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New York, NY, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global nonprofit Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) named Issa Odeh and Antony Saleh as the winners of its 2024 World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. The annual competition showcases the incredible talent and creativity of young entrepreneurs from around the globe. Presented by the Citi Foundation, Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) and Zuora, with associate support from PayPal and additional support from the New York Stock Exchange and UBS, the event brought together 11 student businesses from 10 different countries to compete in a high-stakes business plan pitch competition with the top finalists competing in front of an invited audience at the New York Stock Exchange. NFTE’s 2024 National Champion Lucio Hightower-Rojas from Los Angeles, represented the United States in the competition. Odeh and Saleh, students from the Al Nayzak Organization in Palestine impressed the judges with their innovative business idea, Water World, an affordable device that monitors water and purity levels in tanks, purifies water, and notifies users remotely. They were awarded $5,000 to further develop their entrepreneurial venture. Two other business ideas were recognized as finalists. Sami Jalloud, Noor Rashid, and Noor Shalabi, also from Al Nayzak , received $1,000 for their Mediclic concept. Yuliia Tkachenko, Kyrylo Martyniuk, Arina Khmeliuk, and Vadym Dobrovolskyi from Ukrainian Future Business Incubator in Ukraine received $1,000 for their business idea, OUTEX. “No matter where they’re from, all great entrepreneurs start with problems that they see in their own communities,” said Dr. J.D. LaRock, NFTE president & CEO. “It’s clear that the NFTE World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is the place for the next generation of great entrepreneurs. From an app that harnesses the power of AI to provide equitable access to education, to a product that simplifies the healthcare process, these innovative business ideas prove that NFTE learners have the talent, creativity, and power to change the world.” The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of VIP judges, including Cody Chang, Co-Founder & Head of Business at Product Gym, Head of Product at Quadency, and NFTE alumnus; Ingrid Giordano, Managing Director, Head of Early Career Talent Acquisition and Program Management at Citi; Nicholas Haber, Director, STEM & CTE at Certiport; Jon Herrick, Chief Product Officer at the New York Stock Exchange; Ken Houseman, Vice President of Product Strategy at Zuora; and Sabina Zaman, Partner – US FSO IPO Leader, Financial Accounting Advisory Services at EY US. “Empowering youth with the skills and confidence to innovate is essential for creating a sustainable and equitable world,” said Ellen Glazerman, Executive Director, EY Foundation and Director of University Relations, EY Americas. “Together, we are inspiring and equipping the next generation of entrepreneurial talent to shape the future with confidence and insight.” "Zuora is proud to support young entrepreneurs who are shaping the future with bold, innovative ideas,” said Tien Tzuo, Zuora CEO. “Empowering youth through entrepreneurial education fosters economic resilience and growth in a rapidly changing world. We are inspired by these students’ drive to make a positive impact and excited to see their solutions unfold in the real world." The annual NFTE World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge featured a day of learning, personalized coaching sessions, and a semifinal round of competition at UBS in New York City as well as a partner strategy session facilitated by EY Wavespace. These aspiring innovators are committed to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future through their bold ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. ### For media inquiries, please contact Angelika Seaman, 603-504-8554, or Denise Berkhalter, APR, 917-281-4362, at mediainquiries@nfte.com . About NFTE Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit nfte.com to learn more. About EY EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets. Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories. All in to shape the future with confidence. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. About Zuora, Inc. Zuora provides a leading monetization suite to build, run and grow a modern business through a dynamic mix of usage-based models, subscription bundles and everything in between. From pricing and packaging, to billing, payments and revenue accounting, Zuora’s flexible, modular software platform is designed to help companies evolve monetization strategies with customer demand. More than 1,000 customers around the world, including BMC Software, Box, Caterpillar, General Motors, The New York Times, Schneider Electric and Zoom use Zuora’s leading combination of technology and expertise to turn recurring relationships and recurring revenue into recurring growth. Zuora is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices in the Americas, EMEA and APAC. To learn more, please visit zuora.com . Attachments NFTE World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champions 2024 NFTE World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Finalists(BPT) - The new year is a good time to reset. From a fresh start on lifestyle choices, hobbies or pursuits, to the less exciting — but no less important — aspects of life, like memberships, contracts and even health insurance. Health insurance deductibles reset in the new year, so it's a good idea to keep that in mind as you plan for healthcare expenses. Any changes made to your health insurance plan during open enrollment go into effect as well. "Even if you spent hours researching your health plan before making a selection, there's always a possibility for the occasional surprise once coverage kicks in, which is why it's important to assess your healthcare coverage and address any gaps before January 1," said Doug Armstrong, Vice President of Health Products and Services at AARP Services, Inc. "AARP members can take advantage of benefits available to them to help find the coverage and savings information they seek." 1. Examine your vision coverage Eye health is important to quality of life, both in terms of moving around safely and appreciating your surroundings. Regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist or optometrist can help make sure your vision is sharp while also monitoring for any issues. However, many health insurance plans don't include vision coverage. If you do see a gap in your coverage, AARP members have access to information on vision insurance options that offer individual and family plans, featuring a large doctor network, savings on frames, lens enhancements, progressives and more. 2. Plan for prescriptions While several health plans offer coverage for prescription drugs, discounts can vary, especially when it comes to different types of medication. AARP ® Prescription Discounts Provided by Optum RX ® can help with savings. This program offers a free prescription discount card that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. Additional benefits for AARP members include home delivery, deeper discounts on medications, coverage for dependents and more. 3. Confirm your primary care With a new health insurance plan, you might find that your primary care physician is no longer in-network or that they no longer accept your insurance. Perhaps you have relocated and are in the market for a new doctor. Whatever the case, there's no time like the present to search for a new primary care physician who meets your needs. If you're on Medicare, Oak Street Health can be a great resource. The only primary care provider to carry the AARP name, Oak Street Health provides primary care for adults on Medicare and focuses on prevention with personalized care to help keep you healthy — physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a dedicated care team and a 24/7 patient support line. AARP membership is not required to visit an Oak Street Health location. 4. Protect your smile Optimal dental care includes daily brushing and flossing and a visit to the dentist every six months. During your visit, the dentist can monitor for and treat any issues, such as cavities or gum disease. However, not all plans include dental insurance, which means you might end up paying out of pocket for your cleaning and other procedures. To avoid that, take a look at your coverage. If needed, explore information on dental insurance options that offer individual or family coverage for the most common dental procedures. Dental insurance generally pays for regular check-ups, so many people who purchase protection will benefit from it immediately. 5. Clarify your hearing coverage Hearing loss is a common age-related ailment. According to the National Institute on Aging , one-third of older adults have hearing loss, and the chance of developing hearing loss increases with age. Hearing aids can be an enormous help, improving socialization, boosting confidence and even helping to increase balance. However, many insurance plans do not include coverage for hearing aids. AARP ® Hearing SolutionsTM provided by UnitedHealthcare ® Hearing provides savings on hearing aids and hearing care . Members can save an average of $2,000 per pair on prescription hearing aids and 15% on accessories — no insurance needed. Plus receive a hearing exam and consultation at no cost and personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers. 6. Consider physical therapy Often, the only times that people consider whether their health insurance covers physical therapy is if they already participate in it or after the doctor has prescribed it. As we age, though, physical therapy can be a useful tool in improving balance or recovering from an injury or procedure to help you remain active. Fortunately, the question of coverage or finding an in-network location doesn't have to derail you. AARP ® Physical Therapy At HomeTM by Luna accepts most insurances and Medicare and is available to members and non-members alike. Plus, Luna's experts come to you, so you can receive quality care from the comfort of your home. If you're creating an end-of-year to-do list, consider adding an assessment of your healthcare coverage. After all, the best time to realize you have a gap in coverage is before you need it. To learn more about AARP member benefits, visit aarp.org/benefits . AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.
