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roulette in casino Excerpt from Carol Mithers’ book, ‘Rethinking Rescue’Prospera Financial Services Inc lowered its position in Sea Limited ( NYSE:SE – Free Report ) by 4.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 6,012 shares of the Internet company based in Singapore’s stock after selling 266 shares during the quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc’s holdings in SEA were worth $567,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in SE. Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton increased its stake in shares of SEA by 213.7% in the third quarter. Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton now owns 298 shares of the Internet company based in Singapore’s stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 203 shares during the period. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. bought a new stake in SEA in the second quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC boosted its holdings in SEA by 63.1% in the second quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 654 shares of the Internet company based in Singapore’s stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 253 shares during the last quarter. Canton Hathaway LLC boosted its holdings in SEA by 20.0% in the second quarter. Canton Hathaway LLC now owns 1,200 shares of the Internet company based in Singapore’s stock valued at $86,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Advisors Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in SEA by 34.5% in the first quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,825 shares of the Internet company based in Singapore’s stock valued at $98,000 after acquiring an additional 468 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 59.53% of the company’s stock. SEA Price Performance Shares of SE opened at $113.04 on Friday. Sea Limited has a 12-month low of $34.35 and a 12-month high of $117.85. The business’s fifty day moving average is $97.40 and its 200 day moving average is $81.00. The company has a quick ratio of 1.60, a current ratio of 1.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. The stock has a market cap of $64.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 753.60 and a beta of 1.52. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages recently commented on SE. Barclays upped their target price on SEA from $94.00 to $131.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Thursday, November 14th. Benchmark upped their target price on SEA from $94.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, November 13th. TD Cowen upped their target price on SEA from $69.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a report on Wednesday, November 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded SEA from a “neutral” rating to an “overweight” rating and upped their target price for the company from $66.00 to $90.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Finally, Bank of America upped their target price on SEA from $84.00 to $96.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, September 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating, eleven have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, SEA presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $91.21. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on SE SEA Company Profile ( Free Report ) Sea Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the digital entertainment, e-commerce, and digital financial service businesses in Southeast Asia, Latin America, rest of Asia, and internationally. It offers Garena digital entertainment platform for users to access mobile and PC online games, as well as promotes eSports operations. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Sea Limited ( NYSE:SE – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for SEA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SEA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Cuba-U.S. in 2024: A Chronology

NoneSoutheast Queensland is expected to swelter through its hottest day of 2024 on Saturday, with temperatures likely to soar to 40C in parts of the region. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts the mercury will peak at 40C in Ipswich and 37C in Brisbane. The Gold and Sunshine Coasts are tipped to reach 36C and 35C respectively. If the heat is as blistering as predicted in Brisbane, it is expected to be the hottest day of the year and the warmest December day in four years. The BOM warns the extreme heat could lead to a possibly severe thunderstorm in the late afternoon or early evening. The Bureau of Meteorology is warning of an extreme heatwave sweeping through southeast Queensland. Picture: BOM It is set to be even hotter in the state’s west, with temperatures in Julia Creek expected to skyrocket to 43C or even 44C. Birdsville – where it was a scorching 47C on Boxing Day – looks likely to sweat slightly less than other parts of the state on Saturday, with an anticipated maximum of 36C. BOM meteorologist Daniel Hayes said there was a chance of showers and storms through the state’s southeast and coastal areas from Saturday. “We’ll have some activity through the southeast and potentially increase around the coast through New Year’s Eve and into New Year’s Day,” he said. It is set to be a markedly cooler day in other parts of the country. Darwin is expecting a warm 34C, although it will be partly cloudy with the chances of a shower in the late morning or early afternoon. Firefighters battled blazes on Boxing Day. Picture: NewsWire / Diego Fedele Those heading to the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday can expect a mild 24C after blistering temperatures earlier in the week, though there is a chance of showers developing in the late afternoon and early evening. Sydneysiders can also expect a cooler change after scorching temperatures and wild thunderstorms on Friday, with a maximum of 26C on Saturday. Temperatures in Perth are tipped to peak at 29C, with Hobart residents likely to see cool and wet weather with temperatures below 20C. Originally published as Queenslanders to swelter through hottest day of the year Environment Don't miss out on the headlines from Environment. Followed categories will be added to My News. More related stories Environment Out-of-control bushfires wreak destruction Parts of the damage caused by huge bushfires that are still expected to burn for weeks have now been revealed. Read more Environment Hundreds without power after wild storms Hundreds of people are without power in the wake of huge storms, which brought golf ball-sized hailstones and winds of up to 100km/h. Read more

COIN MOVES UP OVER 11 POINTS Coinbase Global, Inc. COIN today experienced a Power Inflow, a significant event for those who follow where smart money goes and value order flow analytics in their trading decisions. A 10:27 AM on December 4th , a significant trading signal occurred for Coinbase Global, Inc. (COIN) as it demonstrated a Power Inflow at a price of $320.39 . This indicator is crucial for traders who want to know directionally where institutions and so-called "smart money" moves in the market. They see the value of utilizing order flow analytics to guide their trading decisions. The Power Inflow points to a possible uptrend in Coinbase’s stock, marking a potential entry point for traders looking to capitalize on the expected upward movement. Traders with this signal closely watch for sustained momentum in Coinbase’s stock price, interpreting this event as a bullish sign. Signal description Order flow analytics, aka transaction or market flow analysis, separate and study both the retail and institutional volume rate of orders (flow). It involves analyzing the flow of buy and sell orders, along with size, timing, and other associated characteristics and patterns, to gain insights and make more informed trading decisions. This particular indicator is interpreted by active traders as a bullish signal. The Power Inflow occurs within the first two hours of the market open and generally signals the trend that helps gauge the stock’s overall direction, powered by institutional activity in the stock, for the remainder of the day. By incorporating order flow analytics into their trading strategies, market participants can better interpret market conditions, identify trading opportunities, and improve their trading performance. But let's not forget that while watching smart money flow can provide valuable insights, it is crucial to incorporate effective risk management strategies to protect capital and mitigate potential losses. Employing a consistent and effective risk management plan helps traders navigate the uncertainties of the market in a more controlled and calculated manner, increasing the likelihood of long-term success If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for COIN , Benzinga Pro gives you real-time options trades alerts. Market News and Data are brought to you by Benzinga APIs and include firms, like https://www.tradepulse.net which are responsible for parts of the data within this article. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. After Market Close UPDATE : The price at the time of the Power Inflow was $320.39 . The returns on the High price ( $332.00 ) and Close price ( $331.06) after the Power Inflow were respectively 3.6% and 3.3%. That is why it is important to have a trading plan that includes Profit Targets and Stop Losses that reflect your risk appetite. In this case, the high of the day and close were very close but that is not always the case Past Performance is Not Indicative of Future Results © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

The fashion industry has taken an absolute battering this year. Its bruised exterior has been repeatedly struck by bad luck, with iconic and much-loved brands collapsing at our feet. And all we can do is watch as brands, designers and businesses continue getting smashed. Which begs the question: What‘s going on with Australian fashion? What happened in 2024? It started with talks of Dion Lee collapsing. The brand that was traipsing the runways in New York Fashion Week and a favourite among celebrities like Taylor Swift, Kylie Minogue, Dua Lipa and Troye Sivan was on top of the world. Then the cracks underneath, hidden by the facade of structured pastel corsets, leather straps and fleshy mesh cut-outs started to show, the brand stumbling from its rising star status, ultimately losing its financial backing and failing to garner any interest from potential buyers. In May this year, Dion Lee appointed administrators after rumours of Cue Clothing – which took a controlling stake in the company in 2011 – pulling its financial backing began to circulate. Next came the collapse of Mosaic Brands, which houses brands like Autograph, Noni B, Katies, Millers and Rivers; iconic names Australians recognise as they walk through the shopping centre or their local shopping strip. Then things took an unexpected turn when IMG announced it was departing ways with Australian Fashion Week, leaving the fate of the much-loved and highly-anticipated event hanging on by a thread. An industry hanging on by a thread It’s little wonder why designers like Melbourne-based Jason Grech, who founded his couture label in 2003, say the industry is “on its knees”. “It’s changed dramatically,” he told NewsWire, explaining his target audience, which was once ages 16-25, has significantly shifted to women over the age of 40. This change was partly driven by an increasing number of people hiring dresses for special occasions, rather than buying them. While touted as a more sustainable and wallet-friendly option for shoppers, it has impacted designers’ sales, too. “They tend to hire one piece, wear it, post it on their social media and then move on,” he said. Social media and the rise of micro-trends Fashion trends don’t just appear out of thin air; if you’ve seen The Devil Wears Prada, you know exactly where this is going. The fashion trend cycle comes in five stages: introduction, rise, peak, decline and obsolescence. It once took 20 years for a cycle to fully take its form. Now, fashion trends have shapeshifted, transforming into “micro-trends” that can last for weeks at a time. A micro-trend – such as cottagecore, mermaidcore or the mob wife aesthetic – will emerge on social media and quickly get picked up by fast fashion companies, who churn out designs faster than you can say “Do you have my size?” It’s a trend Mr Grech has seen in spades. “People have moved to fast fashion rather than purchasing investment pieces,” he said. Fast fashion brands like Shein and cheap e-commerce retailers like Temu are leading the pack, and its impact was so major, it impacted “every aspect of shopping behaviour”. A change in spending Another major contributor to this unstable ground is a shift in people’s spending. Amid the cost-of-living crisis, spending less money on luxury and investment pieces and putting it towards the essentials comes naturally. “One of the biggest challenges (in the fashion industry) over the last 12 months is the decline in spending in mid-to-high and premium brands,” said Nathan Yun, co-founder of apparel start-up Paire. Instead, they put their money towards cheaper alternatives on sites like Shein, H&M and Temu, which will offer dupes of the original for a fraction of the pierce (and the quality, most of the time). It’s not just shoppers with less cash to splash; it’s also impacting the supply chain. Naturally, if the supply chain costs increase, customers are also going to feel the pinch. “Since last year, things have been becoming more expensive,” said co-founder Rex Zhang. “The operational costs have increased for most of these brands. That’s another reason why these brands ... struggle.” Can local fashion recover? The industry may be battered and bruised from a barrage of brutal blows, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Sure, things may look bleak from the outside, but influential names in Australian fashion can see a bright future for the industry. In Jason Grech’s case, he saw an increase in customers over the age of 40 – who have more disposable income and are more likely to purchase investment pieces – and ran with it. “To survive, you have to change with the market,” he told NewsWire. “It’s been a really exciting change, we’re loving it. What we’re giving is a new customer – one we didn’t think much of (in the past) – and giving them a new experience, which has been really rewarding.” It’s also the perfect opportunity to innovate and shake everything up. For businesses, the co-founders of Paire advise retailers to ramp up their innovation. “You need to be creative, not only your product, but the way you develop the product and manufacture it,” said Mr Zhang. Mr Grech encourages brands to improve the in-store shopping experience, giving customers a valuable and enjoyable time as they choose a garment. Above all, there is no better time for shoppers to buy locally designed, crafted and produced items. “What (customers) have to do is buy Australian made,” Mr Grech told NewsWire, encouraging shoppers to purchase “two or three investment pieces per year” that will last a lifetime. “I’m hopeful,” he added. “I just hope that people consider purchasing something that is Australian.”Williams-Sonoma (NYSE:WSM) Price Target Raised to $175.00

