Weight-loss black market booming as drugs sold second-hand on FacebookChristian Braun is getting a crash course on what it takes to be a starter in the NBA. It’s a good problem to have for the 23-year-old who started 10 games over his first two NBA seasons. He’s been a staple in Denver’s starting lineup 22 games into the start of his third NBA season and is doing so while playing more than 35 minutes a night. Return to Grand Rapids helped Jalen Pickett increase production for Denver Nuggets | NBA Insider “Now, I’ve got to deal with – which is a blessing and I’m very fortunate – playing as many minutes as I’ve played. I need to be better with my recovery. That’s a learning process. I need to learn a new routine, a new way to play 35 minutes a night and still get better as an individual, still win games, still play winning basketball and put all of it together,” Braun said after Wednesday’s practice at Ball Arena. “I wouldn’t say it’s been a struggle, but I’m going to continue to learn.” Braun has been playing through a quad contusion. After Wednesday’s practice, he was working with the team’s training staff. Outside of the experts, Braun said he’s also been asking questions to the team’s seniormost veterans, Russell Westbrook and DeAndre Jordan, and picking up cues from Nikola Jokic, who offsets his heavy workload with a bunch of time in the training room. “I’m just trying to learn from their routines and be available every night, produce every night and do it while we’re winning,” Braun said. “It’s been a great process, and I’ve learned a lot already, but I’m going to continue to learn all year.” In his first two seasons, Braun said he could get away with skipping a cold-tub session or not using Normatec Boots, which use compression therapy to increase recovery. He’s trying to change that while also being better about getting quality sleep and improving his diet, something he’s picked up from Westbrook, a pescatarian. “I just try to pick his brain,” Braun said. “There’s some things that I can’t do right now, but there’s a lot of things I can work into my routine. There are things I’ve changed already this year. I’m going to continue to change and continue to develop.” Availability hasn’t been an issue to this point. Braun has played in 180 of a possible 186 regular season games with the Nuggets. The only games he didn’t participate in came during his rookie season. He also played 30 or more games in all three of his collegiate seasons at Kansas. “I don’t want to jinx it,” Braun said. “I haven’t missed a game in a long time, even back to college. Sometimes you have bumps and bruises and maybe you don’t feel like it that day, but you’ve got to be ready to play when it’s time to play. That’s my biggest goal – just be out there every single night, be available every single night. That’s what I owe to this team. That’s what I owe to everybody who’s believed in me.” Return to Grand Rapids helped Jalen Pickett increase production for Denver Nuggets | NBA Insider Murray partial participation After missing Denver’s back-to-back set Saturday in Washington and Sunday in Atlanta, Jamal Murray participated in parts of Wednesday’s practice, Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “He was able to go through portions of practice today, which is great to have him out there,” Malone said. “He got some good work in yesterday in terms of treatment, player development. We’ll see how he feels from his work today. I would say for Friday night, he’s still going to be listed as questionable.” Murray's injury the last couple of games was listed as right hamstring inflammation. He was one of the last players shooting in the gym following Wednesday's practice. Nuggets vs. Hawks: 3 takeaways from Denver's much-needed bounce back in Atlanta Strawther’s surge There weren’t many positives from Saturday’s loss in Washington that ended the Wizards’ 16-game losing streak, but Julian Strawther’s performance was one of the few. The second-year guard finished second in scoring to Nikola Jokic, who dropped a career-high 56, with 18 points, one shy of matching his season-high. Strawther did so efficiently, making 7 of 13 shots from the field, including 2 of 5 from 3-point range. He was even more efficient the next night in Atlanta, scoring 13 points on six attempts. Four of those attempts came from 3-point range, and Strawther hit three of them. “It gives us a boost. It gives us a guy off the bench that you can play through and run plays for (with) his catch-and-shoot ability,” Malone said, naming Strawther as one of the team’s players who should be taking even more 3s. “He’s taking four a game at a really healthy clip. Let’s get that number up to six, six-and-a-half 3s per game, and that’s somebody other teams have to gameplan for.” The weekend games marked the second time this season Strawther scored in double figures in consecutive games. The first stretch came in early November against the Jazz and Raptors. Heading into Friday’s game against the Clippers, Strawther is averaging nine points and doing so while shooting 46.3% from the field, 40.8% from 3 and 80.6% on free throws. All three marks and significant improvements from his rookie season. Author of new Nikola Jokic book, Mike Singer, shares his story “He’s not just a 3-point shooter as we all know,” Malone said. “He can put the ball on the floor, shoot that mid-range shot, get to the rim and finish and also generate free-throw attempts. Having a scorer off the bench helps us when we take our main guys out. It helps kind of steady the ship.”
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — At this point the past two seasons, the San Francisco 49ers were fighting for playoff positioning rather than their playoff lives. After snapping a three-game losing streak with a lopsided win last week against Chicago, the Niners head into a Thursday night division showdown against the Los Angeles Rams hoping to play with the same kind of desperation in a game they almost certainly need to win to get to the postseason. "I think just across the board as a team, everybody had just a bit more of sense of urgency and I think we executed and played together as a team, and we didn't let off," quarterback Brock Purdy said. "Really liked that. But, that was last week so now it's on to this week and how can we do that again?" After getting outscored by 53 points in losses at Green Bay and Buffalo, the 49ers (6-7) played their most complete game of the season to keep their playoff hopes alive. While some credited a feeling of desperation or speeches from players such as Purdy and Deommodore Lenoir for the turnaround, linebacker Fred Warner said it was more about execution than anything else. "We didn't go out there in Green Bay, we didn't go out there in Buffalo saying, 'Let's just hope that we win.' Trust me, I felt desperate as hell going into both those games," he said. "It just didn't work out. ... It didn't happen because last week we decided we wanted to. This was weeks in the making." Whatever the reason, the results were obvious to anyone watching, including the Rams (7-6), who had their own signature performance to boost their playoff chances. Los Angeles held off Buffalo 44-42 to remain one game behind Seattle in the NFC West race and a game ahead of the 49ers and Arizona in the tightly packed division. Coach Sean McVay knows his team will need a similar performance to beat San Francisco and earn a season sweep. "I saw they certainly had a very dominant performance," he said. "If there's anything that you do know, it's a week-to-week league. Humility is only a week away. They have excellent coaches, excellent personnel and really good schemes. No matter what's really happened in terms of the trajectory of the injuries, they're going to be ready to go." Puka Nacua is in dominant form with 33 catches for 458 yards and three TDs in the Rams' past four games, highlighted by a 162-yard performance last week against Buffalo in which he also scored his first rushing TD. Nacua was injured for these clubs' first meeting this season — but last year, he broke the NFL's single-game rookie receptions record with 15 in his first game against San Francisco, and he set the NFL rookie season records for catches and yards receiving during his visit to Santa Clara last January. "He's a tough football player," 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said. "Some guys are just competitive. He's got size, he doesn't go down easy. Some things you can't measure and he's just got it." The least productive four-game stretch of Deebo Samuel's career sent the frustrated wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers to social media. In a now-deleted post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Samuel said the reason he gained only 97 yards from scrimmage the past four games was not that he was struggling but that he