NEW DELHI - Manmohan Singh's father may have believed his bookworm son would one day lead India, but the understated technocrat with the trademark blue turban, who died Thursday at the age of 92, never dreamed it would actually happen. Singh was pitchforked into leading the world's largest democracy in 2004 by the shock decision of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi to turn down the role after leading the party to an upset win over the ruling Hindu nationalists. He oversaw an economic boom in Asia's fourth-largest economy in his first term, although slowing growth in later years marred his second stint. Known as "Mr Clean", Singh nonetheless saw his image tarnished during his decade-long tenure when a series of corruption cases became public. As finance minister in the early 1990s, he was hailed at home and abroad for initiating big-bang reforms that opened India's inward-looking economy to the world. Known as a loyalist to the Gandhi political dynasty, Singh studied economics to find a way to eradicate poverty in the vast nation and never held elected office before becoming PM. But he deftly managed the rough and tumble of Indian politics -- even though many said Sonia Gandhi, the Italian-born widow of the assassinated Rajiv Gandhi, was the power behind the throne. - Streetlight studying - Born in 1932 in the mud-house village of Gah in what is now Pakistan, Singh moved to the holy Sikh city of Amritsar as a teenager around the time the subcontinent was split at the end of British rule into mainly Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan. His father was a dry-fruit seller in Amritsar, and he had nine brothers and sisters. He was so determined to get an education he would study at night under streetlights because it was too noisy at home, his brother Surjit Singh told AFP in 2004. "Our father always used to say Manmohan will be the prime minister of India since he stuck out among the 10 children," said Singh. "He always had his nose in a book." Singh won scholarships to attend both Cambridge, where he obtained a first in economics, and Oxford, where he completed his PhD. He worked in a string of senior civil posts, served as a central bank governor and also held various jobs with global agencies such as the United Nations. Singh was tapped in 1991 by then Congress prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao to reel India back from the worst financial crisis in its modern history -- currency reserves had sunk so low the country was on the brink of defaulting on foreign loans. Singh unleashed sweeping change that broke sharply with India's Soviet-style state-directed economy. - 'History will be kinder' - In his first term he steered the economy through a period of nine-percent growth, lending the country the international clout it had long sought. He also sealed a landmark nuclear deal with the US that he said would help India meet its growing energy needs. But by 2008 there was growing disquiet among the ruling alliance's left-leaning parties about the pact, while high inflation -- notably food and fuel prices -- hit India's poor hard. Still, voters remained drawn to his calm, pragmatic persona, and in 2009 Congress steered its alliance to a second term. Singh vowed to step up financial reforms to drive economic growth, but he came under increasing fire from critics who said he had done nothing to stop a string of corruption scandals on his watch. Several months before the 2014 elections, Singh said he would retire after the polls, with Sonia Gandhi's son Rahul earmarked to take his place if Congress won. But Congress crashed to its worst-ever result at that time as the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, led by Narendra Modi, won a landslide. More recently, an unflattering book by a former aide titled "The Accidental Prime Minister" portrayed him as timid and controlled by Sonia Gandhi. Singh -- who said historians would be kinder to him than contemporary detractors -- became a vocal critic of Modi's economic policies, and more recently warned about the risks that rising communal tensions posed to India's democracy.
After rough start under coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks' defense has become a strength SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks rode their dominant defense to a big win over a division rival to vault into first place in the NFC West. No, it isn’t 2013. Shane Lantz, The Associated Press Nov 25, 2024 2:53 PM Nov 25, 2024 3:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a sack with Dre'Mont Jones (55) and linebacker Derick Hall (58) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear) SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks rode their dominant defense to a big win over a division rival to vault into first place in the NFC West. No, it isn’t 2013. These are the 2024 Seahawks, who, after struggling mightily against the run earlier this season, held the visiting Arizona Cardinals to 49 rushing yards in Sunday's 16-6 victory . The defensive line kept Kyler Murray under consistent pressure thanks to a dominant performance from Leonard Williams, the secondary flew around to smack away passes, and safety Coby Bryant scored on a 69-yard pick-6. Sunday's defensive performance was reminiscent of the Seahawks of a decade ago and a promising sign that first-year coach Mike Macdonald’s system is starting to click. Macdonald, who coordinated Baltimore's NFL-best defense last year, was leading one of the worst rush defenses in the league earlier this season. But Seattle consistently stuffed the Cardinals, who came in as the fifth-best running team in the league at 149.4 yards per game. “Three games in a row now we played pretty decent on defense,” Macdonald said. “There is an expectation and standard here throughout the course of our Seahawks history that we’re trying to live up to and build on. So that’s the idea.” At 6-5, the Seahawks drew even with the Cardinals in the tightly bunched division. The teams play each other again in two weeks at Arizona. What’s working Last month's trade for linebacker Ernest Jones IV has clearly paid off. Seattle hasn't allowed a running back to rush for more than 79 yards since its Week 8 loss to Buffalo, which was Jones' first game in a Seahawks uniform. He has led the team in tackles in every game he's played and has helped resurrect the run defense. What needs help The Seahawks' run game continues to underperform. Seattle got 65 yards on the ground Sunday, with the Cardinals holding Kenneth Walker III to 41 yards on 16 attempts. Zach Charbonnet had 22 yards on six carries. Walker hasn’t topped 100 yards since Week 1. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb needs to think of something different to get the running backs involved. Stock up Williams single-handedly disrupted the Cardinals with 2 1/2 sacks, four quarterback hits, three tackles for loss and one pass defensed. “I thought he was dominant,” Macdonald said. “I knew he played great and then I looked at the stat line and he played out of his mind.” The Seahawks finished with five sacks, seven quarterback hits, five tackles for loss and six pass deflections against the Cardinals, shutting down a team that had averaged 29.3 points over its previous three games. Stock down Geno Smith finished with 254 yards passing and a touchdown, but he threw another momentum-stalling interception. Smith was picked off on a third-and-6 play on the Arizona 18-yard line at the start of the fourth quarter, ending an 11-play, 73-yard drive. Smith has an NFL-most 12 interceptions this season, more than in either of his previous two seasons as the Seahawks' full-time starter. “That was a huge drive for us. ... Obviously made a terrible mistake down there, something I got to clean up,” Smith said. “But it was a big drive. We wanted to put the game ahead at least two scores.” The offensive line has contributed to the problem. Guard Anthony Bradford left with an ankle injury, and the line struggled to protect Smith, who was sacked five times. Injuries Macdonald said Bradford is expected to miss next week's game. Key number 77 — Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the team with six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown, marking the fourth consecutive game that Smith-Njigba has led the team in receptions. He topped 100 yards receiving in the previous two games. “He’s getting open,” Smith said. “He’s catching the ball. He’s doing a great job in the screen game. All-around great player. I just think the way that teams are playing us coverage-wise, I feel like it’s the ultimate sign of respect.” Up next The Seahawks play at the struggling New York Jets on Sunday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Shane Lantz, 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) Cardinals' feel-good month comes to a screeching halt after a head-scratching loss to Seahawks Nov 25, 2024 2:58 PM Jaylon Johnson isn't interested in bright spots with the Bears' skid at 5 games Nov 25, 2024 2:46 PM 49ers QB Brock Purdy resumes throwing but status for this week remains unknown Nov 25, 2024 2:37 PMDoes Donald Trump want to conquer Canada? The president-elect posted a bewildering image of him and the Canadian flag on top of a mountain just days after suggesting Canada become the U.S.’s 51st state “Oh Canada,” Trump captioned the AI-generated image. There was just one problem: the mountain range appeared to be the Swiss Alps, with a peak reminiscent of the Matterhorn visible in the background. It’s unclear exactly what Trump was referencing with the image, but clearly the neighbor up north is on his mind. Last week, while dining with Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau at his Mar-a-Lago residence, the President-elect reportedly joked that if Canada wanted to avoid a host of sweeping trade tariffs, it should consider joining the U.S. Trudeau, among others at the meeting, responded to the quip with nervous laughter, sources told Fox News. Trump is said to have continued the gag by telling the Canadian leader that prime minister is a better sounding title than governor. The sources added that another person at the table said that the 51st state would be a very liberal one which sparked further laughter – and a suggestion from Trump that Canada be split into two: a conservative state and a liberal state. However, some of Trump’s most vocal supporters have continued to run with the joke. Speaking on Fox’s The Five, host Jesse Watters said that there were “so many reasons” to make Canada a state. “I think it has the third largest oil reserves in the world so that makes us an energy behemoth... It’s a no brainer,” he said, adding: “I don’t know if Canada is going to go along with it, but there’s ways to maybe change their opinion.” Though the post may also have been in jest, prior to their Florida meeting, Trudeau had voiced his concerns that Trump’s tariff plans will not be merely empty threats. “Donald Trump, when he makes statements like that, he plans on carrying them out. There’s no question about that,” he told reporters.
