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CHICAGO (AP) — Aidan Laughery rushed for three touchdowns and No. 22 Illinois topped Northwestern 38-28 on Saturday to reach nine victories for the first time since its 2007 Rose Bowl season. Pat Bryant dashed in to score off Luke Altmyer’s 43-yard pass early in the third quarter as Illinois (9-3, 6-3 Big Ten) struck for touchdowns just over 4 minutes apart early in the third quarter to open a 28-10 lead in what had been a tight game. Bryant's 10th receiving touchdown tied a school record. Altmyer, who threw for 170 yards, had a TD himself on a keeper from the 1-yard line early in the second quarter. David Olano added a field goal in the fourth to cap Illinois' scoring. Laughery, a sophomore running back, rushed for a career-best 172 yards and topped 100 for the first time. He entered with only one TD this season and two for his career. He had a career-long 64-yard run for a score early in the second half. Coach Bret Bielema said he wasn't surprised by Laughery's explosive performance as the Gibson City, Illinois product rounded back into form after being hampered by a hamstring injury earlier this season. “I thought today would be a day that could happen,” Bielema said. “Today some of those turned into big home run hits we've kind of been waiting on all year.” Laughery said he's been prepping for this kind of game, when he carried the ball 12 times for an average of 14.3 yards. “Finally, the opportunity was there,” said Laughery, who got the game ball. “You know you gotta' hit one and it came together today.” He credited the Illini offensive line with opening space for his breakout performance. “Those guys were covering them (Northwestern's defense) all day long,” Laughery said. “It was awesome running behind the looks we were getting” Northwestern’s Devin Turner intercepted Altmyer twice, including for a 13-yard touchdown return late in the first quarter. Thomas Gordon caught Jack Lausch's 15-yard TD pass with a minute left, then the Wildcats added a two-point conversion to complete the scoring. Northwestern (4-8, 2-7 Big Ten) didn’t pack it in as hosted its second game this season at Wrigley Field, this time on a breezy sunny day with game-time temperature of 20 degrees. It looked like the Illini might run away after Bryant’s 10th receiving touchdown 4:52 into the third. He entered tied for the Big Ten lead. But Luke Akers kicked his second field goal of the game, a 34-yarder, with 5:35 left in the third quarter to cut it to 28-13. Lausch led the Wildcats on their next possession and finished it with an 11-yard touchdown toss to A.J. Henning to narrow the Illini lead to 28-20. Then Mac Resetich intercepted Lausch’s pass 50 seconds into the fourth quarter. Laughery powered up the middle for 31 yards and his third TD about two minutes later to quell the Wildcats' momentum. Northwestern dominated in possession time — 34:32 to 25:28 —and plays — 90 to 53. The margin was even more pronounced in the first half, but the Wildcats settled for a 13-yard touchdown return on Turner’s second pick of the game with 2:14 left in the first quarter and Akers’ 21-yard field goal that opened the scoring 6:29 in. Illinois led 14-10 at the half on Laughery’s 30-yard TD run midway through the first quarter and Altmyer’s keeper 1:39 into the second. Akers missed wide to the right on a 44-yard attempt as time ran out in the half. Both teams’ leading pass receivers were injured. Northwestern’s Bryce Kirtz was knocked out of the game in the first quarter with a lower-body injury after two receptions that upped his total yards to 598. Illinois’ Bryant went to the locker room with about 5 minutes left in the first half after Turner collided with him as he plucked his second interception. Bryant returned, however, for the second half. THE TAKEAWAY Illinois: Is in line for a prestigious bowl game appearance and a chance to tie the school record of 10 wins, most recently set during their 2001 Sugar Bowl season. “We wanted to put ourselves in a good position on this day to get to nine wins and see where it can go,” Bielema said. “Just a fun day overall. I don't know what the future holds. It think we're a team that can play with anybody in the country.” Northwestern: Finished its second season under coach David Braun at 4-8 overall and 2-7 in the Big Ten. The Wildcats dropped their final three and five of the last six. UP NEXT Illinois is headed to a bowl game. Northwestern opens its 2025 season at Tulane on Aug. 30.
NEW YORK (AP) — Top-ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans . Lamenting the contretemps, International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement Sunday that he'd let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, and other “elegant minor deviations” from the dress code. He said Carlsen's stand — which culminated in his quitting the tournament Friday — highlighted a need for more discussion “to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess as a global and accessible sport.” Carlsen, meanwhile, said in a video posted Sunday on social media that he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship when it begins Monday. “I think the situation was badly mishandled on their side,” the 34-year-old Norwegian grandmaster said. But he added that he loves playing blitz — a fast-paced form of chess — and wanted fans to be able to watch, and that he was encouraged by his discussions with the federation after Friday's showdown. “I think we sort of all want the same thing,” he suggested in the video on his Take Take Take chess app’s YouTube channel. “We want the players to be comfortable, sure, but also relatively presentable.” The events began when Carlsen wore jeans and a sportcoat Friday to the Rapid World Championship, which is separate from but held in conjunction with the blitz event. The chess federation said Friday that longstanding rules prohibit jeans at those tournaments, and players are lodged nearby to make sartorial switch-ups easy if needed. An official fined Carlsen $200 and asked him to change pants, but he refused and wasn't paired for a ninth-round game, the federation said at the time. The organization noted that another grandmaster, Ian Nepomniachtchi, was fined earlier in the day for wearing sports shoes, changed and continued to play. Carlsen has said that he offered to wear something else the next day, but officials were unyielding. He said “it became a bit of a matter of principle,” so he quit the rapid and blitz championships. In the video posted Sunday, he questioned whether he had indeed broken a rule and said changing clothes would have needlessly interrupted his concentration between games. He called the punishment “unbelievably harsh.” “Of course, I could have changed. Obviously, I didn’t want to,” he said, and “I stand by that.”