wasn't getting the ball. His teammates and coaches believe he will get back to his All-Pro form soon. "I want to get Deebo the ball every play if I could," Purdy said. "I want to have him break all the records as best as possible. I want Deebo to do Deebo things." The Rams defense got shredded twice in the past three weeks by Saquon Barkley's Eagles and Josh Allen's Bills, dropping the unit to 27th in total defense. LA's vaunted young pass rush led by rookie Jared Verse has no sacks in its past two games and just three in the past four games. Considering Purdy drove the Niners to 425 yards in the teams' first meeting this season without Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle or Samuel, the Rams' offense might need yet another prolific game to overcome its defense's weaknesses. With Nick Bosa sidelined the past three games, the 49ers have had to generate pass rushes from different sources. They had a season-high seven sacks last week with Yetur Gross-Matos getting three and Leonard Floyd two. The 32-year-old Floyd has 5 1/2 sacks in his past four games. "Leonard's just an Energizer bunny," Shanahan said. "It's crazy with him being one of the older guys and stuff and how many different teams he's been to, but I've played against him enough and felt that." Bosa has a chance to return this week and is listed as questionable. AP Sports Writer Greg Beacham in Los Angeles contributed to this report
That displeasure tracks with the bipartisan uproar in Washington that ignited over the president's about-face. The survey found that a relatively small share of Americans "strongly" or "somewhat" approve of the pardon, which came after the younger Biden was convicted on gun and tax charges. About half said they "strongly" or "somewhat" disapprove, and about 2 in 10 neither approve nor disapprove. The Democratic president said repeatedly that he would not use his pardon power for the benefit of his family, and the White House continued to insist, even after Republican Donald Trump's election win in November, that Biden's position had not changed — until it suddenly did. "I know it's not right to believe politicians as far as what they say compared to what they do, but he did explicitly say, 'I will not pardon my son,'" said Peter Prestia, a 59-year-old Republican from Woodland Park, New Jersey, just west of New York City, who said he strongly disagreed with the move. "So, it's just the fact that he went back on his word." In issuing a pardon Dec. 1, Biden argued that the Justice Department had presided over a "miscarriage of justice" in prosecuting his son. The president used some of the same kind of language that Trump does to describe the criminal cases against him and his other legal predicaments. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said it was a decision that Biden struggled with but came to shortly before he made the announcement, "because of how politically infected these cases were" as well as "what his political opponents were trying to do." The poll found that about 4 in 10 Democrats approve of the pardon, while about 3 in 10 disapprove and about one-quarter did not have an opinion or did not know enough to say. The vast majority of Republicans and about half of independents had a negative opinion. For some, it was easy to see family taking priority over politics. "Do you have kids?" asked Robert Jenkins, a 63-year-old Democrat who runs a lumber yard and gas station in Gallipolis, Ohio. "You're gonna leave office and not pardon your kid? I mean, it's a no-brainer to me." But Prestia, who is semiretired from working for a digital marketing conglomerate, said Biden would have been better off not making promises. "He does have that right to pardon anybody he wants. But he just should have kept his mouth shut, and he did it because it was before the election, so it's just a bold-faced lie," Prestia said. Despite the unpopularity of his decision, the president's approval rating has not shifted meaningfully since before his party lost the White House to Trump. About 4 in 10 Americans "somewhat" or "strongly" approve of the way Biden is handling his job as president, which is about where his approval rating stood in AP-NORC polls since January 2022. Still, the pardon keeps creating political shock waves, with Republicans, and even some top Democrats, decrying it. Older adults are more likely than younger ones to approve of Biden's pardoning his son, according to the poll, though their support is not especially strong. About one-third of those ages 60 and older approve, compared with about 2 in 10 adults under 60. The age divide is driven partially by the fact that younger adults are more likely than older ones to say they neither approve nor disapprove of the pardon or that they do not know enough to say. About 6 in 10 white adults disapprove of the pardon, compared with slightly less than half of Hispanic adults and about 3 in 10 Black adults. Relatively large shares of Black and Hispanic Americans — about 3 in 10 — were neutral, the poll found. "Don't say you're gonna do something and then fall back," said Trinell Champ, 43, a Democrat from Nederland, Texas, who works in the home health industry and said she disapproved of the pardon. "At the end of the day, all you have is your word." Champ, who is Black, voted for Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris over Trump. "I just had my hopes up for her, but I wasn't 100% positive," she said. Champ also said she does not approve of Biden's handling of the presidency and thinks the country is on the wrong track. "While he was in office, I felt like I really didn't see a lot of changes," she said. "I just felt like everything just kind of stayed the same," Champ said. Overall, though, the pardon did not appear to be a driving factor in many Americans' assessment of Biden's job performance. The share of Black Americans who approve of the way he is handling his job as president did fall slightly since October, but it is hard to assess what role the pardon may have played.Alabama and Mississippi tumbled out of the top 10 of The Associated Press Top 25 poll Sunday and Miami and SMU moved in following a chaotic weekend in the SEC and across college football in general. Oregon is No. 1 for the sixth straight week and Ohio State, Texas and Penn State held their places behind the Ducks, who are the last unbeaten team. The shuffling begins at No. 5, where Notre Dame returned for the first time since Week 2 after beating Army for its ninth straight win. No. 6 Georgia moved up two spots, No. 7 Tennessee and No. 8 Miami each got a three-rung promotion and No. 9 SMU jumped four places for its first top-10 ranking since 1985. SMU has clinched a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game and would play Miami, if the Hurricanes win at Syracuse this week, or No. 12 Clemson . Indiana dropped from No. 5 to No. 10 following its first loss, a 38-15 defeat at Ohio State. The Buckeyes would play Oregon in the Big Ten championship game if they beat Michigan this Saturday for the first time in four years. The Southeastern Conference’s hopes for landing four spots in the College Football Playoff took a hit with two of their teams losing as double-digit favorites. Texas, Georgia and Tennessee are the only SEC teams with fewer than three losses after Alabama lost 24-3 at Oklahoma and Mississippi lost 24-17 at Florida. Oregon, which was idle, was the consensus No. 1 team for the fourth straight week. The Ducks will be unbeaten in the regular season for the first time since 2010 if they beat Washington at home Saturday.Swiss National Bank reduced its position in Novanta Inc. ( NASDAQ:NOVT – Free Report ) by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 70,100 shares of the technology company’s stock after selling 500 shares during the period. Swiss National Bank owned approximately 0.20% of Novanta worth $12,542,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of NOVT. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its position in Novanta by 33.1% during the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 237 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 59 shares in the last quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Novanta during the 3rd quarter worth $49,000. nVerses Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Novanta in the 3rd quarter valued at $54,000. Signaturefd LLC raised its position in Novanta by 38.3% in the second quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 361 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $59,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. Finally, Van ECK Associates Corp lifted its stake in shares of Novanta by 47.6% during the second quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 750 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $122,000 after purchasing an additional 242 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.35% of the company’s stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Robert W. Baird dropped their target price on Novanta from $175.00 to $169.