Israeli attorney general orders probe into report that alleged Netanyahu's wife harassed opponentsHegseth meets with moderate Sen. Collins as he lobbies for key votes in the Senate
Dec. 26—Jason Mackey: Hello, everyone. Thanks for finding my weekly chat. You know the drill. We'll get started in a few minutes. Tom: So when the Steelers schedule rolled out, literally everyone said they would need to win early and probably lose in the brutal second half. So they did exactly what they needed to do and what everybody thought they would do but somehow the world is still ending? Please explain Jason Mackey: You want me to explain how the entire Steelers fanbase reacts to something? I don't know if I can do that, Tom. I do know — and I wrote this for A1 today — that the Steelers are where about where thought they would be. 10-6 or 10-7, maybe 11-6 ... but still flawed and a coin flip to win a football game. I'm not sure if that's much different than what you're saying. Tom: Are you suprised the Pens are playing Jarry so much? Jason Mackey: I'm not. I think they know they need to find out what they have in him. One, it allows him to get into a rhythm. I think it might help him get comfortable. At minimum, you know what you have. Covering Tristan, I've always found him to be the type of guy who does better when he's involved with the group, not doing things on his own like a backup would. Stairway to seventh seed: Jason: what a disaster. As of right now what would be your 2025 QB plan? 12 days ago I thought they would give Wilson a Baker Mayfield like 3 yr $100m deal. Now I think it is between Wilson at say $22m per, Fields at $14-16m, or other. It is hard to evaluate a QB playing behind this line with this group of WRs, but I say go with the younger, cheaper Fields. Am I over-reacting? Jason Mackey: I think you're overreacting. I don't have an answer on that right now because I'm not against it. I do think 3 years, $100 million is probably high. But if Wilson leads them to a playoff win or two, I'd probably feel differently about it. I think you just need to see how the balance of this plays out, honestly. I know that's an unsexy answer, but it's kind of where I'm at with all of it. Brad: It seems like the Steelers defense is really mad at one person talking about it can't just be 10 guys on the same page. Who are they criticizing? Jason Mackey: I don't know if it's one guy all the time. It's kinda true of defense writ large. If everyone isn't on the same page, you're gonna have problems. Stairway to seventh seed: Connor Heyward's offsides penalty yesterday was obviously the least of our concerns, but what does it say about the accountability on this team that such a fringe NFL player who has made no contribution on offense and a limited one on special teams can commit a half dozen or so pre-snap penalties this year and still be on the roster? Jason Mackey: Yeah, he does get penalized a lot. More than he should for his role, no doubt. I don't know what it says, but probably that stuff like that is being tolerated more than it should. demosthenes98: Happy Boxing Day! Since this is a holiday celebrated in Canada and has a name with connotations of socially acceptable violence, I have to ask—what's your all-time favorite hockey fight? Jason Mackey: Alex Semin vs. Marc Staal. demosthenes98: Andrew McCutchen has contributed many things to the Pirates over the course of his lengthy association with them, not the least of which is leadership. With that in mind, which move shows more leadership? Is it meekly returning to put lipstick on the proverbial pig? Or is it telling the low-character liars on Federal Street NO, then going public with it and the reasons why? Jason Mackey: I'm not sure it's either. Cutch wants to come back. He likes it here. He thinks they can win. You're free to disagree or get mad at Bob Nutting. But the premise of your question doesn't make sense based on what I know about Cutch. He hit 20 homers last year. Had a pretty respectable OPS. Would have to think he'd have a job somewhere if he really wanted it. He wants to be here. demosthenes98: Is it possible that the Pitt football team isn't as good as they looked when they were 7-0 or as bad as they've looked since then? That, instead of being world-beaters or bottom-feeders, they're just...okay? Jason Mackey: Yeah, that's possible. If not likely. Erryg: How concerned are you that Russell Wilson may not be the solution at QB? Jason Mackey: I don't know. I think he can be a solution. I just don't know if he would be worth $30 million. His return will be about how much he wants, what he's willing to accept, etc. We've been talking about Russ for $100 million over three. I'd have a hard time with that. But if he wanted $45 million over three, that's a different discussion. artie bridge: Jason, After three straight debacles, what specific steps can we take to get this train back on track? And, is the post-season already all but lost? Jason Mackey: Their only postseason hope might be beating a bad Texans team. Actual steps: communicating better, tackling better, not turning it over, leaning on Jaylen Warren, involving George Pickens even more ... yeah, there's stuff they can do. But the defense does have to improve. Seferg: Are there any quarterbacks in this year's draft that you would trade up for? Jason Mackey: Honestly, no. I'd rather see them preserve picks to address other areas of need, chiefly defensive line, defensive back and wide receiver. Seferg: How would you grade the Pirates trade for Horwitz? Fair, gave up too much or we got a great deal? Jason Mackey: I don't hate it as much as I originally did. He's one of those players who probably requires some nuance and numbers to grasp. Certainly not anyone who's gonna blow you away. But I still don't like that they gave up a bunch of young pitching to do it. Ortiz straight up, fine. Or the prospects. Just not both. Jason: Hi Jason! If the Steelers get a late game and the Ravens get an early game depending on the outcome should the Steelers rest as many starters as possible? They sure seem Jason Mackey: They probably should. But I also don't love it because I think this group probably needs some confidence. Maybe if you could have a good half and call it a day that would work. You certainly don't want to get anyone hurt. Jason: like there isn't much left in the tank and understandably so. Jason Mackey: I see this is the second part to your question. Joel: Jason, Happy Holidays to you and your family. Sorry you had to spend Christmas Day dealing with another Steelers debacle. I know that Tomlin is getting torched by frustrated Steelers fans, but isn't the core problem roster construction rather than coaching? Tell me a coach in this league who could win 10 games with this roster. So my critique of Tomlin (and Khan and Wylie) is around the inability to choose players that can win on game day against elite teams. Jason Mackey: I think the people fixating on Tomlin are ignoring the other factors. In other words, he's not absolved. But, yeah, it's an imperfect roster, to be kind about it. Players have also underperformed. But he's been around a while and hasn't helped himself with his performance of late. James of WV: Hi Jason, I hope your holiday season has been better than the Steelers. Jason Mackey: I can confirm that it has. Thanks, James. Jeff: Thanks for the chats Jason. World is clearly ending here in the Burgh...steelers reeling, pens fighting to just make playoffs and the pirates, well nothing seems to ever change. Question on the pirates do you see any younger arms in the minors making it to the bigs this year? I cannot believe we are dangling Jones. Without the starting pitching we lose 90 games! Oh and happy holidays Jason Mackey: They're not going to trade Jones. I doubt they trade Keller. I don't know if this is what you mean, but I'd expect Chandler, Harrington and Ashcraft to make their MLB debus this year. Jason Mackey: debuts* Country Roads JP: Hello Jason, I realize there's reason for pessimism about the Steelers but it seems they never do well on short weeks and I feel if they can regroup and rest over the next 10 days and get back to playing on Sundays again they will perform better plus there's a strong possibility they will open the playoffs against Houston which is their best case scenario. Jason Mackey: I don't disagree with you. The short week thing is real. And I don't think the Texans are very good. They could win that game. Bill in Clinton: Seriously, what will it take for Nutting to sell the team? Jason Mackey: I don't think he has any interest in selling. Sid: There's a lot of talk about RSNs and how teams like Yankees/Cubs/Dodgers are good, but small-market teams aren't. How secure are the Pirates with