Ritholtz Wealth Management’s Josh Brown created a new index that tracks the most popular stocks in some of the hottest themes of the market . What To Know: Last Tuesday on " The Compound & Friends " podcast, Brown set the stage for unveiling the “Degen Dow.” “I think that if we were to make a list of the biggest themes of 2024, one of those themes would have been degeneracy,” Brown said. It’s tough to say precisely how the word “degen” came to be, but some believe it originates from the term “degenerate gambler” in sports betting and gambling culture, according to The Wall Street Journal. It’s also used by crypto traders and meme-stock traders who often make risky short-term bets based on momentum and steer clear of traditional ways of assessing investments. Brown put together a list of the top stocks used as trading vehicles by “degen” traders using platforms such as Robinhood, Stocktwits and Reddit’s WallStreetBets . The list includes high beta Bitcoin BTC/USD -related names, gaming and gambling companies, AI names, space theme plays, Cathie Wood favorites and president-elect Donald Trump -related stocks. “All the major degen food groups are represented,” Brown said. Here’s a look at all of the stocks that made it into the “Degen Dow.” Archer Aviation Inc ACHR AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc AMC Applovin Corp APP Coinbase Global Inc COIN Carvana Co CVNA Trump Media & Technology Group Corp DJT DraftKings Inc DKNG Flutter Entertainment Plc FLUT Geo Group Inc GEO GameStop Corp GME Hims & Hers Health, Inc HIMS Robinhood Markets, Inc HOOD Lucid Group, Inc LCID MARA Holdings, Inc MARA MicroStrategy Inc MSTR NVIDIA Corp NVDA PagerDuty, Inc PD Palantir Technologies Inc PLTR Roblox Corp RBLX Reddit, Inc RDDT Riot Platforms, Inc RIOT Rivian Automotive, Inc RIVN Rocket Lab USA, Inc RKLB Rumble Inc RUM Super Micro Computer Inc SMCI SoFi Technologies, Inc SOFI SoundHound AI, Inc SOUN Tesla, Inc TSLA Unity Software Inc U Vistra Corp VST Why It Matters: Brown equal-weighted the basket of stocks in the index to track performance. The index actually declined more than 80% from the highs in late 2021, but it has formed a base and appears to be breaking out to the upside with gains of nearly 50% since the start of the year. “Look how it’s like turning up ... this thing is ripping into year-end,” Brown said, to which his co-host Michael Batnick replied, “I want to get long.” Brown noted Nvidia and Reddit are the only two names on the list he currently owns. Read Next: GameStop Q3 Earnings: Revenue Miss, $4B+ Cash, No More Offerings Planned In Fiscal Year Photo: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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LONDON (AP) — Barely a month after quitting international rugby, former England prop Joe Marler has brought forward his retirement plans and will end his time in the sport completely this week. Marler’s last match will be for Harlequins, his team since 2009, at home to Bristol in the English league on Friday. The 34-year-old Marler had indicated he would continue playing club rugby until the end of the season. He has made 285 appearances for Harlequins since arriving in 2009 and retires with two English league winners medals. “The time has come to finally jump off the rollercoaster and walk away from this beautifully brutal game,” he said Wednesday. The charismatic Marler announced on Nov. 3 that his 95-cap test career was over, days after he left England’s camp ahead of the November internationals because of personal reasons. He had baited New Zealand in the build-up to England’s first autumn test match by criticizing the Haka, stating on social media that it is “ridiculous” and “needs binning.” He later for the comments. ___ AP rugby:NYT ‘Connections’ Hints And Answers For Tuesday, December 24
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Queens Car Accident Attorney Keetick L. Sanchez Discusses Lower Back Pain Settlements Following Car Accidents 12-12-2024 08:06 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: ABNewswire Queens car accident attorney Keetick L. Sanchez ( https://accidentlawyer-queens.com/lower-back-pain-car-accident-settlement/ ) provides valuable insights into the factors affecting settlements for lower back pain sustained in car accidents in New York in the article titled "Lower Back Pain Car Accident Settlement." The article emphasizes the challenges of determining settlement amounts and explains how various factors influence compensation. The team at K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. has highlighted examples, including cases where settlements ranged from $20,000 to multimillion-dollar awards, illustrating the variability based on injury severity and impact. Lower back pain is a common outcome of car accidents and can range from mild discomfort to debilitating, long-term pain. Settlement amounts depend significantly on factors such as the severity of the injury, medical treatment costs, and the extent to which the injury affects an individual's daily activities and ability to work. A Queens car accident attorney can help evaluate these factors and guide victims through the legal process. Sanchez elaborates on how these elements are assessed in New York under the state's personal injury laws. "Settlements often reflect not only the tangible costs like medical expenses and lost wages but also the intangible impact, such as chronic pain and reduced quality of life," Sanchez explains. A Queens car accident attorney can assist in ensuring these intangible factors are properly considered when negotiating a settlement. Severe cases requiring surgeries or extended recovery times often lead to higher settlements, as they account for long-term implications and the need for ongoing care. The article discusses the importance of understanding the role of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage in New York, which initially covers medical expenses regardless of fault. However, in cases where the costs exceed PIP limits, victims may seek compensation through at-fault drivers' liability insurance. For significant injuries, the settlement value often increases due to the inclusion of pain and suffering compensation and future lost earnings. Sanchez also addresses how insurance companies evaluate lower back pain claims, a process that begins with assigning an adjuster to investigate the case. The adjuster reviews evidence such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements to determine the claim's value. Initial settlement offers may be lower than the claim's actual worth, which underscores the importance of carefully negotiating the final amount to ensure