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 6th. Novanta Trading Up 3.1 % NASDAQ NOVT opened at $169.79 on Friday. The company’s fifty day simple moving average is $173.77 and its 200-day simple moving average is $170.79. The stock has a market cap of $6.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 101.67 and a beta of 1.29. Novanta Inc. has a 52 week low of $142.35 and a 52 week high of $187.12. The company has a current ratio of 2.79, a quick ratio of 1.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. Novanta ( NASDAQ:NOVT – Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 5th. The technology company reported $0.85 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.85. Novanta had a net margin of 6.52% and a return on equity of 15.20%. The company had revenue of $244.40 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $242.33 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.85 EPS. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 10.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Novanta Inc. will post 3.03 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Novanta In other news, CEO Matthijs Glastra sold 7,500 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $179.70, for a total value of $1,347,750.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 56,382 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,131,845.40. This represents a 11.74 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, CFO Robert Buckley sold 1,111 shares of Novanta stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $180.45, for a total value of $200,479.95. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 120,419 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $21,729,608.55. This trade represents a 0.91 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 16,650 shares of company stock worth $2,956,686 in the last 90 days. 1.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About Novanta ( Free Report ) Novanta Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides precision medicine and manufacturing, medical solutions, and robotics and automation solutions in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Precision Medicine and Manufacturing, Medical Solutions, and Robotics and Automation. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Novanta Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novanta and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
CHICAGO (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for 90 of his 330 yards in overtime to set up Parker Romo's game-ending 29-yard field goal , and the Minnesota Vikings outlasted the Chicago Bears 30-27 on Sunday after giving up 11 points in the final 22 seconds of regulation. Darnold threw two touchdown passes, Jordan Addison caught eight passes for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown, and T.J. Hockenson had 114 yards receiving for the Vikings (9-2), who remained one game behind Detroit in the rugged NFC North. Caleb Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns for the Bears (4-7), who lost their fifth straight and fell to 5-18 in one-possession games under coach Matt Eberflus, who is 14-31 in 2 1/2 seasons. Minnesota appeared to have the game in hand, leading 27-16 with 1:56 left after Romo kicked a 26-yard field goal. But the Bears weren’t finished. Deandre Carter made up for a muffed punt that led to a touchdown in the third quarter with a 55-yard kickoff return to the 40. Williams took it from there, capping an eight-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Keenan Allen. A 2-point conversion pass to DJ Moore made it 27-24 with 22 seconds remaining. The Bears recovered the onside kick and Williams hit Moore over the middle for a 27-yard gain to the 30 before spiking the ball. Cairo Santos made a 48-yard field goal as time expired. Chicago won the coin toss, but Williams was sacked for a 12-yard loss on second down, leading to a three-and-out. The Vikings took over at the 21, and Darnold led a 10-play drive, overcoming a sack and two penalties. Darnold connected with Hockenson for a 29-yard completion that put the ball on the 9. He took a knee and then Romo nailed the winner. Darnold surpassed his previous season high of 19 touchdown passes with a 2-yarder to Addison on the first play of the second quarter, and he made it 14-7 with a 5-yard score to Jalen Nailor late in the first half. He completed 22 of 34 passes. Aaron Jones ran for 106 yards and a score for the VIkings. Williams was 32 of 47 with a 103.1 passer rating in his second straight solid performance since Thomas Brown replaced the fired Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator. Moore caught seven passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, and Allen added 86 yards receiving and the late TD. Injuries Vikings: LB Ivan Pace Jr. (hamstring) and LT Cam Robinson (foot) left in the first quarter. ... Darnold missed two plays after he was hit by Gervon Dexter Sr. on a pass play with about 6 1/2 minutes. Up next Vikings: Host Arizona next Sunday. Bears: Visit Detroit on Thanksgiving. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Andrew Seligman, The Associated Press
They could soon show their moves in settings from car factories to care homes I nside the robotics laboratory of the Toyota Research Institute ( TRI ) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a group of robots are busy cooking. There is nothing special about that; robotic chefs have been around for a while. But these robots are more proficient than most, flipping pancakes, slicing vegetables and making pizzas with ease. The difference is that instead of being laboriously programmed to carry out their tasks, the Cambridge robots have been taught only a basic set of skills. Using the wonders of artificial intelligence ( AI ), they quickly improved upon those skills to become far more dexterous. Explore more Discover more Scientists are learning why ultra-processed foods are bad for you A mystery is finally being solved Scientific publishers are producing more papers than ever Concerns about some of their business models are building The two types of human laugh One is caused by tickling; the other by everything else Scientists are building a catalogue of every type of cell in our bodies It has thus far shed light on everything from organ formation to the causes of inflammation How squid could help people get over their needle phobia Cephalopod ink propulsion is inspiring an alternative to syringes Norway’s Atlantic salmon risks going the way of the panda Climate change and fish farming are endangering its futureAustralia has ditched plans to fine social media companies if they fail to stem the spread of misinformation, the country's communications minister said Sunday. The proposed legislation outlined sweeping powers to fine tech companies up to five percent of their yearly turnover if they breached new online safety obligations. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said she had dumped the bill after running into significant opposition in the country's senate. "Based on public statements and engagements with senators, it is clear that there is no pathway to legislate this proposal through the senate," she said in a statement. The proposed bill notably drew the ire of tech baron Elon Musk, who in September likened the Australian government to "fascists". Australia has been at the forefront of global efforts to regulate the tech giants. The government will soon roll out a nationwide social media ban for children under 16. Social media companies could be fined more than US$30 million if they fail to keep children off their platforms, under separate laws tabled before Australia's parliament on Thursday.The Atlanta Falcons drafting of Michael Penix Jr. just six weeks after signing Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract doesn't seem like that much of a head-scratcher anymore. Penix, the eighth overall pick in this year's draft, was supposed to serve as Cousins' understudy for a year or two, a plan that was scuttled when Cousins quickly lost the zip and accuracy on his passes and his grip on the starting job. It was hard to argue with making the change after Cousins had nine picks and one touchdown pass in his last five starts — but it was a daring move nonetheless with the Falcons trailing first-place Tampa Bay by a single game with three weeks left. Penix made the move pay off with a solid first NFL start in the Falcons' 34-7 rout of the New York Giants on Sunday that bolstered Atlanta's playoff hopes , and the Falcons (8-7) moved back into first place in the NFC South