226,000. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of AIT. Dundas Partners LLP acquired a new stake in Applied Industrial Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth about $46,805,000. Westfield Capital Management Co. LP purchased a new stake in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies during the 3rd quarter worth about $32,233,000. Fiera Capital Corp raised its stake in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies by 456.3% during the 3rd quarter. Fiera Capital Corp now owns 130,895 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $29,207,000 after purchasing an additional 107,365 shares in the last quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies during the 3rd quarter worth about $213,590,000. Finally, F M Investments LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth about $15,690,000. 93.52% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In AIT has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Raymond James raised their price target on Applied Industrial Technologies from $225.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Friday, October 25th. Loop Capital raised their price target on Applied Industrial Technologies from $230.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, October 28th. KeyCorp raised their price objective on Applied Industrial Technologies from $275.00 to $325.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 3rd. StockNews.com raised Applied Industrial Technologies from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 22nd. Finally, Bank of America raised Applied Industrial Technologies from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating and raised their price objective for the company from $285.00 to $315.00 in a research note on Tuesday, November 26th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $285.71. Insider Transactions at Applied Industrial Technologies In other Applied Industrial Technologies news, VP Warren E. Hoffner III sold 4,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $281.64, for a total value of $1,126,560.00. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 55,709 shares in the company, valued at $15,689,882.76. This represents a 6.70 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link . Also, Director Mary Dean Hall sold 2,200 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $275.08, for a total value of $605,176.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 3,462 shares in the company, valued at approximately $952,326.96. This trade represents a 38.86 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 1.67% of the stock is owned by insiders. Applied Industrial Technologies Trading Down 0.4 % AIT stock opened at $273.82 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $10.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.94, a PEG ratio of 3.81 and a beta of 1.05. Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. has a twelve month low of $162.19 and a twelve month high of $282.98. The company has a quick ratio of 2.74, a current ratio of 3.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The business has a fifty day moving average of $248.44 and a 200-day moving average of $216.60. Applied Industrial Technologies ( NYSE:AIT – Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.36 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.25 by $0.11. Applied Industrial Technologies had a return on equity of 22.68% and a net margin of 8.57%. The business had revenue of $1.10 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.08 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.39 earnings per share. The firm’s revenue was up .3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. will post 9.76 EPS for the current year. Applied Industrial Technologies Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 15th were given a dividend of $0.37 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 15th. This represents a $1.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.54%. Applied Industrial Technologies’s dividend payout ratio is currently 15.10%. Applied Industrial Technologies Profile ( Free Report ) Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc distributes industrial motion, power, control, and automation technology solutions in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. It operates in two segments, Service Center Based Distribution, and Engineered Solutions. The company distributes bearings, power transmission products, engineered fluid power components and systems, specialty flow control solutions, advanced automation products, industrial rubber products, linear motion components, automation solutions, tools, safety products, oilfield supplies, and other industrial and maintenance supplies; and motors, belting, drives, couplings, pumps, hydraulic and pneumatic components, filtration supplies, valves, fittings, process instrumentation, actuators, and hoses, filtration supplies, as well as other related supplies for general operational needs of customers' machinery and equipment. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AIT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. ( NYSE:AIT – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Applied Industrial Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Applied Industrial Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Siemens Healthineers Offers Imaging-Driven Upside For Patient InvestorsArmy of civilian experts needed to guard nation’s interests: SC judge
