
Inari Medical Announces Joint Venture in Greater ChinaUPSIDA to launch e-market platform
Centessa: Shift In Focus With ORX750 Development Continues To Pay OffDeath and Taxes for North Carolina Business OwnersAmid the confusion, security forces used tear gas, local news website Media Guinea reported. Many of the dead were crushed as they tried to escape through the stadium gates, a journalist covering the game for a local sports website told The Associated Press. “The gates, that’s where the stampede happened,” said Cissé Lancine, who got away by climbing over one of the stadium walls. “I was saved because I did not rush towards the exit." The world's latest sports crowd disaster unfurled Sunday in the second-largest city in a military-run nation where information is sparse and government-controlled at the best of times. It was not immediately clear how much the death toll could grow. Lancine said between 20,000 and 30,000 people were present at the Third of April stadium to watch the local Labe and Nzerekore teams compete in the final of the first national tournament honoring military leader Mamadi Doumbouya. Checkpoints were set up Monday throughout Nzerekore, a city of about 200,000 that was at a standstill as soldiers guarded the hospital where victims were being treated. Most shops were closed. Video, apparently from the scene, showed shouting fans protesting the refereeing. People ran as they tried to escape the stadium, many of them jumping the high fence. “Supporters threw stones. This is why the security services used tear gas,” reported Media Guinea, which also wrote that several of the dead were children and some of the injured were in critical condition. The footage showed people lying on the floor of a hospital as members of a crowd helped the wounded. Enock Loua, a resident of Nzerekore, learned over the phone that his niece Aline Olivier had been killed. "We have a hard time realizing what happened to us, it is as if the sky has fallen on our heads,” Loua told The Associated Press. Authorities are trying to establish who was responsible, Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah said on national television. The National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy opposition coalition said the tournament was organized to drum up support for Doumbouya's “illegal and inappropriate” political ambitions. Doumbouya, who ousted then-President Alpha Conde in 2021 , has been eyeing a possible run for the presidential election, for which the date has not been set. The transition charter put in place by his own regime does not allow him to run. Guinea is one of a number of West African countries — including Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso — where the military has taken power and delayed a return to civilian rule. Doumbouya said he was preventing the country from slipping into chaos and chastised the previous government for broken promises. He has, however, been criticized for not meeting the expectations that he raised. Guinea’s leader announced three days of national mourning starting on Tuesday, in a presidential decree read on national television.Phil Williams: In reporting on hate and extremism, 'while the attacks are personal, so is the cause'
Oklahoma to obtain drone monitoring systems after mysterious sightings in other statesMichigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday after three seasons with the Wolverines. The 6-foot-3, 339-pound junior was a third-team All-American and a second-team All-Big Ten selection this season. He had three sacks among his 32 total tackles over 12 games in 2024. As a sophomore, Grant helped the Wolverines claim the national championship with 29 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks in 15 games. "I am very appreciative to Coach (Jim) Harbaugh and coach (Sherrone) Moore and the rest of the University of Michigan staff that I have crossed paths with," Grant posted on social media. "It has been an honor to be developed into a Michigan Man." Other Michigan players who intend to leave the program for the draft include defensive lineman Mason Graham, cornerback Will Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland. --Field Level Media
Raiders and Saints meet with prominent players nearing statistical milestones Las Vegas (3-12) at New Orleans (5-10) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, Fox BetMGM NFL odds: Raiders by 1 Against the spread: Raiders 6-9; Saints 6-9 Series record: Tied 7-7-1 Last meeting: Saints beat Raiders 24-0 on Oct. 30, 2023, at New Orleans. Canadian Press Dec 26, 2024 1:41 PM Dec 26, 2024 2:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker) Las Vegas (3-12) at New Orleans (5-10) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, Fox BetMGM NFL odds: Raiders by 1 Against the spread: Raiders 6-9; Saints 6-9 Series record: Tied 7-7-1 Last meeting: Saints beat Raiders 24-0 on Oct. 30, 2023, at New Orleans. Last week: Raiders beat Jaguars 19-14 ; Saints lost to Packers 34-0 . Raiders offense: overall (28), rush (32), pass (14), scoring (29) Raiders defense: overall (12), rush (13), pass (9), scoring (27) Saints offense: overall (19), rush (13), pass (23), scoring (22) Saints defense: overall (30), rush (30), pass (28), scoring (T17) Turnover differential: Raiders minus-17; Saints minus-1 Raiders player to