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Following Blake Lively 's allegations against Justin Baldoni , his former publicist is also taking legal action. The It Ends With Us actor and director, his company Wayfarer Studios, as well as publicists Jennifer Abel and Melissa Nathan , are named in a lawsuit filed by Stephanie Jones in New York's Supreme Court Dec. 24. According to the documents viewed by E! News, Jones is accusing Abel—an employee at her firm Jonesworks until this past summer, per LinkedIn—and Nathan of "secretly conspired for months to publicly and privately attack Jones and Jonesworks, to breach multiple contracts and induce contractual breaches, and to steal clients and business prospects." "Behind Jones’ back, they secretly coordinated with Baldoni and Wayfarer to implement an aggressive media smear campaign against Baldoni’s film co-star," Jones, referencing the alleged campaign against Lively that the actress mentioned in her recent legal complaint, claims, "and then used the crisis as an opportunity to drive a wedge between Jones and Baldoni, and to publicly pin blame for this smear campaign on Jones—when Jones had no knowledge or involvement in it." E! News has reached out to defendants named in the lawsuit and has not heard back. Jones alleges that Abel and Nathan continue to point the finger at her to this day. Meanwhile, "Baldoni and Wayfarer, who have since parted ways with Jonesworks, have repudiated their contractual obligations with Jonesworks and rebuffed Jones’s efforts to settle this dispute privately in arbitration," the lawsuit says. "Defendants will not stop attacking Jones, and have refused any efforts to resolve these issues out of court." "This lawsuit seeks to finally put a stop to their continued misconduct," the filing explains, "and to compensate Jones and Jonesworks for the damage Defendants’ conduct and scheme has inflicted." In a Dec. 24 statement to E! News, Jones' lawyer Kristin Tahler echoed the lawsuit sentiments. “For months, this group has gaslit and disparaged Stephanie Jones and her company for financial gain, to settle personal scores and most recently to distract from their disgraceful smearing of Blake Lively," Tahler said. "This lawsuit is a necessary step to stop defendants’ continuing misconduct and for Steph to recover the reputation she has worked decades to establish and which the defendants disparaged for their own nefarious purposes.” Lively's legal complaint, filed with the California Civil Rights Department as a precursor to a lawsuit, according to The New York Times —accused Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of It Ends With Us and for later taking part in a smear campaign against her, though his legal team has denied these claims. “These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media," lawyer Bryan Freedman said in a Dec. 21 statement to the NYT , adding that Lively's legal action is “another desperate attempt to ‘fix’ her negative reputation.” Lively's complaint, obtained by E! News, also included text messages between Baldoni, Abel and Nathan about the alleged campaign against her. As for how Lively obtained the texts? According to Variety , lawyers for the Gossip Girl alum confirmed Dec. 23 that they "obtained the messages via a subpoena to Jonesworks LLC." Freedman, whose clients also include Wayfarer, Abel and Nathan, told the outlet that "none of his clients were subpoenaed over the matter" and that he "planned to sue Jones." In a Dec. 21 statement to the NYT , Lively said that she hopes her legal action "helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted.” Keep reading for more reactions to Lively's legal complaint... Colleen Hoover After Blake Lively filed a legal complaint against It Ends With Us costar and director Justin Baldoni , accusing him of sexual harassment on the film's set and for later taking part in a smear campaign against her —claims that he has since denied via his lawyer— Colleen Hoover , who wrote the book that the movie is based on, shared a message to the actress . "@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met," Colleen wrote on her Instagram Stories Dec. 21. "Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt." Robyn Lively Blake's sister, fellow actress Robyn Lively , also weighed in. "I urge everyone to read The NY Times article in its entirety," Robyn wrote on Instagram Dec. 23, referencing the NYT piece that details Blake's complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department. "It calls out those behind the ruthless and nefarious smear campaign that aimed to take down my sister." The Teen Witch star went on to note that it also "highlights" what Blake allegedly experienced on the set of It Ends With Us . Paul Feig Blake's A Simple Favor director also came to her defense, writing on X Dec. 22, "I’ve now made two movies with Blake and all I can say is she’s one of the most professional, creative, collaborative, talented and kind people I’ve ever worked with. She truly did not deserve any of this smear campaign against her. I think it’s awful she was put through this." Amy Schumer The comedian showed her support for the Gossip Girl alum, writing on her Instagram Story Dec. 22, "I believe Blake." Gwyneth Paltrow Shortly after Blake's complaint was made public, the Goop founder shared a photo of The Town star's hair company, Blake Brown, on her Instagram Story, writing, "Just added to my Christmas wish list." Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn & America Ferrera Blake's BFFs and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants costars penned a joint message , posted to Instagram Dec. 22, stating they "stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation." Bart Johnson Bart Johnson shared an impassioned defense of his sister-in-law in the comments section of a New York Times Instagram post detailing the filing and its own investigation into the behind-the-scenes turmoil. “Her complained were filed during the filming,” the High School Musical alum, who is married to Blake's sister Robyn, wrote. “On record. Long before the public conflict. The cast unfollowed him for a reason. Read this article before spitting ignorance. His PR team was stellar. Gross and disgusting but highly effective. Read the article, their text message exchanges and his PR campaign strategy to bury her by any means necessary. No one is with out faults. But the public got played." Shawn Levy Ryan Reynolds ' frequent collaborator Shawn Levy shared the New York Times investigation into the smear campaign on his Instagram Stories, writing, "Proud to call @blakelively a friend." Amber heard Days after Lively's filing was made public, Amber Heard reflected on her own experience facing relentless vitriol online amid ex Johnny Depp 's defamation trial against her. “Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on,’” the Aquaman star expressed in a statement to NBC News Dec. 23 . “I saw this firsthand and up close. It’s as horrifying as it is destructive.” Brandon Sklenar Brandon Sklenar , who played Blake's love interest Atlas Corrigan in It Ends With Us , had a simple, pointed message of support . Sharing a screenshot of the Gossip Girl alum's full complaint against Baldoni on his Instagram Stories Dec. 23, he wrote over a link to the text, "For the love of God read this." He followed up by tagging her with a heart emoji. Jenny Slate Jenny Slate , who played Baldoni's sister and Blake's BFF in the film, shared her thoughts on the "disturbing" allegations . “As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation,” Slate said in a Dec. 23 statement to Today . “Blake is a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her.” “What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening," the Parks and Recreation alum continued. "I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side.”AP Business SummaryBrief at 5:57 p.m. EST
BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 9, 2024-- Smartsheet (NYSE:SMAR) (“Smartsheet” or the “Company”), the AI enhanced enterprise grade work management platform, today announced that Smartsheet shareholders overwhelmingly approved the Merger Proposal for the Company’s proposed acquisition by funds managed by Blackstone and Vista Equity Partners. This approval satisfies the shareholder vote condition for the consummation of the acquisition, originally announced in September 2024. In addition, shareholders also voted in favor of the executive compensation plan related to the acquisition, further validating their support for the Company's leadership and strategic direction. Smartsheet will disclose the final vote results on a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Following the approval of the Merger Proposal, the acquisition remains subject to other customary closing conditions, including certain regulatory approvals that are proceeding in the normal course. Assuming the satisfaction of necessary closing conditions, the acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of Smartsheet’s fiscal year ending January 31, 2025, or shortly thereafter. About Smartsheet Smartsheet is the modern enterprise work management platform trusted by millions of people at companies across the globe, including over 85% of the 2024 Fortune 500 companies. The category pioneer and market leader, Smartsheet delivers powerful solutions fueling performance and driving the next wave of innovation. Visit www.smartsheet.com to learn more. Forward-Looking Statements This communication may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, among other things, statements regarding the ability of the parties to complete the proposed transaction and the expected timing of completion of the proposed transaction; the prospective performance and outlook of Smartsheet’s business, performance and opportunities; as well as any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. When used in this communication, or any other documents, words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “objective,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “strategy,” “target,” and similar expressions should be considered forward-looking statements made in good faith by Smartsheet, as applicable, and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management at the time that these statements were prepared and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause Smartsheet’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to: (i) the risk that the proposed transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all; (ii) the possibility that competing offers or acquisition proposals for Smartsheet will be made; (iii) the possibility that any of the various conditions to the consummation of the proposed transaction may not be satisfied or waived, including the failure to receive any required regulatory approvals from any applicable governmental entities; (iv) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, including in circumstances that would require Smartsheet to pay a termination fee or other expenses; (v) the effect of the pendency of the proposed transaction on Smartsheet’s ability to retain and hire key personnel, its ability to maintain relationships with its customers, suppliers and others with whom it does business, its business generally or its stock price; (vi) risks related to diverting management’s attention from Smartsheet’s ongoing business operations or the loss of one or more members of the management team; (vii) the risk that shareholder litigation in connection with the proposed transaction may result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; (viii) Smartsheet’s ability to achieve future growth and sustain its growth rate; (ix) Smartsheet’s ability to attract and retain talent; (x) Smartsheet’s ability to attract and retain customers (including government customers) and increase sales to its customers; (xi) Smartsheet’s ability to develop and release new products and services and to scale its platform; (xii) Smartsheet’s ability to increase adoption of its platform through its self-service model; (xiii) Smartsheet’s ability to maintain and grow its relationships with channel and strategic partners; (xiv) the highly competitive and rapidly evolving market in which it participates; (xv) Smartsheet’s ability to identify targets for, execute on, or realize the benefits of, potential acquisitions; and (xvi) its international expansion strategies. Further information on risks that could affect Smartsheet’s results is included in its filings with the SEC, including its most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, and any current reports on Form 8-K that it may file from time to time. Should any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could differ materially from expectations. Except as required by applicable law, Smartsheet assumes no obligation to, and does not currently intend to, update or supplement any such forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information, future events, changes in its expectations or other circumstances that exist after the date of this communication. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209789684/en/ CONTACT: Investor Relations Contact Aaron Turner investorrelations@smartsheet.com Media Contact FGS Global Smartsheet@FGSGlobal.com KEYWORD: WASHINGTON UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DATA MANAGEMENT APPS/APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY OTHER TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE FINANCE SOURCE: Smartsheet Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/09/2024 04:27 PM/DISC: 12/09/2024 04:27 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209789684/enCHICAGO (AP) — As Donald Trump’s Cabinet begins to take shape, those on both sides of the abortion debate are watching closely for clues about how his picks might affect reproductive rights policy in the president-elect’s second term . Trump’s cabinet picks offer a preview of how his administration could handle abortion after he repeatedly flip-flopped on the issue on the campaign trail. He attempted to distance himself from anti-abortion allies by deferring to states on abortion policy, even while boasting about nominating three Supreme Court justices who helped strike down the constitutional protections for abortion that had stood for half a century. In an NBC News interview that aired Sunday, Trump said he doesn't plan to restrict medication abortion but also seemed to leave the door open, saying “things change.” “Things do change, but I don't think it's going to change at all,” he said. The early lineup of his new administration , including nominations to lead health agencies, the Justice Department and event the Department of Veterans Affairs, has garnered mixed — but generally positive — reactions from anti-abortion groups. Abortion law experts said Trump's decision to include fewer candidates with deep ties to the anti-abortion movement could indicate that abortion will not be a priority for Trump's administration. “It almost seems to suggest that President Trump might be focusing his administration in other directions," said Greer Donley, an associate law professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Karen Stone, vice president of public policy at Planned Parenthood Action Fund , said while many of the nominees have “extensive records against reproductive health care,” some do not. She cautioned against making assumptions based on Trump's initial cabinet selections. Still, many abortion rights groups are wary, in part because many of the nominees hold strong anti-abortion views even if they do not have direct ties to anti-abortion activists. They're concerned that an administration filled with top-level officials who are personally opposed to abortion could take steps to restrict access to the procedure and funding. After Trump’s ambiguity about abortion during his campaign, "there’s still a lot we don’t know about what policy is going to look like," said Mary Ruth Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California, Davis School of Law. That approach may be revealed as the staffs within key departments are announced. Trump announced he would nominate anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Health and Human Services Department, which anti-abortion forces have long targeted as central to curtailing abortion rights nationwide. Yet Kennedy shifted on the issue during his own presidential campaign. In campaign videos, Kennedy said he supports abortion access until viability , which doctors say is sometime after 21 weeks, although there is no defined timeframe. But he also said “every abortion is a tragedy” and argued for a national ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy, a stance he quickly walked back. The head of Health and Human Services oversees Title X funding for a host of family planning services and has sweeping authority over agencies that directly affect abortion access, including the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The role is especially vital amid legal battles over a federal law known as EMTALA, which President Joe Biden’s administration has argued requires emergency abortion access nationwide, and FDA approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. Mini Timmaraju, president of the national abortion rights organization Reproductive Freedom for All, called Kennedy an “unfit, unqualified extremist who cannot be trusted to protect the health, safety and reproductive freedom of American families.” His potential nomination also has caused waves in the anti-abortion movement. Former Vice President Mike Pence , a staunch abortion opponent, urged the Senate to reject Kennedy’s nomination. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the national anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said the group had its own concerns about Kennedy. “There’s no question that we need a pro-life HHS secretary," she said. Fox News correspondent Marty Makary is Trump’s pick to lead the FDA, which plays a critical role in access to medication abortion and contraception. Abortion rights groups have accused him of sharing misinformation about abortion on air. Russell Vought , a staunch anti-abortion conservative, has been nominated for director of the Office of Management and Budget. Vought was a key architect of Project 2025 , a right-wing blueprint for running the federal government. Among other actions to limit reproductive rights, it calls for eliminating access to medication abortion nationwide, cutting Medicaid funding for abortion and restricting access to contraceptive care, especially long-acting reversible contraceptives such as IUD’s. Despite distancing himself from the conservative manifesto on the campaign trail, Trump is stocking his administration with people who played central roles in developing Project 2025. Trump acknowledged that drafters of the report would be part of his incoming administration during the Sunday interview with NBC News, saying “Many of those things I happen to agree with.” “These cabinet appointments all confirm that Project 2025 was in fact the blueprint all along, and the alarm we saw about it was warranted,” said Amy Williams Navarro, director of government relations for Reproductive Freedom for All. Dr. Mehmet Oz , Trump’s choice to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is a former television talk show host who has been accused of hawking dubious medical treatments and products. He voiced contradictory abortion views during his failed Senate run in 2022. Oz has described himself as “strongly pro-life, praised the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade , claimed “life starts at conception” and referred to abortion as “murder.” But he also has echoed Trump’s states-rights approach, arguing the federal government should not be involved in abortion decisions. “I want women, doctors, local political leaders, letting the democracy that’s always allowed our nation to thrive to put the best ideas forward so states can decide for themselves,” he said during a Senate debate two years ago. An array of reproductive rights groups opposed his Senate run. As CMS administrator, Oz would be in a key position to determine Medicaid coverage for family planning services and investigate potential EMTALA violations. As Florida’s attorney general, Pam Bondi defended abortion restrictions, including a 24-hour waiting period. Now she’s Trump’s choice for attorney general . Her nomination is being celebrated by abortion opponents but denounced by abortion rights groups concerned she may revive the Comstock Act , an anti-vice law passed by Congress in 1873 that, among other things, bans mailing of medication or instruments used in abortion. An anti-abortion and anti-vaccine former Florida congressman, David Weldon, has been chosen to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which collects and monitors abortion data across the country. Former Republican congressman Doug Collins is Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs amid a political battle over abortion access and funding for troops and veterans. Collins voted consistently to restrict funding and access to abortion and celebrated the overturning of Roe v. Wade. “This is a team that the pro-life movement can work with," said Kristin Hawkins, president of the national anti-abortion organization Students for Life. The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about AP’s democracy initiative here . The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Virginia has a green light from the administration of President Joe Biden to use $1.48 billion in federal infrastructure funding to extend high-speed internet access to more than 133,000 unserved locations, most of them in the rural Southside and Shenandoah Valley. Gov. Glenn Youngkin has announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved Virginia's list of unserved locations for extending access to broadband telecommunications networks that will allow homes, businesses and community institutions to tap into high-speed internet services that proved essential for education and business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Expanding access to high-speed internet has been a priority for three successive governors - Youngkin, a Republican, and two Democrats, Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam - since 2017, with Virginia committing almost $1 billion in state and federal aid to extend broadband to more than 400,000 locations in 82 cities and counties. But the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program is providing the state with federal infrastructure money aimed at making high-speed internet universal and affordable in Virginia. "Virginia remains firmly committed to bridging the digital divide across the commonwealth so all Virginians can thrive in our digital world," Youngkin said in an announcement late Friday. "Coupling