By Byron Kaye Since Meta whistleblower Frances Haugen aired internal emails in 2021 showing the tech giant knew of social media’s mental health impacts on teenagers, world leaders have agonised over how to curb the technology’s addictive pull on young minds. Even a 2023 recommendation by the US surgeon general to put health warnings on social media, blaming it for what he called a teenage mental health crisis, could not help lawmakers from Florida to France navigate resistance on grounds of free speech, privacy and the limits of age-checking technology. The spark that ended the stalemate was when the wife of the leader of Australia’s second-smallest state read The Anxious Generation, a 2024 bestseller criticising social media by U.S. social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, and told her husband to take action. “I remember precisely the moment that she said to me ‘you’ve got to read this book and you’ve got to do something about it’,” South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas told reporters in Adelaide on Friday, a day after the country’s federal parliament passed a nationwide social media ban for youths under 16. “I didn’t reasonably anticipate it would take on so quickly,” he added. Malinauskas’s personal quest to restrict youth access to social media in his state, which represents just 7% of Australia’s 27 million population, to the world’s first national ban took just six months. The speed underscores the depth of concern in the Australian electorate over the issue. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is due to hold an election in early 2025. An Australian government YouGov survey found that 77% of Australians back the under-16 social media ban, up from 61% in August prior to the government’s official announcement. Only 23% oppose the measure. “It all originated here,” said Rodrigo Praino, a professor of politics and public policy at South Australia’s Flinders University. “The federal government including the prime minister understood immediately that that was a problem that needed to be solved (and) best addressed if it’s done nationwide. Allowing kids to indiscriminately use social media has become an issue globally.” When the father of four answered the call from his wife in May, Facebook and Instagram owner Meta had two months earlier said it would stop paying content royalties to news outlets globally, potentially triggering an Australian online copyright law. Meta’s decision, in part, prompted the federal government to open a broad inquiry into societal impacts of social media, ranging from the merits of age-gating social media to the knock-on effects of Meta cancelling royalties. Opposition lawmakers meanwhile began calling for age restrictions on social media against the backdrop of a legal fight between X and Australia’s e-Safety regulator over the spread of false and graphic content related to two public knife attacks in Sydney in April. In May, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, the country’s biggest newspaper publisher, began an editorial campaign to ban children under 16 from social media, calling “Let Them Be Kids”. Through the middle of 2024, News Corp mastheads and the parliamentary inquiry aired emotional accounts from parents whose children had taken or lost their lives as a result of bullying and body image problems tied to social media. After Malinauskas unveiled his state policy banning under-14s in September, Albanese was in the media the next day saying his government would enact a federal version by the end of the year. “Parents want their kids off their phones and on the footy field,” said Albanese, who like Malinauskas is from the centre-left Labour party. “So do I.” The proposed South Australian ban was, however, largely in line with restrictions already legislated in countries including France and U.S. states like Florida, which held the door open for teens over 14 to keep using social media with parental permission. The federal model Albanese’s government introduced to parliament in November carried no parental discretion, with the explanation that it freed parents from the burden of playing a policing role. The ban was roundly attacked by social media companies which complained it gave them full responsibility – and the threat of a A$49.5 million fine – without telling them how it would work. A trial of age-verification technology begins next year. The left-leaning Greens rejected the law as rushed and unfair on young people, while some far-right lawmakers broke from their party’s support and voted against it on concerns of government overreach and potential surveillance. But with locked-in support from the government and most of the opposition, the law was passed just after 11pm on the last parliamentary day of the year. It takes effect one year later. “I’m pleased to see that it’s got as far as it has in Australia,” said Robert French, the former High Court judge commissioned by Malinauskas in May to report on whether a state-based age restriction would be possible. Some of French’s recommendations, including making the ban national and putting responsibility on platforms to take reasonable steps to