SNP, and what would happen if it fell through? Jason Mackey: I don't expect the Pirates to be long-term with SNP. I expect, when the next CBA is up for them to move to MLB's in-house model. Greg Brown: Will I call a Pirates World Series game before I retire? Jason Mackey: I sure hope so, Brownie. You deserve it my man. Sam: Is pedigree so important in sports that despite Jaylen Warren performing better than Najee Harris when he's in there, Harris' next contract was thought of as "too expensive" to be worth extending, but Warren is considered a no brainer signing this offseason? I know if you try bell cow status with a guy Warren's size he's liable to wear down, but if you did one of those blind resume graphics or simply watch how dangerous each one looks with the ball, you'd probably answer that Warren is worth more money. Just because he went to Alabama and was a #1 pick. Jason Mackey: Yeah, it has something to do with it, I'm sure. I think that's true at all levels. To be fair, he's also proven a lot more than Warren has. Jaylen Warren doesn't have four 1,000-yard seasons. Or one. But I agree with you: He's probably the better fit for the Steelers' offense right now. JR IN ATL: Hey Jason, do you think Tomlin's coaching tree has basically no branches because he feels threatened by coaches that might perform better than him as coordinators. I still think Flores would have been a much better coordinator than Austin, and we already had him in the building. Jason Mackey: Could be that. I'd also argue that he hasn't done a very good job hiring assistants. He might not have been threatened by Matt Canada. Matt Canada simply wasn't very good. It's probably a combination of both. But it is crazy how it has zero branches. Gary: Why do they only throw to Pickens along the sidelines? How about the middle of the field, WR screens, Reverse? With his speed and strength, I feel they are not tapping into all of his skills. Totally predictable like the rest of the offensive game plan. Jason Mackey: I agree they could go over the middle more. But (1) he's an outside receiver. He's also more likely to get man-to-man coverage that way, and that works to Pickens' benefit. When you consider the quarterback, Russ is short. It's not the easiest thing for him to see some of those routes. The truth: Was Arthur Smith an overrated hire? He obviously couldn't be worse than Canada, but he seems really middle of the road to me. He doesn't seem to scheme guys open, is always changing personnel, and is is very predictable at times. The offense only took off once Russ was named starter, and lately it's still very mediocre. Yesterday was an offensive coaching clinic by KC, and it looks like Smith isn't anywhere close to that. Jason Mackey: Yeah, I think that's fair. I don't think Arthur Smith has been a disaster by any stretch. But I also don't think he has delivered on the considerable excitement that surrounded his hire. I think he's been merely OK. Jason: I'm not sure why people are down on Wilson so much. The lack of a legit #2 WR and the horrible play of the OL should fall on Omar and the coaches not on Wilson. Yes he has had a few bad turnovers but besides him not sliding on the fumble last week the man is under pressure almost everytime he drops back to pass. Jason Mackey: A fair, balanced way of looking at it. There's a lot at play here. The Dude: Tomlin promised changes, since it certainly makes no sense to continue the way things are going. What changes do you expect to see for the Bengals game, and will any of them help? Jason Mackey: Sadly, he has promised them before — and then done nothing. I'm not expecting a ton to change. There's only so much he can do. Maybe a little more man coverage? They didn't do a good job in zone. Nate: Jason, friends of mine are all on the "Fire Tomlin" bandwagon. As someone who believes he is a top 5 coach in the league, my bigger concern is we don't have a franchise QB. You could have the greatest coach in the history of football but no QB makes it impossible to win the big one. Why does no one seem to realize this? Jason Mackey: I think people are aware you need a good quarterback to win. I also think people are frustrated with Tomlin and want to see the Steelers win a playoff game. Both can be true. Draft Milroe: Let's do the damn thing! Draft Milroe, sign Russ for 3 years, first year guaranteed, then let Milroe play when he is ready. I am sick of this not having a franchise QB thing! Jason Mackey: To each their own. If I bring Russ back, I'd probably use my draft resources differently. They need receivers. They're also thin at DL and DB. Kyser Sozay: If it turns out the Steelers go to Houston, then I would contend that things didn't turn out all that badly. Agree? Jason Mackey: If they go there and win ... Shane in Colrain: Did you see Pickens taking his helmet off after plays in the 4th quarter and screaming at the sidelines? Surprised he wasn't penalized. He should be benched by Tomlin for that since they were 3 scores down. Send a message. Thoughts? Jason Mackey: I saw it. You think Tomlin is suddenly gonna lose his you know what over that? I didn't love it, but benching Pickens only hurts the Steelers. Part of the problem they have with him. He's also done far worse that went unpunished. Shane in Colrain: Sam Darnald or Russell Wilson for QB next year? Jason Mackey: I'd want to know the prices for each. WTF: Please explain how Nutting can have one of the greatest arms of all time, yet not expand payroll while he's here? I am not asking for us to have a payroll of 200 million but to have Skenes here for 5 more years and not having a payroll eclipse 100 million is beyond baffling. Jason Mackey: I don't have a good answer for you. I'm with you. If now isn't the time to increase payroll, when is? I do think it'll go up some — like $5 million — but they should spend more. Tim Imperial: The offensive line has been a huge disappointment in pass pro, I say fire the o-line coach!!! Jason Mackey: They have two rookies and a sophomore starting. Three guys are out for the season with injuries. I agree it has ben bad, but I'm not sure the OL coach needs fired. Shane in Colrain: Baltimore cycles through OCs and DCs every couple of years with success. Why can't the Steelers find a guy who can be successful? Jason Mackey: More questions than my wife today, Shane. I don't know. But you bring up a good point. Other NFL teams seems to be able to do that fairly routinely. In Smith's defense, though, he's drawing up an offense for a group without a WR2. That's not his faut. Shane in Colrain: The best gift you got yesterday was...? Jason Mackey: Really, my wife and kids. But in terms of actual gifts, probably a T-shirt from my wife that says Lange, Prince & Cope, honoring the legendary announcers. Shane in Colrain: At least the Chiefs didn't score over 30 point. Silver lining? Jason Mackey: Oh, yeah. Surprised that wasn't a headline. The truth: George Pickens has the skills to warrant a huge deal, but he seems Jason Mackey: I would pay Pickens. Jules Winfield: I know folks are down on Russ at this point, but who you gonna get that's better? Assuming he can be had for between 15 and 20 million for a couple of years, he seems a better choice than Fields or some others. Right or wrong? Jason Mackey: I would take Russ over Fields, yes. I don't know what Darnold would want. But, yeah, if you can make it work financially, it probably does make the most sense to keep Russ. Jason: If the excuse is the Pirates won't spend because they are a small Jason Mackey: What excuse? Erryg: Will Cutch be the most expensive free agent signing for the Pirates this off season? Jason Mackey: Yes. But I think they will add some salary in the form of a trade or two. PQ: Jason, any current or former employee of the PG, including the old Pittsburgh Press, makes that catch on a ball tumbling to earth at free fall, no? Jason Mackey: Little surprised you dropped that, PQ. Jason: If the Pirates use the small market excuse for not spending would the Steelers and Pens use the same excuse if there was no cap in the NFL or NHL? Jason Mackey: They are vastly different businesses. That's not excusing the Pirates, but comparing MLB to any other sport is foolish given how its finances are derived. Mr. Smith: Jason, in retrospect, was a little too hasty on that whole college opportunity thing? Jason Mackey: We are on the overreaction rollercoaster something terrible today, folks! Gregg@7723ft : In all honesty, really, not being a doomsayer, I see the Steelers losing to Cincy and their playoff opener. Should that come to fruition....man, I don't know. There has to be some major changes, don't there? Jason Mackey: Yeah, that's a fair way of looking at things. I get it. I don't