fair compensation. Statutory limitations and procedural requirements for filing claims also play a significant role in securing a settlement. In New York, victims typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, specific exceptions, such as cases involving minors or municipal liability, may alter these deadlines. Failing to adhere to these timelines can result in forfeiting the right to pursue compensation. The article highlights real-life examples where settlement amounts varied widely depending on the circumstances of the accident. For instance, one client received $2,700,000 after suffering severe lower back injuries in a rear-end collision, while another secured $250,000 for similar injuries. These examples underscore the importance of tailoring compensation to reflect the unique challenges and recovery needs of each case. For victims navigating lower back pain from car accidents, the article stresses the significance of working with knowledgeable legal professionals to ensure that all injury-related costs and impacts are properly documented and included in the settlement. By addressing both immediate medical expenses and long-term effects, victims can focus on their recovery while seeking the financial resources needed to move forward. K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. supports individuals dealing with the aftermath of car accidents, helping them pursue fair settlements that account for all aspects of their injury and recovery. Their approach emphasizes comprehensive documentation and negotiation to secure compensation that reflects the full scope of damages. Keetick L. Sanchez continues to provide clarity on legal issues surrounding personal injuries in New York. This latest article is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the nuances of lower back pain settlement after car accidents. About K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C.: K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. is a Queens-based law firm dedicated to assisting clients with personal injury cases, including car accidents and other serious injuries. The firm is committed to advocating for individuals seeking compensation for their losses and providing support through the legal process. Their approach focuses on delivering practical solutions to help clients move forward after challenging life events. Embeds: Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5uWU8F7mtE GMB: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=2729652254808699760 Email and website Email: accidentlawny1@gmail.com Website: https://accidentlawyer-queens.com/ Media Contact Company Name: K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. Contact Person: Keetick Sanchez Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=queens-car-accident-attorney-keetick-l-sanchez-discusses-lower-back-pain-settlements-following-car-accidents ] Phone: (646) 701-7990 Address:3763 83rd St #1m City: Jackson Heights State: New York 11372 Country: United States Website: https://accidentlawyer-queens.com This release was published on openPR.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — Google, already facing a possible breakup of the company over its ubiquitous search engine , is fighting to beat back another attack by the U.S. Department of Justice alleging monopolistic conduct, this time over technology that puts online advertising in front of consumers. The Justice Department and Google made closing arguments Monday in a trial alleging Google's advertising technology constitutes an illegal monopoly. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Broker Complaint Alert Introduces AI-Driven Solutions to Revolutionize Crypto Recovery and Enhance Investor Protection
Fans of singer Taylor Swift discovered a new holiday ornament modeled after the pop star, but reactions to the decoration were mixed, with some calling it "terrifying." The new ornament is for sale from the brand Altar'd State, with the description reading, "Adorned with shimmering details reminiscent of a dazzling stage costume, this ornament captures the magic of unforgettable nights." The design is made to look like Swift's Lover bodysuit that she wore for the Eras Tour. 🤩 📺 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter & get the scoop on the latest TV news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🤩 🎥 Swifties took to social media to share their thoughts on the ornament, with one sharing a photo and writing, "i have tears in my eyes who is that 😭😭😂." i have tears in my eyes who is that 😭😭😂 pic.twitter.com/ya85ZiARS3 The post quickly went viral, with strong reactions from fans like, "this is terrifying 😭😭," "pls the jump scare 😭," and "you look like (not) taylor swift, in this light we're (not) loving it." Someone else asked, "help what happened to her legs," as the ornament seemed to cut off at the bottom of her torso. Others said, "this looks diabolical to me," and "i screamed," while one, on the other hand, proclaimed, "i kind of need this." "Is saylor twift," joked quite a few fans of the "Fortnight" singer. There have been plenty of Swift-inspired ornaments over the years, and it seems like—as is the case with wax figures —it can be hard to successfully capture a real person's likeness. Swift will finish up her popular Eras Tour just in time for the holidays this year, with her final three shows taking place in Vancouver between Dec. 6 and 8. Next: Jason Kelce Shares Bold Suggestion About Christmas Shopping for Brother Travis and Taylor Swift
Judge hears closing arguments on whether Google's advertising tech constitutes a monopoly
Chargers’ leading rusher J.K. Dobbins sidelined by sprained knee- Tenorshare boasts 15 years of experience in the smartphone solutions industry - NEW YORK, N.Y., Dec. 12, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Recently, the Tenorshare website has received a major upgrade that focuses on providing a better user experience. “The upgrade is all about making life easier for our users. Our website now features our newest innovative products to enable users to solve more challenging problems from their daily walk of life,” says a Tenorshare spokesperson. So, what does the new upgrade beholds, let’s find out below! 1. Elevating the Brand Concept to New Heights Tenorshare boasts 15 years of experience in the smartphone solutions industry, specializing in advanced technology to create simple and easy-to-use products. So far, we’ve achieved 150M+ downloads, 142M+ happy users, and 100M+ views on YouTube . 