with the Buccaneers' loss at Dallas on Sunday night. The left-hander was not at all overwhelmed by the moment, completing 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards — numbers that would’ve been better if not for at least three dropped passes, one of which Kyle Pitts bobbled right into the hands of a New York defender for Penix’s lone interception. “He went out and played almost flawless football,” coach Raheem Morris said. Cousins will almost certainly be looking for his fourth team in 2025. If the Falcons cut ties as expected, they'll have paid Cousins $90 million for 14 games. Cousins' career earnings are about $321 million and his record is 84-77-2, including a 1-3 mark in the playoffs and 7-7 this season. In the spirit of expedited judgments, let's take a gander at how other quarterbacks have fared with their new teams in 2024. Russell Wilson The Pittsburgh Steelers landed the biggest bargain of the season in Wilson, whom they signed for the veteran's minimum of $1.21 million, leaving his former team, the Denver Broncos, on the hook for the remaining $37.79 million of his 2024 salary. Wilson's calf injury in camp forced the Steelers to start Justin Fields, who went 4-2 before Mike Tomlin made the risky switch to Wilson, who's gone 6-3 with 15 TD throws and four interceptions. With the Steelers (10-5) playoff-bound, Wilson will make his first postseason appearance since 2020. The only question is whether it'll be at home as AFC North champ or on the road as a wild-card. They're tied with the Ravens atop the division but currently own the tiebreaker. Sam Darnold This was expected to be a rebuilding year in Minnesota after the Vikings lost Cousins in free agency. They signed Darnold, the third overall pick in 2018, to a $10 million, one-year contract and drafted national champion J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick. McCarthy tore the meniscus in his right knee during the preseason opener and has undergone two surgeries, opening the way for Darnold's breakthrough season. Darnold brought a 21-35 career record with him to Minneapolis and all he's done is go 13-2 while setting career highs with 32 touchdown passes, 3,776 passing yards and a 67.2% completion percentage. The Vikings are tied with the Lions atop the packed NFC North and the division crown could come down to Minnesota's season finale at Detroit on Jan. 5. Gardner Minshew The Las Vegas Raiders signed Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract and he beat out incumbent Aidan O'Connell for the starting gig. But he only went 2-7 and sustained a season-ending broken collarbone in a Week 12 loss to the Broncos, opening the door for O'Connell (1-4) to return. The Raiders' 19-14 win over Jacksonville on Sunday snapped a 10-game skid but might have taken them out of the Shedeur Sanders sweepstakes. They are 3-12, a game behind the Giants (2-13), who jettisoned QB Daniel Jones less than two years after signing him to a four-year, $160 million contract and have gone with Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito instead. Caleb Williams The Chicago Bears had high hopes after drafting Williams with the No. 1 overall pick, but it might turn out that the second QB taken — Washington's Jayden Daniels — is better than the first as was the case last year when C.J. Stroud outperformed Carolina's Bryce Young. Williams has a terrific TD-to-INT ratio of 19-5, but the Bears are 4-11 and have lost nine in a row. Their last win came way back on Oct. 13 against Jacksonville. Jayden Daniels The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU has led the Washington Commanders (10-5) to the cusp of their first playoff appearance since 2020. His bolstered his Rookie of the Year credentials with a five-TD performance Sunday in leading the Commanders to a 36-33 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. For the year, Daniels has 22 TD throws and eight interceptions. Bo Nix The former Auburn and Oregon star hasn't looked much like a rookie after starting an NCAA QB record 61 times in college. The Broncos (9-6) could snap an eight-year playoff drought with a win Sunday at Cincinnati thanks to Nix's steady play , Sean Payton's exhaustive guidance and Denver's traditionally stingy defense. Nix was drafted 12th overall after the Broncos released Wilson despite a a whopping $85 million dead money charge on top of the $37.79 million they're paying Wilson to play for Pittsburgh this year. With 22 TDs and 11 interceptions, Nix has almost matched Russell's win total (11-19) in his two seasons in Denver. ___ AP Sports Writer Paul Newberry in Atlanta contributed to this report. ___ Behind the Call analyzes the biggest topics in the NFL during the season. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press
Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. purchased a new position in Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CRVS – Free Report ) in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm purchased 16,947 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $89,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Samlyn Capital LLC grew its position in Corvus Pharmaceuticals by 160.7% in the second quarter. Samlyn Capital LLC now owns 6,123,021 shares of the company’s stock worth $11,144,000 after acquiring an additional 3,774,658 shares in the last quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. purchased a new position in Corvus Pharmaceuticals in the second quarter worth about $10,855,000. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Corvus Pharmaceuticals by 10.6% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 1,493,357 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,658,000 after buying an additional 142,724 shares during the period. Marshall Wace LLP purchased a new position in shares of Corvus Pharmaceuticals during the second quarter valued at approximately $136,000. Finally, Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC purchased a new position in shares of Corvus Pharmaceuticals during the second quarter valued at approximately $44,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 46.64% of the company’s stock. Corvus Pharmaceuticals Stock Performance Corvus Pharmaceuticals stock opened at $8.95 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $7.22 and a 200-day moving average price of $4.29. Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $1.30 and a fifty-two week high of $10.00. The company has a market capitalization of $575.13 million, a PE ratio of -9.62 and a beta of 1.05. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Read Our Latest Report on CRVS About Corvus Pharmaceuticals ( Free Report ) Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development and commercialization of immune modulator product candidates to treat solid cancers, T cell lymphomas, autoimmune, allergic, and infectious diseases. Its lead product candidate is soquelitinib (CPI-818), a selective covalent inhibitor of interleukin 2 inducible T cell kinase (ITK), which is in a multi-center Phase 1/1b clinical trial for the treatment of peripheral T cell lymphoma, solid tumors, and atopic dermatitis. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CRVS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CRVS – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Corvus Pharmaceuticals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Corvus Pharmaceuticals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Hyderabad: Bigg Boss Telugu 8 has entered its final stage, and this week saw the shocking elimination of Yashmi Gowda, a strong contestant many expected to be in the top five. Known for her bold moves and entertaining personality, Yashmi’s journey ended in Week 12, leaving fans surprised. Yashmi was among the five nominees: Yashmi Gowda, Prithviraj Shetty, Nikhil Maliakkal, Prerana Kambum, and Nabeel Afridi. After a tense elimination process, Yashmi and Prithviraj were in the danger zone. In the end, Yashmi was evicted while Prithviraj was saved. Fans are now debating her elimination, calling it unfair. Many questioned how Yashmi, a fan favorite, received fewer votes than others. Yashmi reportedly earned Rs. 2 lakh per week for her time in the Bigg Boss house. Over 12 weeks, this adds up to Rs. 24 lakh. Some sources suggest her pay could have been Rs. 2.5 lakh per week, meaning she might have earned up to Rs. 30 lakh in total. This reality show income is significantly higher than what she earned acting in Telugu serials, where she was paid Rs. 15,000 per day. Yashmi gained fame as a serial actress in Krishna Mukunda Murari. She impressed viewers in Bigg Boss with her gameplay and personality, though some criticized her for emotional decisions and group politics. With Yashmi out, only 10 contestants remain. The competition is heating up as the show nears its grand finale.