watch After his 11 catches for 99 yards last week, rookie tight end Brock Bowers has a team-leading 101 catches for a team-high 1,067 yards and four TDs. Saints player to watch As one of few healthy skill players left on New Orleans' offense, tight end Juwan Johnson has become more prominent in the game plan. The former Penn State and Oregon receiver, who was converted to a tight end during his third NFL season (2022), now ranks second on the club in catches this season with 38 and yards receiving with 402, while his three TD catches are tied for third on the team. Key matchup Bowers will test New Orleans' coverage scheme. Those Saints responsible for containing Bowers could include linebackers Demario Davis and Peter Werner, as well as safeties Will Harris and Tyrann Mathieu. Key injuries Raiders guard Jordan Meredith (ankle), linebacker Kana'I Mauga (calf) and guard Jackson Powers-Jordan (quadriceps/ankle) were all listed on Las Vegas' injury report this week. The Saints listed nine players on their injury report this week, including QB Derek Carr (left hand), running back Alvin Kamara (groin), center Erik McCoy (elbow) and guard Lucas Patrick (knee), who all missed practice time. Those limited at practice this week included defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd (eye), defensive end Payton Turner (ankle), receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) and Johnson ( foot). Series notes The Raiders have won two of the past three, while the Saints have won four of the past six. The teams have met eight times previously in New Orleans, with the Saints winning four and the Raiders winning three. The clubs' first ever meeting was a 21-all tie in New Orleans in 1971 at the old Tulane Stadium. Stats and stuff Raiders QB Aidan O'Connell completed 24 of 38 passes (63.2 percent) for 257 yards without an interception last week. He has not thrown an interception in three of his past four games. ... Bowers last week became the second rookie in NFL history (joining Odell Beckham Jr.) and the third TE ever (joining Zach Ertz and Evan Engram) with 10 or more catches in four games in a season. Bowers’ 1,067 yards receiving leads all NFL tight ends this season and he needs just 10 more yards to surpass Hall of Famer Mike Ditka (1,076 in 1961) for the most by rookie TE. ... Veteran RB Ameer Abdullah had season-high 85 scrimmage yards (47 receiving, 38 rushing) and a TD rushing last week, giving him a TD in two straight games. He needs 75 scrimmage yards for his third season with 500 (along with 2015 and 2017). ... RB Alexander Mattison had 56 scrimmage yards and a TD rushing in Week 16. He caught a TD pass in his only career game in New Orleans, when he was with Minnesota in 2022. ... DT Adam Butler has a tackle for loss in five of his past six games and at least half a sack in three of his past four. ... DE K’lavon Chaisson had a sack last week, giving him a tackle for loss in four straight games. ... S Isaiah Pola-Mao had nine tackles and the first two forced fumbles of his career last week. ... Saints rookie QB Spencer Rattler passed for 153 yards and rushed for 28 yards in Week 16, but also was intercepted and lost a fumble. He is 0-4 as an NFL starter. ... Versatile veteran RB Alvin Kamara, who hopes to return from a groin injury before this season ends, needs 7 scrimmage yards for his fourth 1,500-yard season and needs 50 yards rushing for his first 1,000-yard rushing season. ... WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling has a TD catch in three of his past four home games. TE Foster Moreau had 91 catches, 1,107 yards receiving and 12 TD catches in 61 games with the Raiders from 2019 to 2022. Moreau has 25 catches for 335 yards and four TDs this season. ... DE Cameron Jordan has a tackle for loss in each of his past two games. ... DE Carl Granderson has sack in two of his past three home games. ... DT Khalen Saunders had career-high two passes defensed and a tackle for loss last week. ... DT Bryan Bresee, a 2023 first-round draft choice out of Clemson, has a career-best 7 1/2 sacks in 2024. ... DE Chase Young has at least half a sack and a tackle for loss in three of his past four home games. ... LB Demario Davis has 114 tackles in 2024 and is one of three players (along with Eric Kendricks and Bobby Wagner) with 100 or more tackles in each of the past eight seasons. ... S Tyrann Mathieu has 99 passes defensed. He's intercepted a pass in each of his past two games against the Raiders. Fantasy tip Bowers is a good bet to have another big game against a defense that ranks 28th in the NFL against the pass. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) Jets wide receiver Davante Adams sits out practice with a hip ailment, Aaron Rodgers a full go Dec 26, 2024 1:44 PM Giants will try to end the Colts playoff hopes and their franchise-record 10-game losing streak Dec 26, 2024 1:22 PM Texans look to get on track before playoffs after lopsided loss to Ravens Dec 26, 2024 12:55 PMHow to plant a potted Christmas tree in your yard after the holidays