If you’ve been wondering when you’d hear the name Thom E. Gemcity again on NCIS , you’re in luck! McGee’s ( Sean Murray ) pen name will be “resurrected” in the December 16 Christmas episode. “We’re going to tease a forthcoming third Deep Six novel from McGee,” executive producer Steven D. Binder tells TV Insider. In “Humbug,” when a shocking tell-all threatens to ruin Christmas for a decorated Marine, the team must uncover the truth and deliver a holiday miracle—before the book hits shelves and turns a hero’s legacy into a holiday disaster. “It’s going to be a pretty heartfelt holiday story involving wounded veterans,” says the EP. LaRoche ( Seamus Dever ), the man who took the job McGee wanted in the Season 22 premiere (Deputy Director), is back for this episode. McGee has thought something’s been off about the guy since. “This is where McGee really becomes suspicious of LaRoche’s motives. He’s going to be assigned to the team to work with them for a little while,” teases Binder. Parker's Visions of Lily Are Getting Dangerous on 'NCIS' Brian Dietzen previously told us of this next episode , “Like our [previous] Christmas episodes, it is holiday-themed, it’s wrapped up. This is one where you can watch it and go, ‘Oh, that’s kind of the NCIS Christmas tradition is that you get to watch a show that has a beginning, middle, and end, and then you’re off to your holidays after that.'” He also confirmed there won’t be any mistletoe lying around to make things awkward for Dr. Palmer and his ex-girlfriend Knight ( Katrina Law ). “No, not in this one. I don’t think so,” he said with a laugh. What are you hoping to see in the Christmas episode this season? Let us know in the comments section below. NCIS , Mondays, 9/8c, CBS More Headlines: ‘NCIS’ Preview: Christmas Episode Raises McGee’s Suspicions About LaRoche ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ Stars & Creatives Tease Series Finale ‘Sticks the Landing’ (VIDEO) New Year’s Eve: How to Ring in 2025 With Your Favorite TV Hosts Christian Slater Reacts to That ‘Dexter: Original Sin’ Death & Creator Explains New Intro College Football Playoff & Bowl Game TV Schedule 2024Tommy DeVito quickly learns what Daniel Jones went through after Giants starting QB changeDocebo Wins Top Recognition – Gold at the Canadian Marketing Association Awards for Leaders in Learning Series

Insurance Aggregator Market to Set a Phenomenal Growth in Near Future|Policybazaar, GoCompare 11-24-2024 12:29 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Insurance Aggregator Market HTF MI recently introduced Global Insurance Aggregator Market study with 143+ pages in-depth overview, describing about the Product / Industry Scope and elaborates market outlook and status (2024-2032). The market Study is segmented by key regions which is accelerating the marketization. At present, the market is developing its presence. Some key players from the complete study are Policybazaar, GoCompare, CompareTheMarket. Download Sample Report PDF (Including Full TOC, Table & Figures) 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/3574703-2020-2025-global-insurance-aggregator-market-report-production-and-consumption-professional-analysis?utm_source=Tarusha_OpenPR&utm_id=Tarusha According to HTF Market Intelligence, the Global Insurance Aggregator market is expected to grow from $8 Billion USD in 2024 to World Insurance Aggregator Market Professional Analysis 2019-2031 USD by 2032, with a CAGR of 7.5% from 2024 to 2032. The Insurance Aggregator market is segmented by Types (Life, Health, Auto, Property), Application (Policy comparisons, claim management, financial planning, corporate insurance) and by Geography (North America, LATAM, West Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, MEA). Definition: Insurance aggregators are online platforms that allow users to compare insurance policies across providers, simplifying the selection process for customers. Dominating Region: • Europe Fastest-Growing Region: • Asia-Pacific Have a query? Market an enquiry before purchase 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/3574703-2020-2025-global-insurance-aggregator-market-report-production-and-consumption-professional-analysis?utm_source=Tarusha_OpenPR&utm_id=Tarusha The titled segments and sub-section of the market are illuminated below: In-depth analysis of Insurance Aggregator market segments by Types: Life, Health, Auto, Property Detailed analysis of Tank Container Shipping market segments by Applications: Policy comparisons, claim management, financial planning, corporate insurance Geographically, the detailed analysis of consumption, revenue, market share, and growth rate of the following regions: • The Middle East and Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Egypt, etc.) • North America (United States, Mexico & Canada) • South America (Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, etc.) • Europe (Turkey, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.) • Asia-Pacific (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia). Buy Now Latest Edition of Insurance Aggregator Market Report 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=3574703?utm_source=Tarusha_OpenPR&utm_id=Tarusha Insurance Aggregator Market Research Objectives: - Focuses on the key manufacturers, to define, pronounce and examine the value, sales volume, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis, and development plans in the next few years. - To share comprehensive information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (opportunities, drivers, growth potential, industry-specific challenges and risks). - To analyze the with respect to individual future prospects, growth trends and their involvement to the total market. - To analyze reasonable developments such as agreements, expansions new product launches, and acquisitions in the market. - To deliberately profile the key players and systematically examine their growth strategies. FIVE FORCES & PESTLE ANALYSIS: In order to better understand market conditions five forces analysis is conducted that includes the Bargaining power of buyers, Bargaining power of suppliers, Threat of new entrants, Threat of substitutes, and Threat of rivalry. • Political (Political policy and stability as well as trade, fiscal, and taxation policies) • Economical (Interest rates, employment or unemployment rates, raw material costs, and foreign exchange rates) • Social (Changing family demographics, education levels, cultural trends, attitude changes, and changes in lifestyles) • Technological (Changes in digital or mobile technology, automation, research, and development) • Legal (Employment legislation, consumer law, health, and safety, international as well as trade regulation and restrictions) • Environmental (Climate, recycling procedures, carbon footprint, waste disposal, and sustainability) Get 10-25% Discount on Immediate purchase 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/request-discount/3574703-2020-2025-global-insurance-aggregator-market-report-production-and-consumption-professional-analysis?utm_source=Tarusha_OpenPR&utm_id=Tarusha Points Covered in Table of Content of Global Insurance Aggregator Market: Chapter 01 - Insurance Aggregator Executive Summary Chapter 02 - Market Overview Chapter 03 - Key Success Factors Chapter 04 - Global Insurance Aggregator Market - Pricing Analysis Chapter 05 - Global Insurance Aggregator Market Background or History Chapter 06 - Global Insurance Aggregator Market Segmentation (e.g. Type, Application) Chapter 07 - Key and Emerging Countries Analysis Worldwide Insurance Aggregator Market Chapter 08 - Global Insurance Aggregator Market Structure & worth Analysis Chapter 09 - Global Insurance Aggregator Market Competitive Analysis & Challenges Chapter 10 - Assumptions and Acronyms Chapter 11 - Insurance Aggregator Market Research Methodology Key questions answered • How Global Insurance Aggregator Market growth & size is changing in next few years? • Who are the Leading players and what are their futuristic plans in the Global Insurance Aggregator market? • What are the key concerns of the 5-forces analysis of the Global Insurance Aggregator market? • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors? • What are the different prospects and threats faced by the dealers in the Global Insurance Aggregator market? Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter-wise sections or region-wise report versions like North America, LATAM, Europe, Japan, Australia or Southeast Asia. Contact Us: Nidhi Bhawsar (PR & Marketing Manager) HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited Phone: +15075562445 sales@htfmarketintelligence.com Connect with us on LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter About Author: HTF Market Intelligence Consulting is uniquely positioned to empower and inspire with research and consulting services to empower businesses with growth strategies. We offer services with extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events, and experience that assist in decision-making. This release was published on openPR.City Lighting Control System Market will Grow with Impressive Market Size by 2032 11-24-2024 12:13 PM CET | Tourism, Cars, Traffic Press release from: WiseGuy Reports City Lighting Control System Market Size was estimated at 8.27 USD Billion in 2023. The City Lighting Control System Market Industry is expected to grow from 8.81 USD Billion in 2024 to 14.7 USD Billion by 2032. The City Lighting Control System Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 6.61% during the forecast period (2025 - 2032). The City Lighting Control System Market is gaining significant traction as urban areas worldwide adopt smart infrastructure to improve efficiency and sustainability. These systems enable centralized management of street and public lighting, using advanced technologies such as IoT, sensors, and artificial intelligence to optimize energy use, reduce operational costs, and enhance safety. The global push for energy-efficient solutions, combined with growing urbanization and government initiatives for smart cities, has propelled the demand for intelligent lighting systems in municipal settings. Request Free Sample Report at; https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request?id=611156 Key Drivers and Market Trends The need for energy conservation is one of the primary drivers of the market. Traditional lighting consumes substantial energy, while smart lighting systems, equipped with LED technology and adaptive dimming, significantly reduce power usage. Additionally, smart city initiatives worldwide prioritize sustainable and interconnected infrastructure, making lighting control systems a vital component. The integration of IoT and AI allows real-time monitoring and automated adjustments based on environmental conditions or human activity, further enhancing efficiency and reducing waste. Another trend is the adoption of wireless technologies in lighting control, simplifying installation and expanding scalability. Cloud-based platforms are also being increasingly utilized, offering remote control capabilities, data analytics, and predictive maintenance features. These advancements align with the broader goal of creating more livable, environmentally friendly cities. Challenges in the Market Despite its promising growth, the City Lighting Control System Market faces challenges. The high initial investment for installing smart lighting infrastructure can deter budget-constrained municipalities. Moreover, compatibility issues between legacy systems and modern technologies pose integration challenges. Cybersecurity is another concern, as interconnected systems become targets for potential hacking. However, advancements in cost-effective technology and increased emphasis on security measures are helping to address these issues, paving the way for wider adoption. Regional Insights The market shows diverse growth patterns across regions. North America and Europe lead in adoption, driven by government policies supporting energy efficiency and smart city projects. In Europe, stringent carbon reduction targets further boost demand. Asia-Pacific is experiencing rapid growth due to urbanization and the proliferation of smart city initiatives in countries like China, India, and Japan. Emerging economies in the Middle East and Africa are also recognizing the potential of smart lighting to modernize urban infrastructure and enhance public safety. Key Companies in the City Lighting Control System Market Include: •Cree, Inc •Intelligent Cities •Schneider Electric •Philips Lighting •Acuity Brands •Eaton •Grupo Sylvania •Osram Licht AG •LiteOn Technology •Leviton •Hubbell Lighting •Signify •Siemens •General Electric Company •Tvilight Access Complete Report at; https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/city-lighting-control-system-market Competitive Landscape The City Lighting Control System Market is highly competitive, with several prominent players driving innovation. Companies such as Signify (formerly Philips Lighting), GE Current, and Schneider Electric offer comprehensive solutions combining hardware and software for seamless lighting management. Startups and specialized firms are also entering the space, focusing on niche technologies such as AI-based analytics or solar-powered lighting systems. Partnerships between public sectors and private companies are becoming increasingly common, ensuring efficient implementation of citywide systems. Future Prospects The future of the City Lighting Control System Market is bright, with significant growth expected over the next decade. Emerging technologies such as 5G, edge computing, and blockchain are likely to enhance the functionality and security of lighting control systems. As cities continue to grow, the emphasis on resilient, energy-efficient infrastructure will drive sustained demand. Furthermore, advancements in renewable energy integration and smart grid compatibility will align city lighting systems with broader sustainability goals. In conclusion, the City Lighting Control System Market is at the forefront of urban innovation, transforming how cities manage energy and infrastructure. With increasing technological sophistication and a global focus on smart cities, this market represents a critical component of future urban planning. Organizations that invest in research, adaptability, and secure solutions will be key players in shaping the evolution of smart urban lighting. Explore More; Investment Casting Automotive Parts Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/investment-casting-automotive-parts-market Liquefied Natural Gas Carrier Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/liquefied-natural-gas-carrier-market mobility as a service maas market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/mobility-as-a-service-maas-market rolling stock harness market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/rolling-stock-harness-market aluminium automotive radiator market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/aluminium-automotive-radiator-market electric bikes scooters and motorcycles market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/electric-bikes-scooters-and-motorcycles-market electric vehicle 18650 battery pack market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/electric-vehicle-18650-battery-pack-market marine heat insulation fire doors market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/marine-heat-insulation-fire-doors-market motorsports tire market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/motorsports-tire-market public transportation fleet management system market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/public-transportation-fleet-management-system-market Contact Us: WiseGuy Reports Pune Maharashtra, India 411028 +91 20 6912 2998 | +162 825 80070 (US) | +44 203 500 2763 (UK) About US: Wise Guy Reports is pleased to introduce itself as a leading provider of insightful market research solutions that adapt to the ever-changing demands of businesses around the globe. We want our clients to have information that can be used to act upon their strategic initiatives. We, therefore, aim to be your trustworthy partner within dynamic business settings through excellence and innovation. By offering comprehensive market intelligence, our company enables corporate organizations to make informed choices, drive growth, and stay ahead in competitive markets. This release was published on openPR.