this historic investment with the state's ongoing broadband efforts, we are confident that will connect all Virginians that are currently unserved to high-speed, affordable internet, therefore solidifying Virginia's place as the best state to live, work and raise a family." However, a sweeping new report by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission - the General Assembly's watchdog agency for state government - makes clear that achieving that goal won't be easy, based on a number of hurdles that have delayed completion of projects and driven up the cost. The report warns that Virginia might not meet its goal of providing universal access in 2028, with the target date slipping until 2030 or later. The state originally sought to achieve universal access in 2024, which is about to end. Currently about 87% of the state has access to high-speed internet service, but JLARC estimates that about 392,000 locations remain unserved. Most of those locations are in rural areas of Southside and the Valley, but they also include pockets in more unlikely places, such as Loudoun County and tidal Virginia localities on the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. JLARC said state and federal funding already has been awarded to extend service to about two-thirds of those unserved locations, and the BEAD program aims to reach the remainder. Bryan Horn, director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, said the state will meet the 2026 deadline for committing the federal funding or returning it. "We do not foresee having to return any money at this time," he told the commission on Dec. 9. JLARC Associate Director Tracey Smith said the state agency "has done really a commendable job in spearheading the state effort to close the digital divide." "In many ways, Virginia has been and remains a leader in broadband deployment," Smith said. JLARC staff cited a delay in accessing the federal BEAD funds and problems on the ground as local governments, internet service providers and electric utilities sometimes face barriers in attaching fiber-optic cables to utility poles and extending them along state highway rights-of-way and across railroad tracks. In some cases, internet providers failed to reach many unserved homes and businesses as promised, missed their deadlines and exceeded the estimated costs of the projects, putting them in jeopardy. Hanover County close to finalizing internet access to 95% of homes Virginia was the first state to submit a request - in July 2023 - for federal funds provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that Biden signed into law three years ago. The Biden administration approved the grant in July, but permission to proceed with a list of unserved locations was delayed in part by Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of Southwest Virginia that the program plans to serve, as it did in western North Carolina. "It changed the facts on the ground," said Evan Feinman, director of the national BEAD program and former broadband adviser to Northam, who dedicated a half-billion dollars in federal emergency relief funds to the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative during the pandemic. Feinman said Virginia has no reason to fall behind in its goal of achieving universal broadband access by 2028. "States can move as quickly or as slowly as they want to move," he said. "Virginia should have more than enough resources to solve the problem." Sen. Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, a member of JLARC who has pushed to extend broadband in his district, said the federal government has not moved as fast as it had promised, but he said, "We're seeing in parts of eastern Hanover that a lot of work is going on the ground right now." "One of the challenges out there is there are a significant number of projects going on, not only in Virginia abut nationally," McDougle said. "The more projects you have, the more challenging it is to get people to do the work." U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, is a former telecommunications executive has made broadband expansion a priority as governor and in his three terms in the Senate. He played a pivotal role in passage of the bipartisan infrastructure act, as well as the American Rescue Plan Act, both of which have helped finance the initiative in Virginia. "It won't be lack of capital - it will be lack of execution if we don't get there," Warner said Monday in a telephone interview from London. He called the federal greenlight for BEAD funding "great news," especially for rural areas that lack access. "With broadband, in rural areas kids have a choice of whether they're going to stay," he said. "Without broadband, there is no choice."
Five-star college recruit makes live Pat McAfee Show commitment to Colorado Buffaloes and will replace Shedeur SandersElon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreamsThe Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is to ask the Ministry of Finance to exempt the retrospective tax for merger and acquisition (M&A) deals of listed companies, as part of its moves to boost the sluggish domestic exchange. It also aims to push the Thai stock market as a listing hub for flagship businesses in sectors with the potential to grow, such as healthcare, data centres, and food and beverage. The Jump+ project will be launched next year to boost market capitalisation. SET president Asadej Kongsiri said during an interview with the Bangkok Post that listed companies are considering acquiring businesses outside the stock market, but they are concerned over potential negative consequences. "In the process of business expansion, there may be a merger along the way and sometimes the companies on the SET want to acquire non-listed peers," he said. Consequently, the SET is preparing to ask for support from the Ministry of Finance by avoiding retrospective tax collection for those businesses pursuing M&As. "That would help companies expand and grow to their goals faster without being afraid of having their accounting audited retrospectively," said Mr Asadej. These companies would grow, and that will allow the government to collect more tax revenue in the future. In turn, it would let more companies enter the official tax system, he added. JUMP+ PROJECT Mr Asadej revealed that the SET aims to increase the value of stocks and the market capitalisation of the Thai bourse through the Jump+ project, which is similar to a successful initiative by South Korea's stock exchange. Currently, there are more than 800 companies listed on the Thai bourse, with a market cap of roughly 17 trillion baht. Several companies have a large amount of assets and cash, with only a small portion of debt. Nonetheless, they do not have a plan to expand their business. "These companies are classified as having a lazy balance sheet, but they have growth potential," Mr Asadej noted. If a listed company has developed a business expansion plan and future investment, they will be able to increase their stock value, whether they grow in their current business or a new business. The Jump+ initiative is a growth acceleration platform designed to enhance the value creation journey of high-potential listed firms across the Thai capital market. Through this voluntary programme, the SET will empower listed companies by driving operational excellence, advancement in ESG (environmental, social and governance), and adoption of analytical tools and artificial intelligence (AI). Participants will gain access to advisory services and communication channels to enhance market visibility, along with benefits and incentives from the SET, government agencies and partners. The SET will also introduce a new index tracking the performance of successful Jump+ companies and provide analysis reports in partnership with the Investment Analysts Association to support their investment decisions. A group index, possibly called the SET Jump Plus Index, would be set up if a large number of companies participated in the programme, noted Mr Asadej, adding that this initiative would be implemented from the first half of 2025. LISTING HUB According to the president, the SET aims to be a listing hub for flagship Thai businesses, or industries that have strengths and high growth potential, and that are in investment trends. Target businesses include healthcare, wellness, data and cloud centres, and electronic parts. "We are preparing to meet with relevant agencies, including the Board of Investment, the Finance Ministry, and foreign embassies to help attract companies from all over the world to invest in Thailand," Mr Asadej said. "This is a long-term plan that may not be completed in my term. But it must be started to put the Thai stock market in the spotlight and increase the bourse's potential in the long term." Additionally, information spreads through social media and various other channels very quickly nowadays. They contain both the truth and untruths. Therefore, proper and effective communication and warnings provided to investors must be carried out more quickly. He added that the SET is considering the use of AI to help analyse small stocks to provide investors with better information for their investment decisions. One of the pain points nowadays is that investors can only see analysis of large stocks. It is not worth it for brokers to analyse smaller stocks that investors do not trade often. "Now there is technology that can do it. It is a basic analysis that can be translated into many languages for investors to choose from. It helps them access investment information more comprehensively," Mr Asadej said. RISK FACTORS Mr Asadej said that US-China trade is an external factor that could have implications for the Thai stock market in terms of both opportunities and risks. During the first Donald Trump administration from 2017 to 2021, there were US$130 trillion worth of manufacturing relocations from China to the rest of Asia, of which only 10% was captured by Thailand. Vietnam attracted a significant portion due to various factors such as its natural resources and a young workforce whose skill sets were better than that of the Thai population. When Trump returns to the White House next month, Thailand should adjust itself to be capable of seizing the opportunities, including manufacturing relations that are better than during the first Trump administration, said Mr Asadej. Another risk factor is that Trump will increase import taxes on countries that have a trade surplus with the US. Among the members of Asean, Thailand ranks second in terms of its trade surplus with the US and 12th within Asia. "We must closely monitor the US tax policies under the Trump government on countries where China has production bases, including Thailand," Mr Asadej said. As for domestic factors, Mr Asadej believes the political situation is more stable now and the economy is bouncing back thanks to the recovery in tourism to pre-pandemic levels and the government's faster budget disbursement. However, the energy and petrochemical groups, which are heavyweight stocks on the SET, are being pressured by the global economic slowdown while the high level of supply in the market has affected the profits of many companies. Those factors have resulted in a decrease in the total profits of listed firms on the SET overall. In future, it will be necessary to increase contributions from other industries on the SET to balance that of the energy sector, Mr Asadej added.