know if they'll win another game. I hope they do. That would be really ugly. And I would think if they don't win a game, yeah, that has to result in something. Seven: I hope you and your wonderful family are enjoying the holidays, Jason. I was hoping that the Steelers were one good offseason away from being a top tier team, but they still need a lot of help at DB, DL, WR and obviously QB will be a temporary fix at best. Do you see this team going deep into the playoffs next year? Jason Mackey: Not as currently constituted. They have to get better in several areas. They're a playoff team, sure. But going deep in the playoffs is what's tripping me up. Stash: Jason, did C Patt give Arthur a lucrative stock pick back in the day? Jason Mackey: Sure seems like it. Wild how much of a part of things he remains. Seven: I think that a well-deserved shout out is in order for the Penn State volleyball team, and also the football team's advance through the playoffs. Do you see the Lions winning on the blue field on New Year's Eve? Jason Mackey: Absolutely. Shout it, shout it, shout it out loud. And, yes, I do. Though they're playing at the Fiesta Bowl. That's not blue, is it? Stash: Jason, The Kinks have the best holiday song of all time. And it's not even close. Your thoughts? Jason Mackey: Um, no. My favorite rock 'n roll Christmas song is probably Tom Petty, Christmas All Over. Sully: Jason, I assume you are hearing less of those nasty fire Sully demands? Jason Mackey: Yes. Including fewer that come from my own mouth and fingers. Pretty amazing what this team has been able to do. Russ: Jason, was that fun till it lasted? Jason Mackey: It might not be over. I seriously could see Russ bouncing back against the Bengals. Jeff: is Ben trying for an outfield bat or is he going with Palacios, Yorke and Cook combo? Jason Mackey: I think Suwinski would be given first crack ahead of those guys. But I do expect them to add an OF bat in some form or fashion. Either trade or via agency. Probably the latter. Gene: Do you think the reason the Steelers have lost the last 3 games is coaching injuries or that the team just can't win against great teams because of talent? Jason Mackey: I read this as coaching injuries. Like the Steelers lost their past three because Mike Tomlin pulled his hamstring. That made me laugh, and I think we need some of that today. I think it's all three, Gene. Injuries have exposed a lack of depth. Coaching decisions haven't been great, the game plan unimaginable. Players have also done a poor job executing. I don't think you can narrow it down to one thing. Jeff: So if it is Suwinski, and no other additions due to payroll and lack of trading partner, is this team as constructed now a playoff contender? Jason Mackey: No. I think they need to fix the bullpen. And I believe they will. I also think they'll add an outfield bat in some capacity. They did go 56-54 through 100 games last year and have a pretty solid starting staff. Kordell: The Steelers are not a serious organization any longer. Nepotism reigns, the defense can't even line-up correctly (see Worthy TD), and the top players make crucial mistakes at crucial times (Najee, Wilson, Freirmuth). Is a total house-cleaning in order? Jason Mackey: No. But points on the unserious organization comment. That's how you know things are bad around here. Baghdad_Ben: Jason — I see the question(s) about us being where we thought we would be. True, I have to agree we are. But, what has become clear is we are no closer to being a real contender. We still are featherweights against the good teams. Something in the Steeler's recipe is missing. The fan base is tired of hearing it is the players. No one ever seems to develop and improve outside of TJ Watt. Jason Mackey: I think that's probably an over-generalization. I think some linemen have improved. Jaylen Warren. Shoot, Pickens has improved since his rookie year. Payton Wilson has promise. You're upset because they lost, I can't it. I just don't totally agree with you here. Scorp: Does Teryl Austin get fired after the season? Jason Mackey: If they don't win again, I could see that happening. Jason: I live in Clearwater and can't wait for Spring Training. You have any tips on how to get Paul's autograph? I am really having bad luck when I go see them play against the Phillies lol Jason Mackey: I don't. Outside of the fact that he's probably not signing when he's pitching. That's his day, a work day. But I know he has been incredibly accommodating on days where he doesn't pitch. There's also a lot of interested. So, you might have to be patient. Bob: Where is the accountability with the coaching staff and players ? Tomlin won with Cowher's players and remaining coaches. Tomlin is a very poor game manager. A hugh issue is that his job will be there no matter what a game's outcome. Week 16, and he is just now reviewing and making changes. Time to go. Jason Mackey: I feel like you can copy/paste this response and use it every year Tomlin has been here. Shoot, there might be a billboard somewhere around tahn with this on it by now. Kordell: JMac — thanks for the long chat, insights are always great. Are players allowed to call time-outs? There were multiple plays where the defensive guys were gesturing, pointing, etc... and clearly not on the same page. If a player can call a time-out, you'd think that would be in order on some of those plays to avoid, you know, communication issues? Jason Mackey: Thanks, Kordell. Appreciate you stopping by. Yes, they are. Usually that would be the defensive captain or green dot guy, something of that nature. Jason: I think Gruden would be the perfect coach for the Steelers next year. Jason make it happen! Jason Mackey: Yeah, that's likely. Ha. Fun thought. Not gonna happen. Not in a billion years. Jeff: Given his history, I'm not confident Cherington can pull off any of the needed pieces. Jason Mackey: The past trade history is not good. I hear you. That being said, you only need one or two to hit. Ben has made some good moves (Bart, the Chandler draft pick looks solid, I don't hate IKF, Skenes though it was obvious, bringing up Jones, etc.) But yeah, the trade return hasn't matched what was going out. Guest: Howdy. Hope your holiday is a happy one. Read elsewhere about what a great job Hines is doing at Arizona State. And yet both Georgia and (even worse) the Steelers wouldn't hire him. What gives? Jason Mackey: I think they're vastly different jobs. Just because you're a solid HC or assistant somewhere, doesn't automatically make you a fit. May have something to do with Pickens. Maybe Azzanni has a specific personality type? I don't know. I'm not in those rooms. I'm just saying that we don't know everything there is to know about the Hines Ward situation. sam: who do you think will play rightfield for the pirates in 2025 Jason Mackey: Can I have two options? I'd go with Jack Suwinski or TBD. Not the pitching TBD we've come to know so well, but I do think they could acquire that guy still, possibly via trade. I do think they're gonna give Jack a chance to win the job. Jason Mackey: OK, everybody. Thanks so much for this. Really enjoyed it. Was bummed our site was down for last week's. Let's do this again real soon. (c)2024 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at www.post-gazette.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti’s health minister has been removed from his post following a deadly gang attack on the largest public hospital in the capital, Port-au-Prince , government officials said Thursday. According to two government officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the subject, Health Minister Duckenson Lorthe will be replaced by Justice Minister Patrick Pelissier until a new health minister is found. Two journalists and a police officer were killed Tuesday as gang members burst into the General Hospital and fired indiscriminately at reporters who were there to cover the facility’s reopening. It was one of the worst attacks on Haitian media in recent memory. Seven other journalists were wounded. Jean Feguens Regala, a photographer who survived the attack , said journalists had been invited to the hospital by the health ministry but there was little security at the site. “The fact that the minister of health invited us, you feel that preparations have been made already,” Regala told The Associated Press. “When we made contact with a police unit, the police told us they were not aware of the event.” RELATED COVERAGE A survivor of the worst gang attack on Haitian journalists says colleagues were cut down by bullets A Haiti gang attack on the reopening of a main hospital kills 2 reporters and a police officer A gang leader in Haiti is accused of massacring older people to avenge his son’s death The health minister did not show up at the event, for reasons that have not been explained. Shortly after the attack, Johnson “Izo” André — considered Haiti’s most powerful gang leader and part of the Viv Ansanm group of gangs that has taken control of much of Port-au-Prince — posted a video on social media claiming responsibility for the attack. The video said the gang coalition had not authorized the hospital’s reopening. Gang violence has worsened in Haiti, with coordinated gang attacks on prisons, police stations and the main international airport crippling the country’s capital and plunging Haiti into an unprecedented crisis. Gangs are believed to control 85% of Port-au-Prince. The Caribbean country has struggled to organize an election that will restore democratic rule, and is currently governed by a transitional council made up of representatives of political parties, business groups and civil society organizations.