Program Announced at Rutgers Men's Basketball Game as Part of LG's Life's Good Night PISCATAWAY, N.J. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics USA , a proud partner of Rutgers Athletics, announced the creation of two positions in its annual LG Summer Internship Program exclusively for Rutgers student-athletes. The announcement was made at a recent Rutgers men's basketball game, which also featured a series of Life's Good giveaways for fans, including LG TVs and LG XBOOM Audio products. As part of the company's commitment to fostering young talent, interns will have the chance to work alongside experienced professionals, gaining exposure to various areas of LG's organizations and making important contributions to real-world projects as part of the internship program. "LG is a very meaningful and impactful place to work," said Audrey Cha , a junior at Rutgers and former LG brand marketing summer intern who was on hand to help make the announcement. "I'm really passionate about the field of marketing, and my internship allowed me to experience a lot of real-world work in my field. I was also able to make a lot of connections that I've maintained even after my internship ended," she added. LG also added multiple Life's Good moments throughout the game for the fans. As part of the company's sponsorship, LG brought "Life's Good" to center court at Jersey Mike's Arena with a friendly head-to-head competition and product giveaways. Following the game, fans enjoyed a meet-and-greet with Rutgers guard and team captain, Jeremiah Williams . "LG recognizes the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders, and our internship program provides a unique opportunity for students to gain enriching experiences in a variety of fields in a dynamic corporate environment," said Louis Giagrande , LG USA head of marketing. "We are proud to partner with Rutgers Athletics to support their student-athletes both on and off the court." "LG's summer internship program continues to create exceptional opportunities for our student-athletes," said Carey Loch , Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development and Success at Rutgers University . "The presence of LG at this game had a powerful impact, energizing fans, strengthening the LG-Rutgers partnership and showcasing LG's investment in our students' futures." In addition to highlighting the internship program, the halftime competition featured a head-to-head challenge where fans tested their basketball shooting skills for a chance to win LG prizes. During the post-game meet and greet with Williams, fans also had the opportunity to take pictures, get his autograph and win LG products including XBOOM XL7 and XBOOM XG2T portable audio speakers. To learn more about LG's commitment to student-athletes, visit https://www.lg.com/us/ncaa . About LG Electronics USA LG Electronics USA , Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J. , is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $68 billion global innovator in technology and manufacturing. In the United States , LG sells a wide range of innovative home appliances, home entertainment products, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and vehicle components. LG is an 11-time ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year. The company's commitment to environmental sustainability and its "Life's Good" marketing theme encompass how LG is dedicated to people's happiness by exceeding expectations today and tomorrow. www.LG.com . Media Contacts: LG Electronics USA Chris De Maria christopher.demaria@lge.com 908-548-4515 Kristi Hubert Kristi.Hubert@LG-One.com 630-995-5444 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lg-usa-announces-creation-of-2025-summer-internships-exclusively-for-rutgers-student-athletes-302332916.html SOURCE LG Electronics USAAP News Summary at 12:33 p.m. EST
WASHINGTON — Former Rep. Matt Gaetz said Friday that he will not be returning to Congress after withdrawing his name from consideration to be attorney general under President-elect Donald Trump amid growing allegations of sexual misconduct. “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, adding that he has “some other goals in life that I’m eager to pursue with my wife and my family.” The announcement came a day after Gaetz, a Florida Republican, stepped aside from the Cabinet nomination process amid growing fallout from federal and House Ethics investigations that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. The 42-year-old has vehemently denied the allegations against him. Gaetz's nomination as attorney general had stunned many career lawyers inside the Justice Department, but reflected Trump's desire to place a loyalist in a department he has marked for retribution following the criminal cases against him. Hours after Gaetz withdrew, Trump nominated Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, who would come to the job with years of legal work under her belt and that other trait Trump prizes above all: loyalty. Get the latest breaking news as it happens. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . It's unclear what is next for Gaetz, who is no longer a member of the House. He surprised colleagues by resigning from Congress the same day that Trump nominated him for attorney general. Some speculated he could still be sworn into office for another two-year term on Jan. 3, given that he had just won reelection earlier this month. But Gaetz, who has been in state and national politics for 14 years, said he is done with Congress. “I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress," he said.