Where is Santa now? Track him with Google Santa Tracker on his Christmas Eve flight pathLOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams faced fourth-and-5 at the Buffalo 35 with a 38-35 lead and just under four minutes to play Sunday in their high-octane showdown with the Bills. Sean McVay is often a conservative coach, and it would not have been surprising to see him try a long field goal, or even punt. He kept his offense on the field, and Matthew Stafford calmly went through his progression before finding Tutu Atwell across the middle for an 11-yard gain that played a major role in the Rams' ability to hold on for a season-altering, 44-42 victory over the powerhouse Bills . “We felt like we needed to make it a two-possession game,” McVay said Monday. “They were rolling. We talked about aggressively going to win that game. ... It was just a reflection of the confidence in that group and what we felt like we needed to do to be able to win the game.” The Rams offense has earned the confidence McVay showed in it at that crucial moment. That unit hasn't always been good this season, entering last weekend rated just 18th in the league, but the Rams finally are mostly healthy heading down the stretch — and Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams are again playing at last season's Pro Bowl level. That was bad news for Buffalo, and it could mean trouble for the rest of the NFC if the Rams (7-6) can keep scoring like this. Los Angeles will hope to keep this offensive momentum on a short week heading to San Francisco on Thursday night. Nacua said it was “fantastic being able to feel like, man, this is what it feels like when the Rams are moving and connecting on all cylinders.” Los Angeles had six scoring drives of at least 65 yards while racking up 457 yards against Buffalo. Stafford had a season-high 320 yards passing, while Nacua had another spectacular game with 162 yards receiving and two touchdowns along with 16 yards rushing and another TD on five carries. Incredibly, it was the Rams’ first 40-point game with Stafford behind center. Thanks to that stellar offensive performance, the Rams are above .500 for the first time all season and just one game back of Seattle (8-5) in the NFC West after winning six of their past eight games. A team that appeared to be headed for a grim season after a 1-4 start is still firmly in the playoff race, also trailing Washington (8-5) by just one game for the final wild-card spot. “It’s cool to be able to play meaningful football in December,” said McVay, who led the Rams to five playoff berths in his first seven seasons. "You never take that for granted.” What's working The offense hummed largely because it went 11 of 15 on third downs. That's the Rams' highest success rate in a game since 2001 — and don't forget that crucial fourth down conversion, either. What needs help Few teams can stop Josh Allen, but the Rams' defense didn't come close. The defensive backs particularly struggled, from Darious Williams getting beaten repeatedly in coverage to Quentin Lake's 34-yard pass-interference penalty in the final moments. Two weeks after Philadelphia dropped 481 yards at SoFi Stadium, Buffalo had 445 to push the Rams down to 26th in total defense entering Monday. Stock up The Rams' offensive line has struggled mightily at times this season, but it allowed no sacks and just three hits on Stafford while clearing the way for 137 yards rushing. With full health, the line is no longer a liability. Stock down Edge rusher Byron Young had a rough outing that included two penalties on Buffalo's first drive — an egregious late hit on Allen and a defensive offside that negated a 2-yard Bills loss on second down from the LA 1. The Rams' overall defensive discipline was repeatedly poor, and it cost them. Injuries CB Cobie Durant has a bruised lung, McVay revealed Monday. The Rams are uncertain whether it will prevent him from playing Thursday. Durant has started all 13 games this season. ... WR Demarcus Robinson sprained his shoulder against Buffalo, but kept playing. Key number 1 — The numbers of NFL games played with two teams scoring at least 40 points and making no turnovers. The Rams and Bills made history. Next steps The 49ers haven't been this vulnerable in four years, but Kyle Shanahan has had McVay's number throughout their careers — notwithstanding the Rams' 27-24 comeback win in September when both teams' top offensive playmakers were all injured. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL
Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreamsThe bald eagle, a symbol of the power and strength of the United States for more than 240 years, earned an overdue honor on Tuesday: It officially became the country's national bird. President Joe Biden signed into law legislation sent to him by Congress that amends the United States Code to correct what had long gone unnoticed and designate the bald eagle — familiar to many because of its white head, yellow beak and brown body — as the national bird. The bald eagle has appeared on the Great Seal of the United States, which is used in official documents, since 1782, when the design was finalized. The seal is made up of the eagle, an olive branch, arrows, a flag-like shield, the motto "E Pluribus Unum" and a constellation of stars. Congress that same year designated the bald eagle as the the national emblem, and its image appears in a host of places, ranging from documents and the presidential flag to military insignia and U.S. currency, according to USA.gov. But it had never been officially designated to be what many had just assumed it was — the national bird. The bald eagle is indigenous to North America. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Schools, housing societies in Pune upset over premises returned in filthy condition after votingAs 2024 draws to a close, it is time to look back on the year and see how the year has passed and developed. This year was full of highlights, from a presidential election to a solar eclipse. January — January was a month of storms, as the Bethel area found itself recovering from heavy rain in December. Extensive damage was done to the town and surrounding areas, leaving recovery happening well into January. The Dec. 18 storm created a large hole in the popular Davis Park pathway on the Bethel Adventure side. The path runs alongside the Androscoggin River. Rose Lincoln/Bethel Citizen During this month, the Eddy middle school found itself relocated to the Congregational church , while the Selectboard dealt with the flood. An article by Rose Lincoln covered the damage. ““I don’t know where to start,” said Department of Public Works Director Scott Sumner about the multiple roads and multiple washouts. Kimball Hill required over 1,000 yards of refill material and North Road required 350 yards of fill. He said they hired several other contractors to help repair the storm damage. “We spent almost $40,000 in material to fill in the holes.”” Meanwhile, out in Rumford Jade Gianforte and Matt Thurston had to rescue a couple motorists who had found themselves victim to high waters, and had to be rescued from the river. Telstar Middle/High School Librarian Kelly Fraser reads her argument for keeping, “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” by Jesse Andrews in the library. Stephanie Erickson who brought the challenge is in the center, back. Rose Lincoln February — Going into February, Agnes Grey School was shut down. An abrupt closure was decided due to concerns about the safety of the building, leaving students dealing with a sudden transfer to other elementary schools. Meanwhile at Telstar, the community faced a conundrum with regard to the book “Me, and Earl, and the Dying Girl”. Debate regarding whether or not the book was appropriate for middle school students took place. This was met with concern from multiple school board members, including Stephanie Harbeck, who said, “This could possibly open up us being here everyday until everyone of these book in the stacks is looked through and subjectively judged as to whether it is appropriate or not.” Final judgement ruled that banning the book would be a violation of the first amendment, as well as- as librarian Kelley Fraser said – setting a “dangerous precedent.” The debate is covered in more detail in the following articles: March — March saw several resignations and changes in job positions in the Bethel Area. April 3rd was the last day in the Chamber of Commerce for finance director Amy Henley , who moved on from her job there to work for the Maine Rural Water Association. During this month, Executive Director Jessie Perkins and Membership Director John Walker also both resigned from their jobs , leaving openings in the chamber of commerce. A miscommunication from the chamber led citizens to believe that they were suffering financially, though that was clarified in an email. “Unfortunately, there has been some misinformation being circulated concerning the Chamber’s finances. A report was misread and the information was believed to indicate that the Chamber was in serious financial distress. It was an honest mistake, but it has unfortunately caused some concern among our members. We are very sorry for any doubts or concern this may have caused anyone. Please know that the chamber has ample funds available to continue operations and we will be here supporting our members as always.” The moon covers most of the the sun as it approaches the total solar eclipse, as seen from the summit of Saddleback Mountain, Monday, April 8, 2024, near Rangeley, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) April — April was the month of the much anticipated solar eclipse. School Superintendent Mark Kenney announced, “The decision has been made to do an early release on that Monday, starting at 1:05 p. m. so we can get through the scheduled lunch cycles which will allow us to get students and staff home before the event is to take place. A big part of the concern is that we do not want students on the buses during the event making it more difficult for the drivers. The peak of the event will be just before and just after 3:30 p.m. in our area.” Students were able to watch the eclipse through viewing glasses provided by the Maine Mineral and Gem museum. On the theme of darkness, a feature piece was done on Bethel artist Mattie Rose Templeton on her art, showcasing the importance of the dark and wildlife. May — May’s news was spent celebrating the achievements of local middle and high schoolers. Whether it was a Telstar graduate pursuing a CDL license, or students from the Eddy middle school honoring veterans , this month was for the students. At this time some Telstar teams joined the east/West divisions, rather than playing in the Mountain Valley conference for more fair matchups . Region 9 and Telstar 2024 graduate Gavin Mitchell of Bethel has his Class B permit. Rose Lincoln June — Swinging into summer, Pride month came to Bethel with a celebration at the Gem theater. Drag Queen Tasha Tektite performs at the second annual Pride Day in Bethel, June 20 at Gem Theater. Rose Lincoln/Bethel Citizen In a