keep minors out, are included in the final legislation. “The basic sensible model is in place,” French said by telephone.In the aftermath of Election Day, Democrat strategist James Carville is looking for answers as to what went wrong with Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign. the Harris campaign spent nearly $1.5 billion since it began on July 21. On Wednesday, Carville gave his thoughts on the “Politics War Room” podcast where he told co-host Al Hunt that there’s a spending problem in that needs to be addressed. “The resistance is going to have trouble raising money,” Carville admitted, “These are burnt.” “The damage that the 2024 campaign has done, the damage this decade has done to the Democratic brand is almost unfathomable,” he said. Carville followed up with what needs to happen next now that so much money has been spent. “One word: audit.” Although Carville shot down the idea of running for chair of the Democrat National Committee, he was vehement Democrats need to figure out where all of funding went in just a few months’ time. “Do you have any idea where that money went? Does anybody have any idea where that money went?” he asked Hunt. To give Carville credit, Harris most definitely did have a spending problem based on the available information. The campaign found itself after the fact with purchases like from nail artist Tahvya Krok. If Carville seems angry and disappointed now, an audit probably won’t help as more idiotic purchases would surely come to light. Although there’s plenty of merit to Carville’s criticisms, he’s still missing the point about the Democrats’ main problem: the message. When you spend the election cycle – and arguably the past eight years – telling half the country they are evil racists, Nazis, and a through their support of a man who is supposedly America’s Adolf Hitler, they probably won’t vote for you. Granted, money is always an issue in campaigns – having enough of it, the origin of it, who it is going to – but Carville is mistaken if he thinks better spending habits are going to win Democrats the White House in 2028. Unfathomable damage was not exclusively caused by spending problems. It’s a problem with the message. , Harris underperformed with black voters, voters, and young voters compared to President Joe Biden in 2020. Democrats don’t need to lean further into identity politics in focusing on what a voter cares about because of skin color or sex, but they do need to focus on what these voters actually want. That is, what their principles are. Democrats need to shift their principles to more closely align with that of the voters. If Carville really wants his party to change, they need a new message. We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. .
Home Franchise Concepts' Leading Window Covering Brand Promotes and Expands Roles for Veteran Team Members to Drive Collaboration, Growth and Innovation IRVINE, Calif. , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Budget Blinds, a leader in window coverings, today announced significant changes to its executive leadership team, positioning the company for continued success and industry disruption. Effective immediately, the brand has promoted Tracy Christman to Chief Operating Officer; and expanded roles for Amy Campbell to Vice President of Marketing, Product Design & Strategy; and Nicholas (Nick) Petropoulos as Director of Information Technologies. As part of Home Franchise Concepts' family of brands, these executive changes reflect the leading franchise platform's commitment to setting industry standards and laying the groundwork for building exponential future growth opportunities. Home Franchise Concepts, a subsidiary of JM Family Enterprises, places an emphasis on strategic leadership development to continue positioning its brands as industry front-runners. Budget Blinds' restructuring aligns with its strategic vision to become the most revered brand in the window coverings industry, while pursuing its primary objectives of operational excellence and innovative customer experience. "We're on the verge of transformational changes that will redefine Budget Blinds' presence in the industry," said Heather Nykolaychuk , President of Budget Blinds. "Earlier this year, we introduced a new business model for our franchisees to enhance brand reinvestment and elevated our strategic planning process to incorporate input from key stakeholders, including our franchisees, fostering greater buy-in and alignment to our long-range plan. As such, with their combined experience and expertise, we are confident that as Tracy, Amy and Nick take on their new or expanding roles, they will ignite our bold new direction, benefiting our associates, franchisees, vendor partners and customers." Additional details on Budget Blinds' leaders and their expanded roles are outlined below: These organizational changes, coupled with the brand's proactive engagement of key stakeholders, position Budget Blinds for improved performance and sustainable growth. The brand is confident that this new structure will foster collaboration and drive innovation, ensuring Budget Blinds remains the leader in window coverings while Home Franchise Concepts continues to reinvest in the brand for future growth. Budget Blinds looks forward to providing enhanced franchisee support, more efficient operations and the