Kochi, Nov 30 (PTI) A comprehensive, radical shift in Kerala's higher education sector is essential, Minister R Bindu said. The minister emphasized that higher educational institutions in the state are playing a key role in creating a knowledge-based society with a focus on bridging the gap between education and employment and promoting students' entrepreneurial interests. Also Read | Ajmer Sharif Dargah Row: Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Shrine Embroils in Controversy As Petition Claims Shiva Temple Under Mosque; From Its History to Court Case, Know All About It. Bindu, the minister of higher education in the state, was addressing a meeting of committees set up to conduct the 'Shaping Kerala's Future - International Conclave on Next-Gen Higher Education,' organized by the Kerala State Council for Higher Education at Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) here, a press release issued by the university on Saturday said. The international conclave will take place on January 14 and 15 next year at Cusat. Minister R Bindu noted that the conclave, which was announced in response to the rapid pace of global changes, is part of the state government's vision, the release stated. Also Read | Maharashtra Chief Minister Swearing-In Ceremony To Be Held on December 5: Mahayuti 2.0 Government to Take Oath in PM Narendra Modi’s Presence at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Law Minister P Rajeev, who was the chief guest at the meeting, said that Kerala is set to enter an era of 'brain gain' and reverse migration. He emphasized that higher educational institutions are key to solving industry challenges. He also said an ecosystem where researchers, academia, and industry can collaborate was essential. Minister Rajeev added that conferences like this will significantly influence policy-making, driving change and enabling reverse migration through advancements in both industrial and educational sectors. The conclave aims to discuss innovative approaches and share excellence in research and academics, offering a platform to address the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, the release said. Plenary and parallel sessions will cover topics such as Kerala's global perspective on education, research excellence, economic sustainability, artificial intelligence, the role of research in policy-making, changes in the workplace and teaching sectors, and the impact of student unions on higher education, it added. The meeting also proposed conducting various pre-conclave events at Kochi's leading educational institutions, the release said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)Josh Allen, Bills crush Jets, secure No. 2 seed in AFCArtificial intelligence (AI) has propelled stocks to monster gains over the last two years, starting with the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT. By now, investors are well aware of breakout stories like Nvidia and Palantir Technologies that have been early to capitalize on the boom, but there are likely to be plenty of other winners from the new technology. Some CEOs think AI could be as big as the internet, and big tech companies are already spending billions on this evolving technology in order to take leadership of what is expected to be the next major computing platform. However, there are still other opportunities to capitalize on the growth in AI. Let's take a look at two of them. 1. TSMC Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( TSM -0.70% ) hasn't gotten as much attention as chip stocks like Nvidia, but TSMC, as the company is also known, could be the most important company in the AI revolution. TSMC is the company that Nvidia and other fabless chipmakers like Advanced Micro Devices , Broadcom , and Qualcomm as well as big tech companies like Apple , Amazon , and Alphabet turn to for their chip production needs. In other words, it's a linchpin in the supply chain for both the semiconductor industry and artificial intelligence as so many companies depend on it to manufacture their products. TSMC has already begun to capitalize on the AI-driven demand as revenue in its most recently reported quarter jumped 39% year over year to $23.5 billion, and TSMC also generates impressive margins with an operating margin of 47.6% in the third quarter, showing its wide economic moat in the industry. The company looks poised to capitalize on continuing demand for AI chips since it handles roughly 90% of third-party manufacturing of advanced chips and works closely with companies like Nvidia on production. TSMC itself touts its "leading-edge logic, memory, and packaging technologies," and its chips go into a wide range of devices, including servers in the data center and edge devices like smartphones and appliances. While there's still some uncertainty in the AI boom, demand is likely to grow over the next several years. TSMC seems better positioned to capitalize on it than other AI stocks on the market. The stock has nearly doubled in 2024 but has more room to run as it trades at a reasonable price-to-earnings ratio of just 33. 2. Upstart Upstart ( UPST -5.62% ) is still well below its peak during the pandemic, meaning the stock has largely been forgotten even as it's started to rally again this year. Upstart uses proprietary AI technology to determine creditworthiness to originate consumer loans, and it claims that its technology is significantly better than traditional FICO scores. The company has also seen a recovery in its business, which it attributes to improvements in its model. Management noted that Model 18, its latest update, drove large conversion improvements in the third quarter, meaning more applicants ended up receiving loans. Upstart's business model is also a reminder that there are opportunities in AI beyond just generative AI. Beyond its own competitive advantage in loan originations, Upstart has significant upside potential because interest rates should eventually come down, encouraging more borrowing, potentially lifting the business to its earlier peak as demand for loans surged during the pandemic. While the company is sensitive to the macroeconomic environment, AI remains the key to unlocking the potential of the business as disrupting the broader loan ecosystem and serving as the de facto creditworthiness measurement would generate huge returns for Upstart, which is valued at just $6.5 billion. The business has returned to growth with revenue up 20% to $162 million in the third quarter, though Upstart is not currently profitable. However, there's a lot of potential for margins to scale up as the business grows.