Former MD of SUI Foundation, Greg Siourounis, Joins xMoney Global as Co-Founder and CEO to build MiCA-Regulated Stablecoin Platform
Before you exchange money, you should know how to choose the right place to exchange your money, time your transactions for the best rates and estimate the money exchange fee.Haliburton scores 23 points as the Pacers beat the Bulls 132-123
Falcons drafting Penix no longer a head-scratcher with rookie QB shining in place of benched Cousins
Warren Buffett's Berkshire hits near six month highNEW YORK , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global less-than-truckload (LTL) market size is estimated to grow by USD 120.31 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period. Advances in e-commerce in retail sector is driving market growth, with a trend towards emergence of big data in global less-than-truckload (ltl) market. However, rising prices of ltl carriers poses a challenge. Key market players include Allcargo Logistics Ltd., ArcBest Corp., Averitt Express Inc., Challenger Motor Freight Inc., CMA CGM SA Group, Debon Logistics Co. Ltd., Deutsche Post AG, Estes Express Lines, FedEx Corp., J B Hunt Transport Services Inc., JRC Dedicated Services Co., Knight Swift Transportation Holdings Inc., Kuehne Nagel Management AG, Nippon Express Holdings Inc., Old Dominion Freight Line Inc., R L Carriers Inc., SouthEastern Freight Lines, United Parcel Service Inc., XPO Inc., and Yellow Corp.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver Less-than-truckload (LTL) logistics companies and shippers are utilizing big data to gain a competitive edge in the industry. Big data analysis offers advantages in operational efficiency, customer experience, and new business models. In terms of operational efficiency, LTL companies can optimize resource utilization, delivery time, and geographical coverage through advanced real-time processing and predictive techniques. Customer experience is enhanced by analyzing millions of touchpoints to gain market intelligence and product feedback. By sharing data with supply chain partners, logistics networks can become more efficient, leading to the development of new services, discovery of new demand patterns, and improved demand forecasting accuracy. Real-time analytics and end-to-end supply chain visibility enable quick action on potential revenue losses and increased asset uptime. The integration of big data solutions will positively impact the growth of the global LTL market by increasing throughput, enabling resource optimization, and facilitating near real-time supply planning using IoT data feeds. The Less-than-Truckload (LTL) market is experiencing significant trends in freight transportation. With increasing demand for oil, petrol, and diesel from truckers, oil marketing companies are playing a crucial role. LTL services offer scalability and affordability for shippers with small to medium-sized cargo. Trailer capacity is a key factor, with density-based pricing and operational efficiency driving competition among freight carriers. Economic conditions and industry sectors, such as retail, manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, forestry, construction, oil and gas, mining, and quarrying, influence LTL freight volume. Startups and specialized carriers are disrupting the market with flexible services. E-commerce and MSME sector growth fuel retail shipping demand. Freight pricing trends include volume-based pricing and fuel surcharges. Full Truckload carriers and ground shipping dominate, but air, rail, and specialized services cater to specific needs. Full Truckload carriers offer larger capacity, while LTL services provide flexibility for various industries. Road freight services remain a significant part of the logistics sector. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges The Less-than-truckload (LTL) market is currently facing several challenges that are driving up costs and intensifying competition. Rising fuel prices, increasing demand, e-commerce growth, driver shortages, and tightening truckload capacity are all contributing factors. LTL carriers are investing heavily in their fleets, drivers, and facilities to stay competitive, but face risks associated with fuel pricing volatility. Last-mile delivery, which involves individual deliveries to numerous locations, adds significant labor and fuel costs. Intense competition among last-mile delivery providers, based on pricing and delivery time, further pressures profitability. Additionally, real-time tracking requirements for e-commerce deliveries necessitate costly geolocation technologies and infrastructure. These factors are leading LTL carriers to increase freight rates, which may constrain market growth during the forecast period. The Less-than-Truckload (LTL) market faces several challenges. Truckers struggle with oil demand fluctuations, affecting petrol and diesel prices for freight transportation. Oil marketing companies' crude oil prices impact freight carriers' operational efficiency and affordability. Shippers require scalability and flexibility, especially for small and medium shipments in various industries like retail, manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, forestry, construction, oil and gas, mining, and quarrying. Startups and MSME sector rely on LTL services for density-based pricing. Economic conditions and freight pricing trends influence the logistics sector's road freight services, affecting full truckload carriers, specialized carriers, and e-commerce businesses. Freight transport volume, retail shipping, industrial shipping, ground shipping, air shipping, and rail shipping are all affected by these challenges. Fuel costs remain a significant concern for freight carriers, impacting their bottom line. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This less-than-truckload (ltl) market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Long-haul carriers 1.2 Superregional carriers 1.3 Regional carriers 2.1 Light LTL volume and Heavy LTL volume 3.1 APAC 3.2 North America 3.3 Europe 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America 1.1 Long-haul carriers- The global less-than-truckload (LTL) market's largest revenue contributor is the long-haul carrier segment. Long-haul LTL carriers, also known as national LTL carriers, transport shipments within 3 to 5 business days, covering an average distance of approximately 1,200 miles per haul. These carriers operate through a hub-and-spoke network and often have labor unions. The long-haul LTL carriers segment is projected to grow steadily due to economic conditions in the country. Long-haul LTL carriers offer value-added services, such as packing, unpacking, and door-to-door freight collection. Despite competition from other transportation modes, long-haul LTL carriers remain popular due to their efficiency and timely delivery. Businesses benefit from outsourcing their freight and transportation needs, as managing in-house transportation requires significant investment and expertise. The long-haul LTL carriers segment provides additional services, including project logistics, network planning, cargo insurance, value-chain optimization, and customs brokerage. The increase in industrial activities worldwide is expected to fuel the growth of the long-haul LTL carriers segment in the LTL market. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The Less-than-truckload (LTL) market plays a crucial role in transporting goods for various industries such as Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry, Construction, Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Mining and Quarrying, and Retail. Freight volumes in the LTL market are driven by the demand for transporting smaller consignments, making it an essential mode of transport for MSMEs. E-commerce and the logistics sector have significantly contributed to the growth of the LTL market in recent years. Freight pricing trends in the LTL market are influenced by factors like fuel prices, trailer capacity utilization, and cargo density. Scalability and affordability are key benefits of LTL services, making them a popular choice for shippers with smaller freight volumes. Road freight services are the primary mode of transport in the LTL market, offering flexibility and efficient delivery solutions. The LTL market caters to various industries, including Crude oil, where it is used for transporting drilling equipment and other supplies. Freight carriers offer customized solutions to meet the unique needs of different industries, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of cargo. The market is expected to continue growing due to increasing demand for affordable and flexible freight transportation solutions. Market Research Overview The Less-than-truckload (LTL) market caters to the shipping needs of various industries such as Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry, Construction, Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Mining and Quarrying, and others. Freight transport volume in the LTL market is driven by the demand for retail products, e-commerce, and MSME sector growth. Freight pricing trends are influenced by factors like fuel prices, operational efficiency, and economic conditions. LTL services offer scalability and affordability for small to medium shipments, making them popular among businesses. Road freight services dominate the LTL market due to their flexibility and wide reach. Logistics sector players provide LTL services for various industries, including retail and industrial shipping. Fuel prices, particularly for diesel and petrol, significantly impact LTL freight costs. Truckers and oil marketing companies play crucial roles in the LTL market, as they manage the supply of crude oil and the distribution of fuel to LTL carriers. Freight carriers offer LTL services for various industries, with full truckload carriers and specialized carriers catering to specific needs. Shippers look for trailer capacity and cargo density-based pricing to optimize their logistics costs. The LTL market is seeing innovation with the entry of startups offering volume LTL services and new pricing models like density-based pricing. Overall, the LTL market is essential for businesses seeking efficient and cost-effective freight transportation solutions. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Type Long-haul Carriers Superregional Carriers Regional Carriers Capacity Light LTL Volume And Heavy LTL Volume Geography APAC North America Europe Middle East And Africa South America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio
CHICAGO (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for 90 of his 330 yards in overtime to set up Parker Romo's game-ending 29-yard field goal , and the Minnesota Vikings outlasted the Chicago Bears 30-27 on Sunday after giving up 11 points in the final 22 seconds of regulation. Darnold threw two touchdown passes, Jordan Addison caught eight passes for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown, and T.J. Hockenson had 114 yards receiving for the Vikings (9-2), who remained one game behind Detroit in the rugged NFC North. Caleb Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns for the Bears (4-7), who lost their fifth straight and fell to 5-18 in one-possession games under coach Matt Eberflus, who is 14-31 in 2 1/2 seasons. Minnesota appeared to have the game in hand, leading 27-16 with 1:56 left after Romo kicked a 26-yard field goal. But the Bears weren’t finished. Deandre Carter made up for a muffed punt that led to a touchdown in the third quarter with a 55-yard kickoff return to the 40. Williams took it from there, capping an eight-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Keenan Allen. A 2-point conversion pass to DJ Moore made it 27-24 with 22 seconds remaining. The Bears recovered the onside kick and Williams hit Moore over the middle for a 27-yard gain to the 30 before spiking the ball. Cairo Santos made a 48-yard field goal as time expired. Chicago won the coin toss, but Williams was sacked for a 12-yard loss on second down, leading to a three-and-out. The Vikings took over at the 21, and Darnold led a 10-play drive, overcoming a sack and two penalties. Darnold connected with Hockenson for a 29-yard completion that put the ball on the 9. He took a knee and then Romo nailed the winner. Darnold surpassed his previous season high of 19 touchdown passes with a 2-yarder to Addison on the first play of the second quarter, and he made it 14-7 with a 5-yard score to Jalen Nailor late in the first half. He completed 22 of 34 passes. Aaron Jones ran for 106 yards and a score for the VIkings. Williams was 32 of 47 with a 103.1 passer rating in his second straight solid performance since Thomas Brown replaced the fired Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator. Moore caught seven passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, and Allen added 86 yards receiving and the late TD. Injuries Vikings: LB Ivan Pace Jr. (hamstring) and LT Cam Robinson (foot) left in the first quarter. ... Darnold missed two plays after he was hit by Gervon Dexter Sr. on a pass play with about 6 1/2 minutes. Up next Vikings: Host Arizona next Sunday. Bears: Visit Detroit on Thanksgiving. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Andrew Seligman, The Associated PressNEW YORK — I’ll get you, my pretty! And your little pygmy hippo, too! Forgive us the shameless attempt to link the fantasy hit “Wicked” to the delightful Moo Deng . But, hear us out — there’s something the two have in common as the year draws to a close. Escapism. Whether we found it on the yellow brick road, or in videos from a Thailand zoo, or perhaps in unlikely Olympic heroes , we gravitated toward fantasy and feel-good pop culture moments this year. There were new trends, as always. “Brat summer” became a thing, as did “demure, mindful.” And for some inexplicable reason, we became obsessed with celebrity lookalike contests. There were breakups — Bennifer is, again, a thing of the past — and reunions: Oasis, please try to stay together for the tour. Yet some things stayed, remarkably, the same: Taylor Swift and Beyoncé kept on breaking records and making history. So, after a year where much changed but some things held steady, here’s our annual, very selective trip down pop culture memory lane: Lily Gladstone poses in the press room Jan. 7 with the award for best performance by an actress in a motion picture, drama for "Killers of the Flower Moon" at the 81st Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. January It starts as a cheery tweet from a beloved “Sesame Street” figure: “ ELMO is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” The answers hint at something deeper and more worrisome. “Not great, Elmo. Not great,” says one milder reply. Doing much better is the viral phenomenon called “BARBENHEIMER,” which makes its awards season debut at the GOLDEN GLOBES . But perhaps the most poignant moment comes from neither film: LILY GLADSTONE , first Indigenous winner of best actress in a drama for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” begins her remarks in the language of her tribe, Blackfeet Nation. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) kisses Taylor Swift on Feb. 11 after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game in Las Vegas. February Valentine’s Day — a perfect time to settle into a sweet love saga via TikTok. Only that’s not quite what we get with “Who TF Did I Marry?,” REESA TEESA ’s depressing, fascinating, 50-part account of her disastrous marriage with a man who lied about absolutely everything. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a single week that encapsulates peak SWIFT cultural dominance , try this: she begins with the Grammys in Los Angeles (becoming the first artist to win album of the year four times AND announcing a new album), then heads to Tokyo for four tour dates, then jets back just in time for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas — where she shares a passionate smooch with boyfriend TRAVIS KELCE on the field of victory. Ryan Gosling performs the song "I'm Just Ken" from the movie "Barbie" on March 10 during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. March “What was I made for?” BILLIE EILISH sings at the OSCARS, channeling BARBIE . And what was KEN made for? Not entirely clear — but it's clear RYAN GOSLING was made to play him. His singalong version of “I’m Just Ken” is one of the most entertaining Oscar musical moments in years. Still, Christopher Nolan's “OPPENHEIMER” prevails, a rare case of the top prize going to a blockbuster studio film. Will it happen again in 2025? CYNTHIA ERIVO and ARIANA GRANDE sure hope so; as presenters, they make a sly reference to their upcoming juggernaut, “WICKED.” Speaking of marketing, people are obsessed with that bizarre “DUNE” popcorn bucket. Beyonce And BEYONCÉ carves her space in country music with “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” which will make her the first Black woman to top the Billboard country chart. Taylor Swift performs June 21 at Wembley Stadium in London as part of her Eras Tour. April Tennis, anyone? The game’s been around for centuries, but it’s having a cultural moment right now, helped mightily by “CHALLENGERS,” the sweaty romance triangle starring ZENDAYA, MIKE FAIST and JOSH O'CONNOR (40-love? More like 40-sex.) Elsewhere, a new era dawns: At midnight, SWIFT drops “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT," then drops another 15 songs two hours later. The fascinating and disturbing “BABY REINDEER,” the story of a struggling comedian’s extended encounter with a stalker, debuts on Netflix. Ben Affleck, left, and Jennifer Lopez arrive Feb. 13 at the premiere of "This Is Me ... Now: A Love Story" at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. May It’s MET GALA time — or as it's known in 2024, another early marketing moment for “WICKED.” ERIVO and GRANDE make fashion waves on the carpet and then musical ones at dinner, with a soulful performance of “When You Believe.” If the “Wicked” tour is in full force, another one stops in its tracks: JENNIFER LOPEZ cancels her summer tour amid reports of both poor ticket sales and trouble in her marriage to BEN AFFLECK . It’s been an eventful year for J.Lo, who's released an album and movie called “THIS IS ME ... NOW" — both reflections on her renewed love with Affleck. June Welcome to BRAT SUMMER ! CHARLI XCX releases her hit “Brat” album , with its lime green cover, and launches a thousand memes. Collins Dictionary defines “brat,” its word of the year, as “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” At the celeb-heavy SWIFT shows in London, we see PRINCE WILLIAM shaking it off, which is either charming or cringe, you decide. Even better: KELCE dons a top hat and tux and performs for one night. At another stadium across the pond, METS infielder JOSE IGLESIAS delights the crowd with his cheery number “OMG.” Stephen Nedoroscik is introduced June 29 at the United States Gymnastics Olympic Trials in Minneapolis. July Bonjour, it’s OLYMPICS time! In Paris! An audacious opening ceremony along the Seine is punctuated by a fabulous CELINE DION , perched on the EIFFEL TOWER , singing her heart out — in the rain, too. Controversy swirls over a scene critics feel mocks Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (organizers say it does not). Olympic stars are born — including French swimming superstar LEON MARCHAND , rugby player ILONA MAHER , and bespectacled “Pommel Horse Guy” gymnast STEPHEN NEDOROSCIK , who nets two bronze medals and comparisons to Clark Kent. Baby pigmy hippo Moo Deng plays with a zookeeper Sept. 19 in the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand. Also capturing hearts: yep, MOO DENG , born this month. Her name means “bouncy pork.” Australia's Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes Aug. 9 during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. August This is them ... now: BENNIFER is no more. After two decades, two engagements and two weddings, J.Lo files for divorce. One union dissolves, another returns: OASIS announces a reunion tour. Everyone seems to want to get in on TikToker JOOLS LEBRON 's “ DEMURE, MINDFUL ” act — even the WHITE HOUSE press team. Back at the Olympics, in the new sport of breaking, we meet Australia’s RAYGUN , arguably neither demure nor mindful with her “kangaroo” move. Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani brings his dog Decoy to the mound Aug. 28 before Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles in Los Angeles. Cute animal alert: SHOHEI OHTANI ’s perky pooch DECOY does a great “first pitch” in his Major League Baseball debut. Chappell Roan performs "Good Luck, Babe" on Sept. 11 during the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. September One of the year’s biggest breakout artists, CHAPPELL ROAN , withdraws from a music festival after speaking out about frightening fan interactions. And more on the price of fame: In an excruciating moment, “Bachelorette” JENN TRAN , the franchise’s first Asian American lead, is forced to sit through a painful viewing of her proposal to her chosen suitor, after tearfully explaining how he’d later dumped her over the phone. Tran is keeping busy though — she’s announced as part of the new “Dancing with the Stars” lineup. Also on the list: rugby player Maher, and Pommel Horse Guy! Also, ANNA SOROKIN , dancing with an ankle monitor. Online fandom, meanwhile, is shaken when X is temporarily suspended in Brazil and celebrity stan accounts post tearful farewells, revealing to many across the globe that their favorite accounts are run by Brazilians. Miles Mitchell, 21, wins of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest Oct. 27 near Washington Square Park in New York. October “Dune” Chalamets! “Wonka” Chalamets! Thousands gather in Manhattan for a TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET lookalike contest, and things really get interesting when Chalamet himself shows up. He doesn’t enter the contest, though, and with his mustache, he may not even have won. The trend continues with contests for JEREMY ALLEN WHITE, ZAYN MALIK and — in a very Washington version — Kennedy scion JACK SCHLOSSBERG , who's been gathering a following with some interesting social media posts. New York Liberty Kennedy Burke dances with the mascot, Ellie the Elephant, during an Oct. 24 ceremony after a parade in honor of the Liberty's WNBA basketball championship at City Hall in New York. Turning to basketball, who’s that dancing with USHER ? Why it’s ELLIE THE ELEPHANT , the now-viral NEW YORK LIBERTY mascot. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, appears Nov. 2 with Maya Rudolph on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in New York. November MAYA RUDOLPH does a pretty good KAMALA HARRIS laugh on “Saturday Night Live,” but you know who does it better? HARRIS herself. The Democratic candidate makes a surprise cameo three days before the U.S. presidential election, following in the footsteps of HILLARY CLINTON , SARAH PALIN and others. Elsewhere in television, Bravo announces that “VANDERPUMP RULES,” the Emmy-nominated reality show that has lived through countless scandals, is entirely recasting its 12th season — apart from namesake LISA VANDERPUMP . As for MOO DENG , she doesn't have her own TV series yet, but our favorite pygmy hippo is generating plenty of merch . And THAT brings us back to ... Ariana Grande, left, and Cynthia Erivo pose for photographers Nov. 11 prior to the premiere of "Wicked" at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City. December “WICKED” ! Director JON M. CHU ’s emerald-hued fantasy remains very very popular, to quote one of its buzzy show tunes, dancing through life and defying gravity at the multiplex. Moviegoers also come for “GLADIATOR II” and, in a veritable tidal wave, Disney's “MOANA 2,” which beckons us back to the seas of Oceania. Once again, 2024 seems to be telling us: Give people some whimsy, a place to escape, maybe some catchy tunes — and no one knows how far they’ll go. The stories and images that defined 2024. Searching for something? From queries about U.S. politics to cricket in India, Wikipedia has become a source of information for millions of people across the globe. From the Paris Olympics to the Super Bowl. From Simone Biles to Shohei Ohtani. And, of course, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. These are the sp... AP photographers assembled a visual catalog of our civilization as life in 2024 hurtled directly at us at every speed and in every imaginable ... In 2024, photographers captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election, to hurricanes and fires that ravag... Associated Press photographers captured voters with raw emotions of joy, excitement, contemplation or sorrow. See entertainment's biggest moments in 2024, through the lens of Associated Press photographers. It beat five other finalists: demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy and lore. News anchors, politicians and other public figures in the U.S. struggled with these words the most this year. Is it any surprise Merriam-Webster's word of the year is "polarization"? Here are the other words that rounded out the top 10 for 2024. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!ASML LAWSUIT NOTICE: ASML Holding N.V. Investors are Notified of the Upcoming January 13 Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit – Contact BFA Law (NASDAQ:ASML)
Courtney Frazer | (TNS) Bankrate.com Exchanging currency is vital to international travel, whether you’re visiting for leisure or business. Understanding the nuances of currency exchange can help you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your travel budget. Before you exchange money, you should know how to choose the right place to exchange your money, time your transactions for the best rates and estimate the money exchange fee. Currency exchange involves converting one country’s money into another’s. Because currencies have different values from country to country, exchange rates fluctuate based on factors like political stability, economic performance and global market conditions. Without proper knowledge of currency exchange, travelers risk losing money on unfavorable exchange rates, excessive fees and even fraudulent practices. It’s important to know how currency exchange works and where to do money exchanges so you can get the best deal. Exchanging money abroad often comes with various fees, so it’s important to understand what you might encounter. Flat fees Some exchange providers charge a flat fee per transaction. These can make smaller exchanges expensive relative to the amount you’re converting. Always ask about any flat fees in advance, and consider exchanging larger sums to minimize the impact of this fee. Percentage fees Many currency exchange providers charge a percentage-based fee on the total amount exchanged. This fee structure can become costly if you’re exchanging large amounts of money, so compare percentage-based fees before making any decisions. ATM withdrawal fees If you’re withdrawing money from an ATM abroad, your home bank and the foreign bank may charge withdrawal fees. Some banks refund these fees, while others may partner with international banks to provide fee-free withdrawals. Before traveling, check with your bank to understand what ATM fees you might face and whether they offer any reimbursement options. Foreign transaction fees Foreign transaction fees are often charged when using credit or debit cards abroad. Depending on the card issuer and payment network, these fees can range from 1% to 3% of the transaction amount. Many travel-focused credit cards offer no foreign transaction fees, which can help you save money when making purchases abroad. Check your card’s terms and conditions before you travel to avoid surprises. If your card charges foreign transaction fees, consider limiting its use and opting for other methods, like cash or prepaid travel cards. Not all currency exchange options are equal, especially for travelers. Some places offer better rates and lower money exchange fees, while others provide more convenience. Here’s a breakdown of the most common currency exchange options. Banks and credit unions Banks and credit unions are generally the best money exchange options, offering competitive exchange rates and transparent fees. Many banks provide foreign currency services for their account holders, and some even offer currency at a better rate when you order it in advance. If you have a major bank account, the bank may offer international ATM withdrawals with little to no fees. Banks tend to have the most secure exchange