collaboration between BAAM and local Telstar students, the Gem hosted a full pride celebration with performances from a drag queen and vendors, expanding on what had been done with the event in the previous year. During this time, Gem theater owner Wade Kavenaugh also began to make plans to buy the Conference Center in Bethel for conversion into a community hub- a plan that is still being worked on all the way into December. July — Bethel saw the opening of new businesses during the month of July. Tara Savage opened her own dental clinic , branching off from Bethel Family Dentistry. In the article describing her business, written by Rose Lincoln, it was reported that, “For the past six years Savage has worked for Bethel Family Dentistry (BFD), currently Bethel’s only dentistry office. She will stay on part time until a replacement is found, working at her new office on Wednesdays (when BFD is closed), Thursdays and Fridays.” Dental Hygienist Tara Savage of Bethel will hold an open house on August 1 at her new business Polished Dental on Mayville Road. Rose Lincoln The Root Cellar was purchased by Jennifer Cross, and celebrated with a float in the Summerfest parade. The paper also commemorated Swain’s farm, an island farm in the Androscoggin that, as the article said, may very well be the last of its kind in Western Maine. August — With summer drawing to a close, so begins Maine’s unofficial fourth season- Construction. Funds amounting to $182,360 were taken from the reserve account to make repairs to Bethel’s sand/salt shed , which had been damaged from gradual wear and tear over time caused by the sand and salt that it housed. Roger Wheeler in 1961 with a car full of mica. Wheeler and his brothers started Wheeler Brothers Mica Mine in Gilead Maine in the 1950’s. On a more historical side, an article by Rose Lincoln detailed the historical development of the Wheeler Brothers mica mine in Gilead, Maine. While it has fallen out of use as the mining industry decreased, the mine was at one time a prominent employer for the town of Bethel. Residents were encouraged to look back at this historical place, and learn a bit about a once popular industry of the local area. September — Continuing construction season into September, the slightly controversial condo projec t in Bethel was greenlit for moving forwards, to be built in the field beside the old Bethel barn. Work on this project is expected to take place moving forwards into the next year. The town was also treated to the unusual sight of students filling Sunday River before ski season when a fire alarm malfunction required school to be held elsewhere and Sunday River offered its facility. Nate Crooker and his wife, Katy, own Sparrowhawk Orchard on Grover Hill Road in Bethel. Rose Lincoln/Bethel Citizen October — The approach of fall saw a focus on the natural world for locals looking to spend some more time outdoors. Valentine Farm held a successful outdoor event with talks, workshops, and food made from wild ingredients. The event was well attended by locals, and went hand in hand with a talk at the Gem theater about the process of growing apples. With apple season at its height, Sparrowhawk Orchard detailed their plans for moving forwards in the year ahead, developing an “all around agricultural experience” for both locals and visitors looking for a chance to have some fresh picked apples and homemade cider. However, not all of the connections with nature were entirely positive, as the Bethel town hall discovered mold in the basement. This mold ended up forcing the Bethel Town Hall to relocate to the Fire Department, which has remained in effect throughout December . November — Election season may have dominated the national news, but in Bethel the local news were focused more on contributions made by the younger members of the community. B lack Diamond Nutritio n celebrated opening under a new owner – Maya Taylor, who is only 21 years old. In town, on the younger side, Telstar students worked to aid seniors in the community in their day of service- a biannual service day held in conjunction with the Age-Friendly Community Initiative ( AFCI ) On another note, the community rallied together after an election-day tragedy. Jade Gianforte and Matt Thurston, who had rescued a couple from the river at the start of the year, had their home burned down in an active shooting. The community, however, came together to support them and help them with donations during this time. Bethel Historical Society held an open house at the Mason House on Dec. 7, with warm cider and cookies inside a decorated Mason House. Visitors could also enjoy live fiddle music, while seeing the inside of the historic house decorated for Christmas. Chaia Alford/The Bethel Citizen December — During the festive season, Bethel begins to gear up toward Christmas with a window decorating contest hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. The discussion of speech at Telstar took on a new angle as debates arose about what to do with cell phones at school. The school board held an open discussion about their new cell phone policy, which was met with displeasure by school board member Scott Cole, who did not agree with the new policy and called it “a concession to technology.” Nevertheless, with some revisions, the new policy was passed at a school board meeting . We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . 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NEW YORK (AP) — As she anticipates her estranged uncle's return to the White House, Mary Trump isn't expecting any future book to catch on like such first-term tell-alls as Michael Wolff's million-selling “Fire and Fury” or her own blockbuster, “Too Much and Never Enough.” “What else is there to learn?” she says. “And for people who don't know, the books have been written. It's all really out in the open now.” For publishers, Donald Trump's presidential years were a time of extraordinary sales in political books, helped in part by Trump's legal threats and angered tweets. According to Circana, which tracks around 85% of the hardcover and paperback market, the genre's sales nearly doubled from 2015 to 2020, from around 5 million copies to around 10 million. Besides books by Wolff and Trump, other bestsellers included former FBI Director James Comey's “A Higher Loyalty,” former national security adviser John Bolton's “The Room Where it Happened” and Bob Woodward's “Fear.” Meanwhile, sales for dystopian fiction also jumped, led by Margaret Atwood's “A Handmaid's Tale,” which was adapted into an award-winning Hulu series. But interest has dropped back to 2015 levels since Trump left office, according to Circana, and publishers doubt it will again peak so highly. Readers not only showed little interest in books by or about President Joe Biden and his family — they even seemed less excited about Trump-related releases. Mary Trump's “Who Could Ever Love You” and Woodward's “War” were both popular this fall, but neither has matched the sales of their books written during the first Trump administration. “We’ve been there many times, with all those books,” HarperCollins publisher Jonathan Burnham says of the various Trump tell-alls. He added that he still sees a market for at least some Trump books — perhaps analyzing the recent election — because “there's a general, serious smart audience, not politically aligned in a hard way,” one that would welcome “an intelligent voice.” “It’s like the reboot of any hit TV show,” says Eric Nelson, publisher and vice president of Broadside Books, a conservative imprint of HarperCollins that's released books by Jared Kushner, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Trump Cabinet nominees Pete Hegseth and Sen. Marco Rubio. “You’re not hoping for ratings like last time, just better ratings than the boring show it’s replacing.” In the days following Trump's victory, “The Handmaid's Tale” and George Orwell's “1984” returned to bestseller lists, along with more contemporary works such as Timothy Snyder's “On Tyranny," a 2017 bestseller that expanded upon a Facebook post Snyder wrote soon after Trump defeated Hillary Clinton. Books appealing to pro-Trump readers also surged, including those written by Cabinet picks — Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s “The Real Anthony Fauci” and Hegseth's “The War on Warriors” — and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance's “Hillbilly Elegy,” his 2016 memoir that's sold hundreds of thousands of copies since Trump selected him as his running mate. First lady Melania Trump's memoir, “Melania,” came out in October and has been high on Amazon.com bestseller lists for weeks, even as critics found it contained little newsworthy information. According to Circana, it has sold more than 200,000 copies, a figure that does not include books sold directly through her website. “The Melania book has done extraordinarily well, better than we thought,” says Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt. “After Election Day, we sold everything we had of it.” Conservative books have sold steadily over the years, and several publishers — most recently Hachette Book Group — have imprints dedicated to those readers. Publishers expect at least some critical books to reach bestseller lists — if only because of the tradition of the publishing market favoring the party out of power. But the nature of what those books would look like is uncertain. Perhaps a onetime insider will have a falling out with Trump and write a memoir, like Bolton or former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, or maybe some of his planned initiatives, whether mass deportation or the prosecution of his political foes, will lead to investigative works. A new “Fire and Fury” is doubtful, with the originally only possible because Wolff enjoyed extraordinary access, spending months around Trump and his White House staff. Members of the president-elect's current team have already issued a statement saying they have refused to speak with Wolff, calling the author a “known peddler of fake news who routinely concocts situations, conversations, and conclusions that never happened.” A publicist for Wolff said he was declining comment. Woodward, who interviewed Trump at length for the 2020 bestseller “Rage,” told The Associated Press that he had written so much about Trump and other presidents that he wasn't sure what he'd take on next. He doesn't rule out another Trump book, but that will depend in part on the president-elect, how “out of control he gets,” Woodward said, and how far he is able to go. “He wants to be the imperial president, where he gets to decide everything and no one's going to get in his way,” Woodward said. “He's run into some brick walls in the past and there may be more brick walls. I don't know what will happen. I'll be watching and doing some reporting, but I'm still undecided.” 1. “Too Much and Never Enough,” by Mary Trump: 1,248,212 copies 2. “Fire and Fury,” by Michael Wolff: 936,116 copies 3. “Fear,” by Bob Woodward: 872,014 copies 4. “The Room Where It Happened,” by John Bolton: 676,010 copies 5. “Rage,” by Bob Woodward: 549,685 copies These figures represent total sales provided by Circana, which tracks about 85% of the print market and does not include e-book or audiobook sales.United States CFTC Oil NC Net Positions up to 193.9K from previous 186.9K
Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC) vetoed legislation that would have stripped several powers from incoming North Carolina elected Democratic officials, as the GOP is slated to lose its supermajority next year. The legislation included relief for parts of the Tar Heel State that are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, but it also included several provisions that would undermine Gov.-elect Josh Stein and incoming Democratic state Attorney General Jeff Jackson, among other Democratic officials. Cooper, whose term ends in January, vetoed the bill on Tuesday, calling it a "sham" and claiming that it does not send money to those affected by the storm. “This legislation is a sham. It does not send money to Western North Carolina but merely shuffles money from one fund to another in Raleigh. This legislation was titled Disaster Relief but instead violates the constitution by taking appointments away from the next governor for the Board of Elections, Utilities Commission, and Commander of the NC Highway Patrol, letting political parties choose appellate judges and interfering with the Attorney General’s ability to advocate for lower electric bills for consumers," Cooper said in a statement. Republicans will lose their supermajority in the state House next year after failing to maintain the necessary seats in this month's election. The GOP is expected to hold a supermajority in the state Senate, but without control of both chambers, Stein will hold an effective veto against Republicans. The legislation attempted to change how the state elections board is appointed, changing appointment power from the governor to the state auditor — who will be a Republican. The move would have paved the way for the state elections board to have a GOP majority, rather than the current Democratic majority, in line with the governor's party. It also aimed to block the state attorney general from taking the side against the state legislature’s position regarding legislation being challenged in court and would have prevented the state superintendent of public instruction from appealing decisions from a state review board for charter school applications. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER The state legislature could still override the veto on the legislation next week in session, as the GOP still has their supermajority until the new state General Assembly is brought into office in January. Republicans would need all their state House and Senate members to be present and vote uniformly in favor of the legislation to override Cooper's veto. Three state House Republicans voted against the initial vote, citing concerns over the disaster relief portions of the legislation not doing enough.Ottawa seniors will be facing a 60 per cent hike in transit fares in 2025, instead of a 120 per cent increase, under a new plan to halve a proposed hike in fares for riders over the age of 65. The 2025 draft City of Ottawa budget initially proposed a 120 per cent increase in the cost of a seniors' monthly pass from $49 to $108, along with the elimination of free transit for seniors on Wednesdays and Sundays. The proposal has sparked backlash from some councillors and the public about the $59 a month increase for transit riders over 65. In an email sent to councillors Friday afternoon, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said a motion will be presented during Monday's transit commission meeting to increase the cost of a seniors' monthly pass to $78.50. "We've all heard feedback from the community about proposed changes to transit fares included in the draft 2025 budget," Sutcliffe said. "The members of the Long-Range Financial Plan Working Group on Transit (Councillors (Jeff) Leiper, (Glen) Gower, (Tim) Tierney and I) have continued to work together to respond to that input." Sutcliffe says the senior fare discount will be 42 per cent off the price of an adult monthly pass. "This fare level ensures we continue to protect affordability for seniors and aligns more closely with other seniors fares in Ontario." OC Transpo would also continue to offer free transit to seniors on Wednesday. The motion for Monday's transit commission meeting directs staff to offset the $820,000 reduction in seniors' fare revenue by reducing the contribution to the Transit Capital Reserve in 2025. The 2025 City of Ottawa budget proposes a five-per-cent hike in transit fares to help cover a $120 million deficit in the 2025 OC Transpo budget. The cost of a monthly adult pass will increase to $135 in 2025. The city is also eliminating free transit for 11- and 12-year-olds and eliminating the discounted youth transit fare for 13- to 18-year-olds, requiring riders to get an adult transit fare. University students have also raised concerns about the city's plans to increase the cost of the U-Pass five per cent in 2025, hiking the price from $229 to $240 a semester. The University of Ottawa Student Union has said it's "incredibly disappointed" with the proposed hike, noting the contract between the city and universities calls for a maximum 2.5 per cent hike. Sutcliffe says staff will "work collaboratively" with post-secondary institutions to negotiate a new fare level and implement any changes. "The proposed 5 per cent U-Pass adjustment amounts to only $2.86 per month," Sutcliffe said. "Even with this modest increase, students continue to enjoy a significant 55 per cent discount off the regular adult monthly pass, paying only $60.13 per month, compared to $135.00 for adults." "In every case, we are striving to strike a balance to ensure sustainability of transit services while protecting affordability for students, seniors, and the most vulnerable." During the fall and winter semesters, there were approximately 74,500 post-secondary students in Ottawa who were eligible for and received a U-Pass. In a letter to OC Transpo's director of transit customer systems and planning on Wednesday, the University of Ottawa Student Union issued a warning about the future of the U-Pass. "The UOSU will be auditing student satisfaction with the U-Pass program and will reconsider the program’s continuation if OC Transpo continues to deprioritize services for our members, who collectively contribute $20 million annually to its budget," the letter signed by UOSU president Delphine Robitaille and UOSU advocacy commissioner Alexandra Stratas said. "With ridership rates in Ottawa steadily declining, we urge the City to rethink its decision to violate a contract that grows in value for the City each year." With files from CTV News Ottawa's William Eltherington Ottawa Top Stories BREAKING | Seniors facing 60% hike for OC Transpo monthly transit pass in 2025 under new proposal Woman seriously injured in October house fire dies in hospital, Ottawa police say Orleans man calls for changes after service guide dog attacked by another dog Ottawa police officer acquitted in death of Abdirahman Abdi testifies at inquest Pat King found guilty of mischief for role in 'Freedom Convoy' Ottawa Food Bank declares an emergency amid record-breaking usage Porter Airlines launches seasonal routes between Ottawa and Florida New Ottawa police mounted unit will cost $1.4 million a year CTVNews.ca Top Stories Nearly 46,000 electric vehicles recalled in Canada over potential power loss Nearly 46,000 electric vehicles from Kia, Hyundai and Genesis are being recalled in Canada over a potential power loss issue that can increase the risk of a crash. Canada Post quarterly loss tops $300M as strike hits second week -- and rivals step in Canada Post saw hundreds of millions of dollars drain out of its coffers last quarter, due largely to its dwindling share of the parcels market, while an ongoing strike continues to batter its bottom line. 'Immoral depravity': Two men convicted in case of frozen migrant family in Manitoba A jury has found two men guilty on human smuggling charges in a case where a family from India froze to death in Manitoba while trying to walk across the Canada-U.S. border. Canada's tax relief plan: Who gets a cheque? The Canadian government has unveiled its plans for a sweeping GST/HST pause on select items during the holiday period. The day after the announcement, questions remain on how the whole thing will work. Quebec man, 81, gets prison sentence after admitting to killing wife with Alzheimer's disease An 81-year-old Quebec man has been sentenced to prison after admitting to killing his wife with Alzheimer's disease. Pat King found guilty of mischief for role in 'Freedom Convoy' Pat King, one of the most prominent figures of the 2022 'Freedom Convoy' in Ottawa, has been found guilty on five counts including mischief and disobeying a court order. Canada issues travel warning after 6 people die from tainted alcohol in Laos The Canadian government is warning travellers following the deaths of at least six people in the mass poisoning of foreign tourists in Laos after drinking tainted alcohol. Ground beef tied to U.S. E. coli recall, illnesses wasn't sold in Canada: distributor At least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef, federal health officials said. Canada's new income tax brackets in 2025: What you need to know The Canada Revenue Agency has released updated federal income tax brackets for 2025, reflecting adjustments for inflation. Here’s the breakdown. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 24 Of The Best Host And Hostess Gifts You Can Find Online Right Now The Best Advent Calendars For Women In 2024 All The Best Beauty Stocking Stuffers That Ring In Under $25 Home Our Guide to the Best Jewellery Boxes You Can Find Online Right Now 16 Home Gadgets That'll Make Your Life Easier The 5 Best Drip Coffee Makers In Canada In 2024, Tested and Reviewed Gifts 23 Gifts, Add-Ons, And Stocking Stuffers For Anyone Who Spends A Lot Of Time In Their Car The Ultimate 2024 Holiday Gift Guide For Nature Lovers And Outdoor Adventurers 27 Of The Absolute Best Stocking Stuffers For Men Beauty 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit If You Suffer From Dry Skin, You'll Want To Add At Least One Of These Hydrating Moisturizers To Your Cart Deals Black Friday Has Begun On Amazon Canada: Here Are The Best Deals Black Friday Is Almost Here, But These Deals On Mattresses And Bedding Are Already Live This Botanic Hearth Rosemary Hair Oil Has Thousands Of 5-Star Reviews — And It's On Sale For Amazon Canada's Early Black Friday Sale Atlantic What to know about the weekend rain, wind, and waves in the Maritimes A fall storm moving from Cape Cod into the Maritimes will bring rainy and windy weather to the region this weekend. P.E.I. teen sentenced to 2 years in custody in death of Tyson MacDonald A teen who pleaded guilty in the death of 17-year-old Tyson MacDonald on Prince Edward Island last year has been sentenced to two years in custody. Missing Nova Scotia senior found safe after emergency alert issued A vulnerable man who was missing in Cape Breton has been found safe. Toronto Trudeau announces funding to feed 160,000 Ontario students An additional 160,000 students in Ontario will get access to free meals, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced at a Brampton, Ont. school Friday. 