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan's defense of the national championship has fallen woefully short. The Wolverines started the season ranked No. 9 in the AP Top 25, making them the third college football team since 1991 to be ranked worse than seventh in the preseason poll after winning a national title. Michigan (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) failed to meet those modest expectations, barely becoming eligible to play in a bowl and putting the program in danger of losing six or seven games for the first time since the Brady Hoke era ended a decade ago. The Wolverines potentially can ease some of the pain with a win against rival and second-ranked Ohio State (10-1, 7-1, No. 2 CFP) on Saturday in the Horseshoe, but that would be a stunning upset. Ohio State is a 21 1/2-point favorite, according to the BetMGM Sportsbook, and that marks just the third time this century that there has been a spread of at least 20 1/2 points in what is known as "The Game." Michigan coach Sherrone Moore doesn't sound like someone who is motivating players with an underdog mentality. "I don't think none of that matters in this game," Moore said Monday. "It doesn't matter the records. It doesn't matter anything. The spread, that doesn't matter." How did Michigan end up with a relative mess of a season on the field, coming off its first national title since 1997? Winning it all with a coach and star player contemplating being in the NFL for the 2024 season seemed to have unintended consequences for the current squad. The Wolverines closed the College Football Playoff with a win over Washington on Jan. 8; several days later quarterback J.J. McCarthy announced he was skipping his senior season; and it took more than another week for Jim Harbaugh to bolt to coach the Los Angeles Chargers. In the meantime, most quality quarterbacks wanting to transfer had already enrolled at other schools and Moore was left with lackluster options. Davis Warren beat out Alex Orji to be the team's quarterback for the opener and later lost the job to Orji only to get it back again. No matter who was under center, however, would've likely struggled this year behind an offensive line that sent six players to the NFL. The Wolverines lost one of their top players on defense, safety Rod Moore, to a season-ending injury last spring and another one, preseason All-America cornerback Will Johnson, hasn't played in more than a month because of an injury. The Buckeyes are not planning to show any mercy after losing three straight in the series. "We're going to attack them," Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer said. "We know they're going to come in here swinging, too, and they've still got a good team even though the record doesn't indicate it. This game, it never matters what the records are." While a win would not suddenly make the Wolverines' season a success, it could help Moore build some momentum a week after top-rated freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan. "You come to Michigan to beat Ohio," said defensive back Quinten Johnson, intentionally leaving the word State out when referring to the rival. "That's one of the pillars of the Michigan football program. "It doesn't necessarily change the fact of where we are in the season, but it definitely is one of the defining moments of your career here at Michigan." AP Sports Writer Mitch Stacy in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report.Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. stock rises Wednesday, outperforms marketNone
Hegseth meets with moderate Sen. Collins as he lobbies for key votes in the Senate
NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Future Vision II Acquisition Corp., FVNNU a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company (the "Future Vision"), and Viwo Technology Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company operating its business via wholly owned entities in China ("Viwo"), today announced that, on December 10, 2024, they have entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Merger Agreement. Amendment No. 1 to the Merger Agreement requires pre-Business Combination Viwo shareholders to enter into a lock up agreement with respect to Future Vision shares they receive from the consummation of the Business Combination. The lock up is designed to align the interests of these shareholders with the long-term growth of the post-Business Combination company, Viwo Inc. Under the terms of the lock-up agreement, shareholders will be required to enter into a lock-up agreement, which includes a Viwo Inc. performance based release mechanism. This mechanism provides that shares are released based on the achievement of specific financial performance milestones and time-based criteria. Key Highlights of the Lock-Up Agreement: Company Shareholders' shares received in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination will be locked up for two (2) or three (3) years from the Effective Time of the Business Combination if the following performance-based milestone is met by Viwo Inc. Condition of the Two-Year Lock-Up Period Shares will be eligible for release if Viwo Inc. achieves an audited gross revenue growth of 20% by the end of the first fiscal year and 30% by the end of the second fiscal year, or a compounded growth rate of 24.96% year over year for the two-year period. If Viwo Inc. does not achieve the required gross revenue growth, than the shares will be locked up for a third year. Condition of the Three-Year Lock-Up Period: Shares will be eligible for release if Viwo Inc. achieves an audited gross revenue growth of 126.2% by the end of the third fiscal year, representing a compounded growth rate of 28.46% year over year, or 45% revenue growth from the second year assuming Viwo Inc. achieves a compounded growth rate of 24.96% year over year for the first and second years. Forfeiture of Shares to Release Lock Up: Alternatively, shareholders may effect the forfeiture of 10% of their Consideration Shares after the end of the third fiscal year to release the lock up. "We believe that this lock-up agreement, with its staggered release mechanism, will foster a stronger alignment between shareholders and the company's long-term goals," said Fidel Wang of Viwo Technology Inc. "By tying the release of shares to specific financial performance milestones, we are reinforcing our commitment to sustainable growth and value creation." About Viwo Technology Inc. Viwo is an innovation-driven technology company specializing in AI and "Martech" (marketing + technology) services, as well as AI and software development services. Viwo's mission is to drive business growth and enhance corporate value for its customers. Viwo assists customers across various industries in achieving digital upgrades and transformations, thereby creating future value. Viwo is committed to continuous technological innovation with the aim of industrializing intelligent digital technology. About Future Vision II Acquisition Corp. Future Vision II Acquisition Corp is a newly incorporated blank check company incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. While we will not be limited to a particular industry in our identification and acquisition of a target company, we intend to focus our search on businesses within the technology, media, and telecommunications sector. Additional Information about the Business Combination and Where to Find It To facilitate the Business Combination, Future Vision will file a registration statement on Form S-4 (as may be amended from time to time, the "Registration Statement") that will include a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus of Future Vision, and after the Registration Statement is declared effective, Future Vision