process, so you can avoid the high fees and markups that are common at airport exchange booths. Currency exchange kiosks Currency exchange kiosks, often found at airports and tourist destinations, are convenient but have significant drawbacks. They frequently offer lower exchange rates and higher fees, taking advantage of travelers who need quick cash. If you need to use a currency exchange bureau, only exchange a small amount to cover immediate needs and seek out better rates at a local bank or through an ATM once you reach your destination. Always check the exchange rate and fees before completing any transaction at these kiosks to avoid unnecessary charges. ATMs abroad Using ATMs to withdraw local currency in your destination country is one of the most convenient ways to get cash while traveling. Many banks are part of global ATM networks, allowing you to withdraw money with minimal fees if you use ATMs associated with their partner banks. However, it’s important to check with your bank ahead of time to understand what fees may apply to international withdrawals. When using ATMs abroad, stick to machines from reputable banks and avoid independent ATMs found in tourist-heavy areas or small shops. These often have higher fees and less favorable exchange rates. It’s also a good idea to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid having your card frozen for suspicious activity. Prepaid travel cards Prepaid travel cards offer an excellent solution for travelers who want to manage currency exchange with ease. These cards allow you to load multiple currencies before you travel and lock in exchange rates to avoid rate fluctuations while abroad. Prepaid travel cards can be used like regular debit or credit cards but with the added benefit of lower foreign transaction fees. They also help limit spending, as you can only use the funds preloaded onto the card. However, be aware of hidden fees such as inactivity, ATM withdrawal or reloading fees. When exchanging currency for travel, it’s easy to fall into traps that result in unnecessary expenses. Here are some common mistakes travelers make and how to avoid them. 1. Exchanging money at airports and hotels While airports and hotels may be convenient places to exchange money, they often have the worst exchange rates and highest fees. Airport kiosks, in particular, are notorious for inflating rates, sometimes marking them up by as much as 10% compared to what you’d find at a local bank or ATM. To avoid these high costs, exchange a small amount of money before your trip to cover immediate expenses like transportation. Once you arrive at your destination, use ATMs or banks for more favorable rates. 2. Using dynamic currency conversion Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) allows you to pay in your home currency when using a credit or debit card abroad. While this may seem convenient, it usually comes with a much worse exchange rate and additional hidden fees. Whenever possible, always opt to pay in the local currency of your destination to avoid unfavorable rates. DCC also gives merchants more control over the exchange rate, meaning they could use a rate that benefits them more than you. When paying with a card abroad, always make sure you’re being charged in the local currency to get the most accurate rate. 3. Timing your exchange poorly Exchange rates fluctuate daily based on global market conditions. If you know you’ll need to exchange a large sum of money, it pays to keep an eye on exchange rates before your trip. Use tools to track exchange rates and exchange your money when the rate is in your favor. For travelers planning ahead, some banks and online services allow you to lock in exchange rates before traveling, helping you avoid losses due to unfavorable fluctuations during your trip. When traveling abroad, currency exchange fees can quickly eat into your budget. You can use certain strategies to help you save, avoid common fees and make the most of your money while exploring new destinations. 1. Plan ahead for international trips Before heading overseas, research your destination’s currency and exchange rate options. Many banks allow you to order foreign currency ahead of time, saving you from the poor exchange rates and high fees at airports or in tourist-heavy areas. If your bank offers international ATM withdrawal with low fees, consider using this option to access local currency while traveling. Financial institutions sometimes offer special travel accounts or debit cards with reduced fees for foreign transactions. Check with your bank to see if they offer international-friendly options that can help you save money while abroad. 2. Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees Credit cards that offer no foreign transaction fees can be a great asset when traveling internationally. These cards often offer competitive exchange rates, and some even provide travel rewards or cash back on purchases made abroad. Using a credit card for most of your international purchases can help protect you from currency exchange fees and fraud. 3. Limit currency exchange at high-fee locations Related Articles Travel | California’s sunny Huntington Beach makes a great weekend getaway Travel | Top travel destinations for 2025 include a real-life Land of the Lotus Eaters Travel | New York state highlights can’t-miss holiday sites and attractions Travel | Holiday travel: Tahoe’s Truckee is a magical, cozy winter destination Travel | Election results are impacting travelers’ 2025 international trip plans When traveling, try to avoid exchanging currency at locations that charge high fees, like airports, hotels or currency exchange kiosks. These places often inflate exchange rates and charge large commissions, reducing the value of your money. Instead, stick to local banks or ATMs for better rates and lower fees. If you have to exchange currency at one of these places, try to exchange only what you need immediately and find a better location later. Currency exchange is an essential part of international travel, and getting it right can save you a lot of money. By planning ahead, avoiding high-fee locations and choosing the right method for exchanging money, you can stretch your travel budget further and minimize unnecessary costs. When traveling internationally, avoid airport kiosks and hotel exchange desks, opt for ATMs and reputable banks and consider using prepaid travel cards or credit cards with no foreign transaction fees to simplify your currency management. With a little preparation, you’ll be able to get the most out of your money while exploring the world. (Visit Bankrate online at bankrate.com.). ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.MELBOURNE, Australia , Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global fashion giant SHEIN will bring the ultimate Giftorium experience to life, right in time for the festive season. The SHEIN Giftorium will arrive at Oz Comic-Con Melbourne Xmas Edition for an unmissable experience December 7-8th . On offer will be a vibrant collection of beauty, fashion, home & living products - free and redeemable through participation in various games available at the activation - alongside experiences that will showcase SHEIN's one-stop-shop range of on-trend and affordable products perfect for Holiday gifting. Oz Comic-Con is Australia's premier pop culture event gathering fans of comics, movies, TV, anime, gaming, and more. A celebration of all things geek culture featuring exciting panels, cosplay competitions, and exclusive meet-and-greets with stars from the world of film, TV, and gaming. Oz Comic-Con Melbourne Xmas attendees can immerse themselves in a range of SHEIN gifting essentials; Jewellery & Accessories, Home & Living, Office & School Supplies, Toys & Games, and Beauty & Health throughout the SHEIN Giftorium. As well as SHEGLAM being a hero moment. " Our SHEIN Giftorium experience at Oz Comic-Con will provide attendees the unique experience of selecting their favourite items and festive gifts, whether for themselves or loved ones, through engaging and interactive experiences ," said a SHEIN Spokesperson. " Our aim is to connect face-to-face with consumers, with no sales functions taking place at the event itself, the goal is to engage directly with attendees and showcase our range of ultimate Christmas gifting. " But the experience doesn't end there - on display will be a select range of key items as a part of the Giftoirum event, however, online is where all our Australian customers can look to dive into the full range available across SHEIN for festive gifting. " Our customers will find everything under the sun related to fashion and lifestyle, all at cost-effective prices. With an easy shopping process including free returns, customers can shop efficiently from anywhere, " said a SHEIN spokesperson . With unstoppable style and unbeatable fits, the SHEIN Giftorum experience continues online with a wide product range spanning fashion & beauty, home & lifestyle, accessories, kids, toys & games, electronics & tech accessories, office & school supplies - and so much more. The extensive range ensures that Aussies can find something special for everyone on the list, making holiday shopping a breeze. Embrace the convenience and variety SHEIN offers and make this Christmas memorable with gifts that delight and inspire. SHEIN Giftorium at Oz Comic-Con Melbourne Xmas Edition December 7-8 , Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre: ozcomiccon.com/melbourne-xmas-edition/ * Shop SHEIN for Holiday gift guide ideas: https://au.shein.com/ SOURCE SHEIN