3 charged in connection with collision between TTC bus and stolen BMW that injured 9 Three people are facing charges in connection with a carjacking of a stolen BMW that collided with a TTC bus in North York early Monday morning. Toronto man onboard Blue Origin flight to space says he 'can't wait to go again' Henry Wolfond returned to Earth Friday morning after a quick trip to the edge of space. The Toronto finance executive was part of a six-person crew onboard the New Shepard, a reuseable rocket designed for space tourism by Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. Montreal Quebec man, 81, gets prison sentence after admitting to killing wife with Alzheimer's disease An 81-year-old Quebec man has been sentenced to prison after admitting to killing his wife with Alzheimer's disease. Montreal family doctor admits to fathering child with 19-year-old patient A Montreal family doctor has vowed to stop practicing medicine after he admitted to fathering a child with a 19-year-old woman who was his patient. Third suspect sought in killing of Montreal cryptocurrency influencer Quebec provincial police are searching for a third suspect in connection with Kevin Mirshahi, the cryptocurrency influencer who was kidnapped and killed last summer. Northern Ontario Senior killed in dog attack in northern Ont. An 81-year-old was killed in a dog attack this week in Bonfield, Ont. Police believe three dogs were involved. Woman stabbed multiple times in Sudbury altercation A 30-year-old woman is in hospital in Sudbury after she was stabbed multiple times early Friday morning in Chelmsford. Police investigating death in Magnetawan, Ont. The Almaguin Highlands detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police is investigating a sudden death in Magnetawan. Windsor Car fire on the Ambassador Bridge Windsor fire responded to a transport truck fire on Friday afternoon on the Ambassador Bridge. Attempted bank robbery leads to arrest Windsor police are crediting a quick response by their downtown patrol officers to help arrest a 39-year-old man after an attempted bank robbery. Man arrested in connection to sexual assault on public bus: WPS A man has been arrested by Windsor police following an incident on a public bus. London VIDEO | London house fire spreads to neighbouring property London fire crews and police are on scene of a house fire in east London. Crews were called to the 1800 block of Culver Drive, east of Third Street and south of Oxford Street, around 11:30 a.m. Charges laid after transport truck crash causes Highway 401 lane closure Significant delays are being reported in the area and tow trucks are on scene to help. No injuries have been reported. One person dead after two-vehicle crash involving delivery truck Emergency crews were called to the scene on Highway 10 around 9 a.m. for reports of a crash between a van and a delivery truck. Kitchener Man charged in Kitchener crash involving Grand River Transit LRT Charges were laid after a crash between an LRT train and a Dodge vehicle shut down a busy Kitchener street for more than eight hours on Thursday. FunGuyz says it's closing all 30 of its magic mushroom stores in Ontario FunGuyz, which calls itself the biggest magic mushroom dispensary in Canada, says it's shutting down all 30 of its Ontario locations. The Boathouse reopens in Kitchener's Victoria Park A reopening ceremony was held in Kitchener’s Victoria Park Friday morning at 11 a.m. at The Boathouse, a restaurant and live music venue. Barrie Highway 400 closed in Muskoka Lakes after fatal propane truck rollover Emergency crews were called to Highway 400 in Georgian Bay Township Friday morning after a fatal tanker truck rollover. Drug trafficking investigation results in largest fentanyl seizure in Simcoe County: OPP Two people are facing drug trafficking charges after what provincial police are calling the largest fentanyl seizure in Simcoe County. Barrie magic mushroom dispensary closed after company announces its shuttering Ont. locations The doors are locked and the OPEN sign is off on Friday at an illegal magic mushroom dispensary in downtown Barrie one day after FunGuyz announced it would shutter its 30 Ontario locations. Winnipeg 'Immoral depravity': Two men convicted in case of frozen migrant family in Manitoba A jury has found two men guilty on human smuggling charges in a case where a family from India froze to death in Manitoba while trying to walk across the Canada-U.S. border. Manitoba RCMP officer fatally shoots armed teenager, IIU investigating Manitoba’s police watchdog is investigating after a RCMP officer fatally shot a teenager armed with a weapon Friday morning in Norway House Cree Nation. Towing company sues Winnipeg councillor, other towing company for defamation A Winnipeg towing company is suing a Winnipeg city councillor and another local towing company, claiming comments they made about contracts in the city have defamed them. Calgary Sixth person charged in Tara Miller's death Alberta RCMP have charged a sixth person in connection with the death of Calgarian Tara Miller. Calgary under a snowfall warning, drivers warned to be prepared Calgary is under a snowfall warning with total amounts of 15 to 25 centimetres expected. NCAA ruling big win for hockey players that gives them more options When University of Calgary Dinosaur goaltender Carl Tetachuk wrapped up his WHL career, he only had a couple of choices. Edmonton What were those columns of light over Edmonton Thursday? Social media lit up with pictures of the evening sky over the Edmonton area late Thursday. Weather conditions were just right for what are known as 'light pillars.' Man intentionally drove his vehicle into Alberta home before firing long gun: RCMP An Alberta man has been charged after he allegedly drove his vehicle into a home and fired a gun in a town east of Edmonton. Woman accused in drowning of girl at Alberta lake had been under house arrest A bail hearing has heard that a woman accused in the drowning death of a five-year-old girl in an Alberta lake didn't know the child and was supposed to be under house arrest. Regina B.C. man dies in collision on Sask. highway A man from British Columbia has died in a two-vehicle collision on Highway 6 near Milestone, Sask. Snowfall warning expands to Regina with up to 25 cm expected Much of southwest Saskatchewan, including Regina, is under a snowfall warning on Friday, with total amounts of 10 to 25 centimetres expected. Report shows more girls getting involved in sports, local program creates landscape to continue trend A Regina program has created a landscape to encourage more girls to get involved in sports while building their self-esteem. Saskatoon 'What about our spirituality?': Sask. man wants new Lighthouse operator to respect Indigenous culture A Saskatoon man is concerned about an Alberta non-profit coming into the city to open a new shelter and run the Lighthouse. Why isn't Saskatoon's new downtown shelter open yet? Saskatoon's new downtown shelter must undergo renovations before it can open, according to the operator of the site. Sask. principal has sexual assault conviction overturned in light of 'butt-grabbing game' A Saskatchewan principal sentenced to six months behind bars for sexual assault has another chance to prove he’s the victim of a middle-school prank that escalated out of control. Vancouver B.C. florist review-bombed after U.S. shop with similar name angers Trump supporters A small business owner from B.C.’s Fraser Valley is speaking out after being review-bombed by confused supporters of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump this week. No criminality in school bus crash in B.C.'s Cariboo region, RCMP say An investigation into the school bus crash near Lac La Hache, B.C., earlier this year that left dozens of people hurt and one Good Samaritan dead has concluded the incident was nothing more than a tragic accident, the RCMP revealed Friday. Ship strikes kill thousands of whales. A study of hot spots could map out solutions A study of hot spots for collisions between ships and whales around the world, including Canadian waters, offers a map for measures to prevent the deadly strikes that could drive some species to extinction, one of the British Columbia-based authors says. Vancouver Island Campbell River high school closed due to fire Carihi Secondary school in Campbell River is closed due to a fire on the property overnight – drawing a firefighting response from multiple departments and a crowd of onlookers. Ship strikes kill thousands of whales. A study of hot spots could map out solutions A study of hot spots for collisions between ships and whales around the world, including Canadian waters, offers a map for measures to prevent the deadly strikes that could drive some species to extinction, one of the British Columbia-based authors says. Power restored, roads reopened after massive Saanich fire The power has been restored and single-lane traffic reopened on Saanich’s Quadra Street by the wreckage from a massive fire on a condo construction site. Kelowna Man in hospital following targeted shooting in Kamloops Police are appealing for information on a targeted shooting that resulted in the hospitalization of a man in Kamloops. Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year. B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail. Stay ConnectedSops announced by states may divert resources away from infra development: RBI article