IDT’s income from operations +38% to $23.6 million; Adjusted EBITDA * +31% to a record $29.1 million GAAP EPS increased to $0.68 from $0.30; Non-GAAP EPS * increased to $0.71 from $0.32 NEWARK, NJ, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT), a global provider of fintech, cloud communications, and traditional communications solutions, today reported results for its first quarter fiscal year 2025, the three months ended October 31, 2024. FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS (Throughout this release, unless otherwise noted, results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 (1Q25) are compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 (1Q24). All earnings per share (EPS) and other ‘per share’ results are per diluted share.) Key Businesses / Segments NRS Recurring revenue ** : +29% to $28.9 million; Income from operations: +21% to $6.6 million; Adjusted EBITDA: +22% to $7.6 million; BOSS Money / Fintech BOSS Money revenue: +39% to $33.7 million; Fintech segment revenue : +40% to $37.1 million; Fintech segment income from operations: increased to $3.2 million compared to a loss of $(1.4) million; Fintech segment Adjusted EBITDA: increased to $4.0 million compared to a loss of $(690) thousand; net2phone Subscription revenue ** : +13% to $21.0 million; Income from operations: increased to $1.0 million compared to breakeven; Adjusted EBITDA: +77% to $2.5 million; Traditional Communications Revenue: decreased (4)% to $220.5 million; Income from operations: +2% to $15.7 million; Adjusted EBITDA: decreased (1)% to $17.8 million; IDT Consolidated Revenue : +3% to $309.6 million, driven by revenue growth at NRS, BOSS Money, net2phone, and the IDT Digital Payments business within Traditional Communications; Gross profit (GP) / margin : GP +15% to $107.6 million; GP margin +360 bps to 34.8%; Income from operations: +38% to $23.6 million; Net income attributable to IDT: +125% to $17.2 million; GAAP EPS: Increased to $0.68 from $0.30; Non-GAAP EPS : Increased to $0.71from $0.32; Adjusted EBITDA: +31% to $29.1 million; Repurchased 37,714 shares of IDT Class B common stock in market transactions for $1.3 million. REMARKS BY SHMUEL JONAS, CEO “Building on our momentum from fiscal 2024, IDT delivered strong financial results in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, including record levels of gross profit, gross profit margin and Adjusted EBITDA. Consolidated revenue has now increased sequentially for three consecutive quarters. NRS along with our Fintech segment powered by BOSS Money, and net2phone each achieved robust increases in revenue, gross profit, and Adjusted EBITDA. “At NRS, we are focused on providing solutions to address the needs of our independent retailer market while heavily investing to develop new products and services to broaden our addressable market. In Q1, we continued to achieve increased adoption rates on our payment processing offerings and SaaS feature plans. We look forward to continuing this momentum through the remainder of the fiscal year. “BOSS Money’s Q1 results reflected our decision to enhance margins, particularly within our retail channel. As a result, BOSS Money’s gross margin expanded significantly and transaction growth slowed somewhat. The enhanced margins boosted Fintech’s Q1 income from operations by $4.6 million year-over-year, and in November, following the quarter close, transaction growth rebounded led by D2C. “net2phone increased seats served to over four hundred thousand, driving a 13% increase in subscription revenue, despite the negative FX impact to its Latin American operations from the strong US dollar. net2phone’s financial discipline also contributed to healthy increases in income from operations and Adjusted EBITDA. “In the Traditional Communications segment, our ongoing efforts to streamline these business units and improve their economics continue to pay off. In Q1, the year over year revenue decrease was 4%, while income from operations increased by 2%." 1Q25 RESULTS BY SEGMENT National Retail Solutions (NRS) NRS Take-Aways / Updates: NRS added approximately 1,000 net active terminals during Q1, a decrease in net adds compared to recent quarters. The decrease primarily reflects elevated (and expected, as noted in IDT’s 4Q24 earnings release) - seasonal churn. In addition, NRS added approximately 1,400 net payment processing accounts during the quarter. The 51% increase in Merchant Services & Other revenue was driven by the growth in payment processing accounts, and higher merchant services revenue per account, driven in part by the increased percentage of retail transactions paid with a credit or debit card. The 30% increase in SaaS Fees revenue reflects the growth of net active terminals and migration of retailers to premium SaaS plans. Fintech Fintech Take-Aways: BOSS Money revenue increased 39% driven primarily by successful cross-marketing initiatives within the larger BOSS ecosystem and, to a lesser extent, by expansion of the retail agent network. The increase in BOSS Money transactions reflected a 41% increase in digital transactions and a 29% increase in retail transactions. Across both channels, and particularly in the retail channel, BOSS Money focused during Q1 on expanding gross margin per transaction, which contributed to a 45% increase in the Fintech segment’s gross profit even as year-over-year transaction growth at Retail slowed. The strong increases in Fintech’s income from operations and Adjusted EBITDA were driven by BOSS Money revenue growth, higher margin on BOSS Money transactions and improved operating leverage as the business continues to scale. net2phone net2phone Take-Aways: Seats served increased by 11% year over year powered by continued expansion in key markets led by the U.S., Brazil, and Mexico. CCaaS seats served increased by 19% year-over year. Subscription revenue increased by 13% year-over-year driven both by the growth in seats served and in the subscription revenue-per-seat * * , as net2phone’s higher revenue-per-seat CCaaS offering continues to grow as a percentage of total seats served. These factors overcame the negative FX impact of a strengthened US dollar versus local currencies in net2phone’s key Latin American markets. Excluding the translation FX impact, subscription revenue increased by 16% year-over-year. Operating margin * * increased to +5% from break even in 1Q24, and Adjusted EBITDA margin * * increased to 12% from 7%. Traditional Communications Take-Aways: The year-over-year increase in IDT Digital Payments’ revenue largely reflects improved unit pricing economics. IDT Global continues to mitigate the impacts of the ongoing industry-wide declines in paid-minute voice through a traffic mix shift to higher margin routes and operational efficiencies. For the second consecutive quarter, both income from operations and Adjusted EBITDA for Traditional Communications increased, driven by both improved pricing at IDT Digital Payments and decreases in SG&A and Technology & Development expense, following significant cost cutting and streamlining initiatives undertaken during FY 2024. OTHER FINANCIAL RESULTS Consolidated results for all periods presented include corporate overhead. In 1Q25, Corporate G&A expense was $2.9 million compared to $2.8 million in 1Q24. As of October 31, 2024, IDT held $180.4 million in cash, cash equivalents, debt securities, and current equity investments, a decrease from $193.0 million at July 31, 2024. The decrease predominantly reflects the timing of payments made by IDT to cover anticipated BOSS Money disbursement prefunding. Also at July 31, 2024, current assets totaled $431.7 million and current liabilities totaled $269.8 million. The Company had no outstanding debt at the quarter end. Net cash provided by operating activities decreased to $0.2 million in 1Q25 from $14.9 million in 1Q24. Exclusive of changes in customer funds deposits at IDT’s Fintech segment, net cash provided by operating activities was negative $(2.6) million in 1Q25 and positive $17.9 million in 1Q24. Capital expenditures increased to $5.3 million in 1Q25 from $4.3 million in 1Q24. IDT EARNINGS ANNOUNCEMENT INFORMATION This release is available for download in the “Investors & Media” section of the IDT Corporation website ( https://www.idt.net/investors-and-media ) and has been filed on a current report (Form 8-K) with the SEC. IDT will host an earnings conference call beginning at 5:30 PM Eastern today with management’s discussion of results followed by Q&A with investors. To listen to the call and participate in the Q&A, dial 1-888-506-0062 (toll-free from the US) or 1-973-528-0011 (international) and provide the following access code: 335618. A replay of the conference call will be available approximately three hours after the call concludes through December 18, 2024. To access the call replay, dial 1-877-481-4010 (toll-free from the US) or 1-919-882-2331 (international) and provide this replay passcode: 51571. The replay will also be accessible via streaming audio at the IDT investor relations website . NOTES * Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP EPS are Non-GAAP financial measures intended to provide useful information that supplements IDT’s or the relevant segment’s results in accordance with GAAP. Please refer to the Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures later in this release for an explanation of these terms and their respective reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. * * See ‘Explanation of Key Performance Metrics’ at the end of this release. ABOUT IDT CORPORATION IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT) is a global provider of fintech and communications solutions through a portfolio of synergistic businesses: National Retail Solutions (NRS), through its point-of-sale (POS) platform, enables independent retailers to operate more effectively while providing advertisers and marketers with unprecedented reach into underserved consumer markets; BOSS Money facilitates innovative international remittances and fintech payments solutions; net2phone provides enterprises and organizations with intelligently integrated cloud communications and contact center services across channels and devices; IDT Digital Payments and the BOSS Revolution calling service make sharing prepaid products and services and speaking with friends and family around the world convenient and reliable; and, IDT Global and IDT Express enable communications services to provision and manage international voice and SMS messaging. All statements above that are not purely about historical facts, including, but not limited to, those in which we use the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “target” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While these forward-looking statements represent our current judgment of what may happen in the future, actual results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by these statements due to numerous important factors. Our filings with the SEC provide detailed information on such statements and risks and should be consulted along with this release. To the extent permitted under applicable law, IDT assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. CONTACT IDT Corporation Investor Relations Bill Ulrey william.ulrey@idt.net 973-438-3838 IDT CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS IDT CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) IDT CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) * Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures for the First Quarter Fiscal 202 5 and 202 4 In addition to disclosing financial results that are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP), IDT also disclosed for 1Q25, 4Q24, and 1Q24, Adjusted EBITDA, and for 1Q25 and 1Q24, non-GAAP earnings per diluted share (Non-GAAP EPS). Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP EPS are non-GAAP financial measures intended to provide useful information that supplements IDT’s or the relevant segment’s results in accordance with GAAP. The following explains these terms and their respective reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures Generally, a non-GAAP measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance, financial position, or cash flows that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. IDT’s measure of Non-GAAP EPS is calculated by dividing non-GAAP net income by the diluted weighted-average shares. IDT’s measure of non-GAAP net income starts with net income attributable to IDT in accordance with GAAP and adds severance expense, stock-based compensation, and other operating expenses, and deducts other operating gains. These additions and subtractions are non-cash and/or non-routine items in the relevant fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024 periods. Management believes that IDT’s Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP EPS are measures which provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain expenses and non-routine gains and losses that may not be indicative of IDT’s or the relevant segment’s core operating results. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA, among other measures, as a relevant indicator of core operational strengths in its financial and operational decision making. In addition, management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP EPS to evaluate operating performance in relation to IDT’s competitors. Disclosure of these financial measures may be useful to investors in evaluating performance and allows for greater transparency to the underlying supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision-making. In addition, IDT has historically reported similar financial measures and believes such measures are commonly used by readers of financial information in assessing performance, therefore the inclusion of comparative numbers provides consistency in financial reporting. Management refers to Adjusted EBITDA, as well as the GAAP measures income (loss) from operations and net income, on a segment and/or consolidated level to facilitate internal and external comparisons to the segments’ and IDT's historical operating results, in making operating decisions, for budget and planning purposes, and to form the basis upon which management is compensated. While depreciation and amortization are considered operating costs under GAAP, these expenses primarily represent the non-cash current period allocation of costs associated with long-lived assets acquired or capitalized in prior periods. IDT’s Adjusted EBITDA, which is exclusive of depreciation and amortization, is a useful indicator of its current performance. Severance expense is excluded from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP EPS. Severance expense is reflective of decisions made by management in each period regarding the aspects of IDT’s and its segments’ businesses to be focused on in light of changing market realities and other factors. While there may be similar charges in other periods, the nature and magnitude of these charges can fluctuate markedly and do not reflect the performance of IDT’s core and continuing operations. Other operating gains (expense), net, which is a component of income (loss) from operations, is excluded from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP EPS. Other operating gains (expense), net includes, among other items, legal fees net of insurance claims related to Straight Path Communications Inc.’s stockholders’ class action and gain from the write-off of a contingent consideration liability. From time-to-time, IDT may have gains or incur costs related to non-routine legal, tax, and other matters, however, these various items generally do not occur each quarter. IDT believes the gain and losses from these non-routine matters are not components of IDT’s or the relevant segment’s core operating results. Stock-based compensation recognized by IDT and other companies may not be comparable because of the variety of types of awards as well as the various valuation methodologies and subjective assumptions that are permitted under GAAP. Stock-based compensation is excluded from IDT’s calculation of Non-GAAP EPS because management believes this allows investors to make more meaningful comparisons of the operating results per share of IDT’s core business with the results of other companies. However, stock-based compensation will continue to be a significant expense for IDT for the foreseeable future and an important part of employees’ compensation that impacts their performance. Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP EPS should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, or superior to, income (loss) from operations, cash flow from operating activities, net income, basic and diluted earnings per share or other measures of liquidity and financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, IDT’s measurements of Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP EPS may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Following are reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP EPS to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, which are, (a) for Adjusted EBITDA, income (loss) from operations for IDT’s reportable segments and net income for IDT on a consolidated basis, and (b) for Non-GAAP EPS, diluted earnings per share. IDT Corporation Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited) in millions. Figures may not foot or cross-foot due to rounding to millions IDT Corporation Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited) in millions. Figures may not foot or cross-foot due to rounding to millions IDT Corporation Reconciliation of Earnings per share to Non-GAAP EPS (unaudited) in millions, except per share data. Figures may not foot due to rounding to millions. * * Explanation of Key Performance Metrics NRS’ recurring revenue is calculated by subtracting NRS’ revenue from POS terminal sales from its revenue in accordance with GAAP. NRS’ Monthly Average Recurring Revenue per Terminal is calculated by dividing NRS’ recurring revenue by the average number of active POS terminals during the period. The average number of active POS terminals is calculated by adding the beginning and ending number of active POS terminals during the period and dividing by two. NRS’ recurring revenue divided by the average number of active POS terminals is divided by three when the period is a fiscal quarter. Recurring revenue and Monthly Average Recurring Revenue per Terminal are useful for comparisons of NRS’ revenue and revenue per customer to prior periods and to competitors and others in the market, as well as for forecasting future revenue from the customer base. BOSS Money’s Average Revenue per Transaction is calculated by dividing BOSS Money’s revenue in accordance with GAAP by the number of transactions during the period. Average Revenue per Transaction is useful for comparisons of BOSS Money’s revenue per transaction to prior periods and to competitors and others in the market, as well as for forecasting future revenue based on transaction trends. net2phone’s subscription revenue is calculated by subtracting net2phone’s equipment revenue and revenue generated by a legacy SIP trunking offering in Brazil from its revenue in accordance with GAAP. net2phone’s cloud communications and contact center offerings are priced on a per-seat basis, with customers paying based on the number of users in their organization. The number of seats served and subscription revenue trends and comparisons between periods are used in the analysis of net2phone’s revenues and direct cost of revenues and are strong indications of the top-line growth and performance of the business. net2phone’s subscription revenue per seat is calculated by dividing net2phone’s subscription revenue, as defined in the preceding paragraph, by the average number of seats served during the period. The average number of seats served is calculated by adding the beginning and ending number of seats served and dividing by two. Subscription revenue per seat is the amount of revenue generated by each seat sold during the period. It provides a basis for pricing seat-based services, as well as for comparing performance in past periods and projecting future revenue, and for comparing the value of each seat served to competitors. net2phone’s operating margin is calculated by dividing GAAP income from operations by GAAP revenue for the period indicated. Operating margin measures the percentage that each dollar of revenue contributes to profitability. Operating margin is useful for evaluating current period profitability relative to sales, for comparisons to prior period performance, for forecasting future income from operations levels based on projected levels of sales, and for comparing net2phone’s relative profitability to its competitors and peers. net2phone’s Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing net2phone’s Adjusted EBITDA, a Non-GAAP measure, by net2phone’s GAAP revenue for the comparable quarter or period. Adjusted EBITDA margin measures the percentage that each dollar of revenue contributes to profitability before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other adjustments as described in the Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures. net2phone’s Adjusted EBITDA margin is useful for evaluating current period profitability relative to sales, for comparisons to prior period performance, for forecasting future Adjusted EBITDA levels based on projected levels of sales, and for comparing net2phone’s relative profitability to its competitors and peers. # # #CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes continues to build great chemistry with his tight end — just not the one you might think. Mahomes threw two touchdown passes to Noah Gray for the second straight week as the Kansas City Chiefs held off the Carolina Panthers 30-27 on Sunday. A week after losing at Buffalo, the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs (10-1) maintained their position atop the AFC. Mahomes completed a 35-yard touchdown strike to Gray on the game’s opening possession and found him again for an 11-yard TD in the second quarter. Gray has four touchdown catches in the last two weeks — twice as many as nine-time Pro Bowler Travis Kelce has all season — and has become a weapon in the passing game for the Chiefs, who lost top wide receiver Rashee Rice to a season-ending knee injury in Week 4. Kelce was still a factor Sunday with a team-high six catches for 62 yards, although the four-time All-Pro looked dejected after dropping one easy pass. Kelce has 62 receptions for 507 yards this season, while Gray has 26 catches for 249 yards. But Gray's development is a good sign for the Chiefs — and he's on the same page with Mahomes. On his second TD, Gray said Mahomes “gave me the answer to the test there” before the play. “He told me what coverage it was pre-snap," said Gray, who had four receptions for 66 yards. “That’s just the blessing you have of playing with a quarterback like that. Offensive line did a great job blocking that up and the receivers did a great job running their routes to pop me open. Really just a group effort right there on that touchdown.” Gray said that's nothing new. “Pat’s preparation, his leadership is just something that I’m fortunate enough to play alongside,” Gray said. "I love it. It gets me motivated every time we go out there for a long drive. Having a leader like that, that prepares every single week in-and out, knows defenses, knows the game plans. “I’m just fortunate enough to play alongside a guy like that.” Mahomes completed 27 of 37 passes for 269 yards and three TDs, and he knew what to do on the second TD to Gray. “It's not just me, it's the quarterback coaches and the players, we go through certain checks you get to versus certain coverages,” Mahomes said. “I was able to see by the way they lined up they were getting into their cover-zero look. I alerted the guys to make sure they saw what I saw and I gave the check at the line of scrimmage.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Pedro escaped punishment after swinging an arm at Bees substitute substitute Yehor Yarmoliuk without making contact. VAR reviewed the second-half incident but deemed there was no violent conduct. Frank and Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler disagreed about the decision. “As I understand the rules, you can’t swing your arm to try to hit someone,” said Frank. “If you hit them or not, it’s a red, that’s the way I understand the rules.” Frank spoke to the match officials, including referee Andy Madley, about the flashpoint at full-time. “They haven’t seen the situation yet, not on TV afterwards,” said Frank. “To be fair to him, I think the angle can be tricky so that’s why you’ve got VAR.” Asked about Frank’s assessment, Hurzeler replied: “Interesting opinion. I see it completely different. “For me, it’s not a red card. He tried to get free from a person.” Brighton were booed off after their winless run was stretched to six top-flight games. Albion dominated for large periods and hit the woodwork inside four minutes through Julio Enciso. Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken made some important saves before being forced off injured in the 36th minute, albeit his replacement Hakon Valdimarsson was rarely tested on his Premier League debut. The Seagulls remain 10th ahead of Monday’s trip to Aston Villa, with Brentford a position and two points below moving towards their New Year’s Day showdown with Arsenal. Hurzeler thought the jeers at full-time were unfair. “The team doesn’t deserve that because in all the games we had in the last weeks they were all good, they were all intense, they were all where we thought we deserved more” said the German, whose team have lost to Fulham and Crystal Palace and drawn with Southampton, Leicester and West Ham in recent matches. “We try to work hard to satisfy our supporters, we try to give them what they deserve, we try to make them proud. “But the Premier League is tough. We know there will be (tough) periods we have to go through, especially with this young squad. “We try to stick together, find the positive and keep on going.” Brentford, who remain without a top-flight away win this term, had an early Yoane Wissa finish ruled out for offside following VAR intervention but barely threatened, despite an improved second-half showing. Frank, who is awaiting news on Flekken and defender Ben Mee, who also left the field injured, said: “I thought it was a fair point. “Brighton were better in the first half, no big, clearcut chances, and I thought we were better second half. “Overall, I’m happy with the performance, especially the way we defended. “We haven’t had too many clean sheets this season, so in that context I thought it was very impressive against a good Brighton team. “We know we have a lot of players out – we get two more injuries during the game. “The way the players showed their mentality and character and dug in was hugely impressive.”Field Level Media Will Levis threw a go-ahead 70-yard touchdown pass to Chig Okonkwo in the fourth quarter to help the Tennessee Titans record a stunning 32-27 victory over the host Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon. Tony Pollard rushed for 119 yards and one touchdown and Nick Westbrook-Ihkine caught a scoring pass as Tennessee (3-8) won for just the second time in its last seven games. Levis was 18-of-24 passing for 278 yards, two touchdowns and one interception for the Titans. Houston had a chance to force overtime but Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a chip-shot 28-yard field goal with 1:53 remaining, sending the kick wide left. The Texans got the ball back with 1:29 left. Three plays later, Harold Landry sacked Houston’s C.J. Stroud in the end zone to make it a five-point margin with 1:13 left. Stroud completed 20 of 33 passes for 247 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for Houston (7-5), which lost for the fourth time in the past six games. Jimmie Ward returned an interception for a touchdown for the Texans. Nico Collins and Cade Stover caught scoring passes for Houston. Houston sacked Levis eight times. Danielle Hunter had three and Will Anderson Jr. notched two. Ward traveled 65 yards on his pick-six to give the Texans a 24-23 lead with four seconds left in the third period. The Texans moved ahead by four when Fairbairn kicked a 56-yard field goal with 9:46 remaining in the game. It was Fairbairn’s 12th field goal of 50 or more yards this season, surpassing the NFL record of Daniel Carlson (11 in 2022 for the Las Vegas Raiders). But on Houston’s next offensive play, Okonkwo caught a pass from Levis near his own 40-yard line and raced up the middle and sped past multiple Titans to turn it into a 70-yard scoring play to give Tennessee a 30-27 lead. The game began great for Houston as Dameon Pierce returned the opening kickoff 80 yards and Stroud followed with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Stover. The Titans recovered with the next 17 points. Nick Folk kicked a 51-yard field goal and Levis threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Westbrook-Ikhine in the first quarter. Pollard scored on a 10-yard run to boost the Titans’ lead to 17-7 with 11:03 left in the first half. Stroud tossed a 5-yard scoring pass to Collins with 6:17 left in the quarter and Fairbairn tacked on a 28-yard field goal to knot the score at 17 with 1:47 remaining. Folk booted a 56-yard field as time ran out to give Tennessee a 20-17 halftime lead. Folk connected from 51 yards as the Titans led by six with 9:08 remaining in the third period.