Amazon Workers in Over 30 Countries Take Coordinated Action on Black FridayJoe Burrow threw three touchdown passes to Tee Higgins, including a game-winning scoring strike with 1:07 left in overtime, to give the host Cincinnati Bengals an electrifying 30-24 win over the Denver Broncos on Saturday. Cade York could have given Cincinnati (8-8) the win with 2:43 to go in the extra session, but his 33-yard field-goal attempt hit the left upright. The Bengals' defense buckled down, though, forcing Denver to go three-and-out to get Burrow, Higgins and the rest of the offense back out on the field. Cincinnati proceeded to go 63 yards in five plays, with Higgins' 3-yard TD catch giving the Bengals their fourth straight victory. Higgins finished with 11 catches for 131 yards. Marvin Mims Jr. forced overtime by hauling in a 25-yard score on fourth-and-1 to draw the Broncos (9-7) even at 24 with eight seconds left in regulation. Burrow had put Cincinnati in front by plunging into the end zone from 1 yard out just 1:21 earlier. Burrow completed 39 of 49 passes for 412 yards and the three touchdowns while Ja'Marr Chase had nine catches for 102 yards and set a single-season franchise record for receptions. He now has 117. Tight end Mike Gesicki played a key role in the Cincinnati passing game, grabbing a season-high 10 catches for 86 yards. The Bengals kept their playoff hopes alive, but they must beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18 while also getting losses from the Broncos, Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts. Mims was rookie quarterback Bo Nix's favorite target, recording 103 yards and a pair of scores on eight receptions. Nix went 24-for-31 passing for 219 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Denver is still in search of a wild-card spot and can lock one down with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Jan. 5. Wil Lutz booted a 30-yard field goal to open the scoring and give the Broncos a 3-0 lead. The first Burrow-to-Higgins TD -- a 2-yard connection -- put the hosts up 7-3 with 1:49 to go in the first half, and that advantage held until the break. A 22-yard field goal from York made it 10-3 with 9:07 remaining in the third quarter. Nix found Courtland Sutton for a 6-yard touchdown to tie things at 10. The teams then traded fourth-quarter TDs, with Higgins snatching a 12-yard scoring pass and Mims ending up on the receiving end of a 51-yard strike. --Field Level Media Get any of our free daily email newsletters — news headlines, opinion, e-edition, obituaries and more.
Highlighting Dedication, Community, and Operational Excellence in the Competitive Restaurant Industry David Boisture Dickey's Barbecue Dallas Area Director and 22-year franchisee As a franchisee and area director, Boisture operates a Dickey's location in Arlington at Ballpark and Lamar, one of several stores he has successfully managed during his tenure with the company. His longevity and sustained success highlight the stability and scalability of the Dickey's franchise model. "When I first joined Dickey's, I was drawn to its authenticity and community focus,” Boisture said. "Over the past two decades, I've seen firsthand how those values resonate with customers and create a sustainable foundation for growth.” A Foundation for Long-Term Success Boisture's journey with Dickey's began in 2002, sparked by his father-in-law's recommendation after seeing an ad in The Wall Street Journal. A visit to Dickey's then-modest headquarters and a conversation with founder Travis Dickey left a lasting impression, inspiring Boisture to open his first store. Since then, Boisture has not only grown his own business but has also played a critical role in mentoring new franchisees and ensuring operational excellence across multiple locations. Roland Dickey Jr. , CEO of Dickey's Capital Group , emphasized the importance of Boisture's contributions. "David represents the kind of leadership and commitment that defines the success of our franchise system,” said Dickey Jr. "His 22 years with Dickey's are a reflection of the strength of the brand and the value of consistency in delivering high-quality barbecue and exceptional service to our communities.” The Role of Community and Leadership Throughout his career, Boisture has been a strong advocate for local engagement, seeing it as a critical component of Dickey's success. "Community involvement isn't just good business; it's essential to building trust and loyalty,” Boisture said. "Supporting local events and organizations has helped us build lasting connections that benefit both the franchise and the neighborhoods we serve.” Now, as an area director, Boisture oversees multiple locations in the Dallas area, applying his years of experience to support other franchise owners in navigating challenges and building sustainable operations. "David's depth of knowledge and leadership have been invaluable to our team,” said Laura Rea Dickey , CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. "His long tenure with the brand reflects a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and a focus on long-term success.” A Legacy of Stability In an industry often subject to fleeting trends, Boisture attributes his enduring success to Dickey's consistent approach to growth and its emphasis on operational excellence. "Dickey's has always focused on building something sustainable,” he said. "The brand's careful approach to expansion and its dedication to franchisee support create an environment where businesses can thrive for the long term.” For Boisture, the impact of his work extends beyond business metrics. "Being part of Dickey's has given me a career that's not only rewarding but also meaningful,” he said. "It's allowed me to provide for my family, support my community, and be part of a brand with real staying power.” About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world's largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey's Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.TM Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey's barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey's never takes shortcuts-because real barbecue can't be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey's Barbecue Franchise and Dickey's Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickey's has been recognized on Newsweek's 2022 "America's Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation's Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today's 2021 Readers' Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual's "Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology's Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine . For more information, visit www.dickeys.com . For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com . Attachment David Boisture CONTACT: Louisa Garrett Dickey's Barbecue Pit [email protected]