development of products and services that truly resonate with our consumers. "We strive to be regarded with deep respect and admiration by all who work and partner with us, through championing high-standards of child-safety, product quality and exceptional experiences rooted in trust and brand reputation," continued Nykolaychuk. "We're excited for the bright future we have ahead, and look forward to the lasting impact Tracy, Amy and Nick will bestow on the Budget Blinds legacy." With Budget Blinds contributing to the success of Home Franchise Concepts, the parent company plans to execute even more innovative strategies and remain ambitious in implementing new tactics to generate additional awareness and support for its family of brands. With new shifts in leadership, Home Franchise Concepts is focused on ongoing operational and technology improvements and is dedicated to enhancing the support for its family of brands. To learn more about Home Franchise Concepts and franchise development opportunities, visit homefranchiseconcepts.com . For more information specific to Budget Blinds, please visit budgetblinds.com . About Budget Blinds Budget Blinds ® is the largest window covering franchise in North America, offering custom blinds, shutters, shades, drapery, and more for residential and commercial consumers in more than 10,000 communities in the U.S. and Canada. Budget Blinds' over 900 business owners, and 1,500 locations, have dressed more than 25 million windows since the brand's founding in 1992. Budget Blinds is part of the Home Franchise Concepts family of home improvement goods and services brands. About Home Franchise Concepts Home Franchise Concepts® , is one of the world's largest franchising systems in the home improvement goods and services space, among the world's largest franchise businesses and a recognized leader in franchisee-franchisor relationships. Home Franchise Concepts' brands including AdvantaClean® , Aussie Pet Mobile®, Bath Tune-Up® , Budget Blinds® , Concrete Craft® , Kitchen Tune-Up®, Lightspeed RestorationTM , PremierGarage® , The Tailored Closet®, and Two Maids® are supported by more than 2,600 franchise territories in the U.S., and Canada . For information on franchise opportunities, please visit http://homefranchiseconcepts.com/ . About JM Family Enterprises JM Family Enterprises, Inc. was founded by automotive legend, Jim Moran in 1968. It is a privately held company with more than $20 billion in revenue and more than 5,000 associates. Rooted in automotive and united in its strong culture and core values, JM Family is in the business of helping other businesses succeed. As a long-term partner, it is invested in its companies, associates and its communities. Driven by exceptional performance, current subsidiaries are in the automotive, financial services, franchising and specialty distribution industries. Its family of companies includes: Southeast Toyota Distributors , JM&A Group , World Omni Financial Corp. (dba Southeast Toyota Finance ), JM Lexus , Home Franchise Concepts ®, Futura Title & Escrow and Rollease Acmeda . Interact with JM Family on Facebook , Instagram and LinkedIn . Contact: Margo Williams mwilliams@fish-consulting.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/budget-blinds-announces-strategic-changes-to-executive-leadership-team-302324283.html SOURCE Home Franchise Concepts
T hree eminent Nigerians: First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Governor Babagana Umar Zulum, yesterday bagged honorary degrees from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) during its 36th Convocation ceremony in recognition of their immense contributions to the development of education, the country and humanity. Also at the convocation, 632 students were admitted into the university’s post-graduate degree for fulfilling all the requirements. While Mrs Tinubu and Uzodimma were conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Management, Honoris Causa, Zulum got the honorary degree of the Doctor of Technology, Honoris Causa. In his welcome address, the Chancellor of the University, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, appreciated the efforts of the university management in dealing with multiple challenges and appealed to the Federal Government to step-up the funding of universities, especially FUTO to enable it cope with the prevailing debilitating and near crippling financial throes. The chancellor whose address was read by the Vice Chancellor, Prof (Mrs.) Nnenna Oti called on stakeholders like the Alumni, corporate bodies, captains of Industry, multinationals and multilateral linkages to assist the university to achieve its mandate in manpower and skills development to drive national economic development. In his message, the Visitor to the university, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated the graduands and the awardees for their meritorious successes and service to the society that merited them the honour. President Tinubu who was represented by the Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, urged them to harness the potentials in the agricultural, vocational and information technology skills to add value to themselves and the nation at large, reminding them that henceforth, they are ambassadors of FUTO and should exhibit creativity, integrity, honesty and innovations as they