Health director promises a better St. Louis County animal shelter despite volunteer pauseNEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are closing lower as Wall Street ends a holiday-shortened week on a down note. The S&P 500 fell 1.1% Friday and the the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 333 points, or 0.8%. The Nasdaq composite dropped 1.5%. The “Magnificent 7” stocks weighed on the market, led by declines in Nvidia, Tesla and Microsoft. Even with the loss, the S&P 500 had a modest gain for the week and is still headed for its second consecutive annual gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.62%. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. NEW YORK (AP) — Technology stocks are dragging down the market Friday as Wall Street closes out a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 fell 1.3%, with more than 90% of stocks in the benchmark index losing ground. The benchmark index was managing to hold onto a modest gain for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 418 points, or 1%, to 42,878 as of 1:43 p.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq composite fell 1.8%. Technology stocks were the biggest weight on the market Friday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia slumped 2.7%. Its enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes. Other Big Tech stocks losing ground included Microsoft, with a 2% decline. A wide range of retailers also fell. Amazon fell 1.9% and Best Buy slipped 1.8%. The sector is being closely watched for clues on how it performed during the holiday shopping season. Energy stocks held up better than the rest of the market, with a loss of just 0.1% as crude oil prices rose 1.4%. The S&P 500 gained nearly 3% over a 3-day stretch before breaking for the Christmas holiday. On Thursday, the index posted a small decline. “There's just some uncertainty over this relief rally we've witnessed since last week,” said Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist for LPL Financial. Despite Friday's drop, the market is moving closer to another standout annual finish . The S&P 500 is on track for a gain of around 25% in 2024. That would mark a second consecutive yearly gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The gains have been driven partly by upbeat economic data showing that consumers continued spending and the labor market remained strong. Inflation, while still high, has also been steadily easing. A report on Friday showed that sales and inventory estimates for the wholesales trade industry fell 0.2% in November, following a slight gain in October. That weaker-than-expected report follows an update on the labor market Thursday that showed unemployment benefits held steady last week. The stream of upbeat economic data and easing inflation helped prompt a reversal in the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy this year. Expectations for interest rate cuts also helped drive market gains. The central bank recently delivered its third cut to interest rates in 2024. Even though Inflation has come closer to the central bank's target of 2%, it remains stubbornly above that mark and worries about it heating up again have tempered the forecast for more interest rate cuts. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market’s path ahead and shifting economic policies under incoming President Donald Trump. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Amedisys rose 4.7% after the home health care and hospice services provider agreed to extend the deadline for its sale to UnitedHealth Group. The Justice Department had sued to block the $3.3 billion deal, citing concerns he combination would hinder access to home health and hospice services in the U.S. The move to extend the deadline comes ahead of an expected shift in regulatory policy under Trump. The incoming administration is expected to have a more permissive approach to dealmaking and is less likely to raise antitrust concerns. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. Markets in Europe gained ground. Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.61% from 4.59% late Thursday. The yield on the two-year Treasury slipped to 4.31% from 4.33% late Thursday. Wall Street will have more economic updates to look forward to next week, including reports on pending home sales and home prices. There will also be reports on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity. Damian J. Troise, The Associated PressACWA Power’s ESG focus aligns with global sustainability efforts, says official

Photo: The Canadian Press Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney leaves after speaking to reporters at the Liberal caucus retreat in Nanaimo, B.C., on Sept. 10, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck Canada didn't live up to its values on immigration over the last few years as it allowed more people into the country than it could absorb, said former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney. Carney, who is a special adviser to the Liberal party, made the comments at an event on Wednesday in Ottawa held by Cardus, a Christian think tank. "I think what happened in the last few years is we didn't live up to our values on immigration," Carney said. "We had much higher levels of foreign workers, students and new Canadians coming in than we could absorb, that we have housing for, that we have health care for, that we have social services for, that we have opportunities for. And so we're letting down the people that we let in, quite frankly." Earlier this fall, the Liberal government announced a plan to significantly reduce its immigration target for permanent residents and to dramatically scale back the number of temporary residents in Canada. Those changes came about after a period of strong population growth and mounting criticism of the government's immigration policies. Statistics Canada recently reported that the population on July 1 was three per cent higher than a year earlier. Between 1998 and 2018, annual population growth was less than 1.5 per cent. With the planned changes to immigration targets, the federal government now estimates Canada's population will decline slightly by 0.2 per cent in 2025 and 2026, before returning to growth of 0.8 per cent in 2027. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged that his government did not get the balance right on immigration after the COVID-19 pandemic. Carney also pointed to the pandemic as he dug into what went wrong on immigration policy. He said Canada chose to loosen its rules in response to pressure from businesses facing a labour shortage to allow more temporary foreign workers into the country, but he said the government ended up "losing track" in the process. He also blamed provinces for underfunding higher education, which pushed institutions to turn to foreign students to make money. "Do we value higher education in this country or not? Well, if we value higher education, maybe we should start funding our universities," he said. "On the foreign student side, it's more on provincial policy, on squeezing universities, in a sense."

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs was denied bail on Wednesday as he awaits a May sex trafficking trial by a judge who cited evidence showing him to be a serious risk of witness tampering and proof that he has violated regulations in jail. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs was denied bail on Wednesday as he awaits a May sex trafficking trial by a judge who cited evidence showing him to be a serious risk of witness tampering and proof that he has violated regulations in jail. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs was denied bail on Wednesday as he awaits a May sex trafficking trial by a judge who cited evidence showing him to be a serious risk of witness tampering and proof that he has violated regulations in jail. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian made the decision in a written ruling following a bail hearing last week, when lawyers for the hip-hop mogul argued that a $50 million bail package they proposed would be sufficient to ensure Combs doesn’t flee and doesn’t try to intimidate prospective trial witnesses. Two other judges previously had been persuaded by prosecutors’ arguments that the Bad Boy Records founder was a danger to the community if he is not behind bars. Lawyers did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment on the decision. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years, aided by associates and employees. An indictment alleges that he silenced victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. A federal appeals court judge last month denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan considers his bail request. Prosecutors have insisted that no bail conditions would be sufficient to protect the public and prevent the “I’ll Be Missing You” singer from fleeing. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. They say that even in a federal lockup in Brooklyn, Combs has orchestrated social media campaigns designed to influence prospective jurors and tried to publicly leak materials he thinks can help his case. They say he also has contacted potential witnesses through third parties. Lawyers for Combs say any alleged sexual abuse described in the indictment occurred during consensual relations between adults and that new evidence refutes allegations that Combs used his “power and prestige” to induce female victims into drugged-up, elaborately produced sexual performances with male sex workers known as “Freak Offs.” Advertisement Advertisement

Vincerx Pharma Enters into a Binding Term Sheet for a Strategic Merger with Oqory, Inc.January 05 . The U.S. government again included Cuba, along with countries such as Russia, China, and Nicaragua, on its blacklist on religious freedom . Other nations such as Burma, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Tajikistan, and Vietnam appear on the list. 05. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez rejected the inclusion of Cuba on United States “unilateral” lists hours after the island was again placed by Washington among the countries that, in its opinion, violate religious freedom. In the opinion of the foreign minister, this decision by the United States “responds to (the) need to justify its inhuman measures of siege and economic warfare against (the) Cuban people.” 05. The Cornell University Symphonic Wind Band , from the United States, under the direction of James Spinazzola, performed in the Che Guevara Hall of Casa de las Américas. The performance of the U.S. ensemble is part of a ten-day tour of Cuba with community presentations. 18. The U.S. government confirmed that it does not plan for now to allow Cuban micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) access to the U.S. banking system. Eric Jacobstein Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the State Department, said during a hearing in Congress that at the moment he did not have information about specific regulatory changes. Related Posts Humanitarian parole: Only 50 arrive in U.S. in November, none of them Cuban December 23, 2024 D-17 ten years later: hope, frustration and legacy December 17, 2024 Nymphs also take a look in the mirror December 10, 2024 Carlos Gutiérrez: “There are people all over the U.S. who want better relations with Cuba” October 30, 2024 var jnews_module_315585_0_676f3101e452f = {"header_icon":"","first_title":"Related Posts","second_title":"","url":"","header_type":"heading_1","header_background":"","header_secondary_background":"","header_text_color":"","header_line_color":"","header_accent_color":"","header_filter_category":"","header_filter_author":"","header_filter_tag":"","header_filter_text":"All","post_type":"post","content_type":"all","number_post":"4","post_offset":0,"unique_content":"disable","include_post":"","exclude_post":315585,"include_category":"13944","exclude_category":"","include_author":"","include_tag":"","exclude_tag":"","sort_by":"latest","date_format":"default","date_format_custom":"Y\/m\/d","force_normal_image_load":"","pagination_mode":"nextprev","pagination_nextprev_showtext":"","pagination_number_post":"4","pagination_scroll_limit":0,"boxed":"","boxed_shadow":"","el_id":"","el_class":"","scheme":"","column_width":"auto","title_color":"","accent_color":"","alt_color":"","excerpt_color":"","css":"","paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_21"}; This Thursday, the federal official was questioned about rumors that the Biden administration would be considering allowing Cuban entrepreneurs to open accounts in U.S. banks. However, Jacobstein assured during his speech that the White House is committed to “supporting the Cuban people” and facilitating “the growth of the private sector” on the island, which, he said, “sees the United States as a source of inspiration,” said an EFE report. 28. Cuba received 28 irregular migrants returned by the United States, bringing the total number of Cubans deported by sea to 91 so far in 2024. This new group, made up of 23 men and 3 women, tried to reach the United States illegally and was intercepted at sea by the Coast Guard, detailed a note from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT). 29. Between January 29 and 31, Sara Minkara , U.S. Department of State Special Advisor on International Disability Rights. (SAIDR), visited Havana, the United States Embassy reported. Minkara met with representatives of the Cuban government, independent entrepreneurs, former students of programs sponsored by the Embassy, and students of educational institutions in Havana, according to a press release . February 01. The U.S. writer Alice Walker received the Haydée Santamaría medal in Havana, during an event held at Casa de las Américas. The award was given to her in recognition of her support and deepening of U.S. ties with Cuba. 07. Cuban and U.S. authorities held talks in Washington on security and law enforcement. The Cuban representatives provided their U.S. counterparts with information on people “identified for their links to terrorism.” The meeting was the sixth on this topic since 2015 intending to promote “cooperation to combat terrorism, illegal trafficking of migrants and immigration fraud, drug trafficking, among other scourges that threaten the security of the two countries,” according to the Cuban Foreign Ministry. According to a note published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX), the exchange “took place in a climate of respect and professionalism.” 10. An alliance of U.S. and Cuban-American groups and activists published an open letter to President Joe Biden encouraging him to change the course of his policy towards Cuba. United Voice for Change: A Call to Review U.S.-Cuba Policy is the title of the appeal sponsored by ACERE. 22. Representatives of the U.S. agricultural sector expressed their “optimism” about future collaboration with Cuba but stressed that the exchange must be on both sides. “There may be new opportunities and we are optimistic about the possibility of future cooperation with Cuba,” Ted A. MCKinney, president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), told the press. 23. Scientists and researchers from Cuba and the United States discussed in Havana’s preparation for pandemic situations, cancer, and other health issues, reported the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP). The exchanges occurred within the 2nd Joint Scientific Meeting Cuba-United States held last week. 24. During the visit to Cuba, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Diplomacy Kerri S. Hannan met with private businesspeople and representatives of civil society, as well as with government officials. According to a press release from the U.S. Embassy, ​​ Hannan exchanged with Cuban entrepreneurs “to learn about the challenges they face and to demonstrate the continued support of the United States to the Cuban people and the Cuban private sector.” In addition, she “learned firsthand how they provide food, supplies, employment and economic opportunities to the Cuban people,” and “explored with them how the U.S. government can strengthen the independent Cuban private sector with exchanges and other aid.” March 01. Ilham Omar, a U.S. House of Representatives member, joined the demands for a change in the White House policy towards Cuba. Omar expressed her frustration at the continuity of policies strengthened by the Trump administration and called on President Biden to make a substantial change. “For 65 long years the Cuban people have suffered from the U.S. embargo,” said the representative from Minnesota. 