TORONTO — There’s never a dull moment in the travel industry and that’s especially true for Canada’s airlines. This past year was a strong one for Canada’s carriers. While it wasn’t the gold rush of 2023, demand was still high, and another year of revenge travel kept plenty of bookings coming in. As the airlines worked to maximize loads and streamline operations for the most efficient networks, there were schedule and operational changes, leading to headaches for many travel advisors. The year ended with execs from four of Canada’s biggest carriers testifying before a parliamentary committee on contentious issues ranging from carry-on baggage fees to aviation industry reform. Travelweek connected with six airlines – Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines, Air Transat, Sunwing Airlines and Flair Airlines – to get their take on 2024 highlights, and what’s on the horizon for 2025. __________________________________________________________________________ AIR CANADA Lisa Pierce VP, Global Sales & Air Canada Vacations 2024: “This year was incredible, and a key accomplishment was returning to stability and growth after the pandemic. This was highlighted by our decision to resume service to Beijing and increase our Shanghai flights, as China is a very important market. As well, there were other increases in the Pacific, with capacity up 31 per cent in the third quarter over 2023 and an exciting new route to Manila. 2025: “In 2025, customers will benefit from new technology throughout their journey, including biometric boarding options, more WiFi access, and even a new aircraft type as the first two A320 XLRs are due to arrive later this year. There are also important milestones such as the 40th anniversary of Aeroplan in 2024 and the 50th anniversary of ACV in 2025, which we celebrate not only as past accomplishments, but also because they speak to Air Canada’s long-term commitment to the future.” __________________________________________________________________________ WESTJET Jeff Hagen VP, Commercial Development & Strategic Partnerships 2024: “As part of our ambitious growth strategy, WestJet has made significant strides in expanding air connectivity across Canada. This summer, we enhanced our presence in Eastern Canada, strengthening connections to key Western Canadian destinations and restarting transoceanic flights from Halifax and St. John’s. Additionally, we launched new service between Calgary and Seoul, South Korea, solidifying YYC as a global hub for WestJet. We also unveiled two new offerings: UltraBasic fares, providing more affordable options, and Extended Comfort, enhancing the flying experience with extra space and convenience. 2025: “Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to complete the integration of Sunwing Airlines, which will further augment our ability to serve sun and leisure destinations for travellers across the country. We’ll also be rolling out several initiatives to improve affordability and convenience for Canadian travellers, including our partnership with TELUS to offer free in-flight WiFi.” __________________________________________________________________________ PORTER AIRLINES Edmond Eldebs Senior VP & Chief Commercial Officer 2024: “Porter’s reach is expanding rapidly across North America. We are already the third-largest airline at Toronto Pearson Airport and the second-largest serving the combined Canada-U.S. markets from there. Our growing presence is disrupting the status quo and giving passengers genuine alternatives that previously didn’t exist. This winter season, we added substantially more flight options and became a real player in sun destinations, such as Florida (14 routes, from four Eastern Canada airports, to six destinations), California (Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Palm Springs), Las Vegas (from Toronto-Pearson, Ottawa and Montréal) and Phoenix. As we take on more aircraft, we will continue to expand our elevated economy service to more sun destinations and increase frequencies. “Porter continues to expand our joint venture with Air Transat. The flow of passengers on both carriers means that Porter is able to develop a more robust North American network by increasing flight frequency on key domestic and transborder routes, and entering into new markets with less point-to-point traffic. Air Transat is then able to focus its capacity and destinations on transatlantic and sun routes that integrate with Porter flights. The joint venture also allows customers to book stand-alone flights on each airline through our respective distribution channels.” 2025: “We’re done a lot of research over the last year to better understand what Porter passengers want and expect in a loyalty program. Not only the types of ways they want to earn and redeem their points, but the underlying tenets of loyalty that represent what people want and expect from a brand. In 2025, we’ll be adding earning and redemption options with partner airlines to the VIPorter program, introducing a credit card and broadly improving the program to maximize the benefits for frequent travellers.” __________________________________________________________________________ AIR TRANSAT Marie-Eve Vallières Senior Advisor, PR & Content 2024: “2024 was a year of bold initiatives and concrete progress, reinforcing our position as a leader in leisure travel and setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in the years ahead. One of Air Transat’s outstanding operational achievements in 2024 was the successful insourcing of passenger and ramp services at Montreal-Trudeau earlier this year. We’re very pleased to report a 7-percentage-point improvement in our on-time performance in the fourth quarter compared to the same period last year. This marks the second consecutive quarter of significant progress, largely due to this massive transition. “On the network front, 2024 was a year of exciting growth. We launched flights to Lima and Marrakesh, marking our expansion into a new continent, and announced upcoming flights to Valencia in 2025. These additions highlight our dedication to connecting travellers with unique and culturally rich destinations. Strategically, our joint venture with Porter Airlines continues to be a game-changer, enhancing