2. Advancing Our Brand and Business Excellence Whatever problem you face, Tenorshare has the best software or platform solution for you. We offer repair and data recovery solutions for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and all types of internal and external devices. Moreover, we also provide powerful tools like a new PDF editor and reader, DOC summarizer, OCR tools, smarter AI bypass solutions, and an AI Presentation Maker. 3. Tenorshare: Trusted by Experts, Loved by Users Tenorshare is trusted by major platforms such as TechRadar, Softpedia, pocket-lint, etc, and loved by users worldwide who value the company for its reliable and effective tools. With 13K+ reviews on Trustpilot, Tenorshare has earned an excellent 4.4 out of 5 rating. TENORSHARE’S CHRISTMAS EVENT: SHOP AND SAVE BIG! Tenorshare is launching a Christmas shopping event on December 13th, providing you with a huge chance to shop and save big on its products. You can enjoy AI-generated greeting cards for their friends and family, and take advantage of amazing deals like “Buy One, Get One Free” on new PDF products. There’s also a 30% OFF discount code: TS-XMAS24-30 which you can use when purchasing Tenorshare products. About Tenorshare: Tenorshare, a top smartphone solutions provider is trusted by 10+ million users worldwide for their innovative and user-friendly products. The company now offers data recovery & repair, and iOS and Android management solutions, OCR Office, and online AI tools under a single banner. With the motto “Better Software, Better Life,” Tenorshare is committed to creating products that boost productivity, creativity, and personalization. More information: https://www.tenorshare.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TenorshareOfficial/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/Tenorshare_Inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TenorshareOfficial/videos TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tenorshare_tech_tips . NEWS SOURCE: Tenorshare Co. Ltd. Keywords: Technology, Tenorshare, brnading, rebrand, tech, software, apps, Windows, macOS, NEW YORK, N.Y. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Tenorshare Co. Ltd.) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire . Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P122802 APDF15TBLLI To view the original version, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/elevating-excellence-the-all-new-tenorshare-brand-website-is-unveiled/ © 2024 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
On Dec. 8, President-elect Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that Russia did not help the Assad regime in Syria because "close to 600,000 Russian soldiers lay wounded or dead" in the war with Ukraine. In the same post, Trump estimated Ukraine's losses at "400,000 soldiers." On the same day, Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the Russian president, rejected Trump’s claim , asserting that the figure originated from inaccurate estimates by Kyiv. Peskov further claimed that Ukraine had suffered significantly higher military losses compared to Russia: “As concerns the figures announced with regard to losses on both sides, it is obvious that they were presented in the Ukrainian interpretation and reflect Ukraine’s official position. The actual numbers are completely different. Ukraine’s losses are multiple times higher than those of Russia.” These claims are false. The figures for casualties in the war between Russia and Ukraine cited by Trump are close to estimates given in recent months by Ukraine, Western defense and intelligence officials, and Western media reports. All the data indicates that Russia has lost more soldiers than Ukraine. According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine , as of Dec. 8, Russia's losses in the war with Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022, in killed and wounded, amount to about 751,910 soldiers – higher than the 600,000 figure mentioned by Trump. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Telegram that as of Dec. 8, "Russian losses exceed 750 thousand of their people. That's 198 thousand Russians killed and more than 550 thousand wounded" in the war with Ukraine. Zelenskyy estimated Ukraine's losses at 43,000 dead and 370,000 wounded, which is a total of 413,000, which is close to the data provided by Trump. Non-Ukrainian estimates of the two sides’ casualties in the war are about the same. On Dec. 7, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told the Reagan National Defense Forum that Russia has suffered over 700,000 casualties since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, He noted that Russian losses in the first year exceeded those of all post-WWII conflicts combined, with recent casualty rates surpassing 1,000 troops daily. On Nov. 10, the U.K.’s chief of defense staff, Sir Tony Radakin, stated that Russia is on the brink of reaching 700,000 casualties, both killed and wounded, due to the war in Ukraine. On Oct. 28, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said , “Over 600,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded in [President Vladimir] Putin's war, and he is unable to sustain his assault to Ukraine without foreign support." A U.S. defense official quoted by Politico said that as of Oct. 9, Russia had suffered more than 600,000 casualties in the war with Ukraine, with September 2024 being the deadliest month. The United States has not provided any official figures on Ukrainian casualties in the war. However, The Wall Street Journal , citing a "confidential Ukrainian estimate," reported that approximately 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed, with an additional 400,000 wounded, since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. The New York Times reported on Oct. 10 that a U.S. official estimated Ukraine had experienced more than 57,500 soldiers killed and approximately 250,000 wounded during the war, for a total of over 307,000 casualties. Analyst Stavros Atlamazoglou, writing for the online publication The National Interest , highlighted the severity of Russian casualties, noting that their forces are facing losses on a scale comparable to World War I, with an average of 1,500 troops lost per day: "The Russian military’s relentless offensive in Ukraine continues to produce staggering casualties. Daily losses for Russian forces are estimated at around 1,500, with nearly 800,000 projected by year’s end."The Israeli ambassador to Washington says a ceasefire deal to end fighting between Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah militants could be reached “within days.” Ambassador Mike Herzog told Israeli Army Radio on Monday there remain “points to finalize” and any deal requires agreement from the government. But he said “we are