02. The Cuban Consular Office in the United States announced that it will resume in-person services starting Monday, March 4, according to a statement from the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX). 08. A group of Republican congresspeople asked President Biden to keep Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. The legislators made this request amid the controversy over the trip two congresspeople from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party made to Cuba at the end of February. Republicans María Elvira Salazar, Nicole Malliotakis, Carlos Giménez, and Mario Díaz-Balart, all of Cuban origin, gave a press conference in front of Congress to make public their request to Biden and to attack the socialist system that, in their opinion, “has destroyed Cuba.” These legislators are trying to promote the so-called Force Acts, which would prevent the United States from normalizing relations with Cuba until “freedom and democracy are restored” on the island. In addition, it would prohibit the State Department from removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism if those conditions are not met. 09. A U.S. federal court dismissed a lawsuit to stop the humanitarian parole program that allows migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to request emergency entry into the country. According to the decision of federal judge Drew B. Tipton, the government of Democrat Joe Biden will be able to continue implementing this initiative, which had been opposed by several states in the union led by Texas. 18. The U.S. government expressed its support for the protesters in Cuba while denying being behind this Sunday’s protests in different localities. “The United States supports the Cuban people exercising their right to assemble peacefully,” said Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols on social media. Nichols also said that “the Cuban government will not be able to meet the needs of its people until it adopts democracy and the rule of law and respects the rights of Cuban citizens.” 18. The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) summoned United States Chargé d’Affaires Benjamin Ziff regarding the U.S. statements following the protests that took place on Sunday in several towns on the island. Ziff was summoned by Deputy Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío, who “formally conveyed to him the firm rejection of the interventionist conduct and the slanderous messages of the U.S. government and its embassy in Cuba” in light of these events, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs . 23. The U.S. House of Representatives, dominated by Republicans, approved a bill containing specific restrictions on transferring government funds to promote entrepreneurship in Cuba. The financing package also includes the approval of economic assistance to U.S. allies and funds for the “promotion of democracy” in countries such as Cuba and Nicaragua. Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart highlighted the allocation of 25 million dollars (an increase of 5% compared to 2023) destined for the work of the Cuba Broadcasting Office, in charge of Radio and TV Martí, in 2024. 29. Cuba received a flight from the United States on Thursday in which 61 irregular migrants were deported, including one who “was escaping from a penitentiary where he was serving a sentence for human trafficking,” according to a statement from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT). The group was made up of 52 men, seven women and two minors. With their arrival, 340 people have been returned in 26 operations from various countries in the region so far this year, official media reported cited by EFE. April 02 . The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) considered the new press reports on the so-called “Havana Syndrome” released in recent days to be a “political propaganda operation.” These reports came to light as a result of a joint investigation by the U.S. network CBS, the Russian exile media outlet The Insider, and the German magazine Der Spiegel , according to which the mysterious health incidents reported by some 200 United States officials in Cuba and other countries would be the result of deliberate attacks and Russia would be behind them. “This is not an investigation, it is another political propaganda operation that does not provide any evidence and hides from the public the conclusions of important scientific studies that show that the ‘Havana Syndrome’ does not exist,” said Johana Tablada, deputy director for the United States of the Cuban Foreign Ministry, on X. U.S.: Coercion of patients closes investigation into “Havana Syndrome” in health institutes 03. The U.S. government believes that Cuba is at “a key moment” after the recent protests in several localities of the island, which motivated responses from the Cuban Foreign Ministry. The U.S. statements were made by Under Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols, who also estimated that “there are reasons for hope” because “the people are protesting in the streets with courage.” For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) this consideration by the United States is an admission “with total shamelessness” of Washington’s intentions to bet on a “regime change.” 12 . Thanks to an educational exchange program, children from the Harriet Tubman Elementary School in Washington learned about the history and culture of Cuba . The Embassy Adoption Program is the public project that promotes cultural ties and unites the embassies accredited in the capital of the United States, including the Cuban one, reported Prensa Latina (PL) news agency. 12 . More than 3,000 applications for humanitarian parole for Cubans were rejected in a single day this week, according to sources and media outlets in South Florida. The rejections amounted to 3,482 and occurred on April 9, causing a stir among those who aspired to emigrate to the United States by this means. This is a record number of denials, since until then the highest number of rejections in one day was 20, on April 3, according to Angel Baullosa, co-founder of the company Immigrate, which monitors requests for humanitarian parole. 12. Former U.S. diplomat Victor Manuel Rocha was sentenced in a federal court in Miami to 15 years in prison on charges related to spying for Cuba for 40 years after pleading guilty during a hearing held by Judge Beth Bloom. Former U.S. ambassador to plead guilty to charges of espionage for Cuba Rocha, 73 years old and former U.S. ambassador to several Latin American countries, was accused of “acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government (Cuba)” and of conspiracy to commit the same crime and disappointing the United States. 14 . The Cuban government accused U.S. intelligence agencies of “mounting an operation” to “provoke a social explosion” taking advantage of the “complex economic situation” that the island is going through. “They hope to heat up the Cuban streets during the summer, taking advantage of the complex economic situation that the country is experiencing,” according to the Granma newspaper. 17 . Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío said that the delegations from Cuba and the United States held a “frank discussion” on migration issues during the bilateral dialogue held in Washington. “It was a frank discussion. We cannot say that we agreed exactly on everything we discussed, but we had the opportunity to make proposals on each side based on how they believe the agreements are being fulfilled,” the diplomat commented after the talks. 23 . A report updated to April 15 reveals that 1,314,330 Cubans live in the United States , which makes the island the seventh country with the most residents in that nation. The document on Washington’s Nationalization Policy, from the Congressional Research Service, also states that 64% already have nationality. The report indicates that Cuba is preceded by citizens of Mexico, India, China, the Philippines, El Salvador and Vietnam, out of a total of 25 countries included in the ranking. May 04 . The Cuban drug Heberprot-P for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, used successfully in several countries, will have a clinical trial in the United States. The news was confirmed by the U.S. company Discovery Therapeutics Caribe (DTC), which was authorized to carry out the study by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 09 . With “immediate effect,” Western Union announced the resumption of remittances to Cuba from the United States, suspended since February due to “technical problems with the processing of transactions” on the island. The money sent through this channel is processed through Orbit S.A., an entity operated by the Cuban government legally established in 2020. 10 . The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) expressed its “deep concern” over the recent acquittal of the attacker of the island’s Embassy in Washington in 2020, and considered that this decision sends “a dangerous message of impunity.” The aggressor, named Alexander Alazo Baró, was acquitted of the four charges by a judge of the Court for the District of Columbia. In his decision, issued on May 1, the magistrate “alleged conditions of insanity of the perpetrator,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The MINREX recalled that Alazo Baró, who has lived in the United States since 2010, “fired 32 bullets from a magazine of an AK-47 semi-automatic rifle against the Cuban diplomatic headquarters in Washington, causing extensive material damage to the exterior and interior of the building and endangering the lives of several people who were inside the building.” 13 . Businesspeople, politicians and farmers began the 5th United States-Cuba Agricultural Conference in Havana. In the opinion of Congressman Rick Crawford, holding these types of meetings on a regular basis constitutes “progress,” although “we are still not where we would like to be,” according to Prensa Latina (PL) news agency. 13. The United States removed Cuba from its list of countries that “do not fully cooperate with anti-terrorist efforts,” according to a new report from the State Department. The new document states that “the circumstances that led to certifying that Havana was not fully cooperating with these efforts had changed from 2022 to 2023 and that therefore it could no longer certify that the island was not fully cooperating with the anti-terrorism issue under the Arms Export Control Act in calendar year 2023.” U.S. law establishes specific legal criteria for rescinding a designation of a nation as a sponsor of terrorism and therefore “any review of Cuba’s status on that blacklist would be based on the law and criteria established by the United States Congress.” For three consecutive years until the report referring to 2022, Washington has kept Cuba on the list. 16 . Businesspeople, producers, and authorities from the agricultural sector of the United States highlighted the “advances” and the “potential” of trade between both countries in this area. After three days of activities as part of the 5th United States-Cuba Agricultural Conference, held in Havana, the visitors confirmed their desire to continue these meetings and working to increase the bilateral relationship at a time when the country is suffering from a severe economic crisis that has agriculture as one of the most depressed sectors. “We have made great progress to strengthen ties and we will work step by step to achieve our objectives,” said Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture Mike Strain at the close of the event. 16 . Responding to a journalist about the reasons why Cuba was removed from the aforementioned list, the deputy spokesperson for the State Department, Vedant Patel, acknowledged the validity and breadth of the embargo. “Cuba remains subject to an incredibly comprehensive embargo,” Patel admitted, as can be read in the transcript of the press briefing of the State Department. 17 . The U.S. government confirmed that it maintains Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. The decision was ratified after the island’s removal from the list of “countries that do not fully cooperate with anti-terrorist efforts” was announced, and Washington admitted that it cooperates with Havana in some activities to combat terrorism. 20 . Democratic members of Congress reacted positively to the step taken by the Biden administration, which admitted Cuba’s cooperation in the fight against terrorism. House members Jim McGovern, ranking member of the House Rules Committee , and Barbara Lee, ranking member of the House Appropriations State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, welcomed the State Department’s move. 20 . An official Cuban delegation visited Miami International Airport, U.S. officials confirmed. According to the Miami-Dade County Aviation Department, the visit lasted about five hours, during which time the Cuban delegation was able to observe a security checkpoint and a baggage checkpoint inside the airport. The authorization was provided by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. A spokesman for the State Department, under which the TSA operates, said the visit is similar to others made in past years by Cuban officials, in the interest of cooperation on civil aviation security. 22 . Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended before the House of Representatives having removed Cuba from the list of countries that “do not fully cooperate” against terrorism because circumstances have changed. The US removes Cuba from the list of “countries that do not fully cooperate with anti-terrorism efforts”. The United States keeps Cuba on another list, that of countries that sponsor terrorism, a measure that entails economic sanctions. 23 . A group of 31 rafters was returned to Cuba by the U.S. Coast Guard. The migrants had been intercepted days ago at sea after making two illegal exits from the island, one through Havana and another through Matanzas, according to official sources. 28 . The United States announced that it allows Cuban entrepreneurs to open and use U.S. bank accounts over the Internet to carry out financial transactions from the island. The Treasury Department explained in a press release that this announcement, along with other measures, seeks to “promote internet freedom in Cuba, support independent Cuban private sector entrepreneurs, and expand access to certain financial services for the Cuban people.” U.S. authorizes Cuban entrepreneurs to open U.S. bank accounts through Internet The Treasury said that since May 28, Cuban entrepreneurs are authorized to “open, maintain, and remotely use U.S. bank accounts, including through online payment platforms, to conduct authorized transactions” whether from the United States, Cuba, or any other country. The United States also updated its definition of Cuban entrepreneur to include not only self-employed workers but also cooperatives and small private enterprises with up to 100 employees, which will be able to access the U.S. banking system. The U.S. also lifted the blockade on fund transfers originating and ending outside the United States, a measure that seeks to facilitate the sending of remittances to Cuba. “The measures announced today by the U.S. government are limited,” wrote Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez on X. 29 . The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum of the University of Arkansas and the National Council of Cultural Heritage signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Havana. The document “will allow for intensified contributions” in academic matters between the U.S. institution and the Ernest Hemingway Museum Finca Vigía, as shared on social media by the island’s cultural institution. 30 . The Harvard University Jazz Orchestra performed at the Casa de las Américas. It is directed by Cuban saxophonist Yosvany Terry, who has lived in the United States for decades and is linked to jazz and Cuban roots. June 02. Pánfilo, Chequera and Isidoro, popular characters from the comedy show Vivir del cuento , are the protagonists of a campaign by the United States Embassy in Cuba. The campaign is called “Migra legally to the United States” and will address the procedures and other topics of interest for those who wish to do so. According to the diplomatic headquarters on its social media, the three characters — played by actors Luis Silva , Mario Sardiñas and Marlon Pijuan — will discuss these aspects with “someone with very good knowledge.” 