connectivity across Canada and laying the foundation for future growth. Finally, we continue to excel in customer experience. Our customer satisfaction rating (CSAT) saw continued improvement in the fourth quarter, reflecting the exceptional service that has earned us multiple accolades, including the Skytrax award for World’s Best Leisure Airline for the sixth time. 2025: “At Air Transat, our commitment is to ensure that anyone who flies with us feels they’re getting great value from every aspect of the journey, from the warm hospitality on board to the destinations we thoughtfully select. We are carrying forward the energy that drove our 2024 introductions of Marrakesh and Lima as we ramp up frequencies on key routes like Toronto–Amsterdam, Toronto–Montego Bay, and Toronto–Varadero in 2025. In fact, with 26 direct European routes now available from Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City, we’re establishing ourselves as the only airline in the Americas opening doors to a wealth of curated, extraordinary places. Our evolving transatlantic and South networks underscore our trailblazing role in helping travellers see more of the world on their own terms.” __________________________________________________________________________ SUNWING AIRLINES Len Corrado President 2024: “Our biggest accomplishment has to be our people. Sunwing Airlines has been successful because of our team of EPIC employees across all areas of the business, from our head office employees to our cabin crew and pilots, our maintenance and engineering team, and our partners on the frontline at the airport interacting with customers. This past November we also marked a milestone – 19 incredible years of service in the industry, helping to make our customers’ vacation dreams come true. We could not be prouder of all that we’ve accomplished together during this time.” 2025: “2025 is a big year for us. It will be Sunwing Airlines’ last winter in service, which is bittersweet, but we are looking forward to making this our best winter season yet. Our incredible airline team will remain focused on prioritizing the safety of our customers and employees throughout the travel journey, and on helping customers make incredible vacation memories to last a lifetime.” __________________________________________________________________________ FLAIR AIRLINES Eric Tanner VP of Revenue Management & Network Planning 2024: “In 2024, Flair became the only airline offering direct flights from Vancouver International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport to Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), with up to three flights per week from each city. We’ve been warmly welcomed in Guadalajara as a vital link connecting friends, family, and business opportunities between Mexico and Canada. “Despite inflation, Flair continues to carry over 4.5 million travellers annually, with a 3% year-over-year increase in load factors. We’re making air travel better, more affordable, and accessible for Canadians. In 2024, Flair delivered the highest flight completion rate and one of the best On-Time Performance (OTP) records among Canadian airlines. To strengthen that promise, we launched Canada’s first On-Time Guarantee (OTG), ensuring passengers can rely on us to get home, see loved ones, and attend important events – on time and at the right price.” 2025: “Expect more daily flights between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), making same-day trips between British Columbia and Alberta easier than ever. Flair is committed to making Canada more connected – affordably. Beyond offering lower fares and streamlined services, Flair is committed to delivering the ‘gift of connection.’ Flair is creating opportunities for lasting memories and positive experiences.”AP Sports SummaryBrief at 4:56 p.m. EST
Avrupa Minerals Ltd. ( CVE:AVU – Get Free Report ) shares reached a new 52-week low during trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as C$0.02 and last traded at C$0.02, with a volume of 33000 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$0.03. Avrupa Minerals Stock Performance The stock has a 50 day moving average of C$0.03 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$0.03. The stock has a market capitalization of C$1.29 million, a PE ratio of -2.00 and a beta of 1.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a current ratio of 1.22 and a quick ratio of 1.75. Avrupa Minerals Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Avrupa Minerals Ltd. engages in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in Europe. It explores for gold, copper, and zinc. The company holds interest in the Alvalade project located in Iberian Pyrite Belt, Portugal; and Slivovo exploration license in Kosovo. It also holds interests in the Pielavesi, Kolima, and Yli-li properties in Finland. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Avrupa Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Avrupa Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .In the wake of a successful effort to kill a year-end spending bill and replace it with more limited legislation to keep the government open, Elon Musk declared victory on X (formerly Twitter), the social media platform he owns: “Your actions turned a bill that weighed pounds into a bill that weighed ounces!” he crowed. “You are the media now. VOX POPULI VOX DEI.” The stopgap funding measure will largely delay major spending decisions until after Donald Trump’s inauguration, keep the government open through the holidays and at least temporarily delay the most indefensible spending that was crammed into the scale-tipping bill. But those who believe the indefensible spending won’t end up back in the budget are endearingly optimistic. The most interesting political takeaway from the drama is that the Republican Party now has two masters with different goals. Musk’s stated mission was to impose fiscal restraint and greater efficiency on government (though his unstated motives are a matter of speculation). Trump’s objective was to avoid the hassles of a debate over raising the government borrowing limit early in his term, freeing him to rack up more debt through spending and tax cuts. Based purely on the political result, Musk won and Trump lost. While the bill does spend less than the earlier version, it does not raise the debt ceiling. A case can be made for both goals. I think Musk is indisputably correct about the need to cut spending. And although I don’t want Trump to be able to amass more debt, fights over the borrowing limit