will mail a definitive proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Business Combination to its shareholders. The Registration Statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, when declared effective by the SEC, will contain important information about the Business Combination and the other matters to be voted upon at a meeting of Future Vision's shareholders to be held to approve the Business Combination and related matters. This communication does not contain all of the information that should be considered concerning the Business Combination and other matters and is not intended to provide the basis for any investment decision or any other decision in respect to such matters. Future Vision and Viwo may also file other documents with the SEC regarding the Business Combination. Future Vision shareholders and other interested persons are advised to read the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and the amendments thereto and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed in connection with the Business Combination, when available, as these materials will contain important information about Future Vision, Viwo, and the Business Combination. When available, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials for the Business Combination will be mailed to Future Vision shareholders as of a record date to be established for voting on the Business Combination. Shareholders will also be able to obtain copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein, without charge, once available, at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . Participants in the Solicitation / No Offer or Solicitation Future Vision, Viwo, and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Future Vision shareholders in connection with the proposed Business Combination. A list of the names of the directors and executive officers of Future Vision and information regarding their interests in the business combination will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus when available. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such other jurisdiction. Forward-Looking Statements Neither Future Vision, Viwo, nor any of their respective affiliates make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K. This Current Report on Form 8-K is not intended to be all-inclusive or to contain all the information that a person may desire in considering the proposed Business Combination discussed herein. It is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the proposed Business Combination. This Current Report on Form 8-K and the exhibits filed or furnished herewith include "forward-looking statements" made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the proposed transactions by and among Future Vision, Merger Sub, and Viwo, including statements regarding the benefits of the transaction, the anticipated timing of the Business Combination, the business of the Company and the markets in which they operate. Actual results may differ from expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words or phrases such as "aspire," "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," "could," "should," "believe(s)," "predicts," "potential," "continue," "future," "opportunity," "seek," "intend," "strategy," or the negative version of those words or phrases or similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Future Vision's and Viwo's expectations with respect to future performance and anticipated financial impacts of the proposed Business Combination. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside Future Vision's and Viwo's control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic markets; risks related to the business of Viwo and the timing of expected business milestones; changes in the assumptions underlying the expectations of the Viwo regarding its future business; the effects of competition on the Viwo's future business; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Future Vision, Viwo, and/or the combined company or others following the announcement of the proposed Business Combination and any definitive agreements with respect thereto; the inability to complete the proposed Business Combination, including, without limitation, the inability to obtain approval of the shareholders of Future Vision or to satisfy other conditions to closing; the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards in connection with and following the consummation of the proposed Business Combination; the risk that the proposed Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations of Future Vision and Viwo as a result of the announcement and consummation of the proposed Business Combination; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; costs related to the proposed Business Combination; changes in applicable laws or regulations and delays in obtaining, adverse conditions contained in, or the inability to obtain regulatory approvals required to complete the proposed Business Combination; the Parties' estimates of expenses and profitability and underlying assumptions with respect to shareholder redemptions and purchase price and other adjustments; the possibility that the combined company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the filings made by Future Vision with the SEC, including the proxy statement/prospectus that will be filed relating to the proposed Business Combination. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Future Vision and Viwo caution that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Future Vision and Viwo caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Neither Future Vision or Viwo undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: Ms. Caihong Chen, CFO of Future Vision Email: caih_chen@outlook.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Wild at Dallas Stars, American Airlines Center, 7 p.m. Friday TV; radio : FanDuel Sports Network North; 100.3 FM Wild update : Before the holiday layoff, the Wild halted a season-long, four-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory vs. Chicago while getting two regulars back from injury. G Filip Gustavsson made 28 saves, and RW Yakov Trenin assisted on two goals. This was Trenin’s first multipoint effort of the season. The victory improved the Wild to 6-4-2 against the Central Division, but they have struggled against the playoff teams. They have only one victory in their past seven games vs. Dallas. Stars update : The Stars upended Utah 3-2 in their final game before the break. C Roope Hintz buried his team-leading 15th goal and has scored four times in his past four games. Dallas has been solid on home ice, going 13-5. LW Mason Marchment had both goals in the Stars’ 2-1 win over the Wild on Nov. 16. That victory improved Lakeville G Jake Oettinger to 6-0-1 in his career against the Wild with a .917 save percentage and 2.30 goals-against average. Injuries : Wild C Joel Eriksson Ek (lower body) has been skating. LW Jakub Lauko (lower body) and D Jake Middleton (upper body) are out. Stars D Matt Dumba (upper body) and C Tyler Seguin (hip) are on injured reserve.DALLAS (AP) — Juan Soto gets free use of a luxury suite and up to four premium tickets behind home plate for regular-season and postseason New York Mets home games as part of his record $765 million, 15-year contract that was finalized Wednesday. The Mets also agreed to provide personal team security for the All-Star outfielder and his family at the team’s expense for all spring training and regular-season home and road games, according to details of the agreement obtained by The Associated Press. Major League Baseball teams usually provide security for player families in seating areas at ballparks. New York also agreed to assist Soto's family for in-season travel arrangements, guaranteed Soto will have uniform No. 22 and included eight types of award bonuses. Soto's suite will be valued at the Mets' prevailing prices, presumably for tax purposes, and after 2025 he can by each Jan. 15 modify or give up his suite selection for the upcoming season. He can request the premium tickets, to be used by family members, no later than 72 hours before the scheduled game time. The Yankees had refused to offer Soto a free suite. “Some high-end players that make a lot of money for us, if they want suites they buy them ... whether it's CC (Sabathia), whether it’s (Aaron) Judge, whether it’s (Gerrit) Cole, whether it’s any of these guys," general manager Brian Cashman said. "We've gone through a process on previous negotiations where asks might have happened and this is what we did and we’re going to honor those, so no regrets there." Cashman said the Yankees have a shared suite for player families and a