08 . The United States ruled out that the arrival in the port of Havana of three Russian ships and a nuclear submarine, between June 12 and 17, constituted a direct threat to its security, considering that they are part of regular Russian military maneuvers. “Russia’s deployments are part of a routine naval activity and do not worry us, since they do not represent a direct threat to the United States,” official sources stated. The Department of Defense has previewed for Russia to carry out “intense naval activity near the United States” in the summer, which could culminate in a global exercise in the fall. 12. U.S. military authorities denied that an air strike by the United States against the jihadist group Al-Shabaab killed two Cuban doctors kidnapped five years ago in Somalia on February 15. The Al-Shabaab terrorists and the two Cuban doctors: a chronology The news of their death had been given by the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab, as a result of a bombing in an area of ​ the African country where the doctors were supposedly being held. However, a report from the U.S. Military Command in Africa (AFRICOM) sent to the EFE news agency on Wednesday, although it confirms the attack, denies the death of the doctors. 13 . Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez considered that the report from the U.S. Military Command in Africa (AFRICOM) on the alleged death in Somalia of the two Cuban doctors kidnapped by the group Al-Shabaab “does not provide anything new.” The Foreign Minister said he was “surprised” by the military entity’s report , which denied that Cuban doctors Assel Herrera and Landy Rodríguez were among the victims of a U.S. air attack against the jihadist organization in February. “Since April we have been waiting, without response, for the investigations that Cuba officially requested regarding the AFRICOM attacks in another town in Somalia,” said the island’s Foreign Minister on X. 12 . “There is a new revolution that has taken root in Cuba. That is the revolution of young entrepreneurs who are taking charge of their situation, who are transforming their country, who are improving, growing, expanding, learning, despite the obstacles of the United States or their own country.” Paul Johnson, leader of the US-Cuba Agricultural Coalition: “The private sector is the new revolution in Cuba” “And that is the new revolution that we have to understand, instead of speaking in terms of the 1959 revolution, communism, socialism, capitalism, and those restrictive categories of how we see Cuba today. We have to educate our side about those realities. And frankly, we are behind. Our side doesn’t understand it,” said in Havana Paul Johnson, leader of the United States-Cuba Agricultural Coalition. 13 . The U.S. government reiterated its intention to support the growing private sector in Cuba as a factor in containing the historical influence of Moscow and Beijing on the island for more than six decades. At a hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols said the United States remains concerned about attempts by Russia and China to “shape the nature of Cuba’s future.” The event inquired about the topic entitled “Competition among great powers in the Western Hemisphere,” two hundred years after the implementation of the Monroe Doctrine, a key strategy of U.S. foreign policy to defend its interests in Latin America and the Caribbean, then from colonial European powers. 15 . The Cuban government declared its displeasure at the presence of a U.S. war submarine in Guantanamo Bay because visits by naval means are “an invitation, and this is not the case.” Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Fernández de Cossío said: “We obviously do not like the presence in our territory and transiting through our waters of a medium of that nature, belonging to a power that maintains an official and practical policy that is hostile against Cuba.” 21 . The number of Cubans with humanitarian parole continued to grow, although not at the same rate as the high number of applications. More than 100,000 Cubans born on the island had received this immigration benefit from the U.S. authorities by May, according to official data. Of these, approximately 98,200 had already entered the country, the CBP said in its report . 21. Some 56 Cubans were returned to the island in what was the 15th deportation flight from the United States this year, according to the U.S. Embassy in Havana. This group brought the total to 48 operations of this type, involving 744 irregular migrants returned from different countries in the region, both by air and sea, the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) detailed. 23. The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is seeking to resume direct deportation flights of Venezuelan migrants to their country and to increase repatriations of Cubans, which was restarted this year after being suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. 25 . The U.S. government again included Cuba on its human trafficking blacklist, an issue on which Washington and Havana have openly opposing interpretations. U.S. once again includes Cuba on its human trafficking blacklist As last year, the island was placed on the most serious level of the annual report on the subject, published by the State Department, which includes countries that, in the opinion of the U.S. authorities, do not meet the minimum standards for the elimination of this scourge and do not make significant efforts to do so. 30. Wayne Smith , former U.S. diplomat and academic and former head of the Interests Section in Cuba between 1979 and 1982, died at the age of 92. He worked for decades to normalize relations between Cuba and the United States, advocated for the elimination of the embargo/blockade, for the return of the territory occupied by the Guantanamo Naval Base, and condemned terrorism and hostile policies. “The idea that by maintaining the embargo and a hostile environment we could overthrow the Castro government was absurd. It was a delusion on the part of the United States and U.S. leaders,” he said in an interview with AFP in 2015, more than thirty years after finishing his diplomatic mission in Havana. July 10 . The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops urged the Joe Biden administration to remove Cuba from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism and begin the path of mutual understanding. In a letter addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the president of the Justice and Peace Committee, Bishop Elías Zaidan, reaffirmed the position of the Conference, which together with the Holy See and governments and international organizations, have also called for the lifting of the embargo/blockade by Washington. 31 . Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez considered recent accusations from the United States that Cuba seeks to influence the electoral process in that country to be “unfounded.” “Accusations about Cuba’s influence in U.S. elections are unfounded. We do not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries,” the Cuban Foreign Minister said on X. The publication responds to statements by an official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, according to whom the Cuban government carries out “influence operations” in U.S. elections. August 01 . A total of 46 congresspeople urged President Biden to reverse the designation that weighs on Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism and recognized its participation in the peace process and agreements in Colombia. 07 . The United States Mint announced that Celia Cruz was chosen, along with four other exemplary women in history, to appear on the 25-cent coin. The Cuban star will be immortalized on the new commemorative quarter as part of the U.S. Women’s 25-cent Coin Program this 2024, Billboard magazine reported . 10. Chicken exports from the United States to Cuba fell in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year. However, the value of chicken imported by the island from the neighboring country was now higher. Between January and June, exports of this product to Cuba were 127,000 tons ― equivalent to about 5,000 containers ― while in those same months of 2023, they had been a bit over 139,000. 14 . The United States Embassy in Havana announced the expansion of its services with the purpose of including “certain categories of temporary work visas and exchange programs.” Cubans with temporary work petitions approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be able to schedule a visa interview in Havana. Likewise, participants in exchange visit programs with an approved Certificate of Eligibility will be able to do so. 20. With the humanitarian parole program on hold due to irregularities and cases of fraud detected by the authorities, the number of approved Cubans reached 110,000. By the end of July, that was the number of Cubans examined and authorized to travel to U.S. territory, something that some 109,000 had already done at that time. The number represented a growth of more than 3,000 compared to June when 106,757 had already been approved. Adding the year 2023 and the seven months of 2024, Cubans continued to be third in the number of approved people among the four nations that make up the program. 29 . The U.S. government resumed the allocation of humanitarian permits for emigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela in a number of up to 360,000 people per year. U.S. resumes humanitarian parole for immigrants from Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Haiti The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the resumption of the process after a pause of almost four weeks. A statement from the entity explained that the selection process has been improved, especially that of the sponsors of the people who apply for parole. September 13. Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez called on the U.S. government to respond to the questions of Cuban entrepreneurs about the application of the measures announced by the Biden administration last May . He said that the possibility of opening bank accounts in dollars in the United States is inapplicable and that “so far no movement has occurred.” Bruno Rodríguez: “The U.S. measures for Cuban entrepreneurs are inapplicable” “They have not been applied because the oppressive and suffocating framework of the blockade prevents it. You have to be crazy to interact with Cuban entities under that oppressive circumstance. The risks for U.S. banks, for example, are very great,” he said. The Foreign Ministry also questioned how technology companies could discern between state and private enterprises to offer Internet services that are currently blocked, another of the measures that the Biden administration announced in May. 19 . President Biden has extended for another year the Trading with the Enemy Act, a 1917 regulation under which the embargo/blockade on Cuba was imposed. “I hereby determine that the continued exercise of such authorities with respect to Cuba for one year is in the national interest of the United States,” Biden said in the brief memorandum sent to the Treasury Department, published in the Federal Register . 20. Cuban pianist Jesús Chucho Valdés and saxophonist and clarinetist Paquito D’Rivera already have a commemorative date on the calendar. The city of Saint Louis, in the southern state of Missouri, declared that every September 19 will be the day of both Cuban musicians in the United States. 22 . The 5th Meeting of Residents in the United States that took place at the Cuban mission to the United Nations in New York, reaffirmed the government’s will to promote relations with its compatriots in that country, according to a note from the Prensa Latina news agency. Among the main concerns, the diaspora learned in depth about the recently approved laws on migration, nationality and aliens, which are about to come into force. According to Ana Teresita González, head of the General Department of Consular Affairs and Assistance to Cubans Living Abroad (DGACCRE), “we are willing to analyze any project or business.” The DGACCRE will support initiatives promoted by Cubans residing outside the national territory. October 02 . The children’s theater company La Colmenita concluded its tour of the United States in Washington DC, which included visits and performances in Tampa and New York. The presentation in the U.S. capital took place at the Imagination Stage theater with the staging of Cinderella according to The Beatles , a free version in English by the founder and director of the group Carlos Alberto Cremata of the popular fairytale “Cinderella.” 02 . In recent years, Cuba has faced “a growing open incitement to violence from the United States,” said Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Josefina Vidal Ferreiro. The Cuban government has repeatedly notified the authorities of these events, she said at the International Conference on Victims of Terrorism organized by the UN and the government of Spain in the city of Vitoria. 12 . The famous filmmaker and activist Michael Moore asked Joe Biden, in his last 100 days in office as president, to lift the embargo on Cuba and close the Guantanamo naval base. 12 . Cuba imported 46 times more used cars from the United States than food in August, according to a report published by the Economic Eye On Cuba (EEOC) blog , which uses official data provided by various U.S. agencies, including the Department of Commerce. The purchases, which must be paid in cash because Washington does not extend commercial credits to Cuba due to sanctions, do not take into account the sectors, state or private, responsible for the acquisitions. 17 . The Cuban government denounced the “lack of will” that in its opinion the U.S. authorities demonstrate in the face of the attacks suffered by the embassy in Washington. There is “a lack of will and to a certain extent complicity on the part of the federal agencies of the United States that are in charge of preventing terrorist actions,” said Johana Tablada, deputy director for the United States of the Cuban Foreign Ministry. 22 . The U.S. government said it is following “closely” the blackouts that Cuba has suffered in recent days and assured that it does not rule out providing aid to the island. 23 . The ruling of a federal appeals court in the United States on Tuesday overturned the judicial decision that forced several cruise companies to pay fines of more than 400 million dollars for having carried out operations using properties confiscated by the Cuban government after 1959, without compensation to their owners. 24. The Court of Appeals of the 11th Circuit based in the city of Atlanta backed the claim of Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, affected by the verdict issued at the end of 2022 by U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom, by a 2-1 vote, the Miami Herald reported . 24. “If the U.S. government is truly willing to help, it knows and clearly understands where it can make a difference and what needs to be done. There is no need for too many explanations or specific requests,” responded Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío. The New York Times publishes letter to Biden demanding end to “brutal” policy on Cuba 30 . With 187 votes in favor, one abstention and two votes against, the United Nations General Assembly once again supported the Cuban government’s resolution on “the need to put an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States.” The votes against were from the United States and Israel, and Moldova abstained. November 10. According to the New York-based U.S. Trade & Economic Council, Inc., U.S. agricultural and food exports to Cuba increased by 53.3% in September 2024. They were $31,150,492, compared to $20,317,573 in September 2023 and $38,167,679 in September 2022. All of this is taking place within the framework of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSREEA) of 2000, the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) of 1992, and regulations implemented (1992 to date) for other products by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. 16. The U.S. Embassy in Havana announced the arrival of a new Chief of Mission (Chargé d’Affaires): career diplomat Mike Hammer, 60 years old and with more than three decades of service. Hammer, who recently served as Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, has a diplomatic career as ambassador to Chile and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in addition to working as a diplomat in Bolivia, Norway, Iceland and Denmark. 