are reckless because they put the full faith and credit of the United States in doubt. The challenge for Republican legislators is that they are caught between the agendas of two figures who are very popular on the right, and those agendas — and perhaps others — are in conflict. We’ll have to wait to see how the politics play out. In the meantime, I want to address the more philosophical problems with Musk’s position. First of all, literally weighing the value or profligacy of a piece of legislation by the ounce, as Musk proposes, is not exactly logical. The National Industrial Recovery Act — the foundational legislation of the New Deal — comes in at an economical 18 pages, but that hardly gives one a sense of its massive impact on the economy. Then there’s the idea that Musk’s minor budget victory proves his X followers are “the media now.” Huh? The standard conservative complaint about traditional national media is that they mislead the public in the service of an ideological or self-serving agenda. Musk rallied his virtual mob with a host of false claims about the bigger-spending bill. Now he is suggesting that misleading the public in the service of the agenda of the owner of a media platform is a glorious triumph. It’s certainly a triumph for if-you-can’t-beat-them-join-them hypocrisy. Lastly, Musk’s oft-repeated motto “Vox populi, vox dei” — “The voice of the people is the voice of God” — is theological nonsense. Its use by British Whigs to challenge monarchical power in the 18th century was politically defensible, but it doesn’t take a divinity degree to understand that, taken literally, the phrase argues that God is subservient to the passions and vicissitudes of public opinion. It’s very difficult to find anything in the Old or New Testament to back up that idea. If a poll were all it took to change God’s mind, Sodom and Gomorrah would have been fine, Noah wouldn’t have needed a boat, and Jesus wouldn’t have had to ask God to “forgive them, for they know not what they do.” One of the earliest mentions of the Latin phrase is found in the writings of Alcuin of York, an adviser to Charlemagne. Alcuin told the first holy Roman emperor to ignore such declarations of public godliness “since the riotousness of the crowd is always very close to madness.” Musk started using the phrase “Vox populi, vox dei” to validate the verdicts of his own Twitter polls. When users voted to reinstate Trump’s account two years ago, Musk declared that the result he clearly wanted amounted to a divine statement. We can only guess what this says about Musk’s God complex and its compatibility with his role as Trump’s Alcuin. But my main objection to Musk’s assertion is that it’s a dangerous lie. The idea that the largest mob has God on its side is even more pernicious than the notion that legislation should be measured in pounds. Jonah Goldberg is editor-in-chief of The Dispatch and the host of The Remnant podcast.
NoneSalesforce Inc. reported quarterly revenue that topped analysts’ estimates, boosting investor hopes that the company’s much-hyped strategy for artificial intelligence products will lift financial results. The shares gained in extended trading. Share Market View All Nifty Gainers View All Company Value Change %Change Sales increased 8.3% to $9.44 billion in the period ended October 31, the company said Tuesday in a statement. Analysts, on average, estimated $9.35 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Adjusted operating margin, a measure of profitability, was 33.1%, compared with an average estimate of 32.2% Salesforce, the top seller of customer relations management software, pivoted its AI strategy this year to focus on tools called agents, which are designed to complete tasks such as customer support or sales development without human supervision. The San Francisco-based company launched its product, dubbed Agentforce, in October, with initial pricing of about $2 per agent conversation. Chief Executive Officer Marc Benioff said last month that he was so confident in Agentforce that Salesforce would add 1,000 employees to sell it. That planned hiring surge follows almost two years of costs cuts at the company, including job reductions, as Benioff worked to control expenses and improve profitability after pressure from activist investors. The company has signed a “good number” of deals related to Agentforce, Executive Vice President Mike Spencer said in an interview after the earnings release. Still, these deals are largely initial roll-outs and will take time to show up in the company’s results, he added. The stock has been volatile this year, dipping to a low of $218.01 on May 30 after the company projected the slowest sales growth in its history. Since then, the shares have rebounded more than 50% on optimism for Salesforce’s new AI strategy. “Agentforce has overtaken the CRM narrative by storm,” wrote Tyler Radke, an analyst at Citigroup, ahead of the results. “As I’m sure everybody knows on the quarter — these numbers are not what we’re really excited about,” Benioff said on a conference call after the results were released. “And while the quarter numbers are fantastic, the real excitement is really what is hitting with the technology.” The shares rose more than 9% in extended trading after closing at $331.43 in New York. Salesforce said fiscal third-quarter profit, excluding some items, was $2.41 a share. Analysts, on average, estimated $2.44. The earnings were affected by losses within Salesforce Ventures, the company’s investment arm, Spencer said. Revenue will be $9.9 billion to $10.1 billion in the current quarter ending in January, in line with analysts’ estimates. Current remaining performance obligation, a measure of booked sales, will expand about 9%, compared with a 9.2% increase expected by analysts. Sales growth in Salesforce’s large acquired divisions — Slack, Mulesoft, and Tableau — dipped in the fiscal third quarter, the company said in a presentation. Mulesoft revenue expanded 1% in constant currency, compared with a 13% jump in the preceding quarter. The business unit containing marketing and e-commerce software expanded 8% in constant currency during the quarter, just ahead of Wall Street estimates. The company’s Commerce Cloud product has seen increased competition from Canadian software vendor Shopify Inc., which says it has taken hundreds of Salesforce clients.Prosecutors: DC police officer’s talk with Proud Boys leader grew secretive as arrest neared