Iowa's O hopes to stay hot vs. defense-minded Northwestern
Bank of Montreal stock rises Monday, outperforms marketIsrael strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said the bombardment on Thursday took place near him, as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military didn't immediate respond to questions about the WHO chief's statement. Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen ATLANTA (AP) — Republicans in Congress plan to move quickly in their effort to overhaul the nation’s voting procedures, seeing an opportunity with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress. They want to push through long-sought changes such as voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements. They say the measures are needed to restore public confidence in elections. That's after an erosion of trust that Democrats note has been fueled by false claims from Donald Trump and his allies of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. Democrats say they are willing to work with the GOP but want any changes to make it easier, not harder, to vote. Americans are exhausted by political news. TV ratings and a new AP-NORC poll show they're tuning out NEW YORK (AP) — A lot of Americans, after an intense presidential election campaign, are looking for a break in political news. That's evident in cable television news ratings and a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The poll found nearly two-thirds of Americans saying they've found the need recently to cut down on their consumption of political and government news. That's particularly true among Democrats following President-elect Donald Trump's victory, although a significant number of Republicans and independents feel the same way. Cable networks MSNBC and CNN are really seeing a slump. That's also happened in years past for networks that particularly appeal to supporters of one candidate. Israel's plan to double the number of settlers in the Golan Heights is met with conflicting emotions EIN ZIVAN, Golan Heights (AP) — Earlier this month, Syrian leader Bashar Assad was ousted after nearly 25 years in power. Within hours, Israeli tanks rolled into the Golan Heights' demilitarized buffer zone in Syria created as part of a 1974 ceasefire between the countries. Days later, the Israeli government approved a plan to double the population of settlers in the Golan Heights. Israel seized the mountainous region from Syria in 1967, and most of the world considers it occupied Syrian territory. In the towns and kibbutzim of Israeli-controlled Golan, the news has been met with a mixture of skepticism, excitement and shock. Previous attempts to encourage more settlement in the Golan have received a lukewarm response. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. 6,000 inmates escape from a high-security prison in Mozambique amid post-election violence MAPUTO, Mozambique. (AP) — Mozambique’s police chief has said that at least 6,000 inmates have escaped from a high-security prison in the capital on Christmas Day after a rebellion, as widespread post-election riots and violence continue to engulf the country. The police chief Bernardino Rafael said 33 prisoners died and 15 others were injured during a confrontation with the security forces. The escape from the Maputo Central Prison, located 14 km southwest of the capital, started around midday Wednesday after “agitation” by a “group of subversive protesters” nearby, Rafael said, adding that prisoners at the facility snatched weapons from prison warders and started freeing other detainees. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Pope brings Holy Year and prayers for better future to Rome prison, a 'cathedral of pain and hope' ROME (AP) — Pope Francis is bringing his Holy Year to Rome’s main prison. Francis traveled to Rebibbia prison Thursday on a frigid morning. He knocked on the door to the chapel and walked across the threshold. It was reenacting the gesture he performed at St. Peter’s Basilica two nights earlier on Christmas Eve. The opening of the Basilica's Holy Door officially kicked off the Jubilee year. It's a church tradition dating to 1300 that nowadays occurs every 25 years and involves the faithful coming to Rome on pilgrimages. About 32 million people are expected in Rome in 2025. India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, architect of economic reforms, dies aged 92 NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, has died. He was 92. The hospital said Singh was admitted to New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences late Thursday after his health deteriorated due to “sudden loss of consciousness at home.". He was “being treated for age-related medical conditions,” the statement added. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh became one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers for 10 years and earned a reputation as a man of great personal integrity. But his sterling image was tainted by allegations of corruption against his ministers. Why this Mexican American woman played a vital role in the US sacramental peyote trade MIRANDO CITY, Texas (AP) — Amada Cardenas, a Mexican American woman who lived in the tiny border town of Mirando City in South Texas, played an important role in the history of the peyote trade. She and her husband were the first federally licensed peyote dealers who harvested and sold the sacramental plant to followers of the Native American Church in the 1930s. After her husband's death in 1967, Cardenas continued to welcome generations of Native American Church members to her home until her death in 2005, just before her 101st birthday.Shares of C3.ai, Inc. ( NYSE:AI – Get Free Report ) dropped 4.3% during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $35.08 and last traded at $35.70. Approximately 2,267,579 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 62% from the average daily volume of 6,039,990 shares. The stock had previously closed at $37.32. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of C3.ai from $24.00 to $20.00 and set an “underperform” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. JMP Securities upped their price objective on C3.ai from $40.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock a “market outperform” rating in a report on Tuesday, December 10th. Wedbush decreased their price objective on C3.ai from $40.00 to $30.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 5th. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a “hold” rating on shares of C3.ai in a research report on Tuesday, December 10th. Finally, Piper Sandler Companies restated a “neutral” rating and issued a $24.00 price objective on shares of C3.ai in a report on Thursday, September 5th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, C3.ai has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $35.00. Read Our Latest Analysis on AI C3.ai Price Performance Insider Transactions at C3.ai In other C3.ai news, CFO Hitesh Lath sold 3,949 shares of C3.ai stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $42.36, for a total transaction of $167,279.64. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 851 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $36,048.36. The trade was a 82.27 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link . Also, Director Jim H. Snabe sold 499,700 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.05, for a total value of $21,512,085.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 10,000 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $430,500. The trade was a 98.04 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last three months, insiders have sold 644,988 shares of company stock worth $27,597,453. 33.54% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. JTC Employer Solutions Trustee Ltd purchased a new stake in C3.ai in the third quarter worth about $25,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its stake in shares of C3.ai by 311.8% in the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 1,050 shares of the company’s stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 795 shares during the last quarter. Quest Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of C3.ai by 9,033.3% in the 3rd quarter. Quest Partners LLC now owns 1,644 shares of the company’s stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 1,626 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. purchased a new position in C3.ai during the second quarter valued at $41,000. Finally, Arcadia Investment Management Corp MI bought a new stake in C3.ai in the third quarter worth $48,000. 38.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About C3.ai ( Get Free Report ) C3.ai, Inc operates as an enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) software company in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company provides C3 AI platform, an application development and runtime environment that enables customers to design, develop, and deploy enterprise AI applications; C3 AI Ex Machina for analysis-ready data; C3 AI CRM, an industry specific customer relationship management solution; and C3 Generative AI Product Suite that enables to locate, retrieve, and present information. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for C3.ai Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for C3.ai and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
The much-hyped Mike Tyson fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul showed the potential power of Netflix to create live, global sports events on streaming video. For many people though, it also demonstrated the limitations of the technology. Thousands of Netflix users reported technical difficulties while trying to watch the fight. Frustrated viewers contended with buffering and blurry video, a result of tens of millions of households trying to watch the bout at once. It’s the kind of thing that, if the event were aired on a traditional network, would have provoked angry calls to cable companies. Live sports is considered one of the great opportunities for streamers, including Netflix, which need mass audiences tuning in to please advertisers. Companies including Amazon and Apple are spending big, driving up the price of live sports rights and encroaching further on the turf of legacy network rivals. But sports are also a challenge for tech firms. Even without buffering or grainy feeds, live streams are typically delayed compared with cable and satellite broadcasts, which means streaming audiences risk seeing spoilers on social media if the events are simulcast. For Netflix, the stakes are high. The company will host its first live NFL games on Christmas, including one featuring a halftime show from Beyoncé. Netflix is also preparing to air WWE’s “Raw” pro-wrestling franchise starting next year. Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s vice president of nonfiction series and sports, said he has “full faith” in the company’s engineering team, which learned much from the Paul vs. Tyson live match and will adjust before the NFL games. Netflix said it worked quickly to stabilize the viewing for a majority of its subscribers during the boxing event, in which the 27-year-old Paul defeated the 58-year-old Tyson. “We were overwhelmed in the sense of the expectation — it far exceeded our expectations in terms of how many people came to the fight,” Riegg told The Los Angeles Times. “It’s as simple as that. As much as we forecast how many people would come, many, many more people came. It’s impossible for our engineering team to test that magnitude of traffic and viewership unless they have a real, live thing, which is what happened.” On the bright side, Netflix showed that it can be a big draw for sports fans, with an average audience of 108 million live viewers globally tuning in for the fight. Netflix said there were 65 million live concurrent streams, calling it the “most-streamed global sporting event ever.” Industry observers say the day is coming when streamers could place their own bid to host the Super Bowl on their platforms, as long as they can handle the traffic. “Once they prove that they’re capable of delivering a consistent, robust, top-of-the-line, premium experience for these events that consumers have grown to expect, then I have no doubt that we’re going to get there,” said Rob Rosenberg, a former Showtime Networks executive and founder of New York-based Telluride Legal Strategies. The technological challenges aren’t unique to Netflix. Glitches have arisen during other live events streamed on competitors’ platforms, including on YouTube during an NFL game last year and on Amazon’s Prime Video during a Thursday Night Football game in 2022. There are various reasons why buffering occurs, particularly with a highly-anticipated program. When a sporting event is being live streamed, the captured video is released in smaller segments of a few seconds in length that are then transmitted to streaming subscribers and decoded by the users’ devices. If too many devices are seeking those video segments at the same time, it can cause a backlog. Streamers can try to solve the problem by rerouting traffic, but even that sometimes isn’t enough. Streaming services can try to prepare ahead of time by buying more bandwidth capacity from the internet service providers, but it can be difficult to guess how many people will watch, especially if the streamer is new to a particular type of content. There may be limits on how much bandwidth companies can buy. For example, Australia has much less available bandwidth compared with the United States, said Simon Wistow, a co-founder and vice president of strategic initiatives at cloud computing company Fastly. Wistow added that if streamers buy too much capacity and it isn’t used, that’s wasted money. “There’s a lot of complexities, a lot of things go on,” Wistow said. “The scale of internet traffic just gets bigger and bigger every year.” Netflix said it will improve its systems to better handle live events at unprecedented scale and work with ISPS to continue increasing its capacity. The company has been steadily putting on more live events, such as a hot dog eating competition, Screen Actors Guild Awards and a tennis exhibition match. The company’s first live event was a Chris Rock comedy special last year, which has drawn 23.5 million views. An early effort at live streaming, a “Love Is Blind” reunion special, encountered technical trouble due to a bug that went unnoticed until people tried to watch the program. The Paul vs. Tyson event was a new milestone for Netflix’s live streaming efforts. For some viewers, like Florida resident Malcolm Scott, the streamer’s issues were unacceptable. Scott even sued Netflix for breach of contract last week, alleging that Netflix viewers missed large portions of the fight. Netflix declined to comment on the lawsuit. Brian Comiskey, a futurist at the trade group Consumer Technology Assn., chalked Netflix’s problems up to technological growing pains. “At the end of the day this is content being delivered from thousands of miles away via files,” said Comiskey, calling himself a millennial who remembers what it was like pre-smartphone. “This is a tremendous step in technology, but it only gets better from there.” Brian Rolapp, the NFL’s chief media and business officer said he believes Netflix will be ready to stream its games. “I think it shows the power of their global platform, their international reach, which is one reason why we did this deal,” Rolapp said during the Sports Business Journal Media Innovators Conference. “So, I think what they did was pretty extraordinary.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!