Researchers in China are exploring innovative methods to extract lithium from low-quality brines like seawater and salt lakes. In order to facilitate the production of lithium batteries for use in construction and energy storage, these developments seek to access plentiful but untapped sources. According to a Nanjing University study, the increasing demand for renewable energy technology and electric vehicles (EVs) could cause the present lithium supply to run out as early as 2029. According to a Chinese online news outlet, because of the impending shortage of supplies, scientists are looking into novel ways to extract lithium from unusual sources like salt lakes, seawater, and even sediment deposits all around the world. Surge in demand The need for sustainable lithium extraction techniques is being driven by the growing demand for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles (EVs).Su Conventional methods, such as mining hard-rock ores and removing lithium from brines, are energy-intensive, emit a lot of greenhouse gases, and disrupt land and deplete groundwater. These methods lead to supply chain and environmental issues, underscoring the need for effective and sustainable substitutes. Because of their broad availability and large stocks, low-quality brines—such as sedimentary liquids, geothermal fluids, oilfield-produced waters, seawater, and some salt lakes—represent a promising but untapped resource. However, due to low lithium contents and high magnesium -to-lithium ratios, lithium extraction from these sources is still technically difficult. Advanced extraction techniques are required to make the most of these resources. According to a report by the South China Morning Post ( SCMP ), hard-rock ores from places like Zimbabwe and the highly concentrated brine resources in South America are the main sources of lithium for China, the largest refiner of lithium in the world. To meet domestic demand, Chinese mining companies have expanded operations in Zimbabwe, bolstering global lithium supply chains. Dominating lithium-ion battery production, China accounts for 77 percent of the world’s EV batteries , with combined exports exceeding $139 billion in 2023. Despite emerging alternatives like sodium-ion batteries, lithium-ion batteries are expected to remain dominant due to their superior efficiency and energy density. Rising demand could deplete global lithium reserves by the end of the decade, underscoring the urgency for innovative solutions. Optimizing brine resource Researchers introduced the term “low-quality brine” to describe sources with lithium concentrations below 0.26 grams per liter or magnesium-to-lithium ratios exceeding 6.15. These circumstances put traditional extraction techniques to the test, which concentrate lithium by evaporating water and separate it from other elements using chemicals. For such brines, conventional methods are ineffective due to low concentrations and the co-extraction of undesirable components. The researchers investigated developments in pre-concentration and direct extraction techniques to solve these problems, according to SCMP . An enhanced precipitation technique created by a group from Chengdu University of Technology efficiently eliminates magnesium while reducing lithium loss to 0.4 percent. At a salt lake in Qinghai, researchers from Nanjing University found that solvent extraction methods had an effectiveness of over 65 percent for lithium recovery. Other innovative approaches examined include filtration membranes that use pressure gradients or electrical fields to separate lithium, as well as electrochemical methods leveraging ion properties, reports SCMP . According to the study, optimizing lithium extraction from low-quality brines may involve combining various approaches. Efficiency could be increased, for example, by combining extraction with seawater desalination or incorporating renewable energy into the process. The potential of low-quality brines to contribute significantly to sustainable lithium production, bolster energy storage systems, and further the global shift to cleaner energy sources was highlighted by the researchers. The details of the team’s research were published in the journal Nature .
By CHRISTINE FERNANDO CHICAGO (AP) — As Donald Trump’s Cabinet begins to take shape, those on both sides of the abortion debate are watching closely for clues about how his picks might affect reproductive rights policy in the president-elect’s second term . Trump’s cabinet picks offer a preview of how his administration could handle abortion after he repeatedly flip-flopped on the issue on the campaign trail. He attempted to distance himself from anti-abortion allies by deferring to states on abortion policy, even while boasting about nominating three Supreme Court justices who helped strike down the constitutional protections for abortion that had stood for half a century. In an NBC News interview that aired Sunday, Trump said he doesn’t plan to restrict medication abortion but also seemed to leave the door open, saying “things change.” “Things do change, but I don’t think it’s going to change at all,” he said. The early lineup of his new administration , including nominations to lead health agencies, the Justice Department and event the Department of Veterans Affairs, has garnered mixed — but generally positive — reactions from anti-abortion groups. Abortion law experts said Trump’s decision to include fewer candidates with deep ties to the anti-abortion movement could indicate that abortion will not be a priority for Trump’s administration. “It almost seems to suggest that President Trump might be focusing his administration in other directions,” said Greer Donley, an associate law professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Karen Stone, vice president of public policy at Planned Parenthood Action Fund , said while many of the nominees have “extensive records against reproductive health care,” some do not. She cautioned against making assumptions based on Trump’s initial cabinet selections. Still, many abortion rights groups are wary, in part because many of the nominees hold strong anti-abortion views even if they do not have direct ties to anti-abortion activists. They’re concerned that an administration filled with top-level officials who are personally opposed to abortion could take steps to restrict access to the procedure and funding. After Trump’s ambiguity about abortion during his campaign, “there’s still a lot we don’t know about what policy is going to look like,” said Mary Ruth Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California, Davis School of Law. That approach may be revealed as the staffs within key departments are announced. Trump announced he would nominate anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Health and Human Services Department, which anti-abortion forces have long targeted as central to curtailing abortion rights nationwide. Yet Kennedy shifted on the issue during his own presidential campaign. In campaign videos, Kennedy said he supports abortion access until viability , which doctors say is sometime after 21 weeks, although there is no defined timeframe. But he also said “every abortion is a tragedy” and argued for a national ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy, a stance he quickly walked back. The head of Health and Human Services oversees Title X funding for a host of family planning services and has sweeping authority over agencies that directly affect abortion access, including the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The role is especially vital amid legal battles over a federal law known as EMTALA, which President Joe Biden’s administration has argued requires emergency abortion access nationwide, and FDA approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. Mini Timmaraju, president of the national abortion rights organization Reproductive Freedom for All, called Kennedy an “unfit, unqualified extremist who cannot be trusted to protect the health, safety and reproductive freedom of American families.” His potential nomination also has caused waves in the anti-abortion movement. Former Vice President Mike Pence , a staunch abortion opponent, urged the Senate to reject Kennedy’s nomination. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the national anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said the group had its own concerns about Kennedy. “There’s no question that we need a pro-life HHS secretary,” she said. Fox News correspondent Marty Makary is Trump’s pick to lead the FDA, which plays a critical role in access to medication abortion and contraception. Abortion rights groups have accused him of sharing misinformation about abortion on air. Russell Vought , a staunch anti-abortion conservative, has been nominated for director of the Office of Management and Budget. Vought was a key architect of Project 2025 , a right-wing blueprint for running the federal government. Among other actions to limit reproductive rights, it calls for eliminating access to medication abortion nationwide, cutting Medicaid funding for abortion and restricting access to contraceptive care, especially long-acting reversible contraceptives such as IUD’s. Despite distancing himself from the conservative manifesto on the campaign trail, Trump is stocking his administration with people who played central roles in developing Project 2025. Trump acknowledged that drafters of the report would be part of his incoming administration during the Sunday interview with NBC News, saying “Many of those things I happen to agree with.” “These cabinet appointments all confirm that Project 2025 was in fact the blueprint all along, and the alarm we saw about it was warranted,” said Amy Williams Navarro, director of government relations for Reproductive Freedom for All. Dr. Mehmet Oz , Trump’s choice to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is a former television talk show host who has been accused of hawking dubious medical treatments and products. He voiced contradictory abortion views during his failed Senate run in 2022. Oz has described himself as “strongly pro-life, praised the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade , claimed “life starts at conception” and referred to abortion as “murder.” But he also has echoed Trump’s states-rights approach, arguing the federal government should not be involved in abortion decisions. “I want women, doctors, local political leaders, letting the democracy that’s always allowed our nation to thrive to put the best ideas forward so states can decide for themselves,” he said during a Senate debate two years ago. An array of reproductive rights groups opposed his Senate run. As CMS administrator, Oz would be in a key position to determine Medicaid coverage for family planning services and investigate potential EMTALA violations. Related Articles National Politics | In promising to shake up Washington, Trump is in a class of his own National Politics | Election Day has long passed. In some states, legislatures are working to undermine the results National Politics | Trump attorney Alina Habba, a Lehigh University grad, to serve as counselor to the president National Politics | Trump isn’t back in office but he’s already pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leaders National Politics | With Trump on the way, advocates look to states to pick up medical debt fight As Florida’s attorney general, Pam Bondi defended abortion restrictions, including a 24-hour waiting period. Now she’s Trump’s choice for attorney general . Her nomination is being celebrated by abortion opponents but denounced by abortion rights groups concerned she may revive the Comstock Act , an anti-vice law passed by Congress in 1873 that, among other things, bans mailing of medication or instruments used in abortion. An anti-abortion and anti-vaccine former Florida congressman, David Weldon, has been chosen to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which collects and monitors abortion data across the country. Former Republican congressman Doug Collins is Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs amid a political battle over abortion access and funding for troops and veterans. Collins voted consistently to restrict funding and access to abortion and celebrated the overturning of Roe v. Wade. “This is a team that the pro-life movement can work with,” said Kristin Hawkins, president of the national anti-abortion organization Students for Life.