close to a deal.” Israeli officials said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security Cabinet was set to convene Tuesday to discuss a proposed ceasefire. Among the issues that remain is an Israeli demand to reserve the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations under the emerging deal. The deal seeks to push Hezbollah and Israeli troops out of southern Lebanon. Israeli warplanes bombed the Lebanese capital of Beirut and killed at least 12 people in southern Lebanon’s Tyre province, the country’s Health Ministry said. The deputy parliament speaker accused Israel of ramping up its bombardment in order to pressure Lebanon to make concessions in the indirect ceasefire negotiations with Hezbollah. Hezbollah began attacking Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, a day after Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, setting off more than a year of fighting. That escalated into all-out war in September with massive Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon and an Israeli ground invasion of the country’s south. Hezbollah has fired thousands of rockets into Israeli military bases, cities and towns, including some 250 projectiles on Sunday. In the Gaza Strip, more than 44,000 people have been killed and more than 104,000 wounded in the 13-month war between Israel and Hamas, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Here's the Latest: BEIRUT — A top Hamas official in Lebanon said the Palestinian militant group will support a ceasefire between its Lebanese ally Hezbollah and Israel, despite Hezbollah's previous promises to stop the fighting in Lebanon only if the war in Gaza ends. “Any announcement of a ceasefire is welcome. Hezbollah has stood by our people and made significant sacrifices,” Osama Hamdan told the Lebanese broadcaster Al-Mayadeen, which is seen as politically allied with Hezbollah. There has been no official comment on a potential Lebanon ceasefire from Gaza-based leaders of either Hamas or the smaller militant group Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Hamdan is a member of Hamas' political wing. Palestinian militants in Gaza have repeatedly regrouped after Israeli operations, carrying out hit-and-run attacks from tunnels and bombed-out buildings. Hezbollah and Israel have been trading fire across the border since Oct. 8, 2023, the day after Hamas attacked Israel and sparked the war in Gaza. Israel escalated the war in September, killing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and most of his top commanders in a wave of airstrikes, and Israeli ground forces invaded southern Lebanon in early October. JERUSALEM -- Israel has tightened restrictions on public gatherings and outdoor activities in areas near the Lebanese border as officials move closer toward a ceasefire deal. The army’s Home Front Command said it was changing its public safety guidelines to “limited activity” from “partial activity.” As part of the order, school was canceled in the area. The Israeli security Cabinet is scheduled to convene Tuesday to discuss a cease-fire proposal and possibly approve it. The tighter restrictions reflect concerns that fighting could intensify ahead of any possible cease-fire. The Israeli army says at least 20 projectiles were fired by Hezbollah toward Israel Monday, a day after the Lebanese group launched over 250 rockets and missiles. The Israeli air force conducted strikes against suspected Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. Israel’s military launched airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, unleashing explosions throughout the country and killing at least 12 while Israeli leaders appeared to be closing in on a negotiated ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group. BEIRUT — Israel’s military bombed commercial and residential buildings in the Lebanese capital of Beirut and killed at least 12 people in the southern port city of Tyre on Monday, the Health Ministry said, as Israeli leaders appeared to be closing in on a negotiated ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group. Israeli military officials said they targeted areas known as Hezbollah strongholds. They issued evacuation orders for Beirut’s southern suburbs, and strikes landed across the city, including meters from a Lebanese police base and the city’s largest public park. The blasts damaged buildings and left shattered glass and debris scattered across nearby streets. No casualties were reported after many residents fled the targeted sites. Some of the strikes landed close to central Beirut and near Christian neighborhoods and other targets where Israel had issued evacuation warnings, including in Tyre and Nabatiyeh province. Israeli airstrikes also hit the northeast Baalbek-Hermel region without warning. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said more than 3,700 people in Lebanon who have been killed since Israel launched its invasion two months ago. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Lebanon’s Health Ministry says the war has displaced 1.2 million people. Lebanese politicians have decried the ongoing airstrikes and said they are impeding U.S.-led ceasefire negotiations. The country’s deputy parliament speaker accused Israel of ramping up its bombardment in order to pressure Lebanon to make concessions in indirect ceasefire negotiations with Hezbollah. Elias Bousaab, an ally of the militant group, said Monday that the pressure has increased because “we are close to the hour that is decisive regarding reaching a ceasefire.” BEIRUT — An Israeli airstrike that killed three journalists and wounded others in Lebanon last month was most likely a deliberate attack on civilians and an apparent war crime, an international human rights group said Monday. The Oct. 25 airstrike killed three journalists as they slept at a guesthouse in southeast Lebanon in one of the deadliest attacks on the media since the Israel-Hezbollah war began 13 months ago. Eleven other journalists have been killed and eight wounded since then, Lebanon’s Health Minister Firass Abiad said. Human Rights Watch determined that Israeli forces carried out the Oct. 25 attack using an air-dropped bomb equipped with a U.S.