family room with babysitting. Soto gets a $75 million signing bonus, payable within 60 days of the agreement’s approval by the commissioner’s office. The deal for the 26-year-old, which tops Shohei Ohtani's $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers, was reached Sunday pending a physical that took place Tuesday. Soto receives salaries of $46,875,000 each in 2025 and 2026, $42.5 million in 2027, $46,875,000 apiece in 2028 and 2029 and $46 million in each of the final 10 seasons. Soto has a contingent right to opt out of the agreement within three days of the end of the 2029 World Series to become a free agent again, but the Mets have the an option to negate the opt-out provision by increasing the yearly salaries for 2030-39 by $4 million annually to $50 million and raising the total value to $805 million. If the club exercises its option to negate the opt-out provision, Soto can make his opt-out decision by the fifth day after the World Series. He has a full no-trade provision and gets a hotel suite on road trips. Soto would receive a $500,000 bonus for winning his first Most Valuable Player award and $1 million for each MVP award. He would get $350,000 for finishing second in the voting and $150,000 for finishing third through fifth. Soto was third in the AL voting this year. He would earn $100,000 for each All-Star selection and Gold Glove, $350,000 for World Series MVP and $150,000 for League Championship Series MVP. Soto would get $100,000 for selection to the All-MLB first or second team, $150,000 for Silver Slugger and $100,000 for the Hank Aaron Award. Award bonuses are to be paid by the Jan. 31 after the season in which the bonus is earned. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb Ronald Blum, The Associated Press
Nordson Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 ResultsNEW YORK — Chad Chronister, Donald Trump’s pick to run the Drug Enforcement Administration, said Tuesday he was withdrawing his name from consideration, becoming the second person selected by the president-elect to bow out quickly after being nominated for a position requiring Senate confirmation. Sheriff Chronister, the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County, Florida, said in a post on X that he was backing away from the opportunity, which he called “the honor of a lifetime.” “Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration,” Chronister wrote. He did not elaborate, and Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Chronister follows former Republican congressman Matt Gaetz, Trump’s first pick to serve as attorney general, in withdrawing his name for a post in the administration. Gaetz withdrew following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. Trump’s pick of Chronister for the DEA job drew backlash from conservatives, who raised concerns over his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his saying that his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities.” In March 2020, Chronister arrested the pastor of a megachurch who held services with hundreds of people and violated a safer-at-home order in place aimed at limiting the spread of the Covid virus. “Shame on this pastor, their legal staff and the leaders of this staff for forcing us to do our job. That’s not what we wanted to do during a declared state of emergency,” Chronister said at the time. “We are hopeful that this will be a wakeup call.” U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky, was among those airing public complaints, saying Chronister should be “disqualified” for the arrest. Others flagged comments Chronister made in a video about Florida’s immigration laws that he released in 2023 that circulated again online after Trump named him last weekend. In the video, Chronister praised the “rich diversity” of his community and called it “a place where people from all walks of life come together.” He said it was important to note his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities. We do not target individuals based on their immigration status. That’s the authority of federal agencies.” Trump has made a sweeping crackdown on immigration a central focus of his campaign and his aims for his coming administration. Associated Press writer Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida contributed to this report.
Matt Gaetz talks before President-elect Donald Trump speaks during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) I have three Filipino American daughters. So I’m curious at how our leaders acted in these nomination hearings when rape becomes an issue. To me, the lesson for Matt Gaetz and even Pete Hegseth – the Trump bro nominees with sex on their resume – is simple. Rape is a serious matter and ultimately is disqualifying for anything in public life. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . But was Gaetz watching Thursday Night Football on Amazon last night? The Cleveland Browns, one of the worst teams this season, upset the favored Pittsburgh Steelers in a messy game in the snow. Emerging from it all was the Browns quarterback, Jameis Winston, good enough to put the Browns on his back and will them to victory. Charissa Thompson, who made the news last year for admitting she made things up as a sideline reporter, fawned over Winston in the post-game. “You’re the best,” she proclaimed again and again. She even had Winston doing snow angels on the field. And all I could think of was this is the formerly disgraced Jameis Winston who was accused of rape while a star player at Florida State in 2012, and the subject of a NY Times investigation on how the local police and the school never took the case seriously. Winston, of course, denied any rape charges but settled with the victim, Erica Kinsman, a former student at Florida state for an undisclosed amount. Kinsman sued Florida state and it settled the matter for nearly a million dollars. Kinsman has been outspoken on the matter and is in the documentary, “The Hunting Ground.” And now more than a decade after the initial indiscretion, Winston gives hope to Gaetz, and maybe even Hegseth. They are the people who believe there is life after rape in America. But maybe there shouldn’t be. These days, Winston is no pariah. The former Heisman winner will always be a sports hero. He got to win a meaningless football game on Amazon and get praised to death by an admitted liar. So the chances are good even Gaetz will be back. This is why it’s essential that the Ethics committee report from women who testified under oath that they witnessed Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old must be released to the public. It’s also important that the Senate fully investigate the Hegseth matter. The details of the Monterey, Calif. police report are out. Hegseth claims it was consensual sex with a married GOP operative. The report said the woman said, “No,” multiple times. What did she mean? The woman has been silenced because Hegseth had her sign a non-disclosure agreement. Right out of the Trump playbook. Rape is meaningless to men to whom “No” does not mean no. This is the Trump bro world. They’re just following the leader. Trump was found liable for sexual assault in the E.Jean Carroll case. FILE PHOTO (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson) Trump bros say, “How bad is it when Trump’s now the president of everything?!” Women who voted for the man who took away your federal right to reproductive freedom should consider what he thinks about guys like Gaetz, who didn’t admit to any wrongdoing. He merely admitted to being “a distraction.” And Trump would say on social media in response: “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do.” That’s what you have to be scared about. He’s only going away temporarily. He has a “wonderful future.” If he watched fellow Floridian Jameis Winston praised in victory on Thursday night, Gaetz knows, it’s not just the Trump bros, but most of America, that doesn’t take rape very seriously. And they should. But Trump isn’t mourning the loss of Gaetz. Acting swiftly and politically, he put up a woman to replace Gaetz, fellow Floridian Pam Bondi . She was an ardent 2020 election denier. Is she a rape denier? She was the Florida attorney general during the Jameis Winston case. Now she’s Trump’s pick. Emil Guillermo is a journalist and commentator. He writes a column for the Inquirer’s USA Channel. Next year, he’ll be bringing his one-man show to Winnipeg and Edmonton. Stay tuned. See his Emil Amok’s Takeout on www.patreon.com/emilamok Want stories like this delivered straight to your inbox?Stay informed. Stay ahead. Subscribe to InqMORNING$36 million coming to WNY to fund environmental projects
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