go into the larger society. The president underscored the Federal Government’s commitment towards tertiary education that necessitated the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) dedicated to granting student’s fees and personal upkeep loans, and commended the management of FUTO for the various initiatives that have repositioned them as a choice university in the country. He urged FUTO and other public universities across the country to make entrepreneurship and skill development top priority so that the graduates nationally and globally will be competitive in emerging technologies and wealth creation. The president enjoined the Pro-Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor, members of the Governing Council and Senate, Principal Officers and indeed all staff of FUTO to serve the university with greater zeal, courage and patriotism and continue to ensure prudent use of resources at their disposal. In her welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Nnenna Oti welcomed all to the 36th Convocation ceremony and called for reawakening of the patriotic zeal to attend the critical mass required to join the league of developed nations. She highlighted several achievements of the university under her watch to include the accreditation of academic programmes, establishment of Centre of Excellence, and improved ranking of the university, among others, noting that “for the first time FUTO was mentioned in a global university ranking.” Other areas of achievements, Oti identified are physical infrastructure development, power infrastructure, expansion of ICT infrastructure, staff welfare and development, research development awards and many others. She identified some challenges which include: lack of staff quarters within the university campus, need for more students hostels, urgent and compelling need for perimeter fencing of the university land, construction of physical infrastructure for the new Teaching Hospital, College of Medicine and Health Sciences and the rehabilitation of internal roads and the major road/broken bridge linking Ihiagwa/other host communities. She, however, appreciated President Tinubu and Governor Uzodimma for their enormous support and assistance to the university that have continued to sustain their operations. In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman 13th Governing Council of FUTO, Senator Jack Tilley-Gyado also singled out and thanked Governor Uzodimma for his personal interest in the university which he said has led to the protection of the university from encroachment and external attacks. He said the governor played more than 80 per cent role in getting the approval of the FUTO University Teaching Hospital, in addition to providing a lot in the areas of security to the university. Tilley-Gyado said: “Governor Uzodimma has a date with history and the FUTO,” and assured that the Council will continue to work closely with the university management to promote amity and good neighbourliness with the host community. He, therefore, enjoined the new graduands to carry the colours and flag of FUTO with pride and distinction wherever they find themselves. In their responses after the conferment of the honour, Uzodimma, Zulum and Mrs Tinubu appreciated the award and pledged their support for the university. Governor Uzodimma was the first to speak. His words: “The Federal University of Technology Owerri is very dear to all of us. That is why since my assumption of office as the governor of Imo State, I have done everything to give all possible support to the existence and well-being of this university. “Today, I’m indeed very glad that I’ve been singled out to be honoured by this great institution – an award which I will hold and cherish for a very longtime. “The difference between other awards and this particular one is that it is coming from an institution that both myself and my government has no influence on, and they were able to single me out for this honour. “On behalf of myself and my wife, the government of Imo State, we are indeed very grateful.” Uzodimma appreciated the First Lady, Governor Zulum and that of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti for being physically present to honour the invitation. He thanked FUTO for the wisdom in selecting the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, himself and the Governor of Bornu State for the award, and reiterated his gratitude to the president for the approval and support to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri and asserted that “Imo people’s support to Mr. President and the wife is organic.” Uzodimma reassured the president that his administration will surely overcome all the challenges he is currently facing in his policies towards making Nigeria better saying, “it is not easy to see the light at the tunnel.” To the FUTO community, he promised to continue to help resolve all the problems faced by the university. In appreciation of the award, he promised to take one of the projects as enumerated by the university and fund it to completion. Governor Zulum commended the president, the Chancellor of the University, the Pro-Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and Management for finding him worthy of the award and said, “will never take the award for granted.” He said that in “partnership with the governor of Imo State” he will “support the university to grow and develop.” He commended the vice chancellor and her management for the several achievements. In her remarks, MrsTinubu said that she was dedicating the award to the girl child as she thanked the university on behalf of other awardees. She pledged to continue to support the university, noting that the award will inspire them to do more. The First Lady congratulated the graduands and charged them to own Nigeria in such a way that it will be a worthy inheritance for the future generation. According to her “Nigerians will reap what they invest in Nigeria.” She proceeded to announce her plan to launch the Green Environment Club where all Nigerians will participate in keeping the environment clean and ensuring proper disposal of waste. The First Lady disclosed that she had earlier donated N50 million as an endowment for the best graduating student and emphasised the need to support the girl child, the reason she dedicated the award to the girl child. The convocation ceremony was attended by the high and mighty within and outside Imo State.A wild first season of the expanded Big 12 is down to what should be a chaotic final weekend. Through all the upsets, unexpected rises and falls, there are nine teams still in the mix to play in the conference championship game. No. 14 Arizona State and No. 17 Iowa State have the best odds, yet a multitude of scenarios could play out — 256 to be exact. There's even the possibility of an eight-team tie. It may take a mathematician to figure out which teams are in the Dec. 7 game in Arlington, Texas — even for the ones who win. Travis Hunter, Colorado. The Buffaloes' two-way star has excelled on both sides of the field, making him one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. Cam Skattebo, Arizona State. The senior running back can do a little of everything, but excels at punishing would-be tacklers. He's one of the nation's leaders in yards after contact and the focal point of the Sun Devils' offense. Shadeur Sanders, Colorado. If it weren't for Hunter, Sanders might be the Heisman favorite. The son of coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur is fifth nationally with 3,488 yards passing and has been a big part of the Buffaloes' turnaround. DJ Giddens, Kansas State. The Wildcats' running back is one of the nation's most versatile players. He is ninth nationally with 1,271 rushing yards and has added 21 receptions for 258 yards. Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona. The Wildcats have struggled this season, but McMillan has not. He is third nationally with 1,251 receiving yards with seven touchdowns on 78 catches. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech. The Red Raiders' junior linebacker leads the Big 12 with 68 tackles, averaging 10.2 per game. He also has four sacks. Brendan Mott, Kansas State. He's a menace to opposing quarterbacks, leading the Big 12 with 8 1/2 sacks. The Big 12 has nine teams already bowl eligible and two more a win away. The winner of the Big 12 championship game will be in the mix for a College Football Playoff spot. Arizona State, Iowa State, No. 19 BYU, Colorado, Kansas State, Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech and West Virginia have already clinched bowl berths. Kansas and Cincinnati can get into the postseason with wins this weekend. Gus Malzahn, UCF. Despite successes in recruiting, the Knights are 10-14 in two seasons since moving to the Big 12. Maybe not enough to get shown the door this year, but another mediocre season could lead UCF to make a change. Kyle Whittingham, Utah. Whittingham was one of the Pac-12's best coaches, leading the Utes to consecutive conference titles. Utah was expected to contend for the Big 12 title its first year in the league, but enters the final weekend 1-7 in conference play, which could push Whittingham toward retirement since it's doubtful he'd be fired. Neal Brown, West Virginia. The Mountaineers' coach was in a precarious spot at the end of last season and West Virginia hasn't lived up to expectations this season. The Mountaineers are eligible to go to a bowl game for the second straight season, but Brown could be on the hot seat even after signing a contract extension before the season. Josiah Trotter, West Virginia. The redshirt freshman is the latest Trotter to have success at the linebacker position, following the footsteps of his father, former Philadelphia Eagles player Jeremiah Trotter, and brother Jeremiah Trotter Jr., a current Eagles linebacker. Sam Leavitt, Arizona State. The Michigan State transfer has been just what the Sun Devils' needed: an agile quarterback who extends plays with his legs and rarely makes bad decisions. Bryson Washington, Baylor. The Bears' running back has rushed for 812 yards — 196 against TCU — and 10 TDs. TCU has the Big 12's highest rated 2025 recruiting class with six four-star players among 26 commitments, according to the 247 Sports composite. Receiver Terry Shelton of Carrollton, Texas, is the highest-rated recruit at 71st nationally. Baylor is next with five five-star players among its 20 commitments, including running back Michael Turner, rated 13th at his position out of North Richland Hills, Texas. Texas Tech is ranked seventh in the Big 12, but has four four-star recruits. Get local news delivered to your inbox!