20 . A group of 18 congresspeople urged President Biden to ease sanctions against Cuba and eliminate its designation among the nations sponsoring terrorism . The letter is driven by a “deep sense of urgency” and requests “immediate actions to stabilize Cuba’s energy infrastructure and provide critical humanitarian assistance.” 28. The Cuban government referred for the first time to Donald Trump ’s victory in the elections and assured that “the country is prepared” for a new term of the Republicans. President Miguel Díaz-Canel said that the election results “are not new” and were a “scenario predicted” by the Cuban authorities. He reiterated his criticism of the U.S. sanctions, a package he described as “perverse and genocidal.” He recalled that the last series of sanctions was imposed during the first term of Republican Trump and that the current U.S. president has maintained “the same position of hostility.” “The Cuban people are currently facing widespread blackouts and a growing energy crisis, exacerbated by the impact of Hurricane Rafael. The situation is not only causing immense suffering to the Cuban people but also poses serious risks to the national security interests of the United States.” 29 . The private MSME Danaus SRL won a victory in a U.S. court against the company Overseas of the Americas Corp., as reported by Univision. The ruling responds to a lawsuit for breach of a contract for the sale of a load of chicken for a total value of 84,000 dollars. Danaus SRL is a company based in Havana that is dedicated to the distribution of wholesale products throughout Cuba, according to its social networks. Meanwhile, Overseas of the Americas Corp. is based in the state of Florida and was created on July 6, 2021. The case creates a precedent for businesspeople to be able to file lawsuits from Cuba against U.S. entities. December 05 . The Cuban government estimated that it is “not realistic” for the next Republican administration of Donald Trump to deport the “hundreds of thousands” of Cubans currently living illegally in the United States. Given the imminent arrival of Trump to the White House on January 20, and the promises of the president-elect to carry out mass deportations from the first day of his mandate, the Cuban authorities assured that any proposal of this type would have to be examined within the limits of the existing agreements between Washington and Havana. “In that context, it is not realistic to think that there will be mass deportations from the United States to Cuba,” said Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Fernández de Cossío, cited by the Reuters news agency. 06 . A foreign adversary of the United States is likely responsible for some of the Havana Syndrome incidents, a House of Representatives investigative committee has concluded, debunking the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) version and accusing it of withholding valuable information. Representative Rick Crawford, chairman of the House Intelligence Subcommittee that oversees the CIA, released an interim report that castigates the U.S. intelligence community for “attempting to frustrate” the investigation and producing a “dubious or misleading” prior assessment that dismissed the incidents, reported an article published in El Nuevo Herald , Miami. “It seems increasingly likely and the chairman [of the subcommittee] is convinced that a foreign adversary is behind some” of these incidents, the report said. 11 . U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday that he “does not anticipate” any change in Cuba policy before outgoing President Joe Biden leaves power on January 20, 2025. “I do not anticipate any change in our policy toward Cuba by this administration,” said the head of U.S. diplomacy during an appearance before a parliamentary committee. 11 . The Cuban Foreign Ministry responded to the approval of the “No Recognized Stolen Brands” law, recently signed by President Joe Biden, with a strong condemnation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) considers it a “unilateral coercive” measure that reinforces Washington’s embargo against the island’s economy, which is going through the worst moment of its prolonged economic crisis. 13. The U.S. government decided to keep Cuba for another year on the list of countries that in its opinion sponsor terrorism , which entails a series of sanctions for the island. This is stated in the 2023 report on terrorism in the world published this Thursday by the State Department. Cuba shares a category with North Korea, Iran and Syria, countries that Washington accuses of “providing repeated support to acts of international terrorism.” 17. The Cuban government denied that it is uncomfortable with the political rapprochement with the United States and acknowledged that it is “concerned” about the economic effect that a second Donald Trump term may have. “Of course, we are concerned about the effect that greater hostility from the United States, which has proven to be very powerful and to have a very effective destructive capacity to cause damage, may have on our economy, and in particular, the effect it may have on the standard of living of the population,” said Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Fernández de Cossío. Tags: Cuba-USA Relations featured

As Solana and Ethereum show little movement in their prices, the cryptocurrency spotlight shifts to Kaspa and XYZVerse, both gearing up for a market shift expected in January. XYZVerse, a promising player in the crypto scene, is anticipated to redefine the market with its innovative concept combining sports fandom, meme coin culture, and strong ecosystem development. Billing itself as the first all-sports meme token, XYZVerse is drawing the attention of sports fans and crypto enthusiasts. Its roadmap promises entertainment-focused dApps and growth driven by community input. Currently in the eighth stage of its presale, XYZ is priced at $0.001333, with expectations to reach $0.1 by the end of its presale, marking a significant increase from its initial price of $0.0001. XYZVerse aims to merge sports hype, meme culture, and blockchain technology to become an adaptable ecosystem, preparing for listings on centralized and decentralized exchanges, and offering rewards to contributors. With its unique appeal, community focus, and growth potential, XYZVerse is a notable contender to watch as January approaches. Meanwhile, Solana has experienced a 20.60% decline over the last month, trading currently between $177.72 and $201.47. Its technical indicators suggest it’s nearing an oversold condition. Ethereum has also seen a decrease, with a 2.42% drop this week, trading between $3232.83 and $3542.12, and potentially entering a consolidation phase. Kaspa has faced a 6.70% price reduction over the past week and is currently trading between $0.10 and $0.13, also indicating possible oversold conditions.The Gunners took two points out of Liverpool’s lead at the summit of the Premier League after Jurrien Timber and William Saliba struck in the second half – both from corners – to condemn Amorim to his first defeat as United boss. The hosts’ second-half strikes took their goals-from-corners tally to 22 since the start of last season – a statistic that is unmatched by any other team in the division. Asked if Arsenal are one of the best teams he has come up against on corners, Amorim replied: “If you follow the Premier League for a long time you can see that. “They are also big players and you see every occasion when (Gabriel) Martinelli and (Bukayo) Saka have one-on-ones, a lot of times they go outside and they cross, and they know that if the cross goes well, they can score, and if it is a corner they can score, too, so we have to be better on that. “You have seen in all Arsenal games that every team have had problems with that (corners). And the difference today was the set-pieces. “You see a goal and then the momentum changed, and it is really hard for us to take the full control of the game after that.” Timber leaned into Rasmus Hojlund at the front post before diverting Declan Rice’s set-piece into the back of Andre Onana’s net after 54 minutes to send Arsenal into the lead. Thomas Partey’s header from Saka’s corner then deflected in off Saliba’s shoulder with 17 minutes left. Arteta and the club’s set-piece guru Nicolas Jover embraced on the touchline as Amorim was left with his head in his hands. The Arsenal supporters cheered raucously every time they won a corner – landing 13 in all without reply. However, Arteta moved to play down the significance of Arsenal’s set-piece threat. “We need that, but we want to be very dangerous and very effective from every angle and every phase of play,” said Arteta. “Today we could have scored from open play like we did against West Ham and Sporting. Last year we scored the most goals in the history of this football club. Arsenal have won four consecutive Premier League matches against Man Utd for the first time ever! 💫 pic.twitter.com/biv1kvsJEP — Premier League (@premierleague) December 4, 2024 “Not because of only set-pieces, but because of a lot of things that we have. We want to create individual and magic moments, too.” Arsenal’s win against United – the first time they have recorded four victories in a row against the Red Devils in the league – was their fourth in succession since the international break. They will head to Fulham on Sunday bidding to keep the momentum going. Arteta continued: “The will to win is there. We try our best to do that. We won four in a row, but it doesn’t matter. We have to go to Fulham now, try to be better than them and try win the game. “It’s every three days that we play. It’s a crazy schedule. We’re going to need everybody and to mentally be very strong.”Musk says US is demanding he pay penalty over disclosures of his Twitter stock purchases DETROIT (AP) — Elon Musk says the Securities and Exchange Commission wants him to pay a penalty or face charges involving what he disclosed — or failed to disclose — about his purchases of Twitter stock before he bought the social media platform in 2022. In a letter, Musk’s lawyer Alex Spiro tells the outgoing SEC chairman, Gary Gensler, that the commission’s demand for a monetary payment is a “misguided scheme” that won’t intimidate Musk. The letter also alleges that the commission reopened an investigation this week into Neuralink, Musk’s computer-to-human brain interface company. The SEC has not released the letter. Nor would it comment on it or confirm whether it has issued such a demand to Musk. Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is pushing toward a vote on legislation that would provide full Social Security benefits to millions of people. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer began the process on Thursday for a final vote on the bill, known as the Social Security Fairness Act. It would eliminate policies that currently limit Social Security payouts for roughly 2.8 million people. The legislation has passed the House. The bill would add more strain on the Social Security Trust funds, which are already estimated to be unable to pay out full benefits beginning in 2035. The measure would add an estimated $195 billion to federal deficits over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Trump offers support for dockworkers union by saying ports shouldn't install more automated systems WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is offering his support for the dockworkers union before their contract expires next month at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports. He posted on social media Thursday that he met with union leaders and that any further “automation” of the ports would harm workers. He wrote that the “amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers.” The International Longshoremen’s Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. The Maritime Alliance says the technology will improve worker safety and strengthen our supply chains, among other things. IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power WASHINGTON (AP) — IRS leadership on Thursday announced that the agency has recovered $4.7 billion in back taxes and proceeds from a variety of crimes. The announcement comes under the backdrop of a promised reckoning from Republicans who will hold a majority over both chambers of the next Congress and have long called for rescinding the tens of billions of dollars in funding provided to the agency by Democrats. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said improvements made to the agency will help the incoming administration and new Republican majority congress achieve its goals of administering an extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. OpenAI's legal battle with Elon Musk reveals internal turmoil over avoiding AI 'dictatorship' A 7-year-old dispute between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and best avoid an artificial intelligence ‘dictatorship’ is now heading to a federal judge as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker’s ongoing conversion into a for-profit company. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year. Musk has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. OpenAI is filing its response Friday. OpenAI's Altman will donate $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund LOS ANGELES (AP) — OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is planning to make a $1 million personal donation to President-Elect Donald Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships the incoming administration. A spokesperson for OpenAI confirmed the move on Friday. The announcement comes one day after Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it donated $1 million to the same fund. Amazon also said it plans to donate $1 million. China signals it's prepared to double down on support for the economy as Trump tariffs loom BANGKOK (AP) — Chinese leaders met this week to plot economic policy for the coming year and sketched out plans to raise government spending and relax Beijing's monetary policy. Analysts said the broad-brush plans from the annual Central Economic Work Conference were more of a recap of current policy than ambitious new initiatives at a time when the outlook is clouded by the President-elect Donald Trump's threats to sharply raise tariffs once he takes office. The ruling Communist Party did commit to raising China's deficit and to doing more to encourage consumer spending by bringing wage increases in line with the pace of economic growth. Here's a look at China's main priorities and their potential implications. Stock market today: Wall Street slips at the end of a bumpy week Stocks slipped as Wall Street closes out a rare bumpy week. The S&P 500 was up less than 0.1% in afternoon trading Friday and headed for a weekly loss. The benchmark index hit its latest in a string of records a week ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 58 points. The Nasdaq composite was up 0.1%. Broadcom surged after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. Treasury yields edged higher in the bond market. European markets were mostly lower and Asian markets mostly fell. Next Week: Retail sales, Fed policy update, existing home sales The Commerce Department releases its monthly snapshot of U.S. retail sales Tuesday. Federal Reserve officials wrap up a two-day meeting and issue an interest rate policy update Wednesday. The National Association of Realtors issues its latest update on U.S. home sales Thursday. African Union chairperson candidates advocate for permanent UN Security Council seats NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Three African leaders seeking to head the African Union have detailed their plans for regional security amid conflicts and political coups while strongly advocating for inter-Africa trade. The race for chairperson debate was held Friday in Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. Kenya’s Raila Odinga, Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato are seeking to be elected as chairperson for the 55-member state African Union. They had a two-hour debate Friday in which they all advocated for two permanent seats for African countries at the U.N. Security Council to effectively represent the continent with the youngest population. The three are seeking to convince most African countries before the February election to succeed the African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki.

More lives will be lost on dangerous north Belfast roads, councillor warns after death of cyclist