-produced Joint Direct Attack Munition, or JDAM, guidance kit. The group said the U.S. government should suspend weapons transfers to Israel because of the military’s repeated “unlawful attacks on civilians, for which U.S. officials may be complicit in war crimes.” There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the report. Human Rights Watch said that it found remnants at the site and reviewed photographs of pieces collected by the resort owner and determined that they were consistent with a JDAM guidance kit assembled and sold by the U.S. company Boeing. The JDAM is affixed to air-dropped bombs and allows them to be guided to a target by using satellite coordinates, making the weapon accurate to within several meters, the group said. UNITED NATIONS — Israel’s U.N. ambassador says he expects a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah to have stages, and “it’s not going to happen overnight.” Danny Danon told reporters Monday “we haven’t finalized it but we are moving forward.” He added, “I assume that the Cabinet will meet today or tomorrow to discuss it.” What’s important for Israel, he said, is that Hezbollah militants will be pushed to the north of the Litani River and will not be allowed to come back. Danon was asked about reports that Israel wants the right to go back into Lebanon to attack Hezbollah if it returns to the south but the Lebanese government rejected that out of hand. He stressed that Israel learned the lessons from U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 which ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. It called for the deployment of the Lebanese army throughout the south and disarmament of all armed groups including Hezbollah but was never implemented. “We will make sure that we will have the ability to neutralize any threat that will not be dealt in southern Lebanon,” he said. “I hope that the Lebanese army will take care of that in the future, but if they will fail again, we will be there.” In the ceasefire proposal, Danon said, “there are different stages, few requirements.” He said the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon known as UNIFIL is not part of the agreement as far as he knows, but he called its presence there “important, and we are grateful for that.” “They know about what’s happening, and I think they have also to take advantage of the situation and make sure that the uniform presence is more effective,” the Israeli ambassador said. JERUSALEM — A senior Israeli officer has resigned following the deaths of two people, including a 70-year-old Israeli man, in a Hezbollah ambush last week in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military has launched an investigation into last Wednesday’s incident, in which 70-year-old Zeev Erlich was killed along with a 20-year-old soldier. They are trying to determine, among other things, who allowed Erlich into the combat zone with the forces and why he was allowed to enter. In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, Col. Yoav Yarom, the chief of staff of the army’s Golani infantry brigade, said he was stepping down. Yarom, who was wounded in the incident, said a “false and far from the truth narrative” has emerged. Nonetheless, he said “in light of the values upon which I was raised ... I believe I must take a commander’s responsibility for the event.” He did not specify his role. According to Israeli media reports, Erlich was not on active duty when he was shot, but was wearing a military uniform and had a weapon. The army said he was a reservist with the rank of major and identified him as a “fallen soldier” when it announced his death. Erlich was a well-known West Bank settler and researcher of Jewish history. Media reports said he was permitted to enter Lebanon to explore a local archaeological site. The military said the investigation is continuing. JERUSALEM — Israeli officials say Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security Cabinet is set to convene on Tuesday to discuss a proposed ceasefire in the war with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Officials have said the sides are close to a deal that would include withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and a pullback of Hezbollah forces from the Israeli border. But several sticking points remain. Two officials confirmed the Cabinet meeting is set for Tuesday, but they said it is still not clear whether the decision-making body will vote to approve the deal. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing internal deliberations. — Josef Federman in Jerusalem and Tia Goldenberg in Tel Aviv DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Weather is compounding the challenges facing displaced people in Gaza, where heavy rains and dropping temperatures are making tents and other temporary shelters uninhabitable. Government officials in the Hamas-controlled coastal enclave said on Monday that nearly 10,000 tents had been swept away by flooding over the past two days, adding to their earlier warnings about the risks facing those sheltering in low-lying floodplains, including areas designated as humanitarian zones. Um Mohammad Marouf, a mother who fled bombardments in northern Gaza and now is sheltering with her family in a Gaza City tent said the downpour had covered her children and left everyone wet and vulnerable. “We have nothing to protect ourselves,” she said outside the United Nations-provided tent where she lives with 10 family members. Marouf and others living in rows of cloth and nylon tents hung their drenched clothing on drying lines and re-erected their tarpaulin walls on Monday. Officials from the Hamas-run government said that 81% of the 135,000 tents appeared unfit for shelter, based on recent assessments, and blamed Israel for preventing the entry of additional needed tents. They said many had been swept away by seawater or were inadequate to house displaced people as winter sets in. The U.N estimates that around 90% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million people have been displaced, often multiple times, and hundreds of thousands are living in squalid tent camps with little food, water or basic services. Israeli evacuation warnings now cover around 90% of the territory. “The first rains of the winter season mean even more suffering. Around half a million people are at risk in areas of flooding. The situation will only get worse with every drop of rain, every bomb, every strike,” UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, wrote in a statement on X on Monday. ROME — Several Arab foreign ministers, gathering in Rome on the sidelines of the Group of Seven meeting, are calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon and the provision of humanitarian aid to Palestinians. The ministers of Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates, and the secretary general of the League of Arab States, all participated in a Rome conference before joining G7 foreign minsters later in the day in nearby Fiuggi. “Gaza is now a graveyard for children, a graveyard for human values, a graveyard for international law,” said Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. The Mideast conflict was the top agenda item Monday for the G7, amid reported progress on a possible ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. said a deal could be reached within days. “We all hope and pray that this ceasefire will be realized because the absence of it will mean more destruction, and more and more animosity, and more dehumanization, and more hatred, and more bitterness which will doom the future of the region to more conflict and more killing and more destruction,” Safadi said. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed that Cairo would host a ministerial-level conference next Monday on mobilizing international aid for Gaza. In remarks to the “Mediterranean Dialogues” conference, he called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, the release of hostages, provision of humanitarian aid for Palestinians and the initiation of “a serious and genuine political process” to create a Palestinian state. TEL AVIV, Israel — An Israeli rights group said Monday that more than a quarter of all Palestinian prisoners currently held by Israel had contracted scabies since an outbreak was identified in May, and accused the prison authority of improper care and prevention. Physicians for Human Rights-Israel said that more than 2,800 prisoners had caught the rash-like infection, with more than 1,700 still actively infected. The outbreak was seen in five different detention facilities, the group said. It was citing figures it said came from the Israel Prison Service. The group said it filed a legal petition calling on the prison service “ to eradicate the scabies epidemic,” accusing the authorities of failing “to implement widely recognized medical interventions necessary to contain the outbreak.” It said that it halted the legal proceedings after it received a commitment from the prison service to address the outbreak. The prison service said the court had cancelled the petition because the prisons had shown they were dealing with the outbreak in a “systematic and thorough” way. Nadav Davidovich, an Israeli public health expert who wrote a medical analysis for the group’s court proceedings, said the outbreak was a result of overcrowding in prisons and apparent neglect from prison authorities. He said such outbreaks could be prevented if prisoners were held “in more reasonable conditions.” If the first infections were treated as needed, such an outbreak could have been avoided, he said. Physicians for Human Rights-Israel also said that the Israel Prison Service had cited scabies as a reason for postponing lawyers' visits and court appearances for prisoners. It said those steps “violate prisoners’ rights and serve as punitive measures rather than public health responses.” Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees the prisons, has boasted about hardening conditions to the bare minimum required by law. BEIRUT — Lebanon’s deputy parliament speaker has accused Israel of ramping up its bombardment of Lebanon in order to pressure the government to make concessions in indirect ceasefire negotiations with Hezbollah. Elias Bousaab, an ally of the militant group, said Monday that the pressure has increased because “we are close to the hour that is decisive regarding reaching a ceasefire.” “We are optimistic, and there is hope, but nothing is guaranteed with a person like (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu),” Bousaab told reporters. Israel has carried out heavy strikes in central Beirut in recent days, while Hezbollah has increased its rocket fire into Israel. The United States is trying to broker an agreement in which Hezbollah fighters and Israeli forces would withdraw from southern Lebanon and Lebanese troops would patrol the region, along with a U.N. peacekeeping force. Israel has demanded freedom of action to strike Hezbollah if it violates the ceasefire, but Bousaab said that was not part of the emerging agreement. He also said Israel had accepted that France be part of the committee overseeing the ceasefire after Lebanese officials insisted. There was no immediate confirmation from the Israeli side. Israel has objected to France being on the committee in the wake of the International Criminal Court’s decision last week to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu , his former defense minister and a Hamas military commander. France said it supports the court. It said the question of whether it would arrest Netanyahu if he set foot on French soil was a “complex legal issue” that would have to be worked out. JERUSALEM — The Palestinian Health Ministry says Israeli forces killed two people, including a 13-year-old, in the occupied West Bank. The Israeli military said the two had thrown explosives at forces overnight near the Palestinian town of Yabad and that the forces had responded by opening fire. The Health Ministry identified the two as Mohammed Hamarsheh, 13, and Ahmad Zayd, 20. It did not disclose details about the circumstances behind their deaths. It was the latest bloodshed in the West Bank, which has faced a surge of violence throughout the 13-month war in Gaza. The Health Ministry says nearly 800 people have been killed, with more than 160 of them 18 and younger. Many have been killed in fighting with the Israeli military, but Palestinians throwing rocks and others not involved in confrontations have also been killed. There has also been an increase in Palestinian attacks against Israelis in the West Bank since the war in Gaza began. JERUSALEM — The Israeli government has ordered all public entities to stop advertising in the Haaretz newspaper, which is known for its critical coverage of Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territories. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi said Sunday that the government had approved his proposal after Haaretz’ publisher called for sanctions against Israel and referred to Palestinian militants as “freedom fighters.” “We advocate for a free press and freedom of expression, but also the freedom of the government to decide not to fund incitement against the State of Israel,” Karhi wrote on the social platform X. Noa Landau, the deputy editor of Haaretz, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “working to silence independent and critical media,” comparing him to autocratic leaders in other countries. Haaretz regularly publishes investigative journalism and opinion columns critical of Israel’s ongoing half-century occupation of lands the Palestinians want for a future state. It has also been critical of Israel’s war conduct in Gaza at a time when most local media support the war and largely ignore the suffering of Palestinian civilians. In a speech in London last month, Haaretz publisher Amos Schocken said Israel has imposed “a cruel apartheid regime” on the Palestinians and was battling “Palestinian freedom fighters that Israel calls ‘terrorists.’” He later issued a statement, saying he had reconsidered his remarks. “For the record, Hamas are not freedom fighters,” he posted on X. “I should have said: using terrorism is illegitimate. I was wrong not to say that.” DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s supreme leader has suggested that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be “sentenced to death” for his role in the ongoing wars in the Gaza Strip against Hamas and in Lebanon. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made the remarks Monday during an event in which he spoke to members of the Basij, the all-volunteer arm of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. Khamenei referenced the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and Israel’s former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. “What the Zionist regime did in Gaza and Lebanon is not a victory, it is a war crime. Now they have issued a warrant for their arrest. This is not enough!” Khamenei said, according to remarks published by the state-run IRNA news agency. “Netanyahu and the criminal leaders of this regime must be sentenced to death.” The International Criminal Court at the Hague does not issue death sentences. Khamenei also insisted those in Iran’s self-described “Axis of Resistance,” like the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, would be stronger after the war. “The idiots should not think that bombing houses and hospitals in Gaza and Lebanon is a victory,” he said. “The enemy has not become winner in Gaza and Lebanon, and it will not be winner.”BEAVERTON, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 19, 2024-- NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) today reported fiscal 2025 financial results for its second quarter ended November 30, 2024. "After an energizing 60 days of being back with my NIKE teammates, our clear priority is to return sport to the center of everything we do," said Elliott Hill, President & CEO, NIKE, Inc. "We're taking immediate action to reposition our business, so we can get back to driving long-term shareholder value. Our team is ready to go, and I'm confident you will see more moments of NIKE being NIKE again." "NIKE's second-quarter financial performance largely met our expectations, as we continue to make progress in shifting our portfolio," said Matthew Friend, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, NIKE, Inc. "Under Elliott's leadership, we are accelerating our pace and reigniting brand momentum through sport." Second Quarter Income Statement Review November 30, 2024 Balance Sheet Review Shareholder Returns NIKE continues to have a strong track record of consistently increasing returns to shareholders, including 23 consecutive years of increasing dividend payouts. In the second quarter, the Company returned approximately $1.6 billion to shareholders, including: As of November 30, 2024, a total of 112.8 million shares have been repurchased under the program for a total of approximately $11.3 billion. Conference Call NIKE, Inc. management will host a conference call beginning at approximately 2:00 p.m. PT on December 19, 2024, to review fiscal second quarter results. The conference call will be broadcast live via the Internet and can be accessed at https://investors.nike.com . For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, an archived version will be available at the same location through approximately 9:00 p.m. PT, January 10, 2025. About NIKE, Inc. NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Converse, a wholly-owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiary brand, designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, NIKE, Inc.’s earnings releases and other financial information are available on the Internet at https://investors.nike.com . Individuals can also visit https://news.nike.com and follow @NIKE. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in reports filed by NIKE with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including Forms 8-K, 10-Q and 10-K. * Non-GAAP financial measure. See additional information in the accompanying Divisional Revenues. NIKE, Inc. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) THREE MONTHS ENDED % SIX MONTHS ENDED % (In millions, except per share data) 11/30/2024 11/30/2023 Change 11/30/2024 11/30/2023 Change Revenues $ 12,354 $ 13,388 -8 % $ 23,943 $ 26,327 -9 % Cost of sales 6,965 7,417 -6 % 13,297 14,636 -9 % Gross profit 5,389 5,971 -10 % 10,646 11,691 -9 % Gross margin 43.6 % 44.6 % 44.5 % 44.4 % Demand creation expense 1,122 1,114 1 % 2,348 2,183 8 % Operating overhead expense 2,883 3,032 -5 % 5,705 6,079 -6 % Total selling and administrative expense 4,005 4,146 -3 % 8,053 8,262 -3 % % of revenues 32.4 % 31.0 % 33.6 % 31.4 % Interest expense (income), net (24 ) (22 ) — (67 ) (56 ) — Other (income) expense, net (8 ) (75 ) — (63 ) (85 ) — Income before income taxes 1,416 1,922 -26 % 2,723 3,570 -24 % Income tax expense 253 344 -26 % 509 542 -6 % Effective tax rate 17.9 % 17.9 % 18.7 % 15.2 % NET INCOME $ 1,163 $ 1,578 -26 % $ 2,214 $ 3,028 -27 % Earnings per common share: Basic $ 0.78 $ 1.04 -25 % $ 1.48 $ 1.99 -26 % Diluted $ 0.78 $ 1.03 -24 % $ 1.48 $ 1.97 -25 % Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 1,486.8 1,520.8 1,492.3 1,524.6 Diluted 1,490.0 1,532.1 1,495.9 1,537.7 Dividends declared per common share $ 0.400 $ 0.370 $ 0.770 $ 0.710 NIKE, Inc. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) November 30, November 30, % Change (Dollars in millions) 2024 2023 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and equivalents $ 7,979 $ 7,919 1 % Short-term investments 1,782 2,008 -11 % Accounts receivable, net 5,302 4,782 11 % Inventories 7,981 7,979 0 % Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,936 1,943 0 % Total current assets 24,980 24,631 1 % Property, plant and equipment, net 4,857 5,153 -6 % Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 2,736 2,943 -7 % Identifiable intangible assets, net 259 269 -4 % Goodwill 240 281 -15 % Deferred income taxes and other assets 4,887 3,926 24 % TOTAL ASSETS $ 37,959 $ 37,203 2 % LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $ 1,000 $ — 100 % Notes payable 49 6 717 % Accounts payable 3,255 2,709 20 % Current portion of operating lease liabilities 481 456 5 % Accrued liabilities 5,694 5,470 4 % Income taxes payable 767 358 114 % Total current liabilities 11,246 8,999 25 % Long-term debt 7,973 8,930 -11 % Operating lease liabilities 2,562 2,785 -8 % Deferred income taxes and other liabilities 2,141 2,343 -9 % Redeemable preferred stock — — — Shareholders’ equity 14,037 14,146 -1 % TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 37,959 $ 37,203 2 % NIKE, Inc. DIVISIONAL REVENUES (Unaudited) % Change Excluding Currency Changes 1 % Change Excluding Currency Changes 1 THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED (Dollars in millions) 11/30/2024 11/30/2023 % Change 11/30/2024 11/30/2023 % Change North America Footwear $ 3,236 $ 3,757 -14 % -14 % $ 6,448 $ 7,490 -14 % -14 % Apparel 1,693 1,668 1 % 1 % 3,024 3,147 -4 % -4 % Equipment 250 200 25 % 25 % 533 411 30 % 30 % Total 5,179 5,625 -8 % -8 % 10,005 11,048 -9 % -9 % Europe, Middle East & Africa Footwear 1,982 2,186 -9 % -12 % 3,934 4,446 -12 % -12 % Apparel 1,136 1,200 -5 % -8 % 2,129 2,337 -9 % -10 % Equipment 185 181 2 % -1 % 383 394 -3 % -4 % Total 3,303 3,567 -7 % -10 % 6,446 7,177 -10 % -11 % Greater China Footwear 1,203 1,361 -12 % -14 % 2,449 2,648 -8 % -8 % Apparel 472 469 1 % -3 % 832 870 -4 % -6 % Equipment 36 33 9 % 9 % 96 80 20 % 21 % Total 1,711 1,863 -8 % -11 % 3,377 3,598 -6 % -7 % Asia Pacific & Latin America Footwear 1,234 1,303 -5 % -4 % 2,286 2,444 -6 % -3 % Apparel 437 437 0 % 0 % 785 808 -3 % -1 % Equipment 73 65 12 % 10 % 135 125 8 % 10 % Total 1,744 1,805 -3 % -2 % 3,206 3,377 -5 % -2 % Global Brand Divisions 2 13 12 8 % -2 % 27 25 8 % 9 % TOTAL NIKE BRAND 11,950 12,872 -7 % -8 % 23,061 25,225 -9 % -9 % Converse 429 519 -17 % -18 % 930 1,107 -16 % -16 % Corporate 3 (25 ) (3 ) — — (48 ) (5 ) — — TOTAL NIKE, INC. REVENUES $ 12,354 $ 13,388 -8 % -9 % $ 23,943 $ 26,327 -9 % -9 % TOTAL NIKE BRAND Footwear $ 7,655 $ 8,607 -11 % -12 % $ 15,117 $ 17,028 -11 % -11 % Apparel 3,738 3,774 -1 % -2 % 6,770 7,162 -5 % -6 % Equipment 544 479 14 % 12 % 1,147 1,010 14 % 13 % Global Brand Divisions 2 13 12 8 % -2 % 27 25 8 % 9 % TOTAL NIKE BRAND REVENUES $ 11,950 $ 12,872 -7 % -8 % $ 23,061 $ 25,225 -9 % -9 % 1 The percent change has been calculated using actual exchange rates in use during the comparative prior year period and is provided to enhance the visibility of the underlying business trends by excluding the impact of translation arising from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, which is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. Management uses this non-GAAP financial measure when evaluating the Company's performance, including when making financial and operating decisions. Additionally, management believes this non-GAAP financial measure provides investors with additional financial information that should be considered when assessing the Company's underlying business performance and trends. References to this measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled non-GAAP measures used by other companies. 2 Global Brand Divisions revenues include NIKE Brand licensing and other miscellaneous revenues that are not part of a geographic operating segment. 3 Corporate revenues primarily consist of foreign currency hedge gains and losses related to revenues generated by entities within the NIKE Brand geographic operating segments and Converse, but managed through the Company's central foreign exchange risk management program. NIKE, Inc. EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST AND TAXES 1 (Unaudited) THREE MONTHS ENDED % SIX MONTHS ENDED % (Dollars in millions) 11/30/2024 11/30/2023 Change 11/30/2024 11/30/2023 Change North America $ 1,371 $ 1,526 -10 % $ 2,587 $ 2,960 -13 % Europe, Middle East & Africa 831 927 -10 % 1,623 1,857 -13 % Greater China 375 514 -27 % 877 1,039 -16 % Asia Pacific & Latin America 460 521 -12 % 862 935 -8 % Global Brand Divisions 2 (1,133 ) (1,168 ) 3 % (2,360 ) (2,373 ) 1 % TOTAL NIKE BRAND 1 1,904 2,320 -18 % 3,589 4,418 -19 % Converse 53 115 -54 % 174 282 -38 % Corporate 3 (565 ) (535 ) -6 % (1,107 ) (1,186 ) 7 % TOTAL NIKE, INC. EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST AND TAXES 1 1,392 1,900 -27 % 2,656 3,514 -24 % EBIT margin 1 11.3 % 14.2 % 11.1 % 13.3 % Interest expense (income), net (24 ) (22 ) — (67 ) (56 ) — TOTAL NIKE, INC. INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES $ 1,416 $ 1,922 -26 % $ 2,723 $ 3,570 -24 % 1 The Company evaluates the performance of individual operating segments based on earnings before interest and taxes (commonly referred to as "EBIT"), which represents Net income before Interest expense (income), net and Income tax expense. Total NIKE Brand EBIT, Total NIKE, Inc. EBIT and EBIT margin are considered non-GAAP financial measures. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures when evaluating the Company's performance, including when making financial and operating decisions. Additionally, management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with additional financial information that should be considered when assessing the Company’s underlying business performance and trends. EBIT margin is calculated as total NIKE, Inc. EBIT divided by total NIKE, Inc. Revenues. References to EBIT and EBIT margin should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled non-GAAP measures used by other companies. 2 Global Brand Divisions primarily represent demand creation and operating overhead expense, including product creation and design expenses that are centrally managed for the NIKE Brand, as well as costs associated with NIKE Direct global digital operations and enterprise technology. Global Brand Divisions revenues include NIKE Brand licensing and other miscellaneous revenues that are not part of a geographic operating segment. 3 Corporate consists primarily of unallocated general and administrative expenses, including expenses associated with centrally managed departments; depreciation and amortization related to the Company’s corporate headquarters; unallocated insurance, benefit and compensation programs, including stock-based compensation; and certain foreign currency gains and losses, including certain hedge gains and losses. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219682756/en/ CONTACT: Investor Contact: Paul Trussell investor.relations@nike.comMedia Contact: Virginia Rustique-Petteni media.relations@nike.com KEYWORD: OREGON UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FASHION FOOTWEAR RETAIL SPORTS DEPARTMENT STORES GENERAL SPORTS SOURCE: NIKE, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/19/2024 04:15 PM/DISC: 12/19/2024 04:15 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219682756/enCompanies tighten security after a health care CEO's killing leads to a surge of threats