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Paving the way for the future of energy storage with solid-state batteries December 20, 2024 Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University Advances in solid-state battery research are paving the way for safer, longer-lasting energy storage solutions. A recent review highlights breakthroughs in inorganic solid electrolytes and their role in improving battery performance. The study also addresses key challenges, such as interfacial compatibility, while proposing innovative strategies for next-generation battery technologies. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email Rapid advancements in solid-state battery technology are ushering in a new era of energy storage solutions, with the potential to revolutionize everything from electric vehicles to renewable energy systems. Evolutions in electrolyte engineering have played a key role in this progress, enhancing the development and performance of high-performance all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). A recent review paper dived into these developments and summarized the cutting-edge research on inorganic solid electrolytes (ISEs) used in ASSBs. Researchers explored how oxides, sulfides, hydroborates, antiperovskites and halides play a pivotal role in powering next-generation -batteries. These materials are not only used as electrolytes but also as catholytes and interface layers, which enhance battery performance and safety. "We highlighted the recent breakthroughs in synthesizing these materials, honing our attention on the innovative techniques that enable the precise tuning of their properties to meet the demanding requirements of ASSBs," says Eric Jianfeng Cheng, an associate professor at Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR). "Precise tuning is crucial for developing batteries with higher energy densities, longer life cycles, and better safety profiles than conventional liquid-based batteries." Cheng and his colleagues also touched on the key electrochemical characteristics of ISEs, such as ionic conductivity, stability, and compatibility with electrodes Additionally, they explored current ASSB models, proposing emerging approaches that could pave the way for the future of energy storage. Yet, the review cautioned that several challenges remain in the development of ASSBs. One significant hurdle is the limited compatibility between ISEs and electrodes, which can lead to harmful interfacial reactions. Overcoming these issues is critical for enhancing the efficiency and longevity of ASSBs. The review outlined these challenges in detail while also sharing insights into ongoing efforts to tackle them. "Our comprehensive review underscores the importance of continued research and development in the field of solid-state batteries. By developing new materials, improving synthesis methods, and overcoming compatibility issues, current efforts are driving innovation toward practical ASSBs that could transform how we store and use energy," adds Cheng. The review was published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A. Story Source: Materials provided by Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University . Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference : Cite This Page :Delhi election: Manish Sisodia unveils education manifesto for Jangpura constituencyPorter's 26 lead Middle Tennessee over South Florida 95-88
NoneResearchers develop new semiconductor materials that change color
Donald Trump doesn’t exactly have a great record with musicians. He’s infamous for stealing their music and racking up cease-and-desist letters— and even lawsuits —because they don’t want to have any association with him. Unless you’re still hanging onto that Kid Rock poster you bought in the early aughts, you can take some small comfort in knowing that some of your favorite artists are not Trump fans. Earlier this year, Swift’s success has had the Republican world of conspiracists and misogynists claiming the mega pop star was a “deep state” psychological operation created to shift the election away from Trump. In September, she endorsed Kamala Harris —which of course drove conservatives absolutely mad . It made Trump so mad, he posted “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!” on his social media site. x x YouTube Video The Puerto Rican popstar backed Kamala Harris on Instagram to his 45 million followers after racist comedian Tony Hinchcliffe called Puerto Rico a “ floating island of garbage ” at Trump’s Nazi-inspired rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City. x x YouTube Video A longtime critic of Trump , the rapper loaned his talents to Vice President Kamala’s campaign at a rally in Michigan, alongside former President Barack Obama. x x YouTube Video Cher endorsed Harris in October, but her history of slamming Trump goes all the way back to his first run for the White House, when she called him “a fucking idiot.” x x YouTube Video The legendary folk singer made it clear she would vote against the orange one if she were a U.S. citizen. “Fuck Donald Trump,” she declared at a concert in October. x x YouTube Video The Puerto Rican superstar singer and actor cut a powerful promo for the Harris campaign, reminding Hispanic voters of Trump’s bigotry. x x YouTube Video Grant took Trump to court for his use of Grant’s hit song “Electric Avenue,” in 2020— and won! x x YouTube Video Trump’s unauthorized use of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” led the group to reunite long enough to slap him with a lawsuit . The front man of the group, Jack White, posted a damning statement on his Instagram account on Election Day. “Americans chose a known, obvious fascist and now America will get whatever this wannabe dictator wants to enact from here on in,” he wrote . x x YouTube Video Williams sent Trump a cease-and-desist letter for playing his hit “Happy” at Trump’s ill-advised rally the same day 11 people were murdered at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Pittsburg, in October 2018. “On the day of the mass murder of 11 human beings at the hands of a deranged ‘nationalist’, you played his song Happy to a crowd at a political event in Indiana,” the letter said. “There was nothing ‘happy’ about the tragedy inflicted upon our country on Saturday and no permission was granted for your use of this song for this purpose.” x x YouTube Video In 2020, he sued Trump over the unauthorized use of his music. “The Plaintiff in good conscience cannot allow his music to be used as a ‘theme song’ for a divisive, un-American campaign of ignorance and hate,” his lawyer wrote in the court filing. x x YouTube Video Beyoncé was one of the many artists demanding Trump stop using their music at rallies. Not only did she tell him to stop playing her hit song “Freedom,” but she gave the Harris campaign explicit permission to use it as Harris’ campaign theme song. x x YouTube Video The music legend penned an anthem for women in service of the anti-Trump movement during this year’s election. x x YouTube Video The Boss released a full video detailing exactly why he was not going to vote for Trump. x x YouTube Video(The Center Square) – Bob Casey Jr. is finally ready to say goodbye. Seventeen days after the polls closed, the two-term Democratic senator called Republican challenger Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his win. “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last,” he said in a video posted on X . The concession comes after 16 of 67 counties finished recounting ballots cast, with results showing Casey falling even further behind. Of 702,000 ballots tallied again, McCormick, who declared victory three days after the election, increased his lead by seven votes. During my time in office, I have been guided by an inscription on the Finance Building in Harrisburg: “All public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor.” Thank you for your trust in me for all these years, Pennsylvania. It has been the honor of my lifetime. pic.twitter.com/RSXEFwdge8 The close margin – less than 17,000 ballots or 0.2% – triggered an automatic recount last week, to which Casey could have objected. Counties have until Tuesday to finish the job. Elizabeth Gregory, spokeswoman for McCormick, said in a release “there’s only five more days until the obvious happens.” “Another day closer to this waste of time and money being over,” she said. “We all know how this will end. We’ll be there in five days.” The campaign had maintained there were not enough votes left in the state to overcome the gap . Chief strategist Mark Harris said Casey’s decision to opt for the recount, estimated to cost $1 million, won’t change things. The Associated Press, reached the same conclusion on Nov. 7 when declaring the former hedge fund CEO turned Republican nominee the winner . The flip padded the Republican majority in the U.S. Senate to 53-47 and ended the Casey family’s six-decade presence in state and national political office. “During my time in office, I have been guided by an inscription on the Finance Building in Harrisburg: ‘All public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor,’” Casey said. “Thank you for your trust in me for all these years, Pennsylvania. It has been the honor of my lifetime.” Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, sports, arts & entertainment, state legislature, CFD news, and more.With the new year coming in, there is also something else inching closer, and that is the shortfall of Social Security. As a fear that has been building up for decades, the Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees confirmed it this year when they released a report detailing the current and projected financial status of the two programs each year, and the outlook is not great. Considering this, it is not surprising that according to a Nationwide survey 84% of Americans aged 60 to 65 fear that their benefits will be cut. Another paralyzing fear this group of surveyed individuals have is inflation, which is a natural response to the impact it has had on their finances in the last few years. This is compounded by the fact that many seniors are dependent at least in some way on Social Security benefits, as for most it is a large part of their income, and for many the sole income they have. This dependence on assistance makes reports like the one that came out this year even scarier, as they do not paint a pretty picture. The shortfall of Social Security, a sure thing? Nothing is a sure thing in life, but the current state of the system is not promising. Social Security’s primary source of revenue is the money it collects in payroll taxes, which are supplemented by the money stored in the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund and the Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Fund to pay out the full extent of the benefits that the program sustains today. Since payroll taxes will keep coming in for the foreseeable future, a part of the program will be active for as long as this happens. The problem is that there are a lot more beneficiaries coming into the program than workers replacing them, especially at the contribution level of those leaving the workforce. This is where the Trust Funds come into play. For years now the Trust Funds have been making up the difference between the payroll taxes and the benefits paid out, but these are also running out of money and there is no plan in place to replenish them, with the consequence that program may have to cut benefits if no solutions are put in place. According to the report “The OASI Trust Fund will be able to pay 100 percent of total scheduled benefits until 2033, unchanged from last year’s report. At that time, the fund’s reserves will become depleted and continuing program income will be sufficient to pay 79 percent of scheduled benefits. The DI Trust Fund is projected to be able to pay 100 percent of total scheduled benefits through at least 2098, the last year of this report’s projection period. Last year’s report projected that the DI Trust Fund would be able to pay scheduled benefits through at least 2097, the last year of that report’s projection period. If the OASI Trust Fund and the DI Trust Fund projections are combined, the resulting projected fund (designated OASDI) would be able to pay 100 percent of total scheduled benefits until 2035, one year later than reported last year. At that time, the projected fund’s reserves will become depleted and continuing total fund income will be sufficient to pay 83 percent of scheduled benefits .” These numbers explain the panic that many Americans are going through, but this is not the first time the program has been under peril. Lawmakers have the power to change some of the funding strategies and policies that would shore up the program for generations to come, but no agreement has been reached yet, as both sides of the political aisle seem to be in conflict about how to save the program. While waiting for a solution may be tempting, the best course of action for future retirees is to make their retirement savings a priority by maxing out